Butterfly Island Palolem Goa
A secluded crescent-shaped paradise in South Goa, famous for dolphin sightings and tranquil vibes. Accessible by boat from Palolem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for dolphin sightings
Butterfly Island Palolem Goa
Best Time
Best for dolphin sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded crescent-shaped paradise in South Goa, famous for dolphin sightings and tranquil vibes. Accessible by boat from Palolem.
"This hidden gem offers tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful escape."
Boat Ride is Key
Opt for a boat from Palolem/Agonda for the full experience, including dolphin spotting!
Pack Your Own Snacks
Limited shacks mean you should bring water and snacks. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Spotting
En route to Butterfly Beach
Witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat during boat rides from Palolem or Agonda.
Tranquil Beach Vibe
Butterfly Beach
Enjoy the serene calmness and pristine waters of this secluded, crescent-shaped paradise.
Scenic Boat Journey
From Palolem/Agonda to Butterfly Beach
Experience breathtaking views, including Monkey Island and Turtle Rock, on your way to the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Butterfly Island
What to Expect at Butterfly Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Ride is Key
Opt for a boat from Palolem/Agonda for the full experience, including dolphin spotting! 
Pack Your Own Snacks
Limited shacks mean you should bring water and snacks. Stay hydrated!
Mind the Tides
The sandbed can shift; be cautious of the waves and tides.
Jeep or Bike Option
If not by boat, a jeep ride or bike to the drop-off point is an alternative. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Ride is Key
Opt for a boat from Palolem/Agonda for the full experience, including dolphin spotting!
Pack Your Own Snacks
Limited shacks mean you should bring water and snacks. Stay hydrated!
Mind the Tides
The sandbed can shift; be cautious of the waves and tides.
Jeep or Bike Option
If not by boat, a jeep ride or bike to the drop-off point is an alternative. +1
Sunset Views
Hike up the cliff for surreal sunset views. Don't miss it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Butterfly Island is praised for its tranquil, secluded beauty and the exciting dolphin spotting opportunities during boat rides. While some find the beach itself less spectacular than anticipated, its peaceful ambiance and natural charm make it a worthwhile escape. Access via boat is highly recommended for the full experience.
"I started hating my visit to Butterfly Beach before I even got there. The last 1km of the road that took us to the parking was badly in shape. It was dusty, with massive cutouts on the road.
For 100 Rupees per vehicle, the parking was intentionally overprized But no infrastructure was found at the Butterfly Beach Parking. Here, it felt as if someone happened to own a big piece of land and since there is no other option for tourists to park their vehicles anywhere else he found a perfect chance to make money as long as he could.
For 100 Rupees a car, it was insanely overpriced.
They were charging 250 Rupees per person for a jeep trip and the wait time was insane 45 min. So we decided to walk and drift in a muddy path.
Moving forward, the 2.5km walk from the parking to the beach felt as if we were walking on a dirt road. Since the parking for scooters was located after the trek very close to the beach those who came on scooters were riding on the same track where people were walking.
Its placement on the map looks like a Butterfly that gave the beach its name. Another reason why it’s called Butterfly Beach is that it is home to numerous butterflies. One can also witness crabs and goldfish around here.The beach is less than 100 feet in length which makes it one of the smallest beaches in Goa. Too small to handle the tourists and the crowd.
Only go if you have plenty of leisure time. The mud trail from the main tar road is actually bumpy. Reach is difficult. Trek is a must to reach the beach shore. No direct route via Road.
Palolem Beach.
From Palolem Beach (Nearest Access Point): The most common way to reach Butterfly Beach is by taking a short boat ride from Palolem Beach. These boat rides are readily available and provide a scenic journey along the coastline. The beach is just a 3 to 4 km boat ride away, offering picturesque views of the Arabian Sea.
From Agonda Beach: Another option is to hire a local fishing boat from Agonda Beach, which is about 10 km away from Butterfly Beach. This can be a more adventurous and less crowded route to reach the destination."
Bharat Annigeri
"Butterfly Beach was a nice experience overall, though it comes with a few things to keep in mind. The beach area is open for return travel by car only until 7:00 PM, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly. To reach closer to the beach, there are special cars available which take you near the entrance point. These rides cost around ₹250 per person, which might seem a bit high considering the distance, but it's part of the setup there.
Once you reach the drop-off point, you still need to walk around 2 to 3 minutes to actually get to the beach. Alternatively, you can also reach the beach using a bike, which is a more flexible and economical option if you’re comfortable riding on rough paths.
