SSI Underwater Photo & Video Course Goa

SSI Certified
1-2 Days

~~₹13,959~~₹9,900per person, GST extra

Book Now

Duration: 1-2 Days
Certification: SSI
Category: Specialty

Highlights

Capture sharp underwater images
Learn lighting, composition & camera setup
Use our professional underwater cameras
Take home shots worth keeping

SSI Photo & Video — capture Goa's underwater world

Duration

1–2 Days

Dives

2 Photography Dives

Location

Grandé Island

Cert

SSI Photo & Video

There's plenty to shoot at Grandé Island: soft coral on the British wrecks, eagle rays past the coral gardens, moray eels peering out of crevices. It deserves better than a shaky phone photo through a generic case. The SSI Photo & Video specialty teaches you to actually capture it.

The course covers camera operation underwater, lighting techniques to avoid backscatter, how to approach marine life without disturbing it, and composition principles that produce images worth keeping. You do not need to own a camera — we have underwater cameras available.

Good buoyancy is essential for underwater photography. When both hands are on the camera, buoyancy must be automatic. We strongly recommend the SSI Perfect Buoyancy course before or alongside this specialty.

SSI Photo & Video — course content

Camera Handling UnderwaterOperating camera controls with gloves on, managing buoyancy simultaneously, preventing accidental contact with marine life or reef while shooting.

Lighting and BackscatterWhy underwater images turn blue-green without artificial light. Strobe and video light positioning to illuminate the subject without lighting suspended particles (backscatter).

Camera Settings for UnderwaterAperture, shutter speed and ISO trade-offs at depth. White balance and colour correction for the blue water spectrum. Shooting in RAW vs JPEG.

Marine Life Approach TechniqueDescending slowly, moving deliberately, positioning below subjects, waiting rather than chasing. How to get close without disturbing behaviour.

Composition PrinciplesRule of thirds applied underwater, using coral as foreground, filling the frame with the subject, shooting toward light sources rather than away from them.

Post-Processing BasicsColour correction for the blue shift in underwater images, basic cropping and contrast adjustment, reviewing images to understand what to do differently on the next dive.

What you need before you start

SSI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)

Age 10 or older

Own or rented underwater camera system

Good buoyancy strongly recommended — consider Perfect Buoyancy first

No prior photography experience required

You do not need photography experience. Basic smartphone camera understanding is helpful but not required. We explain camera operation from scratch for underwater conditions.

Where your photography dives take place

Two photography dives at Grandé Island — site selection based on your goals (wide-angle reef, macro, or wreck photography).

Site selection for photography students: Grandé Reef and Bounty Bay for wide-angle reef photography — parrotfish, angelfish, and groupers are approachable subjects. Shelter Cove for macro work — nudibranchs, pipefish, and moray eels. Suzy's Wreck for dramatic wreck photography if conditions allow.

Marine life at Grandé Island during the Oct–May dive season: angelfish, parrotfish, snappers, groupers, eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, barracuda schools, hawksbill turtles (occasional), nudibranchs, crinoids, pipefish.

What's included in this course

Theory sessions on underwater photography techniques

2 photography practice dives at Grandé Island

Full ScubaPro diving equipment rental

SSI Photo & Video certification card

Not included

Underwater camera equipment rental (ask us about availability)
Personal expenses
Post-processing software

Certification: Your digital certification card is issued immediately upon successful completion. You are certified before you leave Goa and can dive anywhere in the world.

After your SSI Photo & Video certification

Document every future dive with compelling images

Share citizen science photographs with reef monitoring programs

Contribute to FlyingFish's social media archives and win dive credits

Combine with SSI Marine Ecology for identification of photographed species

Counts toward SSI Master Diver

Basis for underwater videography progression

The skills from this course — particularly the buoyancy requirements and marine life approach technique — also make you a better diver overall, not just a better photographer.

Why take your course with FlyingFish in Goa

Here's what actually sets us apart.

