Journey across the blue waters: St.George Island

St. George Island

Last year in November a family friend told us about a place, an island to be specific, that is located in Vasco, Goa. She told us that people are allowed to cross the waters and visit the island just once annually and urged that we should go there. In addition to that, we were told that the same day, the Holy mass is celebrated at the island marking the feast of the Cross that is located there. This seemed like a good opportunity and a once in a lifetime experience for us all. We decided to go there with only this little information. 

The journey

On the day of the feast, that is 17th November, we left home early morning as we live in Salcete and had to reach the Baina dock by 09 a.m. On our way to Vasco, we stopped by and had our breakfast in a small hotel and left for the adventurous journey. 

We reached the dock on time and had to wait a while till a motor boat/fishing trawler was arranged for us. It was jaw-dropping, the way more than 30 people in a single trawler left from the dock. One after another these trawlers kept departing from the dock. 

We finally boarded one of them and left for the island. I had never been in a boat other than a ferry and this was fascinating. With every minute, my excitement grew. As we went further, it got all the way more exciting as we could see the islands, deep blue waters and most importantly dolphins swimming so close-by that my eyes popped out. We saw tourist boats taking rides to see the dolphins. The sea looked amazing as we were surrounded by it from all sides.

Emerald waters

As we reached close to the island we were told that we would have to get into small canoes to reach the island. This was a difficult task for the elderly women in the group as we had to literally jump from the tall trawler into very small canoes but surely it was fun. 

As the canoes reached the island we jumped onto the shore, also got our pants wet. The island was indeed so beautiful and breath-taking. Clear blue water, with a Cross located at a height, blue sky in the background, it was picture perfect!

The cross

We chose a spot to rest for a while and had some snacks. We were told that the mass would be celebrated shortly so we walked up to the spot where the altar was set up. We were also part of the choir group for the mass.

 Another fascinating detail I found very interesting was how the mass was celebrated simultaneously with the tulsi lagna for the Hindus right next to the mass. Both were done next to each other in an open space. I also saw some Muslims climb up futher. I assume they had their own prayers there. This was truly an experience that highlighted diversity and coexistence in real sense.  

After the mass, lunch packets were distributed to all the people by the person who celebrated the feast. We had very little time to take a look at the island, visit the cross on top and had to leave by 1:00 p.m. as instructed, and we did so. 

View from the cross

While on our way back we saw the dolphins again, swimming in the sea, one of the most beautiful sights I shall never forget. After our return we learnt that the actual name of the island is St. George Island/ Grande Island and it is under the protection of the Indian navy. And therefore no one is allowed there on any other day except the feast day. 

As we got home we realised how tiring the journey had been but the tiredness was nothing compared to the experience we had that day. The visit to St. George Island will forever be treasured in my collection of great memories and shall be cherished as one of the most beautiful ones I have. 

Picture perfect memories