How to Reach Sai Island from Goa Airport

The short answer: fly into Manohar International Airport at Mopa, not the older Dabolim airport. From there, travel to the Arabo riverside in Dhargal, Pernem (north of Siolim), then take a short boat crossing to Sai Island. The team helps arrange the onward transport and the boat once your seat is confirmed, so you do not have to work it out alone.

Step 1: Choose the right airport

Goa has two airports. Mopa (Manohar International Airport) is in the north and is the sensible choice for Sai Island, because it is considerably closer than Dabolim in the south. Choosing the wrong airport can add a long, avoidable transfer on arrival day, so double-check your booking before you confirm it. If you are connecting through another Indian city, check that your onward flight lands at Mopa.

Step 2: Getting from the airport to the Arabo boat pickup

Boarding point: guests come to the boarding point on the Arabo riverside, and the boat to the island leaves from there. Open the boarding point on Google Maps. For day activities, the private boat ride from here to the island is included in the activity price.

After your seat is confirmed, share your flight details with the team on your call. They will help arrange onward transport to the Arabo boat pickup in Dhargal, Pernem, and the boat crossing. This is built into the confirmation process.

If you prefer to arrange your own transport, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are generally available at the airport. Journey time depends on traffic and the time of day, so ask the team for the current estimate for your arrival time and plan around that rather than a fixed figure. Whichever way you travel, the destination is the Arabo riverside in Dhargal, Pernem; your host shares the exact meeting spot and boat timing once your seat is confirmed. Allow a buffer, particularly if you have a tight connection or a late arrival.

Step 3: The boat crossing

Sai Island is reached by a short boat crossing from the Arabo riverside in Dhargal, Pernem, north of Siolim. This is arranged as part of the retreat logistics, so you will not need to find a boat or negotiate a crossing. Boat timings can depend on tides and daylight, which is another reason to share your flight details early. It is a gentle way to arrive, with the noise of travel fading as the island comes into view.

Visa requirements for international guests

Most international travellers need a visa to enter India, and many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online before travelling. Requirements and processing times differ by passport, so check India's official e-Visa portal well before booking flights. Make sure your passport has sufficient remaining validity, and carry printed or saved copies of your approval.

Should you arrive a day early?

If your flight is long or lands late, consider arriving in Goa a day before your retreat starts and staying somewhere near Siolim or Pernem. That removes the risk of delays cutting into your arrival and lets you reach the island rested. It costs an extra night's stay but often makes the whole journey calmer, particularly for international travellers coping with jet lag.

A simple arrival-day timeline

1. Land at Mopa (Manohar International Airport)
2. Clear immigration and collect baggage
3. Transport to the Arabo boat pickup in Dhargal, arranged by the team or booked yourself
4. Boat crossing to Sai Island
5. Arrival and settling in, with no session scheduled straight away

Our article on what to expect on your first day describes what comes next.

A checklist before you fly

• Confirm you are booked into Mopa, not Dabolim
• Check your e-Visa status and passport validity if arriving internationally
• Share your flight details with the team on your confirmation call
• Plan to land with some buffer before the day's boat crossing
• Pack a dry bag or pouch for documents and electronics, given the water transfer
• Carry some cash alongside cards, since not everything on an island runs on digital payments
• Take out travel insurance that covers adventure activities

For packing help, see our Goa yoga retreat packing list.

Who should pay extra attention

• Late arrivals. Boat crossings can depend on daylight and tides, so tell the team early if your flight lands late.
• Travellers with mobility needs. Boat transfers and uneven island terrain may be challenging. Raise this on your call so the team can advise.
• Anyone with a tight connection. Allow generous buffers on your inbound flight.

If something goes wrong

Travel rarely runs perfectly, so it helps to know what to do:

• Flight delayed or cancelled: message the team as soon as you know, so transport and the boat crossing can be adjusted.
• Lost or delayed luggage: pack a change of clothes, medication and essentials in your carry-on, and report the loss at the airport before leaving.
• Missed connection: contact your airline first, then update the team with the new arrival time.
• Immigration delays: build in extra time on arrival, particularly at busy periods.
• No phone signal on arrival: download offline maps and keep the team's contact details saved or printed.

Staying calm and communicating early solves almost every problem, and the team handles arrival logistics regularly.

How booking works

Booking is invitation-led. You request an invitation, a seat is held for 24 to 48 hours, you have a call where flight details and transport are discussed, and a deposit then confirms your place.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly into Dabolim instead?

It is not recommended. Mopa is much closer to Sai Island.

Do I have to arrange the boat myself?

No. The boat crossing is part of the retreat logistics.

Can I arrive on any day?

Arrival days follow the retreat cycle. Check the calendar and confirm with the team.

Is there phone signal on the island?

Do not rely on it. The retreat has a voluntary phone-off culture, so tell people at home your plans in advance.

What if my flight is delayed?

Message the team as soon as you can so they can adjust transport.

Next step

Once you have chosen a retreat date, share your flight details and the team will take it from there.

Request an Invitation