The Divar Island Project

Russell and Divya were super hosts. We chose The Divar Island Project as they are passionate about the Island where they live and about maintaining the biodiversity of it. Russell was also able to provide his car to take us around the Island which helped enormously. We took our binoculars and camera and within minutes of arriving were able to see so many different bird's. We were lucky enough to see an otter, crocodile, Hoopoe bird, marsh harrier, Ibis, storks, purple heron, Chinese Darter, white throated kingfisher to mention just a few. We were treated to a home cooked lunch in their gorgeous house on the Island and they both couldn't have been more welcoming and hospitable. If you want a private customised tour of the Island and are interested in the wildlife and biodiversity of it, then choose Russell as your guide.

We visited the Divar island for an evening walk specially curated by the Divan Island Project. Russell , who curated the visit, was extremely helpful and very responsive from the word go. The walk through the vegetable farms was a very nice experience. We got to interact with the farmers and understand their challenges. They shared a lot of information regarding the practices they follow to get a good harvest. Later Russell and Divya served us very delicious Goan food. It is heartening to see their passion and commitment in spreading awareness about the biodiversity on the island and ensuring that the old farming practices on the island continue to thrive.

Esperienza molto positiva! Abbiamo visto moltissimi uccelli come Aquile, Martin Pescatori, Falchi. Grazie all'esperienza di Russel siamo riusciti addirittura a vedere un coccodrillo! Grazie a lui abbiamo imparato molto sulla storia, cultura, fauna e flora dell'isola. Esperienza assolutamente consigliata! Russel é molto competente e sempre pronto a rispondere s ogni tua domanda o curiosità!

Despite my last-minute request, the team graciously accommodated me, showcasing their flexibility and commitment to guest satisfaction. Our guide, Russel, was exceptional. His deep knowledge of the island's history and culture brought each location to life. From ancient temple ruins to colonial-era churches, Russel's storytelling painted a vivid picture of Divar's rich heritage. The tour was meticulously organized, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. We traversed the island's scenic landscapes and explored its historical sites Divar Island offers a tranquil escape from the usual hustle of Goa. Its serene environment, combined with the insightful narratives provided by Russel, made for a truly enriching experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Goa's cultural tapestry. Kudos to the team for curating such a memorable adventure!

As Goa lovers, we have been frequent visitors here. Never have we experienced such a fantastic tour experience full of rich insights on biodiversity, environmental threats, birding, culture and history. Russell is a passionate person with a great concern for environmental issues and very articulate with his thoughts. He and his partner hosted us in the evening with some delicious snacks during the last leg of the tour. We highly recommend to experience Divar Island. A lifetime experience.

We had the most wonderful time with Russell and Divya from the Divar Island Project (DIP). Both are residents of this quaint riverine island. We had enthralling conversations with them about the history, ecology and unique island culture and way of life. We were hosted by them for a sumptuous lunch at their beautifully restored Goan home - where we feasted on bread from the local baker, chilly pakoras, aam panna and jackfruit & mangoes sourced from their kitchen backyard. Evenings were spent walking (guided walking tour) along the 'bandh' embankments where we witnessed centuries old traditional conservation methods of building & preserving the embankments, sluice gates for innovative aquaculture and irrigation, 'khazan ' system of reclaimed lands for agriculture, lush and mysterious mangrove forests and even experienced a luxuriously long, lazy and immersive boat ride around the island to spot crocodiles. Thanks to Divar Island Project's wonderful curation, every day in our 12-day trip on the island was an adventure. It helped us reconnect with a sense of awe towards nature, animals, time and space in this beautiful planet that we inhabit. Goa is a magical place, and Divar Island is a cauldron full of abundant magic. You just have to be still enough to catch it and let it lead you. And yes, good local folks with a passion for their proud Island roots make it even more special.

Our stay at Divar Island was made even more special with the help of curated leads and local insights that were generously shared with us by the Divar Island Project (DIP). From guided walks and boat rides, ferry trips and cycling across the length and breadth of the island to gorging on sumptuous Goan food at the local restaurants. Shout out to Rock Inn Bar & Restaurant and Island Bar, where we quenched our thirst with Uraak, Feni and Limca. During our tour of the Island, Russell and Divya from Divar Island Project led us to the fascinating ruins of the Kopteshwar Temple dating back to the Kadamba dynasty period. The island is dotted with beautiful old heritage Goan homes and churches that are a treat to ogle at. We completely immersed ourselves in the most susegaad way like the islanders. Highly recommend Divar island if you need a break from the stress & strains of city life , especially if you want to experience Goa in an offbeat way.

It was the best experience I had in India(Kochi-Goa-Mumbai). If youre thinking to go Goa, you definitely should visit this island and I highly recommend you to do it with Russell. He knows what he’s doing and very passionate about his work. Extremely worth it tour and extremely good place with its unique nature, variety of animals and the culture. Must visit.

