Barracuda Diving - Dive Destinations

Dive Destinations

Dive Goa

DIVE GOA ~ GRANDE ISLAND

Boasting 105 km. of sun kissed, palm fringed coastline, Goa has, for many years, been a Mecca for tourists worldwide. Such is the warmth and hospitality of this, the smallest state in India, many return year after year to rekindle friendships made above and below the sea.

Home to the Barracuda Diving team since 1993, Goa continues to surprise and amaze us with its wealth of ever changing aquatic life. Grande Island and Sao Jorge Island host a variety of dive sites from calm, sandy bays to pretty coral fields, exciting shipwrecks to challenging pinnacles. Add warm waters, shallow dive sites and an absence of strong currents, Goa is an ideal location for beginners as well as experienced divers. While diving in Goa is not exactly world class due to limited underwater visibility (generally in the region of 6 to 12 meters), there is an amazing amount of marine life as well as hard coral which continues to delight even the most experienced divers.

Fishlife includes Barracudas, Damsels, Snappers, Sweetlips, Groupers, Sweepers, Sergeant Majors, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Bannerfish, Wrasse, Tangs, Mullets, Tuna, Batfish, Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Rock Cod, etc. Other marine life includes Sea Cucumbers, Blennies, Gobies, Lobsters, Cuttlefish, Shrimps and Nudibranch with corals, including Table, Brain, Sea Whips, Gorgonian Fans, abound. Turtles, Woebegong and Reef tip sharks, Shovel Nosed and Sting Rays, Nurse Sharks as well as Dogfish are spotted occasionally. The warm waters teem with playful Bottlenose Dolphins, though they are shy of divers.

DAILY DIVE TRIPS~ Rs 3,000.00 p.p. | SNORKELING~ Rs 1,000.00 p.p. | SCUBA REVIEW~ Rs 500.00 p.p.

We provide daily guided boat dives inclusive of 2 tank dives, full equipment with 3mm shorty wetsuit, snacks and filtered water, services of a PADI qualified dive guide, fresh water shower and personal equipment cleaning.
You provide a towel, swimsuit and a smile!.
A full safety and conservation briefing, dive site orientation and an introduction to the local marine life will be conducted on board.
Dive sites are often dependent on the location of best visibility and fish life at the time of the dive and the experience level on divers onboard but we try our very best to accommodate site preference where possible.

Snorkelers and accompanying guests are welcome subject to availability. Snorkeling equipment, snacks and filtered water are provided.
Booking is required. Pleasure dives are strictly for qualified divers. Proof of certification by c-card or log book is mandatory.
In the interest of your comfort and safety, a scuba review is highly recommended for those who have not dived for over one year.
Payment to be made in full prior to departure. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.

PADI COURSES

PADI certification courses and programs conducted range from Introductory dives to Assistant Instructor certification.
We provide study materials, full equipment rental, academic sessions, pool training, boat dives, log book, PADI certification card as per course requirements and a complimentary Barracuda t-shirt or cap as per course requirements.
Courses are conducted daily at the convenience of the student. With four PADI Instructors available, we are very flexible and accommodating to individual requirements.

Families and friends of students are welcome to enjoy our facilities or accompany students where possible.
Booking is required.
Payment to be made in full prior to start of course. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.

DIVER ALERT: It is now mandatory that all students receive ownership of full course study materials as per PADI standards. If in doubt please contact www.padi.com

OUR FAVORITE DIVE SITES

SUZY'S WRECK
Built in U.K. in the 1930's, Suzy's wreck aka SS Rita, is a 130 meter metal cargo ship resting in a shallow, calm, sandy bay off Grande Island. She reportedly arrived carrying a cargo of railroad tracks and sank in a storm with loss of only one life. Much of the wreck has been salvaged leaving a superstructure covered in molluscs with small soft and hard corals giving home to small critters such as Blennies, Nudibranch, baby Lobster, Clams, Tiger Cowries to name a few. Ever changing, the abundance and diversity of fish life including Barracuda, Batfish, Angelfish, Snappers, Lionfish, Sweetlips, Scorpionfish, Parrotfish, Moorish idols, Bannerfish, Groupers, Moray Eels, Puffers, Boxfish, Flounders, Stargazers, Squid and Rays, continue to thrill and amaze beginners and experienced divers alike.

