Barracuda Diving India is India's Premier Scuba Schools International Certified Diamon Diving Centre based in Aldona, Goa. We specialise in offering a full range of International Certification dive courses, scuba diving equipment and dive travel services to destinations within India as well as abroad.
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, Batfish, Scorpionfish, Lionfish, Rock Cod, etc. Other marine life includes Sea Cucumbers, Blennies, Gobies, Crayfish, Cuttlefish, Shrimps and Nudibranch with corals, including Table, Brain, Sea Whips, Gorgonian Fans, abound. Turtles and Sting Rays and Bamboo Sharks are spotted occasionally. The warm waters teem with playful Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphins seen practically everyday on the way to or back from the dives.
We provide study materials, full equipment rental, academic sessions, pool training, boat dives, log book,International certification card as per course requirements.
Courses are conducted daily at the convenience of the student. We are very flexible and accommodating to individual requirements. Various Internationally recognised courses are available
Advance booking is required
Payment to be made in full prior to start of course. Payments by bank transfer are charged GST @ 18%. Credit Card payments are subject to a further 2.5% bank charge.
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.
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION
COURSES
International 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,International 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. We
are very flexible and accommodating to individual requirements. VArious Internationally acceptable Courses are available
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 MANDATORY for all students to purchase full course study materials as per International standards which are included in our prices.
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 DIVING AT 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:
Leave for Murdeshwar at 12.30pm . Take train to Murudeshwar. Arrive at 6pm Day 2:
Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am Return at 3.00 pm after 2 dives. Temple tour in the evening followed by dinner. Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am Return at 2.30 pm after 2 dives. Leave for Goa by train at 5.00 pm. Arrive at Dive Center at 10.00 pm
Cost per person: Rs.23,000.00 for divers (Incl GST)
Rs. 10,000.00 for snorkellers / non divers (Incl GST)
Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives, transport from and to Goa, all meals, twin share a/c accommodation for 2 nights and boat charges.
2. Single supplement accommodation can be arranged at an extra Rs.2,000.00.
3. Payments are requested for in cash on arrival. Credit card payments are charged and extra 2.5% to cover bank charges. Paypal transfers also accepted with 4% charges.
DIVE TRIP FOR EXPERIENCED DIVERS
Day 1: Leave for Murdeshwar at 12.30pm . Take train to Murudeshwar. Arrive at 6pm Day 2: Leave for Bhatkal Wreck at 8.00 am for 2 dives and return at4.30 pm Temple tour in the evening followed by dinner. Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am Return at 2.30 pm after 2 dives. Leave for Goa by train at 5.00 pm. Arrive at Dive Center at 10.00 pm
Cost per person: Rs.25,000.00 for divers (Incl GST)
Rs. 10,000.00 for snorkellers / non divers (Incl GST)
Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives, transport from and to Goa, all meals, twin share a/c accommodation for 2 nights and boat charges.
2. Single supplement accommodation can be arranged at an extra Rs.2,000.00.
3. Payments are requested for in cash on arrival. Credit card payments are charged and extra 2.5% to cover bank charges. Paypal transfers also accepted with 4% charges.
4. Only divers with a minimum of 50 dives including night, deep and wreck dive experience will be booked for this trip.
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.22,000.00
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: 10.00 am start with theory video session for modules 1, 2 & 3 in GoaBreak for lunch at 1.00 pm. 2.00 pm - Briefing followed by pool session. End approx 5.00 pm Day 2 : Leave for Murdeshwar at 12.30 pm. Arrive at Murudeshwar at 6pm. Day 3 : Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 2.00 pm after 2 training dives. Temple tour in the evening followed by dinner. Day 4 : Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 pleasure dives. Leave for Goa at 5.00 pm. Arrive at Dive Center at 10.00 pm
Cost per person: Rs.24,000.00 (incl GST)
Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives, transport from and to Goa, all meals, twin share a/c accommodation for 2 nights and boat charges and SSI Scuba Diver certification.
2. Meals and accommodation are not included on training day in Goa.
3. Single supplement accommodation can be arranged at an extra Rs.2,000.00.
Option
2 ~ OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Day 1: 10.00 am start with theory video session for modules 1, 2 & 3 in Goa. Break for lunch at 1.00 pm. 2.00 pm - Briefing followed by pool session. End 5.00 pm Day 2:
10.00 am start with theory video session for modules 4 & 5
followed by briefing and pool session.. End 1.00 pm Day 3:
Leave for Murdeshwar at 12.30pm. Arrive at Murudeshwar Day 4: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 2.00 pm after 2 training dives. Temple tour in the evening followed by dinner. Day 5: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 training dives. Leave for Goa at 5.00 pm. Arrive at Dive Center at 10.00 pm
Cost per person: Rs.29,000.00 (incl GST)
Remarks:
1. Cost includes rental of all equipment, 4 dives, transport from and to Goa, all meals, twin share a/c accommodation for 2 nights and boat charges and SSI Open Water certification.
2. Meals and accommodation are not included on training days in Goa.
3. Single supplement accommodation can be arranged at an extra Rs.2,000.00.
Option
3 ~ ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Day 1:
Leave for Murdeshwar at 12.30pm. Arrive at Murudeshwar at 6.00pm Day 2: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 3.00 pm after 3 training dives. Temple tour in the evening followed by dinner. Day 3: Breakfast at 7.30 am and leave for Netrani Island at 8.00 am
Return at 2.30 pm after 2 training dives. Leave for Goa at 5.00 pm
Arrive at Dive Center at 10.00 pm
Cost per person: Rs.26,500.00 (incl GST)
Remarks
:
1. Course consists of mandatory Deep and Navigation dives
2. 3 other elective dives (options – Fish ID, u/w Digital Photography, u/w videography, Search & Recovery and Peak Performance Bouyancy).
3. Cost includes rental of all study materials and equipment for the duration of the course, 5 dives, transport from and to Goa, all meals, twin share a/c accommodation for 2 nights and boat charges and SSI Advanced Adventurer certification.
4. Single supplement accommodation can be arranged at an extra Rs.2,000.00.