Divar Island Goa: Sunset River Cruise & Feni Tasting Tour

Summary

Goa’s Divar Island comes alive with old temples, riverside sunsets and feni in a tavern

You’ll cross by ferry to Divar Island in Goa for an afternoon of temple ruins, riverside churches, and feni tasting at a local tavern with your guide. Expect quiet lanes, unexpected flavors (yes—feni!), and a relaxed sunset boat ride before heading back. It’s less about ticking sights off a list and more about feeling what makes this island different—sometimes in ways you can’t quite put into words.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the ferry to Divar Island because I got distracted by a group of kids kicking around a faded football near the jetty — their laughter echoing over the water. That’s how my day trip to Divar from Panjim started, a bit off-balance and already curious. The island isn’t connected by road, which felt odd for Goa, but also kind of thrilling. Our guide, Nikhil, grinned as he waved us onto the boat. “No bridges here,” he said, “just stories.” I liked him right away.

The first thing that hit me was this quiet — not silence exactly, but softer than the mainland. We bumped along narrow lanes in our own car (you need wheels here), passing houses painted in colors I’d never name right — dusty pinks? Mango yellow? At one stop, Nikhil pointed out where the Saptkoteshwar temple once stood. Just some mossy stones now, but he described old rituals so vividly I could almost hear bells or smell incense. Then we ducked into a churchyard where an old woman was sweeping petals off the steps; she nodded at us without pausing her rhythm.

I didn’t expect to like feni — honestly, it smells like something you shouldn’t drink — but at this tiny tavern tucked behind a blue gate, it made sense. The owner poured us each a shot and taught us to sip slow (I coughed anyway; everyone laughed). There were snacks too — simple stuff, but salty and perfect with that fiery taste lingering on my tongue. Later we piled back into the car for a quick drive to the riverbank just as the sun started dipping low. The boat ride wasn’t fancy; wooden benches creaked under us and someone played Konkani songs on their phone. But watching that gold light slide across the water with strangers who suddenly felt like friends… I still think about that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Divar Island's historic sites

• Arrive at Divar Island
• Visit Christian monuments
• See ancient temple ruins
• Taste Feni at local tavern
• Enjoy boat ride at sunset

Top questions

How do you get to Divar Island from Panjim?

You take a public ferry from near Old Goa or Ribandar since there’s no bridge connecting Divar Island to the mainland.

Is transport provided during the Divar Island tour?

No, you need your own vehicle to move between points on the island; transport isn’t included by Soul Travelling.

What time does the tour start?

The Divar Island exploration tour starts at 3 PM and lasts about 4 hours.

Is feni tasting included on this tour?

Yes, there is a feni tasting session at a local tavern included in your tour experience.

Are snacks or meals provided during the tour?

Snacks or breakfast are included along with feni tasting during your visit.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as it is not a walking trail.

What historical sites are visited on Divar Island?

You’ll see ancient temple ruins (like Saptkoteshwar) and Christian monuments such as old churches on the island.

Does the tour include entry fees or taxes?

Yes, all fees and taxes are covered in your booking price.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided stories through Divar Island’s historic spots with all entry fees covered; you’ll enjoy local snacks or breakfast plus a proper feni tasting at an island tavern before watching sunset from a boat on the river—all wrapped up in four easygoing hours before returning by ferry.