Goa is a popular tourist destination for all those travelling to and through India. Get a glimpse of the Indo-Portuguese culture and history along with its many beaches, forts, picturesque sceneries, charming festivals and delicious food.

If you are planning a trip to the party hub of South India, then why not take a different route and explore beyond the clubs and beaches of Goa. The waters of Goa are just as vibrant as life on land! 

The perfect way to explore the Goan waters is through scuba diving. In this article, we'll talk about all the best scuba diving sites in Goa, the best time to visit, other sports you can try out and more information!

1. Grande Island

Grande Island (also known as “Ilha Grande Island”) is one of the most beautiful islands in Goa, located 12 kilometres from Vasco da Gama. It is a serene water sports haven comprising a group of three smaller islands.

• Popular Diving Spots: Suzy’s Wreck, Sail Rock, Turbo Tunnel, Coral Garden, Umma Gumma, Bounty Bay, Shelter Cove, Sao Gorge Island.
  
• Attractions: Shipwrecks, dolphins, corals, sea turtles, rays, sharks, octopus, snappers, giant groupers, barracuda, trevally, batfish, blue-ringed angelfish, stingrays, nudibranchs.
• Depth: 4m - 20m
  
• Costs: Individual dives - ₹2,500 - ₹6,000 & Courses - ₹7,000 - ₹30,000

2. Baga Beach

Near Calangute Beach, about 30km north of Panjim lies Baga Beach, one of North Goa's busiest beaches. Travellers can experience their ideal beach vacation because it is lined with a variety of tattoo parlours, tarot stores, spas, sun decks, games and activities. One of the most exciting adventure activities to do in Baga is scuba diving!

• Popular Diving Spots: Calangute-Baga beach
• Attractions: Corals and marine life such as transparent jellyfish, lionfish, kingfish, moray eels, manta rays, and crustaceans.
• Depth: Up to 10m
• Costs: Individual dives: ₹2,000 - ₹7,000

3. Baina Beach

Baina beach is a great hideout for those who want to enjoy swimming in the crystal sea water or try some adrenaline-charged water sports. It is famous for all the adventure activities offered such as underwater sea walking, kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, dolphin safari and scuba diving.

• Popular Diving Spots: Baina Beach
  
• Attractions: Coral reefs and rich tropical marine life.
• Depth: Up to 10m
  
• Costs: Individual dives: Approximately up to ₹2,000

4. Bat Island

Bat Island is a small island group located near Grande Island in Goa. It is famous for snorkelling and scuba diving experiences. This island is home to many coral reefs and seabeds that are rich in marine life.

• Popular Diving Spots: Pequeno Island
• Attractions: Brimming coral reefs, aquatic life like dolphins and various tropical fishes.
• Depth: Up to 10m
  
• Costs: Individual dives: ₹1,500 - ₹5,000

October to May are the best months to visit Goa if you want to go scuba diving and explore the water kingdom.

During these months, if you are scuba diving at Grande Island, you might be lucky enough to spot different whales, dolphins, sharks, rays and other gentle oceanic creatures!

Before you go scuba diving in Goa, be sure to carry these essential items:

• Valid ID proof is a must
• Swimwear, synthetic shorts and a T-shirt
• Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
• Dry bag and towels
• First aid kit
• Underwater camera, if needed with a case to protect your camera from getting wet.

Scuba diving operators in Goa will provide you with scuba diving equipment. Be sure to check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions. 

Go for a medical check-up before your scuba dive to ensure that you are fit enough and don't face any complications mid-dive. 

• Dive only in areas that are designated for scuba diving. 
• Always pay attention to your instructor and follow the rules or guidelines that they have set down.
• Avoid eating a big meal before scuba diving. Wait for at least 2 hours after eating before you go scuba diving.
• Avoid diving under the influence of substances or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
• There should be a time gap of at least 24 hours between flying and going scuba diving.

It doesn't matter if you are an experienced swimmer or not, in Goa, you have the chance to explore the deep blue sea through many scuba diving operators and training programs. Scuba diving in Goa can be your new and riveting adventure activity, that will create memories for a lifetime!

Read more:

• 20 Best Beaches in Goa
• Top 15 Hill Stations Near Goa
• 20 Best Places to Visit in Goa
• What Is Goa Famous For?
• 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa