The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Goa | Solo Female Travel
Are you a water baby? And, an adventure junkie? If so, the long-stretching beaches of Goa await your arrival. The tiny little Portuguese town is a sought-after destination for all adrenaline-pumped water sports. And, out of all such activities, scuba diving is the prominent one and lures travellers across the globe. So, if scuba diving has been on your bucket list for quite some time, Goa is the perfect place to tick it off. It is exhilarating and lets you explore the water in a new way.
Well, I think I’ll run out of words to describe the sensation of diving in Goa—you’ll have to experience the exotic underwater wonderland. And this blog post will help you with everything you need to know for a successful dive into the ocean on your next solo trip to Goa. So, take a quick look at my ultimate guide to scuba diving in Goa, and I am sure it will pique your interest.
What is the highlight of scuba diving in Goa?
With all that being said, do you know what makes scuba diving unique in Goa? It is that you may get glimpses of submerged vessels of World War II. It is exciting to see the bits and pieces of history underwater, and it satiates the explorer’s soul. Thus, be ready for such surprises along with beautiful coral reefs and diverse aquatic life.
What are the different categories of scuba diving in Goa?
Scuba diving in Goa is usually divided into three categories. You can opt for the one that suits you the most. And the best part is even if you do not know how to swim, you can engage in scuba diving in Goa.
The open-water try dives are ideal for non-swimmers to try out this adventurous sport. You will be trained by certified instructors and can dive for 30 to 40 minutes.
Apart from that, there are certified courses as well. If you’re interested in diving and are serious about it, I recommend taking the PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructor: Scuba Diver or Open Water Courses. This course allows you to dive deeper than 20 feet.
Pro tip: Build a good rapport with your instructor to dive into the best parts of the site.
The best dive spots in Goa
The dive sites are what take your diving to the next level. There are several popular dive sites in Goa to choose from:
Grande Island – a dive beyond imagination
The popular and most-loved dive spot in Goa is Grande Island. Scuba diving at Grande Island is one of the best things in South Goa. You can reach this island easily via a boat ride from the nearest Bogmalo Beach. And the journey to the site is exciting in itself. You can spot dolphins jumping out of the water and doing a short cameo.
This dive site has the best dive schools because the clear visibility and shallow water create the ideal diving atmosphere. You will come across sea urchins, fishes, coral reefs, World War II warships, and sunken vessels at Grande Island.
Umma Gumma Reef
Do you want to learn about the lives of sea creatures? Then Umma Gumma Reef is one of the best places to do it. This location is near Grande Island and offers stunning scenic beauty. You can dive in depths from 6 to 12 metres. If luck is by your side, you may encounter colourful tunas, sharks, turtles, snappers, and even dolphins.
Calangute Beach
One of the most crowded beaches of Goa, Calangute Beach, is filled with water sports. And scuba diving is one of them. If you’re new to this sport, the dive site at Calangute Beach will be suitable for you to get acquainted with the sport.
Baga Beach
One of the popular beaches in Goa, Baga beach, allows you to taste the waters of Goa. It is the safest dive site I have come across in Goa. And along with that, the diverse aquatic flora and fauna add to the diving experience.
Suzy’s Wreck
The divers in Goa have access to two shipwrecks – Suzy and Davy Jones Locker. And Suzy’s Wreck, or SS Rita, is one of the dive sites where you can witness the wreck of a British cargo vessel. Moreover, you can also spot Barracudas, Snappers, Lionfish, Sergeant Major, Sweetlips, etc.
Besides, there are no strong water currents. Both newbies and pro-divers can dive from this spot. You can join the two-day sessions and witness the wreck at last.
Sail Rock
This is one of the best diving places and is located 1 kilometre from Grande Island. It is home to many fishes, corals, and aquatic life. However, the water currents are strong here, and surges are possible, thus making it a difficult dive. So if you have prior experience in diving, Sail Rock will be the best choice for you. You can dive to a depth of 6 to 20 metres for a thrill-filled experience.
Cost of scuba diving in Goa
The cost of scuba diving starts from Rs.1500 and can go up to Rs.20000 and above if you want to complete the courses. And it depends on the category you choose to dive into, the dive spots, and the scuba diving centre. To clarify, I have formed this chart of different scuba courses and schools with their cost, address, and duration.
Name of the school | Cost per person (tax excluded) | Duration of a session | Address |
Dive Goa | Rs.4000 for a 20-minute session and | 20-minute session or 40-minute session | SinQ Night Club, Candolim, Goa |
Scuba Evolution | Rs.5500 | One and a half day | H. No. 840, Villa Sorronto, D'Mello Vaddo Anjuna Stereo Junction, Anjuna, Goa |
Sea Water Sports | Rs.2200 | 45 minutes | Flysports Adventure Park, Vadawal, Latambarcem, Goa |
Goa Aquatics | Rs.6000 for beginners | Two days | Little Italy, 136/1 Guaravaddo, Calangute, Goa |
Barracuda | Rs.7000 for an entry-level course | Two half-days: 10 am to 1 pm on day 1 and 8 am to 2 pm on day 2 | SH1, Mother Agnes Field View, Santarxette, Aldona, Goa |
Goa Diving | Rs.6000 for beginners | One day | Goa diving , Adjacent to bogmalo panchayat, Bogmalo Beach, Chicolna, Vasco da Gama, Goa |
The best time for scuba diving in Goa
The best time for scuba diving is in the peak season of Goa, i.e., October to mid-May. During this time, you will have great visibility, and the water remains warm for a comfortable dive. It remains shut in the monsoon season, i.e., June to September.
Things to keep in mind before diving
No matter what adventure sport you partake in, it is important to keep certain things in mind. Therefore, I have listed a few points for scuba diving that you might need to know.
- You should have a light meal before your drive, or you might feel sick.
- Do not drink and dive.
- Wear fitted swimwear and make sure you’re comfortable in it.
- Avoid wearing any kind of jewellery, as it might create a problem for you underwater.
- It is better to understand every piece of equipment and its function. Also, do not forget to double-check them before diving into the ocean.
- Carry your waterproof action camera like GoPro to capture the underwater world at its best.
- Keep in mind to fill up the form with utmost honesty, and do not forget to mention if you have any medical conditions.
- And lastly, listen to the rule and strictly adhere to them for a safe and smooth underwater experience.
Is it worth doing scuba diving in Goa?
So, if you’re trying scuba diving for the first time and you’re worried about your safety, I would suggest you keep those thoughts at bay and take the plunge into the water. You’re in absolutely safe hands with the instructors. But, in case you have prior experience and have second thoughts about diving in Goa, I can assure you it will be worth every penny you spend on it. In short, scuba diving is worth a try in Goa.
To better understand Goa, you can read my article on the ultimate solo travel guide to Goa. I’m sure it’ll give you all the insights you want.
So, gear up for an unparalleled underwater experience in Goa. And, if you have already experienced Scuba Diving in Goa, I would love to know about your experience. Share them in the comments! Until next time, happy travelling, ladies.