Snorkelling In Goa: Unveiling The 10 Best Places For A Soul-Stirring Experience

A glimpse of a person diving deep in the azure ocean exploring the marine life underwater.

Goa is an exciting place to visit. Beyond the shores and under the water of the beaches lies a world which is yet to be explored. There are multiple operators and watersports agencies in Goa which let you try the best of their thrilling activities. Snorkelling in Goa is a chosen activity to perform besides scuba diving and surfing. Beyond the beaches, multiple snorkelling sites offer a breathtaking experience beneath the waters. These snorkelling sites in Goa cater to all preferences, be it a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced level snorkeller under the water.

10 Places For Snorkelling In Goa

Under the water of the beaches is a stunning world with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Snorkelling in Goa is a preferred option as it reveals a new facet of the waters beyond the seashores.

1. Pigeon Island

A glimpse of the serene Pigeon Island, one of the best places to try snokelling in Goa.

Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Pigeon Island is one of the recommended sites for snorkelling in Goa. Though this place can’t be directly reached from Goa, divers have to hire a speedboat which takes them a hundred kilometres away in the sea. Because of its farness from the sea and varying depths of water, Pigeon Island is chosen for the best snorkelling. It is believed that this island, if witnessed from above, looks like the shape of a heart. Pigeon Island is thus known as the ‘heart of India’s diving’. The price of scuba diving at Pigeon Island also includes a boat ride to the site.

Location: Pigeon Island Located off the coast of South Goa
Highlights: Reef fishes, large Pelagic fishes, both shallow and deeper dive sites
Experience: Experienced or advanced

2. Grande Island

A bird’s eye view of the Grande Island surrounded by azure waters and decked with trees.

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Grande Island is a chosen spot not only for snorkelling but for scuba diving as well. There are multiple sites near the island with different characteristics as each one has its own uniqueness. The island is frequently visited by people and offers a very familiar experience to all. Snorkelling at this site is a combined experience of fun and thrill. Snorkelers can see multiple schools of fish swimming around and a vibrant coral life. The experience at Grande Island is heart-touching. Other water sports at this place include scuba diving and jet skiing.

Location: Ilha Grande Island, South Goa
Highlights: Vibrant marine life
Experience: Beginners

3. Bat Island

A glimpse of the scenic Bat Island, one of the famous places to try snorkelling in Goa.

Photo: Marc Coenen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bat Island is another small island lying near Grande Island in Goa. This island is a popular scuba diving spot but also carries out other watersports and adventurous activities like snorkelling, surfing, jet-skiing and parasailing. There lies a rich underwater biodiversity which awaits snorkelers to explore. Beneath the water lies extensive coral formation which is home to a diverse range of marine species and many schools of fish. The island can be reached via a speedboat or a ferry. Snorkelling is mostly done during the drier months of October to March as the visibility of water in Bat Island is excellent.

Location: Bat Island Near Grande Island, Goa
Highlights: Scuba diving, varied marine experience, coral formations
Experience: Beginners

4. Atlantis Watersports

A glimpse of a person diving deep into the waters and is encircled by a shoal of fish.

Photo: Pascal van de Vendel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Snorkelers are promised the best experience by Atlantis Watersports. This place besides offering excellent snorkelling services also gives the best experience of scuba diving and other watersports. Atlantis Water Sports offers the services at rock-bottom prices. There are multiple combo packages and deals given to visitors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Atlantis Watersports caters to every individual’s level of experience. Other adventurous activities offered by the company are bungee jumping, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, paragliding and evening boat parties. They also host dinners on cruises

Location: Shop No 1, Tavares Place, Calangute – Arpora Road, next to Dr Aditya DC, Prabhu Wada, Calangute, Goa 403516
Highlights: Banana boat rides, scuba diving, cruise party
Cost/Person: ₹2000 onwards

5. Aquazen Adventures

An underwater shot of Aquazen Adventures, one of the top places to try snorkelling in Goa.

Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Aquazen Adventures is one of the renowned places for watersports in South Goa. This place offers multiple boat tours and cruise dinners in South Goa. Snorkelling is a preferred option with Aquazen Adventure as it promises the best of the times. The sites for snorkelling can be reached via speedboat and ferry. There are experienced instructors who cater to every individual’s level of experience whether they are beginners or intermediate. Aquazen Adventures also offers a certificate for beginners. The centre holds advanced courses for experienced snorkelers and introductory programs for beginners.

Location: Survey No 14/1, Karma Wood House Estate, Santarem Beach, Velsavaon, Mormugao, Goa 403712
Highlights: Banana boat rides, scuba diving
Cost/Person: ₹2000 onwards

6. Bogmalo Beach

A glimpse of the pristine golden sands and turquoise-blue waters of the Bogmalo Beach.

