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First time scuba diving in Goa – diver giving OK signal underwater at Grand Island, FlyingFish Candolim

FIRST TIME SCUBA DIVING IN GOA

No swimming required. No experience needed. Your SSI-certified instructor guides you through every moment.

Starting at INR 2,970+GST
Non-Swimmers Welcome!

10,000+

Happy Divers

4.8 Stars

Google & TripAdvisor

SSI Certified

International Recognition

Non-Swimmers

Welcome!

Your first dive starts here

Scuba Diving for Beginners in Goa – No Swimming, No Experience Required

Scuba diving and swimming are different skills. If you're a non-swimmer, a beginner, or just curious, our SSI-certified instructors stay with you the whole time. You'll explore Grand Island's coral reefs and marine life, and we depart daily from Candolim and Calangute.

1:1 Instructor Guidance
40-Minute Dive
₹10 Lakh Insurance
First time scuba diver exploring coral reef at Grand Island Goa – beginner scuba diving with FlyingFish Candolim
Starts from ₹2,970 per person + GST
Choose your experience

Beginner Scuba Diving Packages in Goa

All beginner dive packages include HD photos & videos, 1:1 SSI-certified instructor, boat transfer from Candolim, full equipment, snacks, and ₹10 Lakh insurance.

SSI Try Scuba 20 Min – Intro Dive Goa

SSI Try Scuba 20 Min – Intro Dive Goa

Half Day 6-10m

A 20-minute dive into the sea. Pool training at Novotel, then a real shipwreck dive. HD photos & videos included.

₹2,970 + GST per person
SSI Double Dive 40+40 Min – Wreck & Reef Goa

SSI Double Dive 40+40 Min – Wreck & Reef Goa

Full Day 6-12m

Two dives: a shipwreck and a coral garden. Includes buffet dinner at Novotel, a free FlyingFish T-shirt, and A/C transfer to the jetty.

₹8,910 + GST per person
What to expect

Your full day schedule

All food and beverages provided by Novotel Resort & Spa, Candolim. Timings may vary by +/- 15 minutes.

06:00 AM

Arrival at Novotel Resort

Park inside the resort and come to the hotel lobby. Fill out forms and meet your dive instructor.

06:15 AM

Safety & Dive Briefing

Learn about the dive plan, equipment, and essential underwater safety signals.

06:30 AM

Pool Training Session (1 Hour)

Learn breathing techniques, buoyancy control, and underwater communication in the pool.

07:30 AM

Tea/Coffee Break

Refreshments at Novotel Resort & Spa. Settle final payments.

08:30 AM

Boat Departs for Grand Island

A boat ride out with snacks and juices, and you'll often spot dolphins on the way.

10:00 AM

Dive 1: Shipwreck Adventure

Explore a 1940s British-era wreck at 40 feet depth. Spot angelfish, parrotfish, pufferfish, snappers, and butterflyfish.

11:00 AM

Snorkeling & Paddleboarding

Enjoy snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding from the boat.

12:00 PM

Dive 2: Coral Garden Exploration

Discover colorful coral reefs with nudibranchs, eels, rays, and occasionally turtles. (40+40 package only)

01:00 PM

Scenic Boat Cruise Back

Relax on the scenic boat ride back to the mainland.

06:00 PM

Photos & Videos Delivered

Receive your HD underwater photos and videos via shareable link. For half-day packages (SSI Try Scuba & Scuba 40), photos are typically delivered within 3 hours of your return. For the full-day Scuba 40+40, delivery is by 6 PM.

A few things to know before your dive

  • All dives start at Novotel Resort & Spa, Candolim — Do NOT go to GTDC Calangute Residency.
  • You must be free the entire day and must NOT have a flight on the same day as your dive.
  • Read the medical form carefully. If you answer "yes" to any question or take daily medication, contact us. Doctor's clearance required if on medication.
  • All dives are internationally recognized under SSI (Scuba Schools International) standards.
  • Trip and boat are fully insured for ₹10 Lakh per person.
  • Minimum age is 10 years. Under 18 requires parental consent.
Why choose FlyingFish

Why Choose FlyingFish for Beginner Scuba Diving in Goa

1:1 Personal Guidance

One dedicated instructor just for you throughout the entire dive.

Non-Swimmers Welcome

No swimming skills needed. Your instructor handles everything.

5-Star Resort Base

Pool training & snacks at Novotel Resort, Candolim. (Buffet dinner included in the 40+40 package.)

Free Photos & Videos

HD underwater photos and videos included in all packages.

Be prepared

What to bring on dive day

Swimwear

Wear it underneath your clothes. All diving equipment is provided by us.

Photo ID

Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all participants.

Towel & Change

Bring a towel and change of clothes. Changing rooms available at Novotel.

Sun Protection

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap for the boat ride.

Prescription Lenses?

We have masks with prescription options. Mention this when booking.

Leave Behind

No loose jewellery. Leave valuables at your hotel.

What our divers say

Reviews from people who've dived with us

Here's what our guests have written on Google and TripAdvisor.

Got Questions?

First Time Scuba Diving in Goa – FAQs for Beginners

No, swimming is not required for first-time scuba diving. Scuba diving and swimming are completely different activities. You'll be wearing equipment that keeps you buoyant and your instructor stays right beside you with 1:1 guidance. Many of our happiest divers are non-swimmers!

Your instructor stays right beside you throughout the dive in our 1:1 ratio. You'll learn underwater hand signals and can ask to surface at any time. The instructor can slow down, hold you, or end the dive early if you feel uncomfortable. Many first-time divers feel nervous initially, but the pool training and first few breaths usually help you relax.

For first-timers, introductory dives go to 6-12 meters depth depending on your comfort level. Your instructor controls the descent and won't force you deeper. The shallow depths still provide excellent visibility of coral reefs and marine life.

FlyingFish offers 3 packages: SSI Try Scuba (20-min dive) at ₹2,970, Scuba 40 (40-min dive) at ₹5,940, and Scuba 40+40 (double dive) at ₹8,910. All packages include free HD photos and videos, boat transfer, an SSI instructor (1:1), equipment, snacks, and ₹10 Lakh insurance.

Yes. HD photos and videos are included free with every package. Your instructor captures your underwater moments and shares them by link after the dive. If you have your own GoPro, please check with us in advance.

The diving season runs from October to May. February and March have the best water visibility, which is ideal for first-timers. We run dives daily through the season, with morning and afternoon sessions. Weekend slots fill up, so it's worth booking early.

No, you cannot fly on the same day as your dive. International diving safety standards require a minimum 18-24 hour surface interval before flying to prevent decompression sickness. Please plan accordingly and avoid booking flights on the same day.

If the dive is cancelled due to unsafe sea conditions, we'll reschedule or offer a full refund. Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule. See our full Refund & Cancellation Policy for details.

Ready for your first scuba dive in Goa?

Book your beginner scuba dive in Goa. We depart daily from Candolim, and our team will confirm your booking shortly after you book.