St. Jacinto Island- The Island of Peace.

St. Jacinto Island.

Goa is full of Natural Beauties. San Jacinto Island is one of the few beautiful inhabited islands of Goa in the estuary of the Zuari River on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. This lesser known Goan treasure, is a few kilometres away from the Dabolim International Airport.

Major part of the island still remains under forest cover with few old houses. Amidst all this is a beautiful old white church which overlooks the waters of the Zuari River towards the east which can be easily seen from the Vasco-Panjim National Highway. Local citizens call this church the St. Hyacinthi Cathedral which is found open only on Sundays and celebrates its feast on the last Sunday of September.

A lesser known fact is the existence of an underground tunnel which connects the old chapel with Siridao, located almost parallel on Panjim side. The island is connected with the main road by a bridge named Silver Gate. This bridge is very popular among the local tourists, one is easily attracted by its simplicity. Every evening the Silver Gate offers a scenic sunset view with mild breeze to quite a number of photgraphic and photogenic youngsters. This could be estimated as a reason for shooting an important scene of the Bollywood movie ‘Finding Fanny’on the walkway. The bridge also holds lots of sweet memories especially birthdays. Apart from the bridge one can also reach the island by renting a boat.

Another lesser known fact is that San Jacinto Island holds a well-preserved, old and abandoned Portuguese lighthouse which is fiercely protected by the islanders, from the top of which one can enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful views onto the Indian Ocean and the Goa coast. San Jacinto Island is known as San Antonio locally.

Locally, the residents from St. Jacinto belong to fishing community and are known to earn their living through the same. Although it is quite possible for them to get into better job opportunities, the people seem to be very firm with their traditional occupation. The Islanders are very particular with the age old commitment by their ancestors which does not allow any outsider (both non-Goans as well as Goan) to join in and settle here, or bring about any kind of profitable private or government erection.
It is said that in the 20th century, the inhabitants of San Jacinto made a vow to never give the island on rent or let any kind of private or government construction to be built here. This is said to be the reason behind the preserved beauty, and natural charm of the area.

Debarati D Navi Mumbai, India in her review designated St. Jacinto as Island of Peace in January 2015. She mentions that this island holds an off-beat destination in Goa that waits to be explored, however it seems like the possessive islanders will hardly let that happen. Debarati says "The experience of visiting the island was truly enriching just because of the fact that it is totally devoid of any of the touristy trappings. Great place for travel enthusiasts like me"

This is one trip that will restore one's belief in the pure, pristine beauty and charm of Goa. It’s perfect for history buffs or for those who enjoy local sightseeing.

Below are few videos and Photographs of insights of St. Jacinto Island.