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Grenada

Introduction

The underwater scenery in Grenada & Carriacou is every bit as breathtaking as it is above the waves, and just as accessible. The pristine reefs offer some outstanding marine life that has divers amazed at their bio-diversity.

Most of the diving facilities in Grenada are located in the South of the island and are only minutes from the majority of dive sites. This is fantastic news for non-diving partners, because the two dives in the morning are completed by lunch time, which gives the opportunity to explore the island, relax or take a snorkel to our Marine Protected Areas, which is also home to our very unique Underwater Sculpture Park.

The diving in Grenada is some of the best in the Caribbean. Known as the ‘Wreck Diving Capital of the Eastern Caribbean’, Grenada also boasts the largest Shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C. Diving in Grenada is perfect for all level of divers, from the newly qualified to the seasoned divers who are looking for that extra challenge. For those who want to take their recreational diving to another level, there are several dive shop facilities that offer ‘Technical Diving’ as part of their services.

The waters surrounding Grenada and Carriacou offer fun and excitement for divers of all skill levels. From lazy drift dives over stunning coral gardens to an eerie and challenging exploration of the wrecks of Grenada & Carriacou, especially the Bianca C known as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’.

These waters are captivating more and more dive visitors every year when they realize what an outstanding dive product Grenada & Carriacou has to offer.

Carriacou – which means “Land of Reefs” – offers excellent and varied diving opportunities and truly lives up to its name. Waiting for you are nearly every kind of coral imaginable, along with sea fans, seahorses, small critters, graceful rays, angelfishes, lobster and barracuda , and a whole host of colourful reef fish! Most dive sites are easily accessible within a boat ride of ten to fifteen minutes. Here the operators dive in small groups with a flexible & personalized service. Carriacou’s dive sites are perfectly suited for Sport Diving – reef-tops, slopes and walls drop down to the sports-diving limit. Carriacou also offers great wreck diving like the Twin Tugs, two tug-boats which were officially sunk as artificial reefs!

 

Dive Sites

 

Underwater Sculpture Park

 

Creator of the world’s first underwater sculpture park, Jason de Caires Taylor, has gained international recognition for his unique work. His sculptures highlight ecological processes whilst exploring the intricate relationships between modern art and the environment.

By using sculptures to create artificial reefs, the artist’s interventions promote hope and recovery, and underline our need to understand and protect the natural world. The sculptures are sited in clear shallow waters to afford easy access by divers, snorkelers and those in glass-bottomed boats. Viewers are invited to discover the beauty of our underwater planet and to appreciate the processes of reef evolution.

 

Bianca C

 

The Bianca C, known locally as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’, due to its sheer size and presence, has very few rivals in the realms of warm water wreck diving. Diving Magazines and experts have listed the Bianca C as one of the ‘top ten’ wreck dive sites in the world. This enormous 600’ Cruise Liner sank in 1961 and sits upright on her keel in 50 metres (165′) of water. The opportunity to dive into one of her upper deck swimming pools is a particular thrill.

 

Shakem Wreck

 

This 180 feet cargo ship took on water and sank in 2001. In transit with a cargo of cement she sank within sight of the harbor at St Georges and sits intact on the sea bed. The bridge, captain’s quarters and engine room remain intact and are a popular diversion for the competent diver. Her propeller, crane and foremast afford some great pictures. Decorated with large gorgonian sea fans and soft corals she is an attractive dive and well worth a repeat visit.

 

Veronica L

 

This much- loved and highly photogenic wreck is festooned with colorful soft corals, sponges and marine life. The open hold, crane and surrounds of this 25 metre cargo ship are home to Seahorse, Moray eels and on occasion, frog fish. Shallow in depth, it can be enjoyed by divers of all levels. This wreck makes a fantastic night dive.

 

Hema 1 Wreck

 

This coastal freighter sank in rough seas during passage to Trinidad and is located 3 miles off the south coast of Grenada. Influenced by strong currents, this exciting dive offers sightings of Nurse and Reef shark and majestic Spotted Eagle rays hovering over the wreck. This is an advanced dive given the currents and depth.

 

Purple Rain

 

This drift dive, at times gentle and at others exhilarating, offers a wealth of diverse soft coral, glorious barrel sponges and notably a variety of fish. Join hawksbill turtles, rays and great barracuda as you ride along in a shower of vivid purple Creole wrasse. This really is one of Grenada’s most pristine reefs.

 

Shark Reef

 

Though shallow in depth, this reef is located on the Atlantic side of Grenada just south of Glovers Island and as such can be subject to strong currents and considerable surface swell. A rugged reef, divers may enjoy some sizeable brain coral and pillar coral formations. The topography affords a degree of shelter for the many lobster and nurse sharks usually seen here. It is also a good location for sting rays, queen trigger fish and turtles.

 

Flamingo Bay

 

This dive site is located within the most northern part of Grenada’s Marine Protected Area and is one of the top sites on the island. Ideally suited to divers of all levels, the reef is a treasure trove of marine species, including Elkhorn coral and ball, rope and barrel sponges. Fish life includes Spotted Drums, Yellow Tail snapper, Bar jacks, Banded Jaw fish and not infrequently Long Snout sea horse and pipefish.

 

Molinere Reef

 

Molinere Reef is located within Grenada’s Marine Protected Area and is a topographically interesting dive. The reef is interspersed with a series of gullies and sand channels. The outermost aspect of the reef incorporates a small wall where lobster, Scorpion fish and Moray eels are frequently seen. In the shallows, divers may enjoy a variety of marine life; Yellow Headed Jawfish, Seahorse and frogfish are not infrequently seen. The shallower innermost aspect of the reef is the location of Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park.

Northern Exposure

 

On starting this dive at a shallow sand patch, look out for the eel garden and a range of crustaceans including large conch. The dive takes you north over the brow of a ridge and along its north eastern aspect as you follow a gently sloping reef accompanied by a constant stream of Schoolmasters, Yellow Tail snapper, Spanish Hogfish and an occasional Porcupine fish. The latter part of dive takes you through a garden of Azure Vase sponges.

Kahonee Reef

 

This shallow coral reef plateau is ideally suited to both newer divers and photographers. Its gentle topography lends itself very much to taking your time and enjoying the extensive array of chromis, wrasse, and squirrel fish. Divers may often come across a feeding hawksbill concealed within the barrel sponges and gorgonian sea fans.

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Facts

Language: English

Currency: East Caribbean Dollar

Dive Season:  All year round

Climate: Tropical

Air Temperature: 24°-30°C (75°-86°F)

Water Temperature: 26°-28°C (78°-82°F)

Visibility: 5 – 25 Metres

Skill Level: Beginner – Professional

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