ScubaPro gear, 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.

A 4:1 diver-to-instructor ratio, max

Your instructor knows where you are underwater at all times. No crowded groups. If a skill needs more practice, you get the time — not the time left over after 8 other students.

Both SSI and PADI at one centre

We teach both 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.

A proper base at the 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.

Grandé Island is packed with subjects to shoot

The waters around Grandé Island have consistently high fish density relative to Goa's other dive sites. On most photography dives, you will encounter 10–15 species worth photographing within the first 15 minutes. The soft coral on Suzy's Wreck provides natural studio backdrops. We know where the resident morays, rays, and groupers rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

No — we have underwater camera systems available for rental. If you own an action camera (GoPro etc.) with an underwater housing, bring it. If you have a dedicated compact underwater camera, even better. We will help you configure the settings for Goa's conditions before your dive.

For beginners, a compact underwater camera with a wide-angle lens is the most practical starting point — it handles both reef overview shots and medium-close portraits. GoPro-style action cameras work but have limitations for still photography. If you want to invest in a camera specifically for this course, ask us for a current recommendation.

Yes — genuinely essential. When both hands are on the camera, you cannot use them to manage position. Buoyancy must be automatic. Divers with poor buoyancy either crash into the reef while shooting or are so distracted managing position that they cannot compose a shot. If your buoyancy is uncertain, complete SSI Perfect Buoyancy first.

Backscatter — the white spots in underwater images caused by particles in the water reflecting your strobe light back at the camera — is reduced by positioning your light source far to the side and slightly behind the plane of the lens, not directly above it. The course covers strobe positioning specifically. In Goa's waters, early morning dives before boat traffic disturbs particles also help significantly.

Reliable photography subjects at Grandé Island: blue-spotted stingrays resting under coral overhangs (close-approach possible when approached slowly from the side), large moray eels in crevices (patient waiting gets head-on shots), parrotfish (colorful and moderately approachable), barracuda in schools (dramatic wide-angle shots), and soft coral on Suzy's Wreck as backdrop.

Yes. The course is designed for divers, not photographers — we start from the basics of how underwater cameras work and why standard photography rules behave differently underwater. No photography background is assumed.

₹9,900 ~~₹13,959~~ Save 29%

per person, GST extra

Add-ons

SSI Nitrox specialty Dive longer on enriched air +₹6,930 Extra guided fun dive after certification Use your new skills at Grande Island +₹3,940 GoPro rental + edited video Edited video of your dives +₹1,485 Private 1-on-1 instructor Go at your own pace +₹5,940

Your total per person₹9,900 GST extra

Book Now

Book with ₹5,000 per person. Balance and GST at the dive centre.

Book via WhatsApp +91 92092 47825

SSI Certified Dive Centre in Goa

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.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 568 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Rajneesh Kumar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional staff with all safety measures and excellent service and support...!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MarvelouSiddharth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mahesh g.warrier 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Manna Singh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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....
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pranav Jagtap 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gurkirpal Bedi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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  
   
   Joseph Durfey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! Dive master was super knowledgeable and professional. Took good care of us. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abdul Waheed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best experience we ever had
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anshul Tembhurne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. - 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!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 381 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Road50855370209 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Freedom58686498324 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Very good experience to much friendly staff members they help you
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Travel25055630721 
 
 
 
 Verified 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 🪸💖💙
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dwarkesh 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba Nitrox
Great experience with Ashish & Dinesh! Will come back here next time as well!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Curiosity20059827591 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Staff members are excellent!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sunshine49195324825 
 
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Voyager55147331857 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
Excellent experience with team of the Novotel 👍
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Excursion31003926877 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba diving
Best service provider best experience of life very well trained and professional staff
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   FarAway38541753570 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba diving
Very good experience and had a nice time
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   OnAir49110026021 
 
 
 
 Verified Scuba
It was fun and comfortable around them first scuba diving totally worth each penny