Goa Island

Northern Mozambique


This tiny island (known locally as Watólofu) is about 5km east of Mozambique Island. It has a lighthouse that was built during the 1870s, and is today run by a lighthouse keeper and his family, who have lived on Goa for more than 20 years. The lighthouse is now solar powered and according to the keeper the batteries give out about 1am. You can climb to the top for views. Below is a lovely beach.

The island’s name comes from its position on the sea route from Goa (India), which was the base for the Portuguese Mozambican government between 1509 and 1662.

Boat charter from Mozambique Island costs from Mtc1000 for four passengers; check with your hotel for a reliable captain. Be prepared for choppy seas, and tidal limits on the length of time you can spend on the island. Allow about 40 minutes one way with favourable winds and currents; in unfavourable conditions, allow at least double this.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Mozambique attractions

1. Sena Island

2.02 MILES

About 2km south of Goa Island is Sena Island. It takes its name from its location along the old sea route aiming towards the trading centre of Sena, on…

2. Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte

3.16 MILES

In the shadow of the São Sebastião fort on the island’s northern tip is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522 and considered to be the…

3. Fort of São Sebastião

3.22 MILES

The island’s northern end is dominated by the massive Fort of São Sebastião – the oldest complete fort still standing in sub-Saharan Africa and, arguably,…

4. Camões Statue

3.45 MILES

Looking like a cross between Shakespeare and Cervantes, this statue of Portuguese poet Luís de Camões stands sentinel over a small triangular park by the…

5. Igreja da Misericórdia

3.49 MILES

With a distinctive white facade, this church is best viewed while sitting at a table in the Café-Bar Áncora d’Ouro opposite. The original church was…

6. Museu de Arte Sacra

3.5 MILES

Containing religious ornaments, paintings and carvings, this museum is housed in the former hospital of the Holy House of Mercy, a religious guild that…

7. Palace & Chapel of São Paulo

3.51 MILES

This imposing terracotta edifice – the former governor’s residence and now a museum – dates from 1610. The interior hosts the recently refurbished Museu…

8. Casa de Camões

3.51 MILES

The great Portuguese poet Luís de Camões resided briefly on Mozambique Island in the late 1560s, allegedly in this house. Although not open to the public,…