The beach itself is decent, but not as stunning as one might expect from the name. It's surrounded by greenery and has a calm vibe, but it may not live up to the hype for everyone. If you’re looking for a peaceful, less crowded spot, it’s worth a visit — just don’t expect too much in terms of grand views or activities. Overall, it’s a quiet escape but with limited excitement."
Sunil Kumar Reddy
"This island is in South goa, you can rent a shared boat from palolem Beach which covers honeymoon island, monkey island, butterfly beach, turtle island in which all other islands you can watch from your boat and butterfly island you can spend half an hour. Overall its good and sometimes you may spot dolphins."
vikram bhat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Butterfly Island from Palolem Beach is by taking a boat tour. These tours often include dolphin spotting and visits to other nearby spots like Monkey Island and Turtle Rock. The boat ride typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
Yes, you can reach Butterfly Beach by road, but it involves riding a bike or car to a certain point and then a short trek or walk (around 2-5 minutes) to the beach itself. Some reviews mention special cars available for a fee. +1
The ideal times for spotting dolphins are early mornings between 6 AM and 10 AM, and again in the late afternoons between 4 PM and 6 PM.
There are no direct buses to Butterfly Island. Access is primarily via boat from Palolem or Agonda beaches, or by road to a nearby point followed by a short trek.
The boat ride from Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach to Butterfly Island typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Boat trip costs can vary, but are generally reported to be between ₹500 to ₹900 per person, depending on the inclusions and duration. Some sources mention prices as low as ₹400 or ₹500.
There is no specific entry fee for Butterfly Beach itself. The costs are associated with the boat rides or any special vehicle access to get near the beach.
Boat tours for dolphin spotting and island visits are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The beach area itself is open for return travel by car only until 7:00 PM.
While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is advisable to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. You can often book directly at Palolem or Agonda beach.
While the advertised prices are usually per person, it's always good to confirm what is included in the boat tour package to avoid any surprises.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Butterfly Beach is ideal for relaxing, swimming in clear waters, enjoying the serene environment, and taking photos. Dolphin spotting is a major highlight during the boat journey.
Butterfly Beach is known for its seclusion, meaning there are very few, if any, shacks or restaurants directly on the beach. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
The waters are generally clear and calm, making it suitable for swimming. However, be mindful of the shifting sandbeds and tides, as mentioned in some reviews.
Light, comfortable clothing suitable for a beach environment is recommended. Swimwear is essential if you plan to swim. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
Compared to other popular beaches in South Goa like Palolem, Butterfly Beach is significantly less crowded, offering a more peaceful and secluded experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crescent-shaped beach, clear turquoise waters, lush green surroundings, and the dramatic cliffs. The boat ride itself offers stunning photographic moments, especially during sunrise and sunset. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer hues and fewer harsh shadows. These times also coincide with dolphin sightings and beautiful sunsets.
While not explicitly prohibited, drone usage regulations can be complex in India. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions if you plan to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for dolphin spotting. Waterproof gear is always a good idea for beach photography.
Yes, hiking up the cliff offers a surreal vantage point for capturing panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding coastline, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples Seeking Romance
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Reaching Butterfly Island: Boat vs. Road
+2Alternatively, you can reach Butterfly Beach via a road route. This involves driving or riding a bike/scooter to a designated drop-off point, followed by a short trek or walk to the beach. Some reviews mention special jeeps or cars available for hire to get closer to the entrance. While this route offers more flexibility for independent travel, it might lack the panoramic vistas and the thrill of dolphin encounters that the boat trip provides.
The Serene Charm of Butterfly Beach
While the beach itself is stunning, it's important to manage expectations regarding amenities. There are very few, if any, shacks or vendors directly on Butterfly Beach. This means you should come prepared with your own snacks, water, and any other essentials you might need for your visit. This lack of commercialization is precisely what preserves its pristine charm and peaceful vibe.
Dolphin Spotting: A Highlight of the Journey
+2To maximize your chances of seeing dolphins, it's best to schedule your boat trip during the early morning hours (6 AM to 10 AM) or in the late afternoon (4 PM to 6 PM). These are the times when dolphins are most active. The thrill of spotting these intelligent creatures against the backdrop of the Goan coastline is a truly magical experience that many visitors cherish.
Remember to keep your cameras ready to capture these incredible moments!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit