Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the course is open to both divers and non-divers.

The depth of a dive at Mac Point is around 10 to 14 metres. This makes it a perfect diving spot for beginners and non-swimmers. Some expert scuba divers may also dive deeper than 14 metres. However, beginners can also equally get access to great views of the incredible flora and fauna at Mac Point,

Answer: This dive site on Neil Island is among the topmost destinations for scuba diving in India. Its marine world is very rich and one of a kind. Under its waters, you can spot a number of colourful and patterned corals and fishes. The seabed gardens here are just awesome! The deeper you go, the more you will be able to explore. The best thing is that scuba diving is for everyone–beginners as well as experts. Even non-swimmers can enjoy a lot during this enthralling water sport.

Yes, you can eat before the course, but it is recommended to avoid heavy meals and alcohol before scuba diving. It is best to eat light, non-greasy meals at least two hours before the course to prevent any discomfort while diving.

It depends on the dive center or instructor. Some dive centers may provide all the necessary equipment for the course, while others may require participants to bring their own. It is recommended to check with the dive center or instructor before the course to see if any equipment is required.

The best time to scuba dive at Mac Point is between November to March. This is because the weather around this time is dry and there are fewer chances of rain or thunderstorm. While scuba diving is open at most times throughout the year, diving instructors cancel dives whenever there is a possibility of rain. Since rain and storm are very common during monsoons, the chances of your dive getting cancelled will be greater. However, since post-April is considered off-season, the prices of hotel rooms and scuba diving may also come at discounts. If you want to make a budget trip, the off-season would be best for you. Just make sure that you check the weather forecast for the period of your travel so that your scuba diving plans are not dampened by the rains.

Answer: Absolutely! Scuba diving here is completely safe as proper safety precautions are taken at all times. A PADI-certified instructor will guide you throughout the entire diving experience and will also make sure that you feel comfortable and safe under the water. He will give you a training session as well before going for the actual dive.

High-quality scuba diving equipment will be provided to you and as a general rule, you will be first made familiar with the dive gear in shallow water. After you are able to understand everything, you will be taken to deeper waters. The instructor will accompany you during the whole process.

Please note that consuming alcohol or any other intoxicant right before scuba diving is not allowed. Moreover, if you have any serious medical condition like heart problems, asthma, blood pressure, etc., then you have to inform your instructor well in advance. Only healthy people are fit to do this activity and that’s why, you have to submit a health declaration first before going for your dive.

You should wear comfortable swimwear for the pool session and the open-water dive. The dive center or resort will provide you with a wetsuit, so you don’t need to bring one. It is also recommended to bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a towel.

The course is typically divided into two parts: a theoretical portion and a practical portion. The theoretical portion can be completed online through PADI eLearning, while the practical portion must be completed in person with a certified PADI instructor.

While Mac Point has a very dense marine ecosystem and boasts a rich coral reef, the star attraction at this diving point is the dugongs. Also called sea cows, dugongs are primarily found in Australia and eastern Africa. So, if you can’t make a plan to visit either location soon, you can still see these majestic sea creatures relaxing on the sandbanks at Mac point. If you are lucky, you may also be able to swim close to some of them. While underwater, you’ll also witness many large groups of snappers, angelfish, butterfly fish, fusiliers, and nudibranchs hiding in the crevices of the hard corals.