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SCUBA
DIVING - GOA
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Goa a
former Portuguese colony is a state on the western coast of India with an
area of 1430 Sq miles and a population of about 1.3 million. Goa was under
Portuguese rule for 451 years and re-occupied by India in 1961. It
therefore retains its Old Portuguese charm in a unique culture that is an
exotic blend of the old European and Indian heritage. With its endless
beaches and tropical waters, Goa has become a favorite destination for
tourists coming to the Indian subcontinent. The temperature ranges from a
warm 33 o C in summer to a comfortable 26 o C in winters. The warm waters
of Goa offer an excellent opportunity to dive and observe the marine life
so abundantly found in tropical waters. Clear waters for a safe and rich
diving experience are principally found around Grande Island , located
around 4 miles from Margaharborur .These diving locations are in an
average depth of 10 meters without any currents , riptides etc. For the
more experienced divers there is the thrill of diving on wrecks where the
marine life is more prolific. The existence of two major river mouths,
that of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers make the waters along the beaches a
little murky. However, the Islands of Grande, Sao Jorge and Pequero offer
much clearer and safer diving sites. There are many wrecks along the coast
of Goa both old and modern. Many of these are unexplored thus offering an
excellent opportunity for a unique adventure. Routine diving sites off Goa
include the following,
Suzy's
Wreck - 30 Meters long WW II metal wreck in very shallow
waters; starting at 3 meters depth with a maximum depth of 12 meters.
Plenty of fish life which includes batfish, angelfish, barracudas,
snappers, lionfish, sargent major, sweetlips, stonefish, blennies,
nudibranchs, parrotfish, moorish idols, groupers, sea whips, sea fans,
morays, etc. An ideal dive site for beginners, as well as experienced
divers.
Sail Rock
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Big fish include jacks, groupers, barracudas, tuna, sharks,
rays. Several species of small fish in the shallows. For experienced
divers only due to strong currents, as well as surge. Depths range from 20
meters to 6 meters along. Sloping walls making it ideal for multilevel
divers.
Turbo Tunnel - A
narrow channel between the island and a rock with the sea surging through
it. The shallow depth (max of 8 meters) makes it ideal for experienced
divers as well as beginners subject to the strength of the waves.
Surge City - An area of big boulders interspersed with
sand with a fair bit of surge. Parrotfish, damsels, triggerfish,
angelfish, sargent major, sweetlips, snappers, porcupinefish,
stonefish, tangs, small barracudas, etc., make this site a lovely place to
dive for all level of divers.
Shelter Cove
- An ideal dive site for beginners with lots of
small fish, wide variety of hard coral, lobsters, etc. Fish include
stonefish, lionfish, sargent major, parrotfish, damsels, triggerfish,
angelfish, sweetlips, snappers, etc. Hawksbill turtles are spotted on rare
occasions. Very shallow depths (max of only 8 meters).
Bounty Bay - Great site for
beginners as well as trainee divers. Several species of small fish as well
as hard coral found here. Cuttlefish and nurse shark have also been seen
here. Maximum depth of only 6 meters.
The Jetty -
Located at the northwestern tip of Grande
Island, this is a very shallow site with a maximum depth of 8 meters and
an average depth of 5 to 6 meters. Many species of small fish Lionfish and
schooling baby mullets frequently seen.
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The Dive Package
We organize dive tours as part of the Goa package
under the supervision of highly trained advanced divers. Safety and
Quality are paramount. Other dive locations include the Andaman and
Lakshadweep Islands. Goa offer the trinity of sight-seeing, culture and
diving. The dive tour itinerary is excellent value. Dives can be adapted
for experienced and advanced divers. Minimum 6 and maximum 15 people in
one group.
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Day
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Program |
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| 01 |
Arrive Bombay
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Assistance on arrival by our friendly
Representative and transfer to the Hotel. Bombay is a rags to
riches story. From an obscure humble beginning of seven small
islands with tidal creeks and marshes, it has risen to the
eminence of being one of India’s most important commercial and
industrial centers. Today the islands survive only as names of
localities, as the swamps have been filled up and even large
expanses of sea reclaimed. It is the home of people of all
Indian creeds and cultures. Local Muslim Nawabs ruled this
area, and handed it over to the Portuguese in exchange for
support against the Mughals. In 1662 Charles II of England
married the Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza and
received Bombay as part of the dowry. Bombay produces more
films each year than any other city in the world, and handles
more than 40 percent of India’s’ maritime
trade. |
| 02 |
Bombay -
Goa (overnight train)
BLD |
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The morning is at
leisure to recover from jet-lag. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Bombay city. Drive past
some of the finest Victorian Gothic structures. The adjoining
Victoria Terminus and adjoining head-quarters of the Central
Railways were designed by Fredrick William Stevens. The
structure is of yellow sand-stone and granite combined with
polychromatic stones and blue-gray basalt for decorations in
the interiors. Further on is the Municipal corporation
Building, another of Stevens masterpieces , especially the
vast domed central staircase and the cuspated arches in the
arcaded stories. The Western Railways central office building
in Churchgate is built in gray-blue basalt with bands of white
has towers with oriental domes, giving the structure an
imposing presence.
