Monkey Island Canacona
A rocky outcrop near Palolem Beach, Monkey Island offers unique tidal access and stunning sunset views, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife & views
Monkey Island Canacona
Best Time
Best for wildlife & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rocky outcrop near Palolem Beach, Monkey Island offers unique tidal access and stunning sunset views, perfect for a peaceful escape.
"Best place to see the sunset. Amazing sunset view point just behind it most days."
🚶♀️ Walk at Low Tide
During low tide, you can walk to Monkey Island from Palolem Beach. Check tide timings before you go!
🚤 Boat Trip Option
If tides are high, take a boat from Palolem or Agonda to reach the island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kayaking and Rock Climbing
The island itself
Explore the waters by kayak or scramble over the rocks for a unique island adventure.
Spectacular Sunset Views
Near Jojo's restaurant or the island's viewpoint
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors, a truly magical experience.
Tranquil Escape
The island and surrounding beach
Find a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Island Access
Embrace the Wildlife and Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk at Low Tide
During low tide, you can walk to Monkey Island from Palolem Beach. Check tide timings before you go! 
🚤 Boat Trip Option
If tides are high, take a boat from Palolem or Agonda to reach the island.
🌅 Sunset Spot
Enjoy amazing sunset views from the viewpoint behind the island, or near Jojo's.
🐒 Wildlife on Beach
Keep an eye out for wildlife on the beach, but remember the island itself is mostly rocks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk at Low Tide
During low tide, you can walk to Monkey Island from Palolem Beach. Check tide timings before you go!
🚤 Boat Trip Option
If tides are high, take a boat from Palolem or Agonda to reach the island.
🌅 Sunset Spot
Enjoy amazing sunset views from the viewpoint behind the island, or near Jojo's.
🐒 Wildlife on Beach
Keep an eye out for wildlife on the beach, but remember the island itself is mostly rocks.
🏞️ Kayak Adventure
Rent a kayak to explore the waters around the island for a fun and active experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkey Island is praised for its unique tidal access and stunning sunset views, offering a peaceful escape. While it lacks amenities and is primarily rocky, the opportunity to kayak and enjoy the natural beauty makes it a worthwhile visit, especially when accessible by foot during low tide.
"Great little island where you can kayak around or climb on the rocks. There is nothing on the island though, and no view from the top"
꧁Hectofer꧂
"A great place to escape the rush and find peace. Be mindful of wildlife on the beach. Best visited during daylight hours."
Nandan yadav
"Best place to see the sunset. If you don't want to climb over the stones to the island, just enjoy the sunset at jojo's which is located before the island."
Jvo A. Maurer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Island, also known as Canacona Island, is accessible from Palolem Beach. During low tide, you can walk across a sandbar to reach it. At high tide, you'll need to take a boat trip from Palolem or Agonda.
During the monsoon season or high tide, Monkey Island appears as a separate island. However, at low tide, it's connected to Palolem Beach by a sandbar, making it seem like part of the mainland.
No, you cannot drive directly to Monkey Island. It's an island accessible by foot during low tide or by boat. The nearest access point is Palolem Beach.
The best way depends on the tide. Walking during low tide is a unique experience, while a boat trip offers a different perspective and is necessary during high tide.
Yes, boat trips are available from Palolem and Agonda that can take you to Monkey Island, often combined with visits to other nearby attractions like Butterfly Beach and Dolphin spotting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for Monkey Island itself. However, if you take a boat trip, you will pay for the boat service.
While it's a popular spot, some reviews mention it might be considered private property, which can sometimes affect access. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
Monkey Island is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate its natural beauty and for safety. There are no official opening or closing times.
Accessing the island by walking during low tide is free. Boat trips will have a fee, and it's advisable to negotiate prices beforehand.
During monsoon, the island is more likely to be fully surrounded by water, making boat access essential. The landscape might also appear different.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can kayak around the island, climb on the rocks, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. There isn't much developed on the island itself.
It's generally less crowded than Palolem Beach, especially if you visit during off-peak hours or weekdays. It's considered a peaceful escape.
While named Monkey Island, actual monkey sightings are rare. You might see other wildlife on the beach, but the island itself is primarily rocky.
The waters around Monkey Island are generally calm, similar to Palolem Beach, making it suitable for swimming, especially during daylight.
The view from the top of the rocks offers a unique perspective of the surrounding coastline and the sea. The sunset views from nearby are particularly famous.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the island's unique rock formations, the journey by kayak or boat, and especially the stunning sunset views from the nearby viewpoints.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. The island also has a distinct look during high tide versus low tide.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of privacy and wildlife before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the island's landscape and the expansive sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for any wildlife you might spot on the beach.
Yes, there's a well-known viewpoint just behind Monkey Island that offers excellent vantage points for sunset photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific attractions for kids on the island itself, the nearby Palolem Beach is known for its calm waters, making it safe for swimming. The focus here is on enjoying nature, so pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful of the rocky terrain if your children are very young. The sunset views are also a great way to cap off a family day out.
💰 Budget Travelers
If a boat trip is necessary due to high tide, it's advisable to negotiate prices with local boat operators. You can often find more affordable rates by joining a group or by booking through local contacts rather than larger tour agencies. Packing your own food and water will also help keep costs down, as amenities on the island are non-existent.
💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways
+1The renowned sunset views from the nearby viewpoints are particularly magical for couples. Consider enjoying a quiet moment on the beach or dining at a beachfront restaurant like Jojo's to witness the sky ablaze with color. It's a simple yet profoundly beautiful experience that creates lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides: Your Key to Monkey Island
+1Conversely, during high tide, the water rises, completely surrounding the rocky outcrop and transforming it into a true island. To reach it at this time, you'll need to arrange a boat trip from Palolem or nearby Agonda. These boat rides can be a fun adventure in themselves, often including stops at other scenic spots like Butterfly Beach or opportunities for dolphin spotting.
+1 Planning your visit around the tides ensures you can experience Monkey Island in its most dramatic form, whether by foot or by sea.Beyond the Name: Wildlife and Serenity
The real draw of Monkey Island is its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. It's a place to escape the bustle of more popular tourist spots. Kayaking around the island allows for a peaceful exploration of the coastline, and climbing the rocks offers a chance to appreciate the rugged landscape. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet moment and a connection with the serene coastal environment.
+1The Magic of Sunset at Monkey Island
Many visitors recommend enjoying the sunset from Jojo's, a restaurant situated before you reach the island from Palolem Beach. This allows you to combine a delicious meal with an unforgettable sunset experience. The vibrant colors painting the sky over the Arabian Sea create a truly magical ambiance, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit