Scuba Diving Near Goa in 2026: Goa vs Tarkarli, Prices and What You Get

Scuba Diving Near Goa in 2026: Goa vs Tarkarli, Prices and What You Get

Lots of people search for scuba diving in Goa. Many don't know there is another good option close by. Tarkarli, in Maharashtra, is about 100 km from Goa's Mopa airport.

This guide compares the two, so you can choose.

Where Do People Dive in Goa?

Most scuba trips in Goa go to Grande Island. The boat ride from the North Goa coast takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The Goa season usually runs from October to May. Most boats stop from June to September, when the sea is rough.

What Does Scuba Diving Cost in Goa?

Prices in Goa vary a lot. In October 2026 we looked at listings from many Goa operators. Prices went from about ₹800 up to about ₹6,800 per person.

Why such a big gap? The cheap trips and the costly ones are often not the same thing.

• Some cheap trips give you only 10 to 20 minutes in the water.
• Some have one instructor for several guests.
• Some charge extra for photos, transport or the boat.

So before you book, ask what is included. The price alone does not tell you much.

Questions to Ask Any Dive Operator

Ask these questions in Goa, in Tarkarli, or anywhere else.

1. How long will I be underwater?
2. How deep will I go?
3. Will an instructor stay with me the whole time?
4. Who is my instructor? Can I see their PADI Pro number?
5. Are photos and videos included?
6. Is the boat ride included?

A good operator will answer all of these happily.

What You Get at Tarkarli

Here is what our Discover Scuba Diving package includes, for ₹5,000 per person.

• 35 to 40 minutes, with practice in calm, shallow water first
• Up to 40 feet deep
• One instructor for each guest (1:1)
• Your own photographer, separate from your instructor
• Free photos and videos (GoPro 12)
• All dive gear, a safety briefing, and snacks and drinks

You don't need to know how to swim. Our PADI courses are run by PADI Freelance Scuba Instructor Suraj Bhosale (PADI Pro No. 380147).

Goa vs Tarkarli at a Glance

How to Get to Tarkarli from Goa

• From Mopa (GOX): 100 km, about 2.5 hours. A taxi costs about ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.
• From Dabolim (GOI): 120 km, about 3 hours. A taxi costs about ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.

You can also stay a night in Tarkarli or Malvan. Then you can dive in the morning, when the sea is calmest.

Read our full guide: How to reach Tarkarli from Goa, Pune and Mumbai.

So, Goa or Tarkarli?

• Short on time and staying in North Goa? A Grande Island trip may be easier.
• Want a longer dive with your own instructor? Tarkarli is worth the drive.
• Already certified? Try our Fun Dives. There are 10 sites to choose from.

See scuba diving near Goa or contact us to book.