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Goa, the land of pristine beaches, is a picturesque holiday destination that not only attracts tourists from India, but all over the globe. Flanked by the hippie vibe of North Goa on one side and the peace and quietude of South Goa on the other, this tropical haven is home to over 60 beaches. Most of these beaches offer a plethora of water sports that lure in adventure seekers and beach bums to this India’s party destination every year. From jet skiing, surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, to snorkeling in Goa, there’s a whole lot of adventure that you can indulge in on these shores. For starters, let’s find out some of the best spots across Goa for snorkeling so that you can plan an action-packed trip soon.

Best Time To Visit Goa For Snorkeling

Enjoying snorkelling in water

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Goa is visit-worthy throughout the year. However, the winter season is considered to be the best time to take a trip to Goa and indulge in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and much more. November to February marks the winter season here which is perfect for plunging into the seas here and exploring the life under water. The weather is pleasantly cool and ideal for various other activities as well like shopping, exploring the beaches, partying, etc.

5 Best Spots For Snorkeling In Goa

Here are some of the best places to go snorkeling in this wonderful tropical heaven to make your holiday a memorable and exciting one!

1. Grande Island

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This is a wonderful spot to indulge in boating, snorkeling, swimming, and a lot more. The boat ride kick starts at Dona Paula beach and can drop you near Calangute, Baga, Panjim, Candolim, Sinquerim, Arpora, and Porvorim. The boating drive is fully equipped with the right kind of safety gear and equipment. You are served with light snacks or refreshments during your cruise to Grande Island. On the way, you can spot dolphins too, which makes it the best place for snorkeling in Goa.

You can get down at the beautiful sun-kissed beach of Hansa where you can enjoy sea-diving, enjoy an hour of snorkeling, and play games like darts, volley-ball, and football. it’s a great place to get a beautiful tan post a rejuvenating sun bath at this Island cum beach locale. You will then be served with a buffet lunch after which you will be taken to the drop-off point to end the trip. Grande Island is the place to enjoy best snorkeling in Goa.

Timings: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Starting price: INR 1,220 per adult

Note: The cost of snorkeling in Goa can vary from season to season.

Must Read: Christmas Celebration In Goa Is The Perfect Way To Soak In The Festivities!

2. Bogmalo Beach

Island View

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Would you love trying your hands at snorkeling in South Goa? Then this adventure trip is meant for you. The trip covers the coveted Bogmalo Beach in South Goa. With scuba diving and snorkeling in Goa, you get a wonderful opportunity to explore aquatic life out here. the water is much clearer here as compared to many other places in Goa, which will let you observe the enigmatic underwater life comprising of pretty-looking fish and corals very easily. Don’t forget to take along your underwater camera to take pictures of the life under the sea and of you exploring it like a pro!

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Starting price: INR 1,100 per adult

Suggested Read: 43 Famous Beaches In Goa That Will Make Your Vacay A Happy Trip

3. Monkey Beach

Beach View

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Head out to the Monkey Beach which shall fascinate you with scores of exciting activities under the belt. This is one of the best trips where you get to sail amid the placid waves of the Arabian Sea and spot enticing and rare forms of marine life while snorkeling in Goa. You will be picked up from either Calangute, Baga, Arpora, Nagoa, Candolim, Sinquerim, or the Nerul bay, and dropped on this island.

On the way, you can witness the Governor’s Palace and the Central Prison of Goa. Once you’re on this beach, you can indulge in a number of activities like fishing and snorkeling, or witness dolphins dancing their way to glory during your cruise ride. Later, you’ll be ferried back to the mainland.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Starting price: INR 1,900 per adult

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4. Bat Island

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Enjoy one of the best snorkeling dives in Goa at Bat Island. Head to this beautiful island to explore fascinating forms of marine life out here. The rarest humpback dolphins can be seen at play while you witness the serene aura of backwaters of Goa. You can take up scuba diving and venture into the depths, or stay near the surface with snorkeling in Goa. You will have two hours of this enthralling drive to explore this hidden side of North Goa. Later, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous veg or non-veg meal before you bid this island goodbye.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Starting price: INR 1,400 per adult

Suggested Read: 12 Affordable Things To Do In Goa With Kids For Your Family Adventure!

5. Miramar Beach

People enjoy in water

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If you want your experience of snorkeling in Goa to be rather peaceful and relaxing, you can choose to do it at Miramar Beach in Panjim. The Miramar Beach is open for travelers and snorkelers under two specified time slots. The morning batch remains open from 9 AM to 1 PM, while the evening batch kick starts at 2 PM in the afternoon and finally ends at 6 PM. You get to enjoy a delightful cruise ride in a beautifully laid-out catamaran that can take around 50-60 people at once.

