Coco's Nest
Goa · Nature
Divar Island
Tiswadi, Central Goa
A river island of empty lanes, old Portuguese houses and almost no traffic. The free ferry across is half the point.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Best time
- Morning, before the heat
- Entry
- Ferry free
- Getting there
- Ferry from Old Goa; takes foot passengers and two-wheelers
About Divar Island
Divar is ten minutes from Old Goa and feels an hour away. There is no through-traffic because there is nowhere to pass through to: the island is the destination.
The ride around it takes under an hour, past churches, paddy and houses that have been in the same families for generations. There is very little to buy and almost nothing to queue for.
Divar lies in the Mandovi river and was once known as Piedade. Its name is usually traced to the Konkani for ‘small island’. It is one of several islands in the river, and much of it is still paddy, mangrove and old family houses.
The Church of Our Lady of Compassion stands on the island's hill at Piedade, looking across the water towards Old Goa. In August the island celebrates Bonderam, a festival of flags and floats.
What to see
- The Church of Our Lady of Compassion at Piedade, on the hill
- Old stepped laterite temple tanks, from before the island's temples were moved to the mainland
- Riverside roads through paddy fields and mangroves
- The ferry crossing itself, with views of Old Goa
- Bonderam, the island's flag festival, in August
Good to know
The ferry carries scooters and is free. Check the last crossing before you go over.
- Ferries run from Old Goa and from Ribandar.
- There are few shops or cafes on the island, so carry water.
- Ride slowly: the lanes are narrow and shared with cattle.
Practical details checked September 2026. Timings and fees change without notice, so confirm anything ticketed before a long drive. Background: Wikipedia.
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