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Scuba Diving in Goa – Frequently Asked Questions

Beginners First Dive Pricing Safety Medical Courses Location Season Booking Equipment
For First-Timers

Beginner Scuba Diving FAQs

No, swimming is not required for introductory scuba diving experiences at FlyingFish. Scuba diving and swimming are entirely different activities. You'll wear specialised equipment that keeps you buoyant and allows you to breathe comfortably underwater. Your SSI-certified instructor stays right beside you with 1:1 guidance throughout the dive. Plenty of our divers have never swum a lap in their lives. If you plan to pursue certification courses like SSI Open Water Diver, basic swimming ability (200m swim and 10-minute float) is required.

Yes. Goa is one of the easiest places in India to start scuba diving. FlyingFish runs first-time diver experiences at Grand Island, where the water is calm and the dive sites are shallow (6–12 metres). You'll get a full safety briefing, pool training, and a dedicated 1:1 instructor. No prior experience needed.

The minimum age for scuba diving at FlyingFish is 10 years, following international SSI safety standards. Children aged 10–14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit — as long as you're in reasonable health and can complete the medical questionnaire, you're welcome to dive with us.

Feeling nervous before your first dive is completely normal — most first-timers do. At FlyingFish, your instructor stays right beside you throughout the dive with our strict 1:1 ratio. Before you enter the water, you'll learn a few simple underwater hand signals. You can signal to slow down, go shallower, or surface at any point, and your instructor can hold you steady, adjust the pace, or end the dive early if you're uncomfortable. For most people the nerves settle after the first few breaths underwater.

Snorkeling is a surface activity — you float on top of the water and look down through a mask while breathing through a tube. Scuba diving takes you below the surface using breathing equipment, so you can explore coral reefs and marine life up close at depths of 6–12 metres. It's a much closer experience. With scuba you can reach the ocean floor and swim right alongside the fish.

Yes. The dive mask creates a seal around your eyes, so you'll see clearly underwater even without glasses. If you have a strong prescription, we can arrange masks with corrective lenses — just mention it when you book. Contact lenses can be worn under the mask, though soft lenses are recommended over hard lenses. Disposable contacts are ideal since there's a small chance of losing one if the mask floods.

Yes — Goa is one of the easiest scuba diving destinations to reach in India. The Arabian Sea gives you warm water (27–30°C), good visibility, and plenty of marine life at Grand Island, including 100+ tropical fish species, coral reefs, and a historic British-era shipwreck. The season runs from October to May. FlyingFish has been operating as the official Goa Tourism (GTDC) partner and SSI-certified dive centre since 2016, and we take divers of all levels.

We think so. Scuba diving in Goa gets you coral reefs, 100+ marine species, dolphin sightings on the way out, and a shipwreck. What sets FlyingFish apart: our dives last 40 minutes (most Goa operators offer 10–15 minutes), you get a dedicated 1:1 instructor, HD photos & videos are included free, you train at a 5-star resort pool, and prices start at ₹2,970 + GST. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 600+ divers on Google and TripAdvisor.
Your First Dive

First Dive Experience FAQs

Your day starts with a boat ride from Candolim to Grand Island. Once there, your SSI-certified instructor runs you through a safety briefing and teaches you the basics: breathing through the regulator, equalising ear pressure, and underwater hand signals. You'll practise in shallow water first, then descend to explore the coral reefs and marine life. The whole experience takes about half a day, with 20–40 minutes of actual dive time depending on your package.

First-time introductory dives at FlyingFish go to 6–12 metres depth, depending on your comfort level and the sea conditions. Your instructor controls the descent and won't take you deeper than you're comfortable with. Even at these shallow depths there's plenty to see at Grand Island — coral formations, tropical fish, and other marine life.

Wear your swimwear underneath regular clothes. Bring a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a valid government photo ID (mandatory). All diving equipment is provided by us. Leave valuables and loose jewellery at your hotel. If you wear glasses, let us know when booking so we can arrange a prescription mask.

Yes — HD photos and videos are included free in all FlyingFish packages (SSI Try Scuba, Scuba 40, and Scuba 40+40). Your instructor films you during the dive and sends a download link afterwards. If you'd like to bring your own GoPro or action camera, please check with us in advance.

Have a light, easy-to-digest meal about 1–2 hours before your dive. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy food. Stay well hydrated with water but avoid carbonated drinks. Do not consume alcohol the night before or on the day of your dive — it affects your body's ability to handle pressure changes underwater and is a strict safety requirement.

Plan for approximately 4–5 hours from the time you arrive at the departure point. This includes the boat ride to Grand Island (~30 minutes each way), safety briefing and training, your dive time (20–40 minutes depending on package), surface interval, and return journey. The Scuba 40+40 double dive experience runs a bit longer at about 6–7 hours including both dives and a break in between.
Packages & Pricing

Scuba Diving Price FAQs

FlyingFish offers three packages for first-time divers: SSI Try Scuba (20-minute dive) at ₹2,970 + GST, Scuba 40 (40-minute dive) at ₹4,950 + GST, and Scuba 40+40 (double dive experience) at ₹6,930 + GST. All packages include FREE HD photos & videos, boat transfer, SSI-certified instructor (1:1), full equipment, snacks, and ₹10 Lakh insurance coverage.

All packages include: scenic boat ride to Grand Island, complete scuba equipment, safety briefing and training, guided dive with SSI-certified instructor at 1:1 ratio, HD photos & videos, life jacket on the boat, Novotel snacks, and ₹10 Lakh insurance coverage. The Scuba 40+40 package also adds a buffet dinner at Novotel, a free FlyingFish T-shirt, and A/C transfer (dive centre ↔ jetty).

No. The listed price covers everything you need for the dive. GST is added on top as per government norms. Unlike many operators in Goa, we include HD photos & videos free in every package, so there are no surprise charges for photography or extra equipment fees.

Yes, we offer special rates for groups. Contact us on WhatsApp with your group size and preferred dates, and we'll share a custom quote. Each diver still gets their own dedicated 1:1 instructor — we never compromise on safety for group pricing.

We accept UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), bank transfer, cash, and cards. A non-refundable advance of ₹2,000 per person is required to confirm your booking, payable via UPI or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid on the day of the dive using any of the above methods.
Your Safety Matters

Safety FAQs

Yes, beginner scuba diving is very safe when it's run by qualified professionals. At FlyingFish, every first-time diver gets a dedicated SSI-certified instructor (strict 1:1 ratio). Our equipment is professionally serviced, dives take place in shallow water (6–12 metres), and every diver is covered by ₹10 Lakh insurance. You'll get full safety training before you enter the water. We've guided thousands of first-time divers without incident.

Look for these key indicators: internationally certified instructors (SSI or PADI), strict 1:1 instructor-to-diver ratio for beginners, well-maintained and serviced equipment, insurance coverage, transparent pricing with no hidden charges, and genuine customer reviews. Be wary of operators who offer unusually cheap rates, take several beginners per instructor, or skip the safety briefing. FlyingFish meets all of these, and we operate out of Novotel Resort & Spa.

Absolutely. Your comfort and safety come first, always. You can signal your instructor to ascend at any point during the dive. There is zero pressure to continue if you're not enjoying it. Your instructor will bring you safely to the surface and back to the boat. We'd rather you have a short, comfortable experience than a long, stressful one.

Every diver is equipped with a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), regulator with octopus (backup regulator), dive mask, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, and a dive tank. On the boat, life jackets are provided for all passengers. Our equipment is professionally serviced and maintained to international standards. Your instructor also carries safety equipment including a surface marker buoy and signalling devices.

You should not fly for at least 18–24 hours after your last dive. This is an international diving safety standard to prevent decompression sickness (the "bends"). Please plan your travel accordingly and do not schedule flights on the same day as your dive. We recommend diving at the start of your Goa trip rather than the end to avoid any scheduling conflicts.
Health & Fitness

Medical FAQs

All divers must complete a medical questionnaire before diving. If you answer "yes" to any question or are on daily medication, you'll need a doctor's clearance letter confirming you're fit to dive. We recommend getting this before your trip to avoid delays. Common conditions that require clearance include asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure.

It depends on the severity and type. Many people with mild, well-controlled asthma can dive safely with a doctor's clearance. However, exercise-induced or cold-air-triggered asthma may be a concern since breathing compressed air underwater can affect airways. You'll need a written clearance from your physician stating you're fit for scuba diving. Please inform us about your condition when booking so we can advise accordingly.

Yes, absolutely. Menstruation does not prevent you from scuba diving. Many women dive comfortably during their period using a tampon or menstrual cup. Water pressure actually reduces flow while submerged. If you experience severe cramps or discomfort, you may wish to reschedule for a more comfortable experience, but it's entirely your personal choice.

No. Scuba diving during pregnancy is not recommended by any diving agency worldwide. The pressure changes underwater may pose risks to the developing baby. If you're pregnant or suspect you might be, please do not book a dive. You're welcome to join the boat trip and enjoy the scenic ride and snorkeling instead, while your partner or friends dive.

There is no strict weight limit for scuba diving. We have equipment to accommodate divers of different body sizes. However, if you weigh over 120 kg, please inform us when booking so we can ensure the right-sized wetsuit and BCD are available. As long as you're in reasonable health and can move comfortably, your weight will not prevent you from enjoying scuba diving.

We strongly advise against it. Congestion makes it very difficult to equalise ear pressure during descent, which can cause severe ear pain or even injury. If you have a cold, sinus infection, or blocked nose on the day of your dive, please reschedule. We offer one free rescheduling if requested at least 24 hours in advance. Your safety and comfort are more important than sticking to a schedule.

Conditions requiring a doctor's written clearance before diving:
  • Asthma (mild, well-controlled)
  • Diabetes (well-controlled, on oral medication)
  • High blood pressure (controlled)
  • Heart conditions (post-surgery, arrhythmia)
  • Epilepsy (controlled)
  • Recent surgery (within 6 months)
  • Any daily prescription medication
Conditions that prevent diving entirely:
  • Pregnancy
  • Active ear infection or perforated eardrum
  • Recent heart attack or stroke
  • Severe, uncontrolled epilepsy
  • Active chest or lung infection
Postpone your dive if: you have a cold, blocked nose, or sinus congestion on dive day — equalising ear pressure will be painful and potentially harmful.

All divers must complete a medical questionnaire on the day of diving. We strongly recommend informing us of any health conditions when booking so we can advise accordingly.
SSI & PADI Certifications

Dive Course FAQs

SSI (Scuba Schools International) and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) are both internationally recognised scuba certification agencies. Both follow the same WRSTC safety standards and their certifications are accepted at dive centres worldwide. The main difference is in how you learn: SSI gives you free digital learning materials and a flexible "comfort through repetition" approach, while PADI uses a more structured curriculum with paid eLearning. Both certifications are equally valid. FlyingFish is affiliated with SSI and can cross-reference PADI certifications.

Yes, absolutely. SSI certifications are recognised and accepted at dive centres in over 150 countries worldwide. Whether you get certified with FlyingFish in Goa, you can dive in the Maldives, Thailand, Australia, Egypt, or anywhere else in the world. Your digital certification card is stored permanently on the SSI app, so you'll always have it accessible on your phone.

The SSI Open Water Diver course takes 3–4 days and includes academic sessions (theory and knowledge reviews), confined water training (pool sessions to practise skills), and 4 open water dives at Grand Island. You'll complete the online eLearning component before arriving, which is free through SSI's app. Upon completion, you're certified to dive independently to 18 metres worldwide.

Yes. SSI and PADI certifications are cross-compatible. If you hold a PADI Open Water certification, you can dive with FlyingFish (an SSI centre) without any issues. You can also continue your education — for example, doing SSI Advanced Adventurer after PADI Open Water. The certifications are mutually recognised across agencies.

FlyingFish offers the full range of SSI courses: Open Water Diver (entry-level, 3–4 days), Advanced Adventurer (2–3 days), Stress & Rescue, Enriched Air Nitrox, and specialty courses including Deep Diving, Wreck Diving, Perfect Buoyancy, Navigation, and Underwater Photography. We also offer combo packages (Open Water + Advanced) for divers who want to progress quickly. Visit our Courses page for full details.

Yes, your SSI certification never expires. Once certified, you're certified for life. However, if you haven't dived in a while (6+ months), we recommend taking a refresher or "Scuba Skills Update" course to brush up on your skills before jumping back in. It's like riding a bicycle — the knowledge stays, but practice makes you confident again.
Dive Sites & Location

Location FAQs

FlyingFish runs all dives at Grand Island (Grande Island), the main dive site along Goa's coastline. The island has several dive sites with coral reefs, tropical fish including Sergeant Majors, Parrotfish, and Bannerfish, and a historic shipwreck. Boat transfers leave from the Candolim/Sinquerim area, and the ride out takes about 30 minutes.

FlyingFish Scuba School operates from Novotel Resort & Spa, Candolim, Goa – 403515. We're in North Goa, easy to reach from areas like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, and Panjim. The resort setting means you have proper facilities and changing rooms before and after the dive.

Grand Island has a good variety of marine life. You can expect to see coral formations, Sergeant Major fish, Parrotfish, Bannerfish, Butterflyfish, Moray Eels, Stingrays, Pufferfish, Nudibranchs, and various reef fish. Visibility is usually 5–15 metres depending on the season, with February–March offering the clearest water. On a good day you might spot sea turtles or larger pelagic fish.

We do not offer hotel pickup and drop. You'll need to make your own way to our dive centre at Novotel Resort & Spa, Candolim — ample parking is available and we're happy to share the Google Maps pin when you book. Once you arrive at the dive centre, we provide transport from the dive centre to the jetty and back for all dive experiences.

Yes! Non-diving companions are welcome to join the boat trip to Grand Island. They can enjoy the scenic boat ride, relax on the boat while you dive, and even try snorkeling in the shallow waters. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements. Additional charges may apply for non-diving passengers.

Grand Island (Grande Island) is the best place for scuba diving in Goa. It has the most to see underwater in the state: several coral reef sites, a 1940s British-era shipwreck, and 100+ species of tropical marine life. Goa's beaches have no dive sites of their own, so all scuba diving happens at Grand Island, reached by a 30–45 minute boat ride. The best departure point is Candolim/Sinquerim jetty in North Goa, where FlyingFish operates from Novotel Resort & Spa.

Scuba diving in Goa is available from October to May each year. FlyingFish operates daily during this season, with morning sessions departing from Candolim at 6:00 AM. Diving is not available during monsoon (June to September) due to rough seas, strong currents, and poor underwater visibility. If you are planning a trip to Goa specifically for scuba diving, aim for November to April for the best experience.
Best Time to Dive

Season & Weather FAQs

The dive season in Goa runs from October to May. The best underwater visibility is during February and March, when the sea is calm and the water is at its clearest — ideal for first-timers. October–November can have slightly reduced visibility while the monsoon waters settle, but the diving is still good. December–January is peak tourist season with good conditions. Water temperature stays a comfortable 27–30°C throughout the season.

No. Scuba diving in Goa is closed during the monsoon season (June to September). Heavy rains cause poor underwater visibility, strong currents, and rough sea conditions that make diving unsafe. The harbour authorities also restrict boat operations during this period. We resume operations in October once conditions improve.

Safety always comes first. If FlyingFish cancels your dive due to adverse weather or unsafe sea conditions, you have two options: a full refund of all amounts paid, or free rescheduling to the next available date — whichever you prefer. We monitor sea conditions daily and will inform you as early as possible if conditions look unfavourable. Check our full Refund Policy for details.

Yes. December and January are well within the dive season and we operate daily — it's one of our busiest periods. Conditions are generally good, with decent visibility and calm seas. Slots fill up fast over the holidays, though, so we'd recommend booking at least a week in advance to get your preferred date and time.
Reservations

Booking & Cancellation FAQs

The easiest way to book is via WhatsApp — our team typically responds within minutes. You can also call us at +91 92092 47825 or email hello@flyingfish.in. Share your preferred date, number of divers, and package choice. We'll confirm availability and send payment details for the ₹2,000 advance to lock in your booking.

We recommend booking at least 2–3 days in advance, especially during peak season (December–March) and weekends. During holidays like Christmas and New Year, book a week or more ahead. Same-day bookings are sometimes possible on weekdays during off-peak periods, but availability is not guaranteed. Booking early gets you your preferred time slot and gives us time to arrange the right instructor for you.

More than 7 days before: Full refund minus ₹2,000 advance. 3–7 days before: 50% refund. Less than 3 days: No refund. No-show: No refund. One free rescheduling is available if requested at least 24 hours before your dive. If we cancel due to bad weather, you receive a full refund or free rescheduling. See our complete Refund & Cancellation Policy.

You must carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, or voter ID). This is mandatory for all water activities in Goa. For certified divers joining fun dives, please bring your certification card (physical or digital on the SSI/PADI app) and your dive logbook. Foreign nationals should carry their passport.

For one-day dive experiences, our operational hours are 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We run morning and afternoon sessions. Your exact reporting time will be confirmed when you book — typically 30 minutes before the boat departure. For certification courses, timings are 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please arrive on time as boat departures cannot be delayed for individual guests.
Gear & Equipment

Equipment FAQs

Yes, all equipment is included in every FlyingFish package at no extra cost. This includes a BCD (buoyancy control device), regulator, dive mask, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, and dive tank. Our equipment is professionally serviced and maintained to international standards. You don't need to bring or buy anything — just show up in your swimwear.

Certified divers are welcome to bring their own mask, fins, wetsuit, or dive computer. If you'd like to use your own BCD or regulator, please inform us in advance so we can verify the equipment is in working condition. For first-time divers, we recommend using our equipment since it's already set up and tested for the dive conditions at Grand Island.

Since HD photos and videos are already included free in all packages, your instructor handles photography during the dive. If you'd like to bring your own GoPro or action camera, please check with us when booking. For first-time divers, we generally recommend letting the instructor handle the camera so you can focus entirely on enjoying the dive and staying comfortable underwater.

Our dive equipment is serviced before each season and undergoes regular maintenance checks throughout the operating period. Regulators are factory-serviced annually, BCDs are pressure-tested, and tanks are hydrostatically tested as per international standards. All equipment is rinsed in fresh water after every dive. Your safety depends on the gear, so we keep on top of it.

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