If you are someone who lives in India and has longed for adventure in their lives, then this article is for you. The place where you can engage in water sports adventures is right near your home. It is none other than Goa. Though Goa is more associated with parties, relaxation Activities. Adventures relating to water activities are also easily available in this incredible place. Scuba Diving has been growing exceedingly popular for the past few years. Earlier scuba diving was available in countries outside India only. But now in places like Goa, Andaman and Lakshadweep, scuba diving is one of the popular activities to do. Though Andaman may be better as a scuba diving destination, in case, you are a novice, Goa is appropriate for you. If you are planning on visiting Goa and you are thinking about Scuba diving, read the whole article to know more. Before undergoing a scuba diving session in Goa, you have to know more about the process and its cost. Goa is one of the best places where you can learn about scuba diving without making a hole in your pocket. After reading this article you will have a clear idea about what to expect while scuba diving in Goa.
5 facts which you must know to have a successful scuba diving session in Goa
As you have read earlier, Goa is best for your scuba diving session if you have never experienced the activity. Since the water in Goa is much stable and calmer, unlike Andaman. You will get quite little underwater currents while doing scuba diving in Goa. Not only that, but you get to do scuba diving at a price which is quite less than any other places. Goa offers some of the best affordable packages for scuba diving or snorkeling or kayaking. You will get to know about the prices and packages later in this article. But before going to Goa, there are some important facts which you must know. They are:
Get started with the session of Scuba diving
You may already know this, that Grand island is the place where thousands of tourists every year come to visit to engage in water sports activities in Goa. Here, you will get to meet several trainers and coaches who are happy to help you to have a safe scuba diving experience. You will encounter several agencies that offer packages regarding water sports activities. Some of these packages are quite reasonable. Not only Standard diving, but you can also be a certified diver after getting trained for seven to ten days. Grand island is Goa is one of the hottest spots for availing scuba diving Activities because of the unique features the packages there come with. You get to record videos and take pictures of the entire trip. You will never forget the magnificent view of flora and fauna which you will get to encounter at the time of your diving session. Before engaging in any activity which forces you to go underwater, you must have the necessary certificates which deem you to be fit. In case, you have any fatal condition or disease, you will not be allowed to learn scuba diving.
Equipment provided to you for scuba diving
To successfully learn scuba diving, you have to be equipped with gears to survive underwater. Those gears will be provided to you by the company you bought the scuba diving package from. The necessary pieces of equipment are:
Snorkel and face mask
To experience the true beauty of marine life underwater, you will require a face mask to see everything clearly. The mask is attached to the snorkel which as you may already know lets you breathe properly and comfortably.
Fins made of Rubber
You will need rubber fins to ease your movement underwater. These are strapped to you so that you can enjoy the whole session thoroughly without any hindrance.
Oxygen tank and Buoyancy and Regulatory control equipment
These are crucial for your sustenance underwater. Without these, you will not be able to breathe. The oxygen tank is essential for your respiration.
Wet suit
Though this suit is worn by divers to control and regulate their body temperature, it is not essential in Goa. Because Goa is quite humid and warm due to its subtropical climate, hence you can wear your normal clothes underwater too. In case you want to avail the suite, please note you will have to pay an extra sum of money to rent that.
An interesting fact about scuba diving is that you can do it even if you do not know how to swim.
Popular Dive Sites around Goa
There are multiple sites which are famous for scuba diving in Goa. Some of them are included below. They are:
Grande Island
Grande Island is famous for water sports activities since it offers a depth of 7 meters to 20 meters. This profundity level gives you amazing jump spots, which are the main attraction of this island. Not only scuba diving but from this place you can get views of dolphins, ocean turtles, and other marine creatures as well. The packages offered on this island are worth your money as they are pretty reasonable. This Island is located at 47 Km from Goa. The scuba diving package will also include the pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel.
Pigeon Island
Though this island is 100 km away from Goa, the jumping locations on the island will make it worth the distance. The island is shaped like a heart and is a beautiful place to visit. You can visit this place from Murudeshwar in Karnataka too.
Sao Gorge Island
Located at a distance of only 25 Km from Goa, this island is perfect for you if you are scared of the scuba diving experience. In this island, you can take plunges easily even if you are a novice and a non-swimmer. The depth of the water is only 4-15 meters and hence the jumps will be pretty shallow too.
Different types of scuba diving packages
There are several scuba diving packages available in Goa. They vary with the expertise level of the diver. The packages are:
Non-swimmer
If you do not know how to swim, this package is for you. You will be provided with a life jacket, all the pieces of equipment mentioned above. Apart from the scuba diving session, you will get to do sightseeing as well. The trip comes with snacks and beverages. You will be given a briefing for about twenty minutes before the session. You will also be provided with a 45-minute training session in a swimming pool.
Swimmers
In case you know how to swim, you will not have to undergo a training session at the swimming pool for 45 minutes before the starting of the session. Apart from that, other aspects of the package remain the same. The total diving time will be around twenty minutes.
Jumpers
If you are a certified diver, you can avail of this package at Grande Island. The diving packages usually include two dives along with the things mentioned above.
Course for scuba diving
In case you want to be a certified scuba diver but you do not have much time, you can be one by availing this course. In only two days, this package will offer you classes for scuba diving and three sessions which will be conducted in a swimming pool. After getting trained, you will get to go for two dives. At the end of the package, you will be provided with a certificate in scuba diving.
Restrictions for scuba diving
There are some restrictions in case of scuba diving in Goa. They are:
- A person with back injuries, heart conditions, Epilepsy, neck injuries or osteoporosis is not allowed to do scuba diving.
- In case you are pregnant, you will not be allowed to do scuba diving.
- You cannot bring a child below the age of twelve years for scuba diving.
- You cannot get on a flight right after the scuba diving session. A gap of at least 18 hours is required between the flight and the session.
- People with a phobia of water are not encouraged to undergo a scuba diving session.
Lastly
If you want to seek some adventure in your life then scuba diving can have no alternative. For a first-timer, this activity is not only safe but completely easy due to the clear instructions and assistance given by the trainers in Goa. You can fulfil your dream of exploring the marine life underwater through this trip.
