Goa is the ultimate destination for thrill seekers to fulfill their fantasy of playing with the splashing waters and explore the depths of ocean. Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Goa is blessed with an exotic marine life which has made it a popular diving destination in India. When in Goa, you should definitely indulge in scuba diving to come face to face with underwater life. While daring divers can go for exploring the waters at most hotels and beaches in Goa, beginners also can take scuba diving lessons and training at scuba diving schools in Goa for partaking in this thrilling sport. Amongst all the water sports, the best scuba diving tours in Goa are one of the most sought after activities enticing the excitement and curiosity of most travelers.
Explore the wrecks of past wars off the coast in the waters that touch Goa. Not only the fascinating ship wrecks but also the diverse marine life which includes a different color pallet, turtles, reef sharks and aquatic plants add an interesting twist to the diving experience in Goa. Some of major diving sites in Goa are Grande Island, Pigeon Island and Agatti Island. There are also some shallow sites between Venugurla and Malvan which is about 2 hours away from the capital city of Panaji which provide scuba diving. The enthralling experience of scuba diving can be enjoyed with the help of professionals and trained scuba divers in Goa who guide you every step of the way. All you need to do is to just shed your inhibitions, familiarize yourself with the equipment and take a cool plunge for exploring the breathtaking landscape under the waters of Arabian Sea. So just imagine the adrenaline rush you feel as you dive into the water with a plethora of aquatic flora and fauna in front of you in the clear azure waters of Goa. If you really want to take a closer look at what reflects the true beauty of nature, the best scuba diving tours in Goa are highly recommended for everyone.
People Also Ask About Scuba Diving in Goa
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Where can I go for Scuba diving in Goa? Which is the best place to do scuba diving in Goa?
There are a lot of places where you can enjoy the ride to witness the underwater world. Here is a list of all major scuba diving spots in Goa:
- Cove of Shelter- Depth 8 metres
- Reef of Uma Guma - Depth 14 metres
- Bay of Bounty - Depth 6 metres
- Wreck of Suzy’s - Depth 30 metres
- The Jetty - Depth 6 to 8 metres
- Locker of Davy Jones - Depth 14 metres
- The Turbo Tunnel - Depth 8 to 10 metres
- Sail Rock - Depth 8 to 24 metres
- Grande Banks - Depth 4 to 8 metres
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Which is the best time for scuba diving in Goa?
The scuba diving season in Goa starts from mid-October and goes on until the mid of April. As the water temperature in Goa remains around 27-30° C throughout these few months, diving for beginners as well as experts becomes very comfortable.
Exactly why Goa is considered to be one of the best places in India.
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Can kids do scuba diving in Goa?
The minimum age required to participate in scuba diving is 10 years. Scuba diving requires an individual to follow a certain set of instructions and understand them thoroughly. Kids of age 10 and below may fail to implement these guidelines.
However, there is no maximum age limit. So the entire family can engage in this activity while children younger than the age of 10 years can participate in other activities like snorkeling and PADI bubblemakers.
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What is the minimum and maximum age for scuba diving in Goa?
The minimum age required to dive in the sea is 10 years while there is no maximum age limit to experience the underwater world and thrill.
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What is the duration of scuba diving in Goa?
Your scuba diving can be of different durations at different places. Normally, it is a 15 minute to 20 minute dive wherein you are easily able to take a glimpse into the underwater world coral reef and fishes.
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What is the average cost of scuba diving in Goa?
The average cost of scuba diving in Goa is INR 2000 ($3) per head for a total diving time of 15 minutes. You may observe a change in the price depending upon the location.
Usually, these are fixed rates but you can try your luck and bargain in case many of you are up for their service.
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Can a non-swimmer go for scuba diving in Goa?
Yes, a non-swimmer can go for a scuba diving experience with no worries. They can master the art as efficiently as a swimmer. You do not need to be a swimmer to have any experience in the ocean to try Scuba Diving.
If you’re a non-swimmer it is normal for you to be very nervous on your first diving experience, but don’t worry, you’re not going to drown. Just focus on the instructions given by your instructor and you’re good to go!
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What precautions should be taken before going for scuba diving in Goa?
Below are a few rules that you can practise for a safe scuba diving experience.
- Never hold your breath, ever!
- Practice safe descents
- Check your gear beforehand
- Dive only within your limits
- Stay physically fit
- Never dive alone!
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What is special about scuba diving?
Goa has many spots where you can indulge in scuba diving activity. It is a go-to destination where experts experiment and beginners learn. The various spots here have different water depths that welcome a beginner as well as a professional.
So every enthusiast can choose a spot according to their convenience and experience. Moreover, the water temperature in Goa remains around 27-30° C throughout the months of October to mid April which is considered to be the best time for scuba diving in Goa. Hence, as the climate and weather conditions are totally suitable, this activity in Goa is special and fun filled.
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Is diving safe for an asthma patient?
Just like it is with all divers, the individual health of the person must be taken into account before determining whether scuba diving is a safe option for that individual or not.
An asthma patient may be at a higher risk of injuries but that can also be the case with any other individual who has a relatively poor physical shape. In case your health is good overall and stress is not a major trigger for you, diving can be an activity that you can enjoy without any fear.
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What are the most common injuries or sicknesses associated with scuba diving?
Here’s a list of injuries or sickness that you may incur after a scuba diving experience. These temporary sickness feelings are very normal and will gradually stop.
However, if you face trouble for long, it is best advisable to consult a doctor.
- High pressure
- Impaired thinking or drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
- Panic
- Loss of balance and disorientation
- Bites and stings from various marine life
- Sunburn and heat disorders
- Cuts and bruises
- Motion sickness
- Pain in the ears
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My ears hurt when I dive to the bottom of a pool. Won’t they hurt when I dive in the sea?
The pain in the ears is a normal sickness associated with diving. This happens because in normal situations, the air inside your ear is at the same pressure as the air outside your ear. But when you dive, the water outside causes excess pressure inside your ears that causes the eardrum to expand like a spring.
This is exactly why your ears hurt! So when your ears hurt after diving in a pool or the sea, don’t panic. It gets back to normal after the pressure inside and outside the ears is equal.
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What does the scuba divers Never-to-do checklist look like?
While we all understand certain rules of scuba diving, it is also important to know what shouldn't be done during and after a scuba diving experience.
Here is a list of no-to do- things you can make a note of:
Scuba Diving Don’ts
- Never drink and dive
- Never eat a big meal before diving
- Never dive immediately after eating. Wait for at least two hours after eating before you start scuba diving
- Never dive outside of your comfort level or your limits
- Never dive with broken equipment and gear
- Never dive alone
- Never hold your breath
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What are the diving courses available in Goa?
There are a number of scuba diving institutes that train you in scuba diving and offer a wide variety of SSI and PADI certification courses. Right from beginners level to expert level, these institutes have courses for everyone.
Here few types of courses:
- PADI Open Water Diving Course - 4 days
- PADI Advanced Diver - 2 days
- PADI Rescue Diver - 4 days
- PADI Divemaster - 7 days
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Are there any certifications available for scuba diving in Goa?
Yes, there are several certifications available for scuba diving enthusiasts. Anybody and everybody who wishes to be a certified diver can apply, get trained and achieve this certificate.
PADI is one renowned certification that allows you to dive as a certified diver throughout India. It offers many certifications in Goa.
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What is the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving?
Snorkeling is a swimming activity with a snorkel. Here, a mask and a tube is required that helps you to breath through your mouth when floating underwater yet near the surface of the water. In this activity, the swimmer’s entire body is under water.
The diver's nose and eyes are covered by a diving mask and the diver cannot breathe in through the nose, except when wearing a full face diving mask. The diver adapts to inhaling from a regulator's mouthpiece.
Scuba diving activity lets you go deep inside the water to examine the bed of the sea or a lake. Here, you have to wear a tight fitted diving suit and breathe through an oxygen tank. Head & nose of the diver are underwater.
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Which are the reputable scuba diving center in Goa?
Following are a few reputable scuba diving centres in Goa. They train and provide you with a scuba diving certificate that make you a certified diver.
- Dive Goa
- Atlantis Watersports
- Goa Aquatics
- Barracuda Diving
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What is the minimum duration required to learn scuba diving in Goa?
There is no fixed duration required to learn scuba diving in Goa. The duration depends on how well your body adapts to the underwater situations and implements the learned technique. There are institutes that provide 2 days as well as 2 month courses.
It depends on whether you’re learning this activity just for a hobby or to pursue this field as a professional. In the second case, you have to go through different levels of training to eventually be called an expert diver.

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- South Goa

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- North Goa

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- North Goa

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Goa Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Goa
Dudhsagar Falls of Goa is a majestic waterfall where the white water gushing through the steep and vertical face of the mountain portrays a cascading effect. Standing as tall as 310 metres, it makes sure to stand in the list of tallest waterfalls in India. The cascading effect of this waterfall gives rise to the illusion of a milky white sea falling from such a great height. This is how the Falls acquired its name – Dudhsagar Falls. The four-tiered waterfall marks its presence along the Mandovi River in the Sanguem taluka (Goa). The main river of Goa – Mandovi, originating from the Deccan Plateau winds its way through the twists and turns of the Western Ghats. As soon as the river plummets through the hilly cover lying along the borders of Karnataka and Goa, it transforms into Dudhsagar Falls.The moment the water gushing out from the Falls flow towards its feet, it forms a green pool at its base. It is from here that the water of the Dudhsagar Falls starts flowing westwards to join and be a part of the mighty Arabian Sea. The entire landmark in the backdrop of the falls is covered with a vastly stretched forest cover. This is how the Dudhsagar Falls form a part of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Embark the wildlife researching skills within you as there this sanctuary shelters a plethora of wildlife. In the past few years, the popularity of the Dudhsagar Falls has increased ten-fold as one of the most preferred weekend getaways from each of the cities of Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune. If you’ve got a big group or a family, you surely must check-in the Dudhsagar Falls for a short family outing.

Also called St. Catherine's Cathedral this 16th-century masterpiece took 80 long years to finish and is one of the largest churches in the world. The Cathedral attains to the west of the great square called Terreiro de Sabato and has its face turned to the east. A flight of steps approaches its beautiful courtyard. It was consecrated in 1640 and was built to honour the triumph of the Portuguese over the Muslim rulers of the city.Owing to such a magnificent aura and the glory, Se Cathedral has been stated as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is known as the largest church in Asia, and also has a giant bell and its elegant architecture makes it a majestic white beauty. Se Cathedral also endures the honour of being the seat of the Archdiocese of Goa. Se Cathedral is home to the historic “Golden Bell” which is famous around the world as it is the largest bell with a rich sound. When you will visit the church now you will be amused to witness the amazing construction techniques and designs used while building the church. The intricate work on wood in the interiors of the church add to its beauty as it the wonderful work of art. This place is a combination of peace and beauty, visiting this place will not only rejuvenate you but will also fill you up with positivity.Legend of Saint Catherine of Se CathedralCredits: NagarjunCatherine was a lady who was considered as a Christian Saint according to tradition, and was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the pagan Emperor Maxentius. It is believed that she was both a princess and a noted scholar, who became a Christian at around the age of 14 and also converted hundreds of people to Christianity, and was martyred around the age of 18. Catherine was known to be a spiritual pathfinder and raise her voice against the oppression of the Christians under the rule of Roman emperor Maxentius. She was so strong and logical with her arguments that the king himself was incapable of countering them and has a then he formed a committee of 50 philosophers to debate her ideas.However, even the assembly conceded defeat in front of her and confessed Christianity as their belief. Out of anger, the king burnt the philosophers alive and sentenced st.catherine to prison. Catherine did not give up, and she was succeeded in converting not only the jailers but also the king's wife. It is believed that she showed the path of Christianity to 200 people. Even when she was facing the worse condition of her life, she continued to stretch the word of Jesus. She was honoured with the title of"patroness of the wheel-wrights" because it is believed then when she was fastened to a spiked wheel as it was mentioned in her death sentence the wheel broke and she was left uninjured. And when she was finally beheaded, it is said that angle took her remains and laid them to rest atop Mount Sinai. When you visit the Se Cathedral, you can witness the Saint Catherine ornaments, a crown portraying her royal birth and has a book in her hands, which signifies her sound knowledge as she points a spiked wheel, which reveals her martyrdom.Se Cathedral HistoryThe Cathedral is devoted to St. Catherine of Alexandria, it is said that it was built to celebrate the victory of the Portuguese ruler Alfonso Albuquerque who destroyed the Muslim army and took ownership of the city of Goa. Consequently, it is also called St. Catherine's' Cathedral. In 1953, the Cathedral was presented with "The Golden Rose" by Venerable Pope Pius XII. It is a gold ornament, which the Popes of the Catholic Church have traditionally favoured and given as a symbol of devotion or affection.You can witness it as it is placed on the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. It was approved by Governor George Cabral to be spread in 1552 on the remains of an earlier structure. The formation of the church began in 1562. The church was completed in 1619 and was consecrated in 1640. It is a perfect place to experience a blend of peace and tranquillity. You will be filled with positivity when you will visit this sacred place.The architecture of Se Cathedral The architecture of Se Cathedral is awe-inspiring and elegant. The architectural style is a blend of Gothic elements and typical Portuguese style, or you can say that the architecture style of the Se Cathedral is Portuguese-Manueline. There were two different techniques that were opted to make the church. The exterior was made in Tuscan style and the interior has been built in and Corinthian style. With dimensions of 250 feet long and 181 feet wide, this church has a delightfully decorated entrance that measures around 115 feet in height. The church is amazingly decorated, yet the style is intriguing and simple. The Cathedral has been built on an elevated base of laterite, which is covered with the thick lime plaster.You can also see the bell tower which is located on the southern side of the façade. The building of the church is rectangular on the plan but has a cruciform layout in the interior. The main altar is devoted to Catherine of Alexandria, and you can also see several old paintings on either side of it. You can also see the Chapel, which is known as the Cross of Miracles, it is believed that there was an image of Christ that was said to have appeared in 1619.

Baga is a famous beach destination in North Goa that attracts thousands of tourists and watersports lovers to its heart. The beach shares its coastal line from the environs of Sinquerim, Candolim, and Baga, with the Baga shore being more lively and enticing. This bubbly beach is one of the best in Goa that stays awake the whole night. Called as "The Hometown of Nightlife," Baga beach is reputed for its cranky music celebrations by late-night, mouth-watering food, designer shops, and adventure sports.Tourism in Goa’s coasts got ignited by 1960 after the famous summer gathering of hippies from San Francisco. Baga beach then became popular among foreigners and slowly more exciting ventures like fishing, paddleboarding, discos, and tattoo shops started in the mainland. Named after “Baga Creek in Baga”, the tidal residuary channel that drains into the Arabian sea, Baga beach in Goa is also well organized with parking facilities and is maintained tidy by the local governing authorities, besides experiencing hordes of travelers clubbing around. Baga town is surrounded by the Baga river, and spotting the place where the river and the “sea meet, is a beautiful view to bait your eyes. Dolphins can also spotted deeper in the blue ocean and there are some spotting trips organized by local ship owners to spot the sea mammal.
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