Goa, India
Divar Island is a quiet river island located 10 kilometers upriver from Panaji. You can only reach it via local ferries.
4.9 from 387 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided e-bike rides and heritage walking tours.
Most bookedRide along with India’s first ever e-biking experience on the beautiful island of Divar and ride through the UNESCO heritage site of Old Goa. Discover Goa’s finest...
Best valueCatch a ferry and cross the Mandovi River to Divar Island. Experience a gem of old world charm, paddy fields, ancient temples, pretty churches, Indo-Portuguese houses...
Explore
Discover centuries-old churches, temple ruins, and traditional sluice gates.
Pedestrians and two-wheelers cross for free on the 24/7 ferries.
Cars pay a small toll of INR 10 to INR 40.
Plan your visit
Tours take 3 to 6 hours. Exploring independently can take a full day.
Visit between October and March for cool weather. Go in August for the Bonderam festival.
Take a ferry from Ribandar, Old Goa, or Naroa. Ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes.
Island access is free. Guided tours start from roughly INR 1,500.
Divar Island sits in the Mandovi River, separated from mainland Goa. It features lush paddy fields, dense mangroves, and well-preserved Indo-Portuguese architecture. The island has resisted heavy commercialization. It is divided into three main villages: Piedade, Malar, and Naroa.
You will find centuries-old churches and ancient Hindu temple ruins here. The hilltop Church of Our Lady of Compassion dates back to the early 1700s. São Matias Church is over 400 years old. Access is restricted to ferries, which helps maintain the slow pace of life.
Read about Ferry Locations & Rules to plan your crossing. You can also explore specific areas like Piedade Village Guide for grand churches and heritage mansions.
We check exactly which historical sites each tour visits.
We list current starting prices and what they include.
We specify whether you will be walking, cycling, or riding in a vehicle.
From Viator
387 reviews of the heritage walking tour on Viator
Good and nice experience,. Guide explained well on the history and heritage,.,,
Had an amazing experience with Soul Travelling on the Divar Island Exploration. The tour was guided by Mr. Koonan who explained the entire history behind the places we visited very beautifully and answered all our questions. It's a very very peaceful place and a must visit for everyone who is coming to Goa.
The two guides were excellent. Skilled. Patient. Good instructors. Very supportive. Wise,”. Knowledgeable.
Amazing experience! Divar island has stunning natural beauty and is very peaceful. The wind from riding the bike kept things comfortable despite the weather being very warm. The guides were all excellent as well, highly recommend!
Great experience, knowledgeable guide, and great home cooked food. Learnt a little more about the history of the place, and got to spend some quality time with amazing people!
By far one of the best experiences I have done in Goa, off beat and curated
Travel tips
Ferry Info & CostsSchedule, costs, and vehicle rules for the Divar Island ferry.Read 
Ferry Locations & RulesFind out where to catch the ferry to Divar Island and how to load your vehicle.Read 
Best time to visitFind the best months and festivals for visiting Divar Island.Read 
Family Day TripPlan a family visit to Divar Island with ferry tips and safety advice.Read 
Packing for DivarWhat to wear and pack for a day trip to Divar Island.Read Tour or DIY?Compare guided tours with independent exploration on Divar Island.Read Drive or take a bus 10 kilometers upriver to the Ribandar or Old Goa ferry terminals. From there, board a ferry across the Mandovi River. Check Ferry Locations & Rules for terminal details.
No, there is no bridge. The island is accessible exclusively by ferry from Ribandar, Old Goa, or Naroa.
Ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes. They operate from around 6:00 AM until past midnight. The island itself is open 24/7.
The ferry is free for pedestrians and two-wheelers. Four-wheelers and commercial vehicles pay a toll ranging from INR 10 to INR 40 per trip.
Yes. Taking a scooter is highly recommended as public transport on the island is virtually non-existent. Scooters ride free, while cars pay a small toll.
It is known for its well-preserved Indo-Portuguese architecture, lush paddy fields, and the annual Bonderam festival in August. It also houses centuries-old churches and ancient temple ruins.
Book your tour or plan your ferry crossing today.
