Place Details:
For a taste of adventure in Goa, head to Grand Island, also called Grande or Grandi Island or Illha Grao. Perfect for a day trip, Grand Island is ideal for scuba diving, with some of the best sites in Goa. Bounty Bay, Shelter Cove and Suzy’s Wreck are some of the dive sites you can venture into off the coast of grand Island. The island lies a few kilometers west off the coast of Mormugao peninsula, where you can find the imposing Mormugao Fort. You can catch a boat to the South Goan island, which is also referred to as Mortar Island. The place is most popular among those who love to dive. Near the shore, the water goes as deep as round 7-20 meters, which makes it perfect for novice as well as professional divers.
Most famous among the dive sites off the island is Suzy’s Wreck, the wreck of a 135-meter British vessel that sunk off the coast. The wreck very close to the shore. This dive site is open to beginner divers as well. For professionals, there is the Davy Jones Locker ship a little further away from the island. And if you prefer to spend some time by the shore, Grand Island has a few spots for rest, relaxation and quiet exploration. The Indian Marine Forces use the island from time to time as a marine base to conduct training operations. CHECK OUT: 7 things you need to know before you go scuba diving in India
Professional divers can go down to Sailing Rock, which is beautiful but challenging because of the strong sea currents. Beginners also have the Umma Gumma reef, where you can find sea creatures like lobsters, sea cucumbers, needlefish, white-tip reef sharks and other small turtles and fishes. You can spot two other islands nearby – Penjueno and San Jose – but you cannot get there. There is an old cross at the top of Grand Island that you can reach. October to May is the peak season for tours and diving trips to Grand Island.
BEST TIME TO VISIT GOA
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Goa is as given below. The best time to visit Goa is also specified.