Grand Island: The Untold Story in 20 Points
12/20/20244 min read
"Grand" Island Is a Misleading Name 🏝️
The name "Grand Island" is a big joke! The place is under Indian Navy control, and tourists aren’t even allowed there. You’re taken to Bat Island, which is far from the paradise you expect.Boat Hopping Non-stop 🚤
Grand Island trips involve hopping from one boat to another all day. From the main boat to a speedboat, to a jet ski, to a parasailing boat—no land in sight. You never actually step foot on an island or beach.Prepare for Sea Sickness 🤢
The constant movement from boat to boat can easily lead to sea sickness. Many customers end up feeling nauseous, throwing up, and wishing they’d stayed on solid ground.Subpar Food Served in Unhygienic Conditions 🍽️
The food served on Grand Island is another letdown. You’ll get meals on flimsy paper plates, and the hygiene is questionable. The quality is poor, and it’s not even worth the price you pay for it.Hidden Fees for Substandard Equipment 💸
Want a wetsuit? You’ll need to pay an extra ₹200-₹300 for a “wetsuit” that’s really just a swimming costume. These hidden costs sneak up on you, making what seemed like an affordable trip far more expensive than expected.Overcrowded Boats 🚢
Boats are packed beyond their capacity—40-person boats are crammed with 60 people. This overcrowding leads to an uncomfortable experience and reduces the overall enjoyment of the trip.Scuba Diving Isn’t Really Scuba Diving 🤿
The so-called "scuba dive" on Grand Island lasts only a few seconds. You’re just dipping your head in the water for a minute, followed by a quick 30-second video with some fish. This is far from the authentic scuba experience you’re expecting.Water Sports Equipment Shortage 🏄♂️
There’s a serious shortage of water sports equipment on Grand Island. With over 1,000 tourists and only a few sets of equipment, you’ll spend a lot of time waiting for your turn, making the whole experience feel rushed.Long Wait Times for Activities ⏳
With so few water sports setups and so many tourists, you’ll find yourself waiting for long periods before you can enjoy any activities. This significantly reduces the fun and excitement of your day.Parasailing and Dip Prices Are Sky-High 💸
Want to try parasailing or a water dip? Expect to pay ₹500-₹1000 per dip. It’s an extra charge, and for what? At Querim Beach, the price is only ₹200, making it clear that you’re paying too much for what you get.Cheap Prices Lead to Cheap Service 💰
While the price for the Grand Island trip might seem low at ₹1,200, don’t be fooled. With this low price, you get substandard service. For a real, satisfying experience, you should expect to spend at least ₹2,000–₹2,500. To truly enjoy yourself, a ₹5,000 budget is the minimum.Rushed Scuba Dives for First Timers 🤿
The quick scuba dive at Grand Island doesn’t give you the time you need to truly enjoy the underwater experience. First-time divers need at least 4-5 minutes to explore the sea, but here, you get only a brief dip.The Grand Island Experience Feels Rushed ⏰
Due to overcrowding and a shortage of equipment, everything feels rushed. From waiting for your turn to diving for just a few seconds, you never feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.Lack of Access to the Island 🏝️
Despite the hype, you never actually get to step on Grand Island. All your activities happen on boats, and the few moments you spend near Bat Island don’t compare to what you’re promised in the marketing material.Food Quality is Disappointing 🍛
Besides being served in unhygienic conditions, the food quality is extremely low. It’s nothing like the fresh, local cuisine you’d expect from a beach destination. It’s disappointing at best and often leaves you unsatisfied.The Opportunity Cost of Your Time ⏳
Imagine you’re spending ₹5,000–₹10,000 a night for a room in Goa, only to waste an entire day from 8 AM to 6 PM on a Grand Island trip. You lose money on the package, but the real cost is your time in Goa—there are much better ways to enjoy your stay.Limited Number of Water Sports 📉
With so few sets of water sports equipment for thousands of people, you won’t get to do everything you want. The few activities available are rushed, leaving you feeling like you missed out on a true adventure.Grand Island’s "Paradise" Is Far From It 🌴
The marketing for Grand Island promises a peaceful, serene getaway, but the reality is far different. Overcrowded boats, rushed activities, poor food, and no access to land make it a far cry from the dream experience they sell you.Unpleasant Boat Conditions 🚢
Along with overcrowding, the boats themselves are often in poor condition. The lack of space, combined with the hot sun and overcrowded conditions, can make the trip uncomfortable for many passengers.Wasted Potential of Goa 🏖️
Goa offers so much more than Grand Island. Instead of spending your whole day on a crowded boat with poor service, consider exploring Goa’s stunning beaches and genuine adventure experiences like those offered at Querim Beach.
Conclusion
Grand Island trips may seem like a good deal on the surface, but once you experience them, you’ll quickly realize that they’re just a scam in disguise. From hidden costs to overcrowding and rushed activities, this trip leaves a lot to be desired. Skip the headache and head to Querim Beach for a true adventure and a much more enjoyable day in Goa!