DEPTH: 2-13 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 4-12 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge with negligible current ~ LEVEL: All levels

SAIL ROCK
Rising 10 meters above sea level this rock pinnacle offers some of the most amazing dives for pelagics and big fish action including Eagle Rays, Red Snapper, Giant Barracuda, Tuna, Sharks and Groupers. Schooling Bannerfish, Moorish Idols, Yellowtail Snappers and Blue Ringed Angelfish are regulars on the gradually sloping walls and surrounding rocky outcrops. Due to the exposed nature of this pinnacle, this site is dependent on conditions at the time of diving.

DEPTH: 8-24 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-15 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Surge with gentle to strong current ~ LEVEL: Advanced

DAVY JONES LOCKER
With only the stern section and huge propeller of this badly broken metal steamer intact, the surrounding wreckage is extensive and a perfect dive for exploration. With schools of large Grouper taking refuge under the fallen decks, Jacks, Tuna, Barracuda and large schools of Banner fish are frequently seen. At 11 meters the highest point of the wreck is a popular place for spotting various species of Nudibranch. The main section of this massive wreck, with binnacle and boilers intact, lies close by but the location still eludes us. Found by accident whilst exploring Davy Jones, we nicknamed her GOLIATH and look forward to hearing from all wreckies and adventure seekers ready for exploration so we can finally put her on the map! Due to the exposed nature of the wreck and surrounding breakers, this site is dependent on conditions at the time of diving.

DEPTH: 11-18 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-15 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Surge with moderate current ~ LEVEL: Advanced

UMMA GUMMA REEF
Circumnavigating this exposed rocky outcrop off Grande Island, the highlights of this site are large Groupers, Barracuda, Jacks, Tuna, Batfish, Needlefish and occasional Reef Sharks. Porcupine Puffers, Lobster and Scorpion fish find refuge amongst the coral covered rocks whilst schooling snappers mingle with families of Collared Butterfly fish and Blue Ringed Angelfish.

DEPTH: 6-12 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-12 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge and moderate current ~ LEVEL: All levels.

LOBSTER AVENUE
With a rocky underwater terrain abundant in hard coral, a shoreline layered with Plate Coral. A large breaker of exposed rocks offering sheltered waters leeward and a gentle drift seaward, this site offers something for everyone. Colorful schooling Parrotfish and Snappers, Sergeant Majors, Scat, Rock Cod, Dogfish, Nurse Sharks, Cuttlefish, Peacock Flounder, Moray Eels, Lobster, Large Grouper and Red Toothed Triggerfish are commonly seen and the occasional turtle, Marble and Reef Ray are yearly visitors.

DEPTH: 2-10 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-12 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge with negligible current. Gentle drift on seaward side of breakers ~ LEVEL: All levels.

SHELTER COVE
A clear, calm, sandy bay dotted with small coral covered rocks and plentiful small fishes, Sea Cucumbers, Urchins and Nudibranch. Swim throughs provide residence for Lobsters, Moray Eels, Sponges, Scorpionfish and schooling Parrotfish. Fields of Sea whips, small basket Sponges, colorful Sea Fans and Gorgonian Fans offer a surreal underwater landscape whilst rocky outcrops, often teeming with Red toothed Triggers, Butterflyfish, Scat and numerous small species provide a haven for baby Nurse Sharks and Porcupine Puffers. With Plate and Table coral abound, Groupers and Brown Barred Rock Cod, Angelfish and Oriental Sweetlips dwell. Olive Ridley turtles are sighted every year taking sanctuary in the nooks and crannies of this amazingly diverse site.

DEPTH: 2-10 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-12 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge with negligible current ~ LEVEL: All levels. An excellent site for student training and scuba experience programs.

THE JETTY
With its sandy beach and calm sheltered waters, abundance of hard corals and plentiful marine life, this disused jetty is a popular site for day trippers to enjoy a picnic, swimming and snorkeling hence, it is also a favorite location for our Underwater and Beach clean-up programs! Beneath the jetty school Baitfish in their hundreds as well as Lionfish, Scorpion fish, Moray Eels, Damsels and Trumpet fish. Sand gobies and Blind Shrimp dominate the sandy shoreline whilst Marine Plants, Algae, Brain Corals, Plate Corals, Lobster and Nudibranch prevail on the predominantly rocky bottom. Home to Grouper, Oriental Sweetlips, Porcupine Puffers, Barracuda and a variety of Butterflyfish, this site is a favorite breeding ground for cuttlefish.

DEPTH: 2-10 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 6-12 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge with no current ~ LEVEL: All levels

DIVE KARNATAKA ~ NETRANI ISLAND & BHATKAL WRECK

Coastal Karnataka, as beautiful above as below the sea. Sweeping valleys and verdant forests, palm fringed backwaters and secluded beaches, ancient cultures and exotic cuisine. Blended together with sparkling azure waters and an underwater wonderland, you have the perfect ingredients for a truly memorable holiday experience.

The tiny uninhabited Island of Netrani lies 10 nautical miles off the coastal temple town of Murudeshwar. With depths ranging from 6 to 40 meters, and visibility between 15 to 30 meters, this island offers excellent diving suitable for certified divers of all experience levels. Netrani is not only home to the great diversity of fish life common to Goa and the Arabian Sea, it is also well known for regular sightings of Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Great Barracuda, Cobia, White and Black Tip Sharks, Stingrays and Stonefish. Imagine Grand Central Station in rush hour!

Each and every visit continues to delight us with something new and exciting. Snorkelers were exhilarated when a Giant Manta Ray joined in with them for playtime! In May 2000. the unbelievable appearance of six Orcas began a series of several sightings of migratory whales during the months of April and May. Recently identified were Bryde's and Pilot whales.

Once on dry land, absorb the culture of ancient India with a visit to the monumental Hindu shore temple of Lord Shiva, The Destroyer. A vibrant and still active temple, hear and see the colorful stories of Hindu mythology as depicted by the intricate carvings surrounding the temple walls that have survived centuries of worship. Erected beside the temple, towering 36.94 meters into the sky, you will find the tallest Shiva idol in the world.

Offering the best of service, amenities and ambience, your hotel includes a Health Club, Swimming pool, Gymnasium, Coffee shop and Multi cuisine restaurant. Relax in comfort on your balcony and capture the panoramic view of the rising sun over the Arabian Sea.

Evenings in Murudeshwar are made for sunsets with an early evening drive to a secluded beach or a short stroll to the headland's Sunset Point to watch the day finally draw to a close. A perfect end to a yet another perfect day in paradise.

OUR FAVORITE DIVE SITES

GRAND CENTRAL STATION
High adrenaline action where the big boys come to watch you! Barracudas, Groupers, Parrotfish, Red Snappers, Napoleon Wrasse and schooling Cobia cruise by in deeper waters. Following a gentle slope of hard coral and rocks towards the island, the shallows are teeming with Rabbitfish, Red Toothed Triggers and Sergeant Majors. A gentle drift along the sloping walls offers a chance to see Olive Ridley turtles resting whilst Needlefish drift past overhead.

DEPTH: 6-25 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 15-20 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm. Gentle drift dive possible ~ LEVEL: All levels. Depth restricted to diver experience.

JENNY'S AQUARIUM
This fabulous dive begins at a small cavern with a chance of spotting resting White Tip Sharks. The surrounding rocks bustle with Moorish Idols, Bannerfish, Blue Ringed Angelfish and a variety of schooling Butterflyfish. Lobsters and Moray Eels take shelter in the rocks and an occasional cruising Black Tip Shark thrills divers and snorkelers alike! Gently drifting on, the sheer walls of the island form a superb backdrop for the myriad of fishes common to this site whilst large Grouper and Napoleon wrasse are frequent visitors from the blue yonder.

DEPTH: 6-15 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 15-25 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm. Occasional current. Drift dive possible ~ LEVEL: All levels

DINI'S DELIGHT AND THE ABYSS
Giant coral heads and amazing swim throughs are the highlight of a dive at Dini's Delight and attract a wide diversity of marine life rarely found on other sites. Many species of Wrasse, Coris, Angelfish and Parrotfish require careful identification whilst amongst the corals Porcupine Puffers, Lobsters and Moray Eels vie for space. A favorite for photographers, naturalists and those who wish to experience the hustle-bustle of our marine community up close and personal!
Dropping down to 35 meters, The Abyss is the one for deep dive fanatics. Large schools of Barracuda, Tuna and cruising pelagics are often sighted. The gravel bottom has a gradual slope heading towards the island and Dini's Delight, an ideal spot to complete your safety stop.

DEPTH: 8-35 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 15-25 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm, occasional surge with slight current ~ LEVEL: All levels. Depth restricted to diver experience.

THE NURSERY
This sheltered bay, with its gravelly bottom, shallow wall and rocky outcrops, is a breeding ground and nursery for the wealth of marine life in these waters. Juveniles galore, Nudibranch, Stonefish, Honeycomb and Giant Morays, this is ideal for beginners as well as advanced divers who enjoy looking for all things small and wonderful.

DEPTH: 6-10 meters ~ VISIBILITY: 15-20 meters ~ CONDITIONS: Calm. Occasional surge ~ LEVEL: All levels. An excellent site for student training and Macro Photography.

ITINERARY FOR SOUTH INDIA DIVE SAFARIS
NETRANI ISLAND

Customize your safari with a combination of Adventure Dives, Specialty Courses and Pleasure Dives or choose from below.

PLEASURE DIVING FOR QUALIFIED DIVERS

Day 1: Depart for Murudeshwar at 10.00 am. Break mid journey for lunch at Karwar.
Arrive at 3.00 pm. Time to freshen up, enjoy some tea and a visit to Sunset point followed by dinner.
Day 2: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am
Return at 3.00 pm after 2 dives. Evening Temple tour followed by dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 dives. After a shower and lunch, depart for Goa.
Arrive at Dive Center at 8.30 pm

Cost per person: Pleasure Divers - Rs.17,000.00
Snorkelers / non-divers - Rs.8,500.00

Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives, boat charges and qualified dive guide, guided sightseeing, transport from and to Sun Village Resort, all meals and 3 Star, non A/C accommodation on a twin share basis.
2. A/C accommodation can be arranged at an extra charge of Rs.1,000.00 per room.
3. Trips upon request require a minimum of 2 divers.
4. Payment to be made in full prior to departure. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.

BHATKAL WRECK AND NIGHT DIVE SAFARI

Day 1: Depart for Murudeshwar at 9.00 AM. Break mid journey for brunch at Karwar. Arrive at 2.00 pm. Time to freshen up, enjoy a light lunch and depart for Netrani Island at 4.00 pm for an afternoon and night dive. Return 8.30 pm for dinner.
Day 2: Breakfast at 9.30 am. Depart for Bhatkal Wreck at 11.00 am for 2 dives and return at 4.30 pm. Evening temple tour followed by dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast at 8.00 am and depart for Goa. Arrive at Dive Centre at 2.00 pm.

Cost per person: Rs.20,000.00

Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives including 1 night dive and 2 wreck dives, boat charges, guided sightseeing, transport from and to Sun Village Resort, all meals and 3 Star, non A/C accommodation on a twin share basis.
2.. A/C accommodation can be arranged at an extra charge of Rs.1,000.00 per room. Single supplement charge - Rs.1,000.00.
3.. Payment to be made in full prior to departure. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.
4.. This trip is available strictly for divers with proof of minimum 50 logged dives including experience in Deep, Wreck and Night dives.

COMBINED DIVE COURSES

Option 1~ SCUBA DIVER

Day 1: SUN VILLAGE RESORT DIVE CENTRE~ 10.00 am: Knowledge development and DVD session for Modules 1, 2 & 3
1.00 pm: Break for lunch. 2.00 - 4.30pm: Briefing followed by pool diving skills session.
Day 2: Depart for Murudeshwar at 10.00 am. Break mid journey for lunch at Karwar.
Arrive at 3.00 pm. Time to freshen up, enjoy some tea and a visit to Sunset point followed by dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am.
Return at 3.00 pm after 2 training dives. Evening Temple tour followed by dinner.
Day 4: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am.
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 pleasure dives. After a shower and lunch, depart for Goa.
Arrive at Dive Center at 8.30 pm.

Cost per person: Rs.18,000.00

Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all study materials and equipment, 4 dives, boat charges and qualified dive guide, guided sightseeing, transport from and to Sun Village Resort, all meals and 3 Star, non A/C accommodation on a twin share basis.
2. Meals and accommodation are not included on training days in Goa.
3. A/C accommodation can be arranged at an extra charge of Rs.1,000.00 per room.
4. Payment to be made in full prior to start of course. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.

Option 2 ~ OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE

Day 1: SUN VILLAGE RESORT DIVE CENTRE ~ 10.00 am: Knowledge development and DVD session for Modules 1, 2 & 3
1.00 pm: Break for lunch. 2.00 - 4.30pm: Briefing followed by pool diving skills session.
Day 2: SUN VILLAGE RESORT DIVE CENTRE ~ 10.00 - 1.00 pm. Knowledge development, DVD and pool diving skills session for modules
4 & 5.
Day 3: Depart for Murudeshwar at 10.00 am. Break mid journey for lunch at Karwar.
Arrive at 3.00 pm. Time to freshen up, enjoy some tea and a visit to Sunset point followed by dinner.
Day 4: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am.
Return at 3.00 pm after 2 training dives. Evening temple tour followed by dinner.
Day 5: Breakfast at 7.30 am. Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am.
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 training dives. After a shower and lunch, depart for Goa.
Arrive at Dive Center at 8.30 pm

Cost per person: Rs.22,000.00

Option 3 ~ ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE

Day 1: Depart for Murudeshwar at 10.00 am. Break mid journey for lunch at Karwar.
Arrive at 3.00 pm. Time to freshen up, enjoy some tea and a visit to Sunset point followed by dinner.
Day 2: Breakfast at 7.30 am, Depart for Netrani Island at 8.30 am
Return at 3.00 pm after 3 training dives. Evening temple tour followed by dinner.
Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.30 am
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 training dives. After a shower and lunch, depart for Goa.
Arrive at Dive Center at 8.30 pm

Cost per person: Rs.20,000.00

Remarks :
1. Course consists of mandatory Deep and Navigation dives and 3 elective dives. Options include u/w naturalist, u/w photography, u/w videography, Search & recovery and Peak Performance Buoyancy).
2. Cost includes rental of all study materials and equipment, 5 dives, boat charges, guided sightseeing, transport from and to Sun Village Resort, all meals and 3 Star, non A/C accommodation on a twin share basis.
3. A/C accommodation can be arranged at an extra charge of Rs.1,000.00 per room.
4. Payment to be made in full prior to start of course. Payments by Credit Card are subjected to a 4% bank charge.

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