Visit the Gateway of India on the waterfront
conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of
George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Darbar in 1911. Drive
through the Fort area, once an area that fell within the
walled city, along the Marine Drive, a graceful curving road
along the buttressed sea coast. Take in the sights and sounds
of Malabar Hill, Dhobi Ghat and the Flora Fountain. Dotted by
skyscrapers and multi storey apartment blocks it could well be
any metropolitan city in the world.
Transfer to the railway
station in time to coard the overnight train to Goa.
Dep. Bombay : 2250 hrs
on the Konkan Express
Overnight on the
train. |
| 03 |
Arrive Goa
LD Arr. Goa : 1045 hrs
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Assistance on arrival by our friendly Representative
and transfer to the Hotel. Wrested from Yusuf Adil Shah,
Sultan of Bijapur by Aldonso de Albuquerque in 1510 began four
centuries of Portuguese influence on this tiny island. The
Portuguese came looking for spices, and stayed to make Goa the
capital of their empire in the east. It is the Iberian aura,
the cultural alloy of Latin and Oriental, the coexistence of
Hinduism and Christianity that epitomizes the distinct
identity of Goa. Stained glass windows of churches and
flamboyant design of Latin exuberance are set off against
traditional Indian attitudes and life-styles. It is easy to
slip into Goa’s effortless existence. There is a Mediterranean
atmosphere in the quaint towns with their red-tiled roofs and
narrow streets, and the charming fishing villages snuggled
against coconut groves. Strung along Goa’s 100-kilometer
coastline, like the lace frill on the edge of a colorful
skirt, are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,
dazzling stretches of golden sand edging the aquamarine
expanse of the Arabian Sea.
This
afternoon take a tour visiting Old Goa, built by Adil Shah.
Continue on the Church of Bom Jesus dedicated to the infant
Jesus and which houses the mortal remains of Saint Francis
Xavier in a rich casket. Visit the Church of Saint Francis of
Assisi that has an interior illustrated with rich paintings.
Enjoy a Carnival Cruise on the Mandovi river at sunset.
Later in
the evening briefing and orientation about the dives.
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| 04 |
Goa
BLD |
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Leave early this
morning for the dive site by boat. Full day
diving. |
| 05 |
Goa
BLD |
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Leave
early this morning for the dive site by boat. Full day diving. |
| 06 |
Goa BL |
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Leave early this
morning for the dive site by boat. Half to three-quarter day
diving..
Afternoon return to the
hotel and relax. In the evening enjoy a beautiful Goan
Farewell dinner and drinks.
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| 07 |
Goa –
Bombay B |
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Transfer to the railway station in time to board the
day train to Bombay.
Dep. Goa :
1030 hrs on the Mandvi Express
Arr.
Bombay : 2145 hrs
Assistance
on arrival by our friendly Representative and transfer to the
Hotel. |
| 08 |
Bombay
B |
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Hotel check-out is
12..00 noon. Later transfer to the international airport in
time to check-in for the onward flight. We wish you a safe
and pleasant journey. |
Cost per
Person
Each of 6 full paying persons
US $ 860 per person Single Room Supplement US $ 175 per person The
price and tour operates between 01 October 2001 till 15 April 2002
The price
includes
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Professional and
experience dive and safety instructors
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Dive equipment,
including air tank, harness, regulator, mask, flippers, etc
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Snorkeling on site
between dives during rest-periods if desired
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Accommodation
sharing a double/twin bedded room in Superior Tourist Class Hotels (3
star type). These are air-conditioned rooms with attached baths having
running hot and cold water.
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Meals as indicated
in the program. Meals - (B – breakfast, L – Lunch & D –
Dinner)
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Non
air-conditioned car for all transfer, sight-seeing, excursions and
intercity runs as per the program
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Train journey in
air-conditioned tourist class sleeper (on overnight) and chair-car (day
journey)
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Local English
speaking guides for all sight-seeing as per the
program.
The prices does not
include
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Laundry, Telephone
Calls, Camera Fees, Aerated Drinks, Juices, Alcoholic Beverages, Tips
and other expenses of a Personal Nature
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Entrance fees to
the monuments (at present as per the itinerary it is nil)
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Any item or
service not specifically mentioned as included
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