How scuba diving in Goa made for the most unique bachelorette party

Posted by The Wandering Pen on January 3rd, 2021

When I think of a retreat, I think of Goa. I’m sure I’m not the only one that thinks that - the bustle of North Goa and the serenity of South Goa is loved by tourists from across the world. With stunning beaches, beautiful sunsets, and rich culture, there is so much that Goa has to offer. So, why would I ever choose another destination for my much-awaited bachelorette party?

This was unlike any other girls’ trip for sure, this was all about me! That meant that special little me had all the right to choose how this trip would go down and I chose to make my last few weeks as an unmarried soul as memorable as possible. I was never really an adventurous person, which is why it came as a shock to my friends when I sent them the itinerary. I was all set to try my hand at scuba diving in Goa. I blame it on my fiance; he would never shut up about how he had gone scuba diving in India multiple times and never missed the chance to rub the unseen wonders of the underwater world in my face. This was soon going to change as my bachelorette trip was just around the corner. 

We kicked off the epic trip by busying ourselves on the beaches, enjoying the sun, sand, drinks and food. For some reason, each time I was near the cool waters, all I could think about was the world under those waves that was waiting to be explored. The night before we were to go scuba diving, I made sure to drag my friends away from the clubs and shacks early (much to their dismay) so that we were fresh early next morning.

Since none of us had been scuba diving in Goa before, I decided to book a Try Dive for us. You could call it a teaser of the real deal, since it would be a short dive beneath the waters just long enough for you to comfortably admire the beauty around. The diving centre was near Calangute beach. My bachelorette entourage and I reached the dive centre early that morning, our excitement washing away the blues of having slept before midnight in the party town that is Goa. 

After meeting our dive instructor, we started with some theory sessions on scuba diving and learnt everything about the equipment, breathing techniques and underwater communication. Next, we were geared up and taken for practical sessions in the centre’s swimming pool. That practice really eased some of the nerves we had, and built our confidence to venture into the open sea. Then, brimming with excitement and clad in our gear, we made our way to the stunning Grande Island, where the waters were teeming with marine life and colourful corals.

As we immersed ourselves into the sea beneath the waves, we entered a whole new world. Of course this trip was meant to make me feel special - and I did feel so - but being in the middle of schools of fish in the blue waters made me feel like a mermaid. Nothing else from this trip could match the unexplainable feeling that consumed me as I took in the views. It was crazy to think that this world had been here all along, as we partied and lounged on the sandy beaches. It was right below our noses but it stayed perfectly hidden, like a treasure that seemed too beautiful to be real. 

We were in there for about 45 minutes but I could barely bring myself to leave. When we came back up, we got into the boats and headed back to the shore from there. Our minds were still reeling as we reached Calangute, the bustle of the beach making us feel like we have just returned from a distant world.

Never did I think that I would enjoy a mildly adventurous activity, let alone scuba diving in India. It was definitely the highlight of the trip for me, and I can’t wait to return once again, definitely for much longer than a mere 45 minutes.