Divar Island & Old Goa: E-Bike Tour with Ferry, Temples & Riverside Meal

Summary

Ride e-bikes through Divar Island’s fields, temples and riverside stories

You’ll cross to Divar Island by ferry with your guide, ride e-bikes past lush fields and centuries-old temples, hear local legends at ancient ruins, watch traditional fishing at a sluice gate, then share a riverside meal as boats drift past. It’s relaxed but full of surprises—a real slice of Goan island life.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, we’re taking that?” I asked, pointing at the little ferry bobbing on the Mandovi. Our guide—he called himself Captain Ashwin—just grinned and handed me a helmet. The river smelled faintly briny in the morning air, and there was this odd mix of diesel and incense from a shrine tucked near the dock. On Divar Island everything felt slower. We rolled off the boat and pedaled past fields so green they almost hurt my eyes. The e-bikes made it easy, even when a rooster darted out (I nearly swerved into a mango tree). Ashwin kept tossing out bits of history—like how Old Goa’s baroque church up the hill was built by folks who’d probably never seen snow.

I didn’t expect to get goosebumps at a half-submerged temple ruin, but there was something about the silence there—just birds and our tires crunching gravel. Ashwin told us about Lord Shiva’s connection to this spot; I tried to repeat the local name for it and totally mangled it (he laughed but then said it again until I got close). Later we stopped at a sluice gate where two old guys were arguing about fish prices—one waved us over and showed how they use bamboo to control the river water. Honestly, I’d never thought much about how fish get from river to plate before.

The ride up to the viewpoint nearly did me in (thank you e-bike battery), but wow—the island just sprawled out below us in all these tangled greens and red roofs. There was a breeze that smelled like wet earth and fried onions drifting from someone’s kitchen nearby. We ended at this riverside spot for lunch—rice, curry, something crispy I still can’t name—and just sat watching boats drift by. Someone played Konkani music on their phone; nobody hurried us along or tried to sell anything extra. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ebike tour and cultural exploration

• Depart Old Goa hub
• Ferry ride to Divar island
• Ebike through Goan countryside
• Visit submerged UNESCO temple
• Ride to panoramic viewpoint
• Learn about baroque church
• Explore traditional fishing methods
• Visit fisherman's hut and temple tanks

Top questions

How long is the Divar Island e-bike tour?

The tour lasts around half a day including ferry rides and stops for sightseeing and meals.

Is pickup included for this Old Goa bike tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you depart from the hub at Old Goa near public transport options.

Are meals or snacks included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll have breakfast, high tea or lunch served at a scenic riverside location during the tour.

What is the maximum weight allowed for riders?

The maximum weight requirement is 90 kg for participants on this e-bike tour.

Is this Divar Island bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels as long as you are above 5 feet tall and under 90 kg.

Do we visit any UNESCO heritage sites on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll explore heritage sites in Old Goa including ancient churches and temple ruins.

Is safety equipment provided during the ride?

Your day includes safety gear like helmets plus first aid support throughout the guided ride.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike with helmet and safety kit provided by your trained local guide (“captain”), all guided stops from Old Goa to Divar Island via ferry crossing, visits to temples and churches plus traditional fishing demonstrations, snacks along the way, first aid support if needed—and finally breakfast or lunch served by the riverside before heading back.