september in Goa

soki · Jun 13th, 2005, 17:48

hi, I'll be in Goa in the last two weeks of September. I heard that the season is starting on 1st of October...even so...do u think it is possible to find a boat for Pigeon Island + Grand Island ?
Even the season is not quite open...is there possible to go snorkeling? I mean how is the sea water condition in the end of September in Goa?
Alternatively: do anybody recommends any other destination for snorkeling in India during the end of September?

Thanx!

AnnieG · Jun 13th, 2005, 23:43

Goa is almost always LOUSY for snorkelling - the visability is almost always really bad. Maybe its something to do with having a major international shipping lane 3 miles offshore, but I think its more to do with the ocean's currents. Whatever the cause, there is always lots of raised sand. I hear that there are islands offshore about 30 minutes boat ride where the vis is a bit better, but forget shore dives.
Also, in September when you are there, the sea is still in its monsoon phase - that means that its big surf most days. It doesn't get to a swimmable state until October or even November, then its lovely, but the vis. is still bad.
Sorry!
AnnieG

soki · Jun 14th, 2005, 04:17

thanx Annie!
do you think that I can find something better, for snorkeling, late in September in India? What about the east coast? Or may be Lakshadweep...?
Otherwise I've better leave it over to Oktober

machadinha · Jun 14th, 2005, 04:33

As far as I know India isn't much of a snorkeller's or diver's destination, period. The east coast I'm unaware of any opportunities, there's just not much going on by way of accessible coral nor seaweed forests or anything like that, don't ask me why, must be local conditions, or it's an extremely well-kept secret that you'd think would have been exploited by now. There seem to be some developments in Goa yes, whether that's any good or just to cater to a market I couldn't tell you. The islands seem to be the marvelous and famed exception yes (partly or most of them coral islands), the Lakshadweep however don't come cheaply I think, as in quite expensive, and they all seem to be more involved in view of getting there, so I don't know about a two-week trip.

AnnieG · Jun 14th, 2005, 14:47

I'd agree with that, in my limited knowledge. The diving in Goa is really aimed at the tourists and not real quality diving, mainly because of the poor vis. Thre is a dive 'school' but its not up to much, although they do try.
And I haven't heard of anywhere else around the Indian coastline that is good.
I think that Thailand might be better, and I don't know about Sri Lanka. Sorry.
AnnieG

GoanCanuck · Jun 17th, 2005, 09:56

The Andaman and Nicobar islands offer the best snorkelling in India. Lakshadweep is pretty good as well. Goa is not a suitable place for diving and especially in September it is not advisable.

Jun 13th, 2005, 17:48	#1
soki Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: romania, cluj napoca Posts: 67	september in Goa hi, I'll be in Goa in the last two weeks of September. I heard that the season is starting on 1st of October...even so...do u think it is possible to find a boat for Pigeon Island + Grand Island ? Even the season is not quite open...is there possible to go snorkeling? I mean how is the sea water condition in the end of September in Goa? Alternatively: do anybody recommends any other destination for snorkeling in India during the end of September? Thanx!

Jun 13th, 2005, 23:43	#2
AnnieG Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Goa and Penzance, Cornwall Posts: 152	Goa is almost always LOUSY for snorkelling - the visability is almost always really bad. Maybe its something to do with having a major international shipping lane 3 miles offshore, but I think its more to do with the ocean's currents. Whatever the cause, there is always lots of raised sand. I hear that there are islands offshore about 30 minutes boat ride where the vis is a bit better, but forget shore dives. Also, in September when you are there, the sea is still in its monsoon phase - that means that its big surf most days. It doesn't get to a swimmable state until October or even November, then its lovely, but the vis. is still bad. Sorry! AnnieG __________________ AnnieG Live life to the full - you never know what's around the corner.

Jun 14th, 2005, 04:33	#4
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 11,445	As far as I know India isn't much of a snorkeller's or diver's destination, period. The east coast I'm unaware of any opportunities, there's just not much going on by way of accessible coral nor seaweed forests or anything like that, don't ask me why, must be local conditions, or it's an extremely well-kept secret that you'd think would have been exploited by now. There seem to be some developments in Goa yes, whether that's any good or just to cater to a market I couldn't tell you. The islands seem to be the marvelous and famed exception yes (partly or most of them coral islands), the Lakshadweep however don't come cheaply I think, as in quite expensive, and they all seem to be more involved in view of getting there, so I don't know about a two-week trip. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

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Jun 14th, 2005, 04:17	#3
soki Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: romania, cluj napoca Posts: 67	thanx Annie! do you think that I can find something better, for snorkeling, late in September in India? What about the east coast? Or may be Lakshadweep...? Otherwise I've better leave it over to Oktober

Jun 14th, 2005, 14:47	#5
AnnieG Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Goa and Penzance, Cornwall Posts: 152	I'd agree with that, in my limited knowledge. The diving in Goa is really aimed at the tourists and not real quality diving, mainly because of the poor vis. Thre is a dive 'school' but its not up to much, although they do try. And I haven't heard of anywhere else around the Indian coastline that is good. I think that Thailand might be better, and I don't know about Sri Lanka. Sorry. AnnieG

Jun 17th, 2005, 09:56	#6
GoanCanuck Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,204	The Andaman and Nicobar islands offer the best snorkelling in India. Lakshadweep is pretty good as well. Goa is not a suitable place for diving and especially in September it is not advisable.

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