The state of Grenada, which includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique, offers some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery in the Caribbean. From reefs, walls and coral gardens to wrecks and even an underwater sculpture park, there should be something for everyone, from the most advanced scuba diver to the first-time snorkeler.
Some facts about Scuba Diving in Grenada
Grenada boasts over 30 dive sites, situated mainly off the south-western peninsular of the island, both on the ledge to its south (before the seabed drops away into the deep channel between the Caribbean and South America) and to its north, where there are reefs in the lee of the island, off Grand Anse and up the calmer western coastline. These range in character from beautiful coral gardens such as Boss Reef/Spice Island Reef suitable for inexperienced divers through to adrenaline charged drift dives such as Shark Reef where encounters with a variety of rays and sharks are commonplace.
If the idea of a technical dive appeals then Bianca C is a must. The most famous of Grenada’s Wrecks, this 200m/600ft cruise ship was destroyed by fire in St George’s harbour and sunk in 1961. Lying on a sandy plain in 50m /167 feet of water, it now sits vertically on the seabed next to Whibbles Reef. The decks of the ship are accessible to divers, as they are between 30m/90 feet to 40m/130feet. However, at times there are strong tidal currents, making this an advanced deep dive. The use of Enriched Air Mix is highly recommended. The ship is encrusted with sponges, as well as black, soft and hard corals. There are schools of jack, barracuda and spotted eagle rays in abundance.The size alone of the ship makes it a spectacular dive.
The dive companies do, weather permitting, also make the long run to the north of Grenada where there are some offshore islands, the beginnings of the Grenadines. The shallow white sandy bottom in the Grenadines gives a brighter environment and consequently the colours are stronger. Islands where there is diving include Isle de Ronde.
The Deep Blue is widely recognised as a leading Caribbean dive site with Eagle rays, Stingray and Nurse sharks often encountered.” (dive site located at Isle de Rhonde.
Some facts about Scuba Diving in Carriacou
Carriacou, meaning "Island of Reefs", has at least 20 sites and is famous for its beautiful coral gardens, especially the variety in soft corals and small critters like sea horses. Like Grenada, the island’s dive sites range from uncomplicated dives on sheltered reefs through to advanced wall dives
Other sites on the island include The Sisters, a haven for schooling fish and turtles and, for those interested in capturing stunning underwater photography, a visit to Sharkey’s Hideaway is highly recommended.
Snorkelling
For those of you who prefer snorkelling to diving, the most popular site is situated at Moliniere point, which is only accessible by boat from the Grand Anse beach. The reef in this area comes to within 6 feet (2 meters) of the surface, and as it is in a sheltered location, where the water is usually quite calm and clear.
In fact, many of the scuba dive sites also offer excellent snorkelling opportunities. At Flamingo Bay, the reef starts at 8 feet slowly sloping to 10meters (30 feet) on the edge where it drops down to make perfect snorkelling conditions, where you will be able to see sea rods and sea fans, large star coral boulders and several towering pillar corals. Dragon Bay also offers snorkelers an abundance of underwater treasure at its beautiful coral garden snorkel site, including little "dragons" (seahorses), fire-worms and spider crabs.
Seasoned snorkelers should pay a visit to Blue Lagoon. Situated on the south east coast, this snorkel site is exposed to Atlantic currents and requires more skill. Sightings range from large schools of snappers to stingrays, turtles and nurse sharks. But be warned, trips will depend on the sea conditions at the time.
Underwater Sculpture Park
Attracting divers and snorkelers alike, this underwater work has been created by Jason de Caires Taylor.
“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.”
(Taken from www.underwatersculpture.com)
Sculptures include:-
Grace Reef
Depth 4.2m - 1.80 x .46m
Consists of 16 figures, cast from a Grenadian woman called Grace. Each statue is individual and representational of Grenada’s close relationship to the sea. The front and back profiles of Grace are placed in an area of sand and debris to encourage the formation of coral and to attract marine life.
The Lost Correspondent
Depth 7m - 1.4 x .43m
This sculpture documents the rapid change in communications over the last few decades. It explores how the role of the traditional writer has become a relic, perceived to be lost at sea. The desk is laminated with original newspaper articles dating back to the 1970’s, some of which details Grenada’s relationship with Cuba preceding the revolution. The male figure is a life cast of local Dive master Ricardo.
Vicissitudes
Depth 4.5m
Probably the best known of the sculptures and the underwater park, this comprises a circle of 26 life-sized figures holding hands on a sandy bottom. Their bodies are beginning to be colonised by sessile marine life and have a realistic, if unsettling, presence.
Sculptures are ever changing and are being replaced by new sculptures from other local artists.
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