A Magical Morning on Divar Island: An Unforgettable Tour with Russell If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Goa, Divar Island should be at the top of your list. This serene, picturesque island offers a delightful escape from the bustling beaches and crowded streets of the more touristy areas. From the moment we set foot on Divar Island, it felt like we had stepped into a timeless piece of paradise. Our morning tour of Divar Island was nothing short of enchanting, thanks to our guide and friend, Russell. His deep knowledge of the island's history, culture, and natural beauty truly brought the experience to life. Russell’s passion for Divar Island was evident in every story he shared and every detail he pointed out. He effortlessly blended fascinating historical insights with charming anecdotes, making the tour both educational and entertaining. Russell’s enthusiasm was infectious. He went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and engaged throughout the tour. Russell made sure every moment was memorable. Divar Island itself is a dream. With its lush greenery, quaint churches, and vibrant local life, it offers a refreshing contrast to the more commercialised areas of Goa. The peaceful ambiance, coupled with Russell’s expert guidance, made our morning tour a highlight of our trip. If you’re considering a visit to Divar Island, make sure to book a tour with Russell. His exceptional knowledge, friendly demeanour, and genuine love for the island ensure a truly special experience. We left the island with not just beautiful memories but also a newfound appreciation for Goa’s hidden treasures. Thank you, Russell, for making our visit so extraordinary!

Exploring Divar with Russell from the Divar Island Project was an absolute delight. From the island’s rich history and culture to its incredible biodiversity and warm community, there was so much to learn and experience. Truly memorable and highly recommended.

Today I (and my Indian friend) had the pleasure of joining The Divar Island Project tour. Russell was a wealth of knowledge and passionate about his home island and it's future. I felt I had connected with old Goa and Goan life prior to mass tourism. The colonial period houses are beautiful, as are the churches and temples. The home visit was a highlight. Russell and his partner were charming and hospitable hosts, welcoming us into their charming home. The coconut biscuits (cookies) were delicious. Thankyou also for switching between English and Hindi so my friend could enjoy the experience as well. Keep up your great work!

Exploring Divar Island with Russell was a highlight of our Goa trip. The island is such a peaceful escape, and Russell's deep knowledge and passion made the tour really special. He shared so many interesting stories and details about the history and culture that we wouldn’t have discovered on our own. The scenery is stunning, and the whole experience felt very personal and genuine. If you're thinking of visiting Goa, definitely book a Divar Island tour with Russell. We also had the privileged of visiting Russell's family home which is more than 120 years old and had a sumptuous dinner, it was truly unforgettable!

I recently joined a tour to Divar Island in the North of Goa, arranged by the Divar Island Project. The itinerary was well-planned, ensuring we got to see all the key sights without feeling rushed. Russell & Divya, our guides are extremely knowledgeable and shared insights about the history of the island, cultural heritage, the rich flora & fauna, otters and so much more! Their attention to detail and excellent customer service made this trip unforgettable. We also had the chance to enjoy some delicious Goan cuisine at a local eatery! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Goa.

Russell curated a lovely walk that had bits of heritage, bits of ecology, and so much more, around Goltim in Divar. It was my first time on the island and I enjoyed the sights, sounds and stories very much. Look forward to more such explorations!

I took a guided walking tour of Divar Island, which was a refreshing change from the city’s traffic and pollution. After enjoying a prawn thaali at a local lunch spot, we began our exploration of the village roads, admiring the beautiful Goan houses and observing some abandoned ones overtaken by nature. The trail included narrow lanes, climbs, and patches of vegetation, stops at churches, temples, bunds, and farmlands, where we learned a lot from our hosts. They gave us a glimpse of the tight-knit local community that made us feel comfortable. The tour is perfect for those who love nature and the island is a paradise for bird watchers.

Divar island is my go-to place in Goa every time I visit India, and what better way than to explore it with the 'Divar Island project'? Both Divya and Russell radiate a warm and welcoming energy topped with knowledge about the island that sparks curiosity among the visitors. The best part of this time was making music by the riverbank among the mangroves as the sun set. It was such a magical experience. Highly recommended!

It was an initiative of Indian Army called "OP Sadbhaavna" To connect North Eastern kids to cities like Mumbai & Goa. We were honoured to host them on this trip. For which We chose to collaborate with @thedivarislandproject recently. We were were happy with Russell & Divya with the way they curated our Biodiversity walk on Divar. Best wishes to both of them for taking efforts towards conservation of the island.

If you love nature and peace and biodiversity then Russel is the man to go to at The Divar island nestled at the fork of Mandavi River. It’s the place owned by the Nature .

Thank you for the enjoyable and fascinating tour, and for hosting us in your home—it’s truly like a museum. Also, thanks for the delicious treats your friend prepared. Good luck with the project!

We had a wonderful experience with Divar Island Project, the tour was planned and organized well. Our host Russell was well informed and gave great insights that made the experience Awesome!