During the exhilarating ride you can spot dolphins, snorkel, sun-bathe, paddle-sail, swim, and indulge in kayaking as well. The sparkling waters of the sea will surely revive your mind, body, and soul and it’s what makes this one of the best places for snorkeling in Goa.

Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM | 2 PM – 6 PM
Starting price: INR 1,600 per adult

Suggested Read: 28 Watersports In Goa That You Must Add to Your Bucket List For A Fun Vacay!

Other Water Sports To Try In Goa

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There also are various other water-based activities apart from snorkeling in Goa? Many beaches in Goa offer an endless range of water sports for people to indulge in. Some of these include:

  • Parasailing
  • Snorkeling
  • Fly Jumping
  • Bumper cum Banana Rides
  • Jet-skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand-up Pedal Boating
  • Swimming
  • Scuba Diving
  • Whale and Dolphin Watching
  • Fishing

To enjoy a number of these activities without burning a hole in your wallet, many places in Goa offer packages that include a collection of a few water sports on special discounts. So, you can totally include a few more water activities on your platter when you’re out for snorkeling in North Goa or South Goa!

Suggested Read: Enjoy A Great New Year In Goa On A Budget

How To Reach Goa

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By Air: The nearest airport in the Dabolim International Airport located 29 km away from Panaji, the capital city. This airport is well connected to major Indian cities as well as international cities. From the airport, you can take the airport shuttle or taxi to get to other places in Goa.

By Rail: The Madgaon Railways Station and the Vasco-da-gama Railways Station are the two main railheads here which are connected to almost all major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From these railway stations, you can easily get a taxi to go anywhere you wish to go in Goa.

By Road: You can take a bus from various nearby cities in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu to get to Goa. Goa has a smooth road network that is bound to make your road trip fun! Apart from efficient public buses, there also are plenty of luxury and semi-sleeper buses that ply to and fro this destination on regular time slots.

Suggested Read: 6 Enriching Walking Tours In Goa For A Real Taste Of Its Culture And Heritage

Safety Tips For Snorkeling In Goa

Here are some useful safety tip sthat will come handy for a wonderful snorkeling experince in Goa:

  • Always pratice snorkeling in pool or calm waters before performing the diving activity.
  • Do not perfrom the activity if you are suffering from certain health issues such as heart disease, asthma and some lung complaints.
  • Get a proper certification for a certified training institute before taking the dive.
  • Never go into the waters alone. Make sure you have a trained professional to help and guide you.
  • Ensure all safety equipments are working properly.
  • Dress appropriately and comfortably.
  • Follow all safety instructions given to you by your insytructor.
  • Once under water, be well aware of your location and be relaxed. Try to enjoy the dive and observe your surroundings.
  • Do not touch any  of the marine creatures. In many a cases, it could be fatal.
  • Make sure the weather and water conditions are perfect for snorkelling. Beware of under currents or shark infested regions.

Further Read: 9 Interesting Museums In Goa: Tour The Ancient Showcases

So, we hope we could help you plan an awesome-sauce holiday in Goa with this list of the best spots for snorkeling in Goa. And while booking, do make sure you keep your itinerary flexible enough to try various other things that this hippie town offers. Together with great food, partying, sun-kissed beaches, a vivid culture and history, and you’ll surely end up having the best vacation of your life!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snorkeling In Goa

Is Goa a good place to try snorkeling?

Yes, Goa is one of the most famous places to try the sport of snorkeling. It is home to many beaches with amazing underwater life that you can watch during snorkeling.

Which is the best place for snorkeling in Goa?

Some of the best places for snorkeling in Goa are Grande island, Bat island, Miramar beach, Monkey beach and more.

How to reach Grande island in Goa?

If you are going by airways, then the nearest airport to the island is Goa airport. And if you are going by railways, then the nearest railway station is Madgaon railway station. From either of the two options, you will have to take a cab till the island.

Is snorkeling in Goa safe for non swimmers?

Yes, snorkeling in Goa is safe for those who don’t know how to swim. However, in order to ensure safety, you should not do it alone.

Can you go snorkeling in Goa with friends?

Yes, you can go snorkeling in Goa with your friends. It is one of the most soul-soothing experiences that will leave you awestruck.

Is it safe to visit Goa with family?

Yes, it is safe to visit Goa with family. There are many places in Goa that serve the purpose of being tourist attractions for families and there are many family tours to choose from.

What is the ideal time to explore Goa for snorkeling?

March to May is considered the ideal time to explore the beautiful tropical city for waterWe have covered hill stations near Mangalore sports like snorkeling. It is one of those experiences that you cannot afford to miss.

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