So you’ve just moved into your beautiful new luxury villa in Goa and you’re now on the hunt for things to do in the state that has now become your home. While Goa is popularly frequented by people looking to relax by the beach and maybe grab a few drinks, Goa also has a tonne of things for the more adventurous. Whether it’s trekking, camping outdoors, or white water rafting, there is so much to do in this coastal state. And SCUBA diving is perhaps the most popular in Goa.

There are many operators that help facilitate the dives in a number of beautiful and scenic locations. While it does help to know how to swim, the best part about SCUBA diving is that even if you don’t, most SCUBA diving courses in Goa include a basic training program before taking you out into the sea. It’s here that you will learn how to handle the equipment, and how to maneuver underwater. It goes without saying that all SCUBA tours are guided, so you will never be alone.

So if you’re looking to see a side of Goa that you haven’t yet explored, here are the three best places for SCUBA diving in Goa that you have to check out.

1. Grande Island

Grande Island is one of the most popular locations for SCUBA diving in South Goa. Located just off the coast of Vasco da Gama which is about an hour and a half away from Anjuna and Assagao by car, Grande Island has a plethora of options for the novice and the experienced diver alike.

The diving depth ranges from 7 to 20 meters, and there are a number of different spots to choose from. You could try out ‘Suzies Wreck’ which is a sunken British ship that went down in 1930 and is now resting on a bay covered in corals and mussels. When you go for a dive, if you’re lucky, you can still spot cargo from the ship, along with parrotfish, angelfish, snappers, and more.

If you’re a professional SCUBA diver and would like a bit of a challenge, you can check out ‘Davy Jones Locker’ and ‘Sail Rock’. Both these sites have a depth of about 20 meters. The former is another sunken ship, and a breeding ground for tuna and mullets, while the latter is famous for its corals. Both sites have strong currents, which makes it very challenging hence it is only recommended to very experienced divers. The best time to visit Grande Island and all its dive sites is between October and February when the waters are calm and the weather is perfect. Diving packages start as low as ₹3000 and go up to about ₹16,000.

2. Malvan

In the diving community, Malvan is among the most favoured diving venues in all of Goa, though technically, Malvan falls under Maharashtra. With its pristine white sand beaches, Malvan is a mini paradise, often compared to the gorgeous island of Tahiti. Located a mere 2 hours by car from Assagao and Anjuna, Malvan is popular for all kinds of water sports and activities. Apart from SCUBA diving, you can enjoy boat rides along the backwaters of the Tarkarli River, or try Jet Skis and Banana boats. 

However, since you’re here for SCUBA diving, you will find that the Malvan waters are crystal clear, making it one of the best places for SCUBA diving in Goa. The depth of the water ranges from 5 to 25 meters, and along the outer walls of the Sindhudurg fort, you will find all manner of live corals and colourful marine life. It really is a treat for beginners and professionals alike. Probably the best part about SCUBA diving at Malvan is the fact that packages start as low as ₹2500 per person – so what are you waiting for?!

3. Sao George Island

If you’re an absolute beginner and have never been on a dive before, then a trip to Sao George Island is a highly recommended location for SCUBA diving in South Goa. With shallow waters ranging from a mere 4 meters to 14 meters, Sao George Island is perfect for the novice swimmer. The island itself is located just 25km from Goa in the South and can be reached by boat in just about an hour and a half.

There are a variety of different dive sites around the island, and diving here is extremely relaxed. With visibility of roughly 10 meters to a few feet, while diving at about 4 to 5 meters underwater, you will see a wide variety of marine life and hard corals. The best time to visit the island is between October and May which is when the waters are at their clearest, and SCUBA packages cost as low as ₹3500. Instructors here are geared more towards first-time divers, which means a day before the dive, pre-pool sessions are conducted for a few hours to acquaint beginners with the equipment as well as the basics.

Are you ready to explore Goa’s underwater life? Let us know about your experience of SCUBA diving in Goa in the comments below.

Looking for more fun things to do in Goa, having recently moved here? Check out our blog.