The monsoon will take over the Indian subcontinent for the next 4 months, and we shall be trekking carefully around the mountains and hills on the lush green, slippery roads. But once it subdues and the wind turns into a pleasant breeze, our heads will turn to the shimmering beaches. The sea calms by mid-October, and the array of water activities opens arms to adventure junkies. India has a vast coastline, but when people think about watersports, beaches, and frolicking, the first name that pops up in their minds is Goa.
The Best Time to Dive in Goa
Goa is at its best between mid-October and mid-April. The monsoon makes it so green that one can compare it with the emerald. Post-monsoon, the sun is perfectly radiant, the weather is moderately dry, and the water is blue and calm. This is the best time to dive into Goa. The clear water and amazing underwater visibility can give you the best scuba diving in Goa during this time of the year. It’s prime time to witness the glorious aquatic world. A word of advice is to be here right at the beginning of the diving season purely for the crystal-clear water quality. In October and November, there are fewer tourists compared to December and January; hence, it’s pretty relaxing otherwise as well.
Which one is the Best Place for Scuba Diving in Goa?
Grande Island: The Crown Jewel of Scuba Diving in Goa
A trip to Goa is incomplete without scuba diving at Grande Island. This spot is popular among tourists for scuba diving and other water sports. The island has recently grabbed a lot of attention for its rich aquatic diversity. It has more than 115 species of fish, which makes it rich in aquatic resources. Divers can see a shipwreck, reef patches, and coral-laden rocky stretches while diving. Imagine yourself diving in this blue heaven and reporting it to your friends once you are back home, or even flaunting your scuba videos on social media. The added perk of going to Grande Island is spotting dolphins while you are on your way there. Yes, you read it right; it’s pretty common to see these playful creatures emerging from the water around, and that sight is something to behold.
The Marine Life of Goa: A Closer Look at the Underwater Fauna and Flora
Goa isn’t just a party place for us humans; it’s a party place for many aquatic species, and that’s the reason an array of marine biodiversity is found along the coastline. From the open waters of Goa to the reefs of Grande Island, it is home to many aquatic plants and marine species. From mangroves and coral to dolphins and sea horses, Goa waters hold and nurture the water kingdom. This amazing biodiversity propels fisheries and tourism, which are the main occupations in this part of the country.
Every tourist must keep in mind not to litter around with plastic when in Goa (actually, we should stay away from littering everywhere). Every day, thousands of plastic water bottles, bags, wrappers, etc. are thrown into the water, threatening the well-nurtured ecosystem. The island waits in its complete glory with its arms open for the tourists, so in return, we should try to maintain its charm, right?
How to Choose the Right Scuba Diving Operator in Goa
This is the most vital part of your plan. Here are some pointers to consider when choosing an operator to dive with:
Price
Do not book an operator based on price. Some operators might offer you scuba diving in Goa for INR 1200/-, but they don’t give you enough time underwater, and at the same time, they don’t even take you deeper into the water where you can see corals or a shipwreck. They just take you 5 feet into the water, click pictures, and that’s it. ‘The cheaper the better’ doesn’t work when it comes to diving.
Google ratings
Check the ratings of the operator on Google and go ahead with the ones that are above 4 stars/points.
Call and talk
Make a call on the given numbers. Listen to the tone of the person talking on the phone, and ask as many questions as possible. Ask about the refund policy or any other genuine questions, and see if the executive replies politely.
Word of mouth
Ask for references of operators on your social media handles. Word-of-mouth publicity is the best, and friends, colleagues, and relatives surely give good suggestions based on their experiences.
Packages and offer
Check out scuba diving packages in Goa and seek information about offers. It’s not always a good idea to go for packages; sometimes it's better to do activities individually. SCUBA operators often tie up with other vendors and offer scuba diving and water sports packages. In such packages, the waiting time could be longer, and one may not want to wait that long. Instead of complaining later, get a clear idea of the waiting time before you book the package.
We go to Goa to feel happy, relaxed and rejuvenated. Water has the power to change the rhythm of our lives and allow us to groove to it. So save enough, plan well, and dive into the excitement of happiness.