Island Exploration at Divar : Half Day Tour

Divar Island, a hidden gem off the Goan coast, beckons adventurous travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience. The "Island Exploration at Divar: Half Day Tour" promises to unveil the island’s captivating history and natural beauty. Guests embark on a scenic boat ride through the serene mangroves, uncover the ancient Kadamba Temple ruins, and savor the local delicacy, feni, at a quaint tavern. Guided storytelling weaves together the island’s colonial past and cultural significance, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this captivating destination. As the tour concludes with breathtaking sunset views, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets this enchanting island holds.

Key Points

• Explore the historical and cultural highlights of Divar Island, including the Kadamba Temple Ruins and the Saptakoteshwar Ruins, during a 4-hour guided tour.
• Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the island’s mangroves and witness local community life, as well as a sunset view from the boat.
• Indulge in a tasting of the local Goan spirit, feni, at a traditional tavern, offering insight into the island’s culinary heritage.
• The tour caters to a maximum group size of 10 participants and is conducted in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants should wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and avoid prohibited items such as intoxication, alcohol, and drugs during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Tour Overview provides an overview of the "Island Exploration at Divar: Half Day Tour."

This 4-hour excursion is priced from $23.86 per person and is limited to a group size of 10 participants. The tour is conducted in English and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can book their spot without upfront payment through the Reserve now & pay later option.

Key highlights include a scenic boat ride through mangroves, a feni tasting at a local tavern, and witnessing sunset views from the boat.

The tour also explores the historical significance of Divar Island, once home to famous temples and impacted by Portuguese rule.

Experience Highlights

This tour’s Experience Highlights offer an immersive exploration of Divar Island’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Visitors will start with a visit to the Kadamba Temple Ruins, nearly a millennium old. Next, they’ll embark on a scenic boat ride through mangroves, learning about the local community’s way of life.

The highlight is a feni tasting at a local tavern, featuring different types of this iconic Goan spirit.

The tour also includes a ferry crossing to the island, which isn’t connected by road, and the opportunity to witness stunning sunset views from the boat.

These diverse experiences provide a well-rounded glimpse into Divar’s fascinating history and cultural traditions.

Historical Significance

Divar Island, known as Dveepvattika, was home to famous temples, including Saptkoteshwar, the Kadambas’ family deity. Captured by the Portuguese, the island experienced significant historical events, including the Inquisition.

The exploration of Divar includes stories about the Saptakoteshwar Ruins and the significance of the Piedade Church:

1. The Saptakoteshwar Ruins hold historical significance as the former home of the Kadamba dynasty’s family deity.

2. The Piedade Church, built by the Portuguese, serves as a reminder of the island’s colonial past and the religious changes it underwent.

3. Divar’s history is intricately tied to the larger narrative of Goa’s development, from its pre-colonial roots to its colonial occupation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a guided experience, all entry tickets, a shared ferry crossing, local snacks, branded goodies from Soul Travelling, and captivating storytelling about the island’s history.

However, transportation to the meeting point, meals, bottled drinking water, and personal expenses aren’t included.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, people over 80 or 95 years old, and restrictions include no intoxication, alcohol, drugs, electric wheelchairs, swimming, or alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring personal medication.

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Important Information

The meeting point for the tour is the ferry point after Viceroys Arc in Old Goa, where participants should look for an ambassador with a Soul Travelling logo.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, comfortable clothes, and any personal medication.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, people over 80 or 95 years, and restrictions include no intoxication, alcohol, drugs, electric wheelchairs, swimming, or alcoholic drinks in the vehicle.

To prepare for the tour, participants should consider the following:

1. Wear comfortable shoes
2. Bring water and personal medication
3. Avoid intoxication or prohibited items

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Island Exploration at Divar tour is the ferry point after Viceroys Arc in Old Goa.

Participants should look for an ambassador with a Soul Travelling logo to identify the meeting spot.

The tour departs from this location, where travelers will embark on a ferry crossing to reach Divar Island, the only major island in Goa not connected by road.

Guests should arrive at the designated meeting point on time, as the tour itinerary is carefully planned to ensure an immersive and seamless experience throughout the half-day exploration of this historic island.

What to Bring

Participants should bring a few essential items for the Island Exploration at Divar tour. This includes:

1. Comfortable shoes – The tour involves walking and exploring the island, so it’s important to wear shoes that provide support and traction.

2. Water – Staying hydrated during the 4-hour tour is crucial, especially in the warm Goan climate.

3. Personal medication – If you have any specific medical needs, be sure to bring your necessary medications.

Plus, dressing in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience during the tour.

Restrictions

During the Island Exploration at Divar tour, there are a few restrictions participants should be aware of.

First, no intoxication, alcohol, or drugs are allowed. This ensures everyone’s safety and enjoyment throughout the experience.

Plus, electric wheelchairs are prohibited, as they may not be suitable for the terrain.

Swimming is also not permitted during the tour.

Lastly, alcoholic drinks can’t be consumed in the vehicle used for transportation.

These restrictions are in place to maintain the integrity of the tour and provide a comfortable, inclusive experience for all participants.

Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for the success and enjoyment of the Island Exploration at Divar tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may be suitable for families with young children, as it includes a scenic boat ride and visits to historical sites. However, the age restrictions and lack of mentions about child-friendly activities suggest it may not be the most ideal for very young kids.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements for the Tour?

The tour involves some moderate physical activity, including a scenic boat ride through mangroves and walking around historic sites. It is not recommended for wheelchair users or people over 80 or 95 years old.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour provider offers a limited group size of up to 10 participants, allowing for a more personalized and exclusive experience.

Is There an Option for a Private Boat Ride?

Yes, there is an option for a private boat ride on this tour. Guests can request a private charter to enjoy the scenic mangrove trip exclusively with their group, though this may incur an additional cost.

Does the Tour Include Any Traditional Goan Cuisine?

The tour includes local snacks, but does not mention any traditional Goan cuisine. The exclusions list indicates meals are not included, so participants would need to purchase their own Goan culinary experiences separately.

Recap

Divar Island’s half-day tour offers an immersive cultural experience, blending scenic boat rides, ancient temple ruins, and traditional feni tastings. Guided storytelling illuminates the island’s colonial past, while breathtaking sunset views cap off the journey. This comprehensive excursion provides an enriching glimpse into Divar’s rich history and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Goan adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: