Goa is one of India’s favourite holiday destinations, and stands for beaches, beer, and warm tropical waters. But thanks to the lush landscapes, rocky cliffs, thundering rivers, and sprawling beaches, there are also plenty of adventure activities to do.
The adventure sports industry in on the rise in Goa, with snorkeling, scuba diving, rafting and kayaking being some of the many options offered by the state for people looking for adventures with a group of friends or their family.
Unlike snorkeling, which only allows you to be an onlooker in the vast underwater world, scuba diving in Goa enables you to participate in it. With the freedom of being able to breathe underwater, you’ll be able to swim along the bottom, see more interesting marine life, and get closer looks at the coral formations.
Where else can you go diving in India? Check out our page on scuba diving in India.
Scuba diving in Goa
If you’re a novice to scuba diving or have never been scuba diving in Goa, you can book a Try Dive, which is a single dive of about 45 minutes in open water. With this, you'll study some theory so you understand how your gear works, and then you'll take a dip in a pool to learn some basic techniques. Finally, when you're ready, you'll head out into the open seas to try out your newly acquired skills, with your instructor, of course. You’ll only be able to go up to 12 metres/40 feet depth with this version of scuba diving in Goa. Try Dives are a good way to find out if you enjoy the experience of scuba, before you sign up for a full course.
If you’re attempting a course, you’ll spend more time on the theory, so that you understand the equipment better. You’ll also learn basic troubleshooting techniques and some nifty tricks that you can try out underwater. At the end of the course, if you’ve performed all your tasks to the satisfaction of the instructor, you’ll be awarded with the PADI or SSI certificate.
Special instructions for scuba diving in Goa
Most scuba diving companies will ask you to fill in a medical questionnaire and even a liability waiver form. Do make sure you are honest about your health issues, because your instructor should be prepared for all possibilities underwater. If you have a history of lung disorders, cardiac issues, asthma, diabetes, or if you have recently undergone surgery, you should talk to your doctor and the scuba diving provider before booking.
Best time to go scuba diving in Goa:
If you’re booking a scuba diving trip, you should plan to go in the summer months of March to June. This is when the water is comfortable, and the sea is calm. You’ll also be able to enjoy better visibility at this time of the year.
Other adventures in Goa
Even though Goa is the smallest state in India, it is still a major tourist destination, with tourists arriving from all over the world. Goa is a place of diverse beauty including green forests, extensive coastline, rivers and cliffs, along with a rich cultural heritage.
Apart from scuba diving in Goa, there are many other adventures that you can do: like trekking, cycling and motorbiking trips, kayaking, etc. Visit our page on adventure activities in Goa to explore the options and make your visit to Goa even more adventurous
Scuba Diving in Goa Summary
- State: Goa
- Total days: 1-4 days
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Max depth: 40-100 feet
- Season: Summer
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