Divar Island, Goa Guide - How to reach, Where to Stay, What to do

The only way to reach Divar Island, Goa, is by a government-run ferry. There is no motorable road to reach Divar Island.

There are three ferry terminals to reach Divar Island, Goa. There are various departure points to reach Divar Island. The details are as follows:

1. Old Goa

You can board it from Old Goa jetty, which is close to Panjim. This is by far the most popular route.

Piedade terminal is on the south-east between Divar Island and Old Goa.

Usually runs from 6 AM TO 2 AM (subject to weather).

The ferries that depart from Old Goa point will drop you at Piedade Ferry Terminal on Divar Island, Goa.

2. Naroa terminal in the Bicholim district (north)

If you are coming from North Goa – Baga, Calangute, Mapusa etc you can use this ferry crossing.

3. Ribandar (side)

This is on the southeast side of Divar.

Again, if you are coming from North Goa-Baga, Calangute, Mapusa etc, you can use this ferry crossing.

All these terminals may sound confusing, but they are not. I suggest simply checking on google maps the closest ferry terminal point from your location and hopping onto the ferry.

ENTRY FEE

There is no entry fee to Divar Island. However, Travellers with their 4-wheelers boarding their vehicles on the ferry have to pay a minimal price of INR 10.

If you are on bikes or bicycles, hop across for free! 😊

TRAVEL TIME

The ferry will make you reach in 15-30 minutes. The frequency is also decent as there is one ferry every half an hour.

THINGS TO DO

If you are looking for abundant activities, then Divar is not the place for you. However, if you get excited with stellar views, lush greenery, lazing around and old Goa charm, then you are in the right place!

There are 4 villages in Divar– Naroa, Piedade, Goltim, Malar. Piedade has the largest settlement.

Here are some places that you can visit on Divar Island, Goa.

Our Lady of Piety Church

The Church of Our Lady of Compassion, also known as Our Lady of Piety, is in Piedade.

This Church is the first Christian structure constructed on Divar Island, Goa. The Church was rebuilt in and boasts Roman-style architecture. The peace and calmness that it radiates are matchless.

It is breathtaking to look at the beauty of this Island from this point, as the hill provides a great vantage point of old Goa. One can also see some structures of the Kadamba era.

Kadamba Dynasty Ruins

Ruins of the Kadamba dynasty (Koti Tirth Thali) is also in Piedade.

The original site of the famous Saptakoteshwar temple is the holiest shrine of the Kadamba dynasty, comprised of 108 temples. It was destroyed in the 14th and 15th century and thereafter, the main idols were moved to Bicholim. A temple was built in the 16th century.

The pond in the picture, which was originally part of the main temple, comprises submerged 108 carved miniature temples, i.e. the holes at the base where idols/murtis would have been kept.

The site is now a government-protected, archaeological monument.

If you wish to see the new Saptakoteshwar temple, take a ferry to reach the village of Narwe.

Saint Mathias Church

Sao Matias church is in village Malar. The church has attractive architecture and is known for its artistic graves. This church is over 400 years old.

Visit Prominent temples

There isn’t much of a Hindu population in Divar, but there are quite a lot of temples. To name a few, you can visit Shree Ganesh Sateri temple, Shree Shakti Devasthan and Hatkeshwar temple. You can visit these temples if time permits and if it interests you.

Panchayat Office

If you click some colorful pictures, then visit this spot ;-)

I've never seen an office more beautiful and colorful than this one!

Visit nearby islands

From Divar island, visit Vanxim island- a tiny fisherman island if you love fishing with the locals. This island is accessible only through Divar.

You can also visit the Chorao island that is famous for Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This island is also accessible from Ribandar point.

Take a bicycle tour

Do try E-bikes that will take your Divar Island experience to another level. It will be a roller coaster ride to the green paddy fields, ancient temples, hidden caves and much more.

You can visit E-bike tour details here.

Wander aimlessly

This island deserves some aimless exploration. There is something most wonderful about being lost and aimless. Lost in a new place and aimlessly exploring the same.

The more you wander, you’ll discover some lovely pop coloured Portuguese-style houses, narrow streets with panoramic views.

The bungalows on Divar Island are so fascinating that it makes your mind filled with curiosity about the people living in those humongous houses and promise to take you back to another era.

WHERE TO EAT

Divar Island is yet untouched by much commercialization, so don’t expect the chain of eating places.

Rock Inn Restaurant

This is heaven for sea-food lovers. The restaurant also serves vegetarian food.

Island Bar

Located at Piedade, they boast about serving Goan style dishes since 1995. They also serve a variety of fenny.

Dilkhush Hotel

You must try their sweet buns, suki bhaaji and paattal (curried) bhaaji!

This small hotel serves simple dishes with lots of love! This small place is owned by a theatre enthusiast, Mr Govekar.

Apart from the above, you’ll find local street vendor/s putting their stalls in the evening in the main Centre.

There are no shacks in Divar, but the Island has small budget eating places; and luxurious eating places in the resorts, with unique riverfront views.

CAN WE STAY ON THE ISLAND?

Yes! There are beautiful homestays and a few resorts on Divar Island, Goa.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are multiple homestays, villas, and a few resorts. I recommend: