SDI Drift Diver Course Goa

  • SDI Certified
  • 1-2 Days
₹8,910per person, GST extra
Book Now
Duration
1-2 Days
Certification
SDI
Category
Specialty

Highlights

  • Let the current do the work
  • 2 drift dives planned around the tide
  • Surface marker buoy and boat pick-up
  • Counts toward SDI Advanced Diver and Master Scuba Diver

SDI Drift Diver: dive with the current

Duration
1–2 Days
Dives
2
First Dive
18m max
Min Age
10+

A good drift dive feels like flying. You hang in the water and the reef slides past while you barely kick.

It only feels like that when you know what you are doing. This SDI specialty covers the planning (tides, entry points, where the boat will be), the diving (descending together, staying close, holding your depth) and the end of the dive (marker buoy, safety stop and pick-up).

Planned around the tide: We check the tide table for your days and run the dives when the current suits training.

What you learn

Tides and currentsHow tides move water around Grande Island and how to read the conditions.
Entries and staying togetherDescending as a group and keeping your buddy close.
Depth controlHolding your depth while the current carries you.
Surface marker buoySending up a marker from your safety stop so the boat can follow you.
Boat pick-upSurfacing safely and getting back on board in moving water.

Who can take SDI Drift Diver

Open Water certification from any recognised agency (or Junior Open Water)
Age 10 years or older (under 18 need parent consent)
About 20 logged dives recommended
Basic medical fitness

Training dives at Grandé Island, planned around the tide

We plan the training dives around the actual tide on the day, so you see the curriculum concepts play out in real conditions rather than on paper.

Sail Rock for current training: When the tide allows, we run the current-focused dive at Sail Rock. It gives you a real current to work in, so reef hook technique and drift procedures mean something instead of staying theoretical. If Sail Rock isn't right on the day, we use the tidal flow around Grandé Reef instead.
Grandé Island Reef
5–18m · All levels

Coral gardens, moray eels, snappers, parrotfish. Our main training reef, with gentle conditions and plenty of fish.

Suzy's Wreck
12–18m · OW+

British-era wreck covered in soft coral, with resident groupers, blue-spotted stingrays and moray eels.

Sail Rock
14–24m · Advanced recommended

Rocky pinnacle with currents and open-water fish. Eagle rays and drift diving.

Shelter Cove
6–14m · All levels

Protected bay, very gentle. Nudibranchs, pipefish, seahorses. A good place to practise skills away from the current.

Bounty Bay
5–12m · All levels

Shallow reef for long bottom times. Small life such as nudibranchs and ornate ghost pipefish. Good for photography and hover practice.

What's included

Theory session on tides, currents and drift planning
2 drift dives at Grande Island
Surface marker buoy practice
Full ScubaPro equipment rental
SDI Drift Diver certification card

Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Accommodation

After SDI Drift Diver

Dive current sites around the world with confidence
Counts as one of the 4 specialties for SDI Advanced Diver and SDI Master Scuba Diver
Pairs well with SDI Boat Diver
Useful for SDI Rescue Diver and Divemaster later

Why take your course with FlyingFish in Goa

Here's what is different about diving with us.

ScubaPro equipment, serviced on schedule

Pro-grade gear serviced every 100 dives or 6 months, not when it fails. MK25/S620 regulator, Hydros Pro BCD, Aladin Sport dive computer. You train on the same equipment working instructors use.

Maximum 4:1 Diver-to-Instructor Ratio

Your instructor knows where you are underwater at all times. No crowded groups. If a skill needs more practice, you get the time for it instead of waiting behind 8 other students.

SSI, PADI and SDI at One Centre

We teach all three agencies at the same location. You choose which certification fits your future dive plans. We give you honest advice, not a push toward whichever we sell more of.

Professional Base at 5-Star Novotel Candolim

Proper briefing rooms, clean equipment rinsing stations, structured course schedule. The difference between a dive school and a beach shack matters when you are doing a multi-day certification course.

Goa's Seasonal Conditions Provide Real-World Training Context

The Arabian Sea's monsoon patterns and Sail Rock's tidal currents aren't simulated. They're what our instructors deal with every working day. We plan the training dives around real tidal windows, so you learn current techniques in an actual current, not from a description of one.

Frequently Asked Questions

They change with the tide. We pick the time and the site so the current is noticeable but manageable. If Sail Rock is too strong on the day, we use the tidal flow around Grande Reef instead.

An inflatable tube you send up on a line at the end of the dive, so the boat can see where you are before you surface. You practise it on both dives.

SDI asks for Open Water. We suggest about 20 logged dives first, so you are comfortable before the water starts moving.

They overlap. SDI Drift Diver is about drift diving itself: entries, staying together, markers and pick-up, as well as reading the tide.

The first dive is no deeper than 18 metres, which is the SDI rule. Sail Rock goes from about 14 to 24 metres, and we plan the depth around your certification.
A FlyingFish divemaster checking coral on an underwater cleanup dive
Trash-Free Thursday

Dive with a purpose

Every Thursday our team heads out and clears whatever rubbish we can find on the reef and in the water.

Want to help? Ask us about joining a cleanup dive.

Ask about cleanup dives
Dive Club

Keep diving all year

Certified divers get 12 months of unlimited dives at Grande Island for ₹19,800 + GST.

See Dive Club
What Our Divers Say

Real Reviews from Real Divers

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our guests say on Google and TripAdvisor.

Posted on Google Google
Rajneesh Kumar profile picture
Rajneesh Kumar
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Professional staff with all safety measures and excellent service and support...!!
Posted on Google Google
MarvelouSiddharth profile picture
MarvelouSiddharth
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Best scuba school in goa highly recommended! My wife and I had an amazing experience with Flying Fish Scuba School and instructor Sunny. Despite her never having been in a swimming pool, my wife completed her dive course successfully thanks to their incredible support and professionalism. If you want quality instruction and genuine care—not scams—this is the place. 100% worth it!
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Mahesh g.warrier profile picture
Mahesh g.warrier
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Had a great experience.
Posted on Google Google
Manna Singh profile picture
Manna Singh
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It was priceless movement...i must recommend this as they are very professional....i was scared before start but dinesh the instructor he make me very comfortable and then i came back for and turn ....it was grt grt time i spent at the sea bed ....and really thanks amitab sir i really appreciate for last min call for second time...and u accepted....lots of love....
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Pranav Jagtap profile picture
Pranav Jagtap
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you are looking for scuba diving in Goa, you’ve likely noticed dozens of operators offering "5-in-1" water sports combos at low prices. As a tourist, I was skeptical of these "scammy" setups. I decided to go with FlyingFish Scuba School (based at the Novotel Resort) based on the review It was definitely the right call and I can easily say it's the BEST scuba diving experience in Goa. ​The Training & Team The experience started with a thorough pool session, which was incredibly helpful for getting comfortable with the gear and breathing techniques before heading into open water. A huge shoutout to Mr. Dinesh and Ms. Maitri, they were phenomenal. Both were professional, friendly, and reliable, which is exactly what you want when you’re 10-12 meters underwater. ​The Dive (Scuba 40) I opted for the 40-minute dive. The marine life was beautiful; I saw a variety of fish and healthy coral reefs. They also provided video footage from an action camera, which was a great bonus. Note on visibility: While the shipwreck is a major draw, we couldn't see it during my session due to visibility issues. It’s worth keeping in mind that nature doesn't always cooperate, but the rest of the dive more than made up for it. ​Facilities & Logistics The logistics were handled very well: ​Changing Rooms: Clean and accessible facilities to change out of wet clothes both after the pool session and after returning from the jetty. ​Refreshments: Proper snacks were provided, which were much appreciated after the energy-intensive dive. ​Safety: The 1:1 instructor-to-student ratio during the dive made the whole experience feel very secure. ​Verdict If you want a "real" diving experience rather than a rushed tourist activity, this is a solid choice. It felt safe, organized, and honest. FlyingFish scuba surely made th diving experience memorable!
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Gurkirpal Bedi profile picture
Gurkirpal Bedi
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Really great experience, Unique concept of 40 plus 40 min dives, Very good dive sites and the whole team is so good and helpful...A big thank you to Anirudh and Dinesh Bhai, enjoyed a lot and will come back for the course...And Thank you Amitabh Sir too...
Posted on Google Google
Joseph Durfey profile picture
Joseph Durfey
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Highly recommend! Dive master was super knowledgeable and professional. Took good care of us. Thank you
Posted on Google Google
Abdul Waheed profile picture
Abdul Waheed
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Best experience we ever had
Posted on Google Google
Anshul Tembhurne profile picture
Anshul Tembhurne
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- Did an Open Water DiverScuba course with flying fish scuba in goa. This course stands out because at the same course price across India you get 4+2 speciality course dives, which can hugely improve your performance. As there base is at novotel candolim, you get better convenience if you decide to stay at the resort. - Our instructor was Anirudh. He was amazing, supportive and clarified all our doubts. You can trust him and his experience. You will learn a lot over the duration of course. - Dive sites are amazing both the wreck and coral colony. Happy Diving!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Road50855370209 profile picture
Road50855370209
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First scuba experience It was my first diving experience. I chose flying fish scuba school and was very happy to have chosen this center. They guided me properly. I had an amazing dive and a great experience.
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Freedom58686498324 profile picture
Freedom58686498324
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Scuba Very good experience to much friendly staff members they help you
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Travel25055630721 profile picture
Travel25055630721
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40+40 scuba diving It’s spell bounding experience, I can’t express my happiness. I took 40+40 min long scuba diving . That was intensive and tedious though. I was very eager to see corals and under water 🗺️ world. My instructor Dinesh who truly genuine, with lot of patience listened to me because I was very very anxious once dived into sea!!! I almost gave up, but I asked him 5 mins and repeated the same pool training, eventually I made it😍❣️!! I dived deep equalising my ears often as I have sinusitis problem that caused sharp pain in my ears. My instructor was really helpful and cooperative. Thank you flyingfish scuba for making my dive easier and possible 🪸💖💙
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Dwarkesh profile picture
Dwarkesh
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Scuba Nitrox Great experience with Ashish & Dinesh! Will come back here next time as well!
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Curiosity20059827591 profile picture
Curiosity20059827591
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Scuba Staff members are excellent!
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Sunshine49195324825 profile picture
Sunshine49195324825
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Scuba Ashish was an excellent scuba diving trainer and made the whole experience very comfortable. He explained everything clearly and was very patient, especially with beginners. I felt completely safe and confident under his guidance. His calm nature and professionalism made the dive even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Ashish to anyone trying scuba diving for the first time!
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Voyager55147331857 profile picture
Voyager55147331857
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Scuba Excellent experience with team of the Novotel 👍
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Excursion31003926877 profile picture
Excursion31003926877
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Scuba diving Best service provider best experience of life very well trained and professional staff
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FarAway38541753570 profile picture
FarAway38541753570
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Scuba diving Very good experience and had a nice time
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OnAir49110026021
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Scuba It was fun and comfortable around them first scuba diving totally worth each penny

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₹8,910per person, GST extra
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SDI Drift Diver Course Goa