Photo: Michiel Ton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bogmalo Beach is one of the preferred sites for snorkelling and scuba diving. A speedboat takes divers a few metres away from the shores of the beach. This beach has crystal clear water and snorkelers can observe an array of fish and colourful coral reefs. Underwater photography is done beneath the water of Bogmalo Beach. Luckily enough, snorkelers might spot sea turtles and dolphins at a bit of a distance from the beach. Besides snorkelling, other water sports performed here are jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides.

Location: Bogmalo Beach, South Goa, Goa
Highlights: Crystal-clear visibility, vibrant coral reef
Cost/Person: ₹4500 onwards

7. Flying Fish Diving

A shot of the Flying Fish Diving, one of the top places to try snorkelling in Goa.

Photo: Kris-Mikael Krister / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Originally a scuba school, Flying Fish Diving besides scuba diving is also chosen for snorkelling and other watersports. Flying Fish Scuba Diving offers a real snorkelling experience. The team is said to be very cooperative and friendly. There are diverse certification courses and introductory programs. Flying Fish Scuba Diving also specialises in areas such as underwater photography, wreck diving and guided diving. Snorkelling is a straightforward watersport and requires no training but in the case of beginners, training is provided on request.

Location: GTDC Calangute Residency, Goa 403516
Highlights: Marine life, certificate programs
Cost/Person: ₹2399 onwards

8. Goa Tours

A person exploring the exotic marine life under water and trying a thrilling activity.

Photo: Dejan Nouval / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Goa Tours in Calangute has multiple packages and deals for not only snorkelling but other watersports too. Snorkelling is best done between the months of October and June when the visibility is excellent as there is no interrupting rainfall. The journey for snorkelling starts from Sinquerim Beach which takes divers and snorkelers a few metres away from the shores. It takes about 7 hours to wind up the day and make the memorable moments of life under the water. Snorkelers get beautiful views of the Aguada Fort.

Location: Near Carvalho’s Bar & Restaurant Old Petrol Pump, Calangute, Goa
Highlights: Sightseeing, views of Aguada Fort
Cost/Person: ₹1470 onwards

9. Velsao Beach

A glimpse of picturesque Velsao Beach, one of the best places to try snorkelling in Goa.

Photo: Joe Ambrogio / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Velsao Beach offers the best retreat to all visitors. The beach has a long stretch of sand and is lesser-known among tourists. The water of the beach has untouched beauty and awaits scuba divers and snorkelers. There are multiple water sports performed at Velsao Beach including jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and speed boat rides which promise the best moments as the beach is secluded and not very crowded. Small fishes can be spotted while snorkelling. The equipment is well-maintained too.

Location: Velsao Beach, Velsao Village, South Goa, Goa 403710
Highlights: Angelfish and excellent water visibility
Cost/Person: ₹1300 onwards

10. West Coast Adventures Goa

A glimpse of the tall swaying palm trees, pristine golden sands, and azure waters.

Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

West Coast Adventures Goa is a recommended place in Candolim to try watersports and other adventurous activities. Originally a diving centre, West Coast Adventures Goa also offers snorkelling as one of its most preferred watersports. There are expert instructors guiding every individual keeping in mind their level of experience whether they are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler. West Coast Adventures Goa takes snorkelers to popular sites of Grande Island, Bat Island and sites near beaches. The snorkelling gears and masks are well-maintained.

Location: Anna Waddo, Main, Candolim Rd, Candolim, Goa 403515
Highlights: Certificate programs, varied courses
Cost/Person: ₹1500 onwards

Snorkelling in Goa is as exciting as it seems. It reflects the hidden world underneath the waves. There are experienced instructors who conduct introductory programs and cater to every individual’s level of learning and preferences. Book a trip to Goa with TripXL and try snorkelling for a exhilarating experience as you can witness vibrant coral reefs, schools of fish and an unexplored underwater world.

Cover Photo: Miles Hardacre / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to go snorkelling in Goa is during the months from October to May. There is no interrupting rainfall and the visibility of water during the months is excellent.
No prior experience is needed for snorkelling in Goa. Most of the operating sites cater to beginners as well as intermediates. They conduct introductory programs before actual snorkelling takes place.
Snorkelling in Goa is conducted at various sites in Goa. One of the famous beaches is Majorda Beach.
Galgibaga is one of the renowned beaches of Goa. It is said that this beach has multiple sea turtles. It is also a site for the extraordinary nesting season for sea turtles in Goa.
Cavelossim Beach in Goa has dolphins. This beach lies at the mouth of Sal River which is located in South Goa.

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