The secret is out…diving in Grenada is some of the Caribbean’s best
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.) –The otherworldly, weightless experience of diving in Grenada and Carriacou is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. As you drift silently through the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant marine life, you are completely disconnected from the rest of the world, left to reflect on your incredible surroundings.
More and more people are quickly discovering that Grenada and Carriacou is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean. In fact, it is THE tropical destination for divers.
Sharks, turtles, lobsters, stingrays, unlimited schools of small tropical fish and coral are just some of the marine life you’ll see diving. Whether you are a beginner looking to take a lesson or get your certification, or you are an experienced diver, the area has over 30 dive sites, with varying levels of difficulty, for divers to explore.
Divers have the opportunity to dive at sites in both Grenada and Carriacou. The depth of most dive sites varies from 20ft to 120ft. The deepest site, the Bianca C, is actually home to the largest wreck in the Caribbean, making for an exhilarating and challenging dive experience.
Grenada is the site of the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Located at Molinere Bay, the original sculptures were designed by British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor and were submerged at a number of sites. Snorkeling or diving in the Sculpture Park is a truly magical experience and a ‘must do’ for visitors to Grenada. The sculptures have had a positive impact on the underwater ecosystem by allowing for the creation of artificial reefs.
“We are proud to be home to the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park and I only hope that visitors to the island will take the opportunity to see these unique pieces of art while in Grenada,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “Visitors to the island are quickly discovering that we have some of the best diving in the Caribbean and we continue to see diving grow in popularity.”
In order to ensure the maintenance and further development of the site, the Underwater Park Action Group was established. Seven new sculptures will soon be added to the Park, the first of which was recently completed. Titled ‘The Silent Cry’, the sculpture was designed to capture the feel of the trees within Grenada’s rainforest. Created by Rene Froelich and produced along with craftsman Jefferson Thomas, it is the largest sculpture to date, standing 7ft tall.
Grenada is home to numerous reputable dive operators, all of whom are regulated by the Grenada Scuba Diving Association. Members of the Diving Association all carry international affiliations such as PADI, NAUI and BSAC.
Dive companies in Grenada and Carriacou are all strongly committed to preserving the underwater environment and regulations are in place to ensure their preservation. Damaging coral by anchor, chains and other means is strictly prohibited. No marine life may be taken from the waters while diving or snorkeling and use of a spear gun, Hawaiian sling, pole spear or seine net is not permitted without the proper license.
Dive sites in Grenada include the following:
Bianca C – On this advanced deep dive you’ll explore the largest wreck in the Caribbean. The 600-foot cruise ship sank in 1961 and has become a popular dive site. At 167ft, this advanced dive requires a checkout dive.
Boss Reef – This extensive reef consists of three main dive sites, where you’ll see a variety of underwater life.
Grenada Marine Park, Happy Valley & Flamingo Bay – This sheltered bay is the perfect spot for beginner divers; close to shore some of the most abundant fish life can be found.
Hema 1 Wreck – Home to barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and pelagic fish, this site is at a depth of 110ft.
Kick ‘em Jenny – Full of rare and plentiful marine life, Kick ‘em Jenny is a submarine volcano.
King Mitchell – This is one of the best advanced diving sites found in Grenada. Four miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, the wreck of a minesweeper can be found.
Kohanee – This is one of Grenada’s most colourful reefs and you are certain to see plenty of marine life when diving here.
Dragon Bay, Molinere Reef & Bucaneer Wreck – The wall portion of this dive is suitable for beginners along the top and advanced divers along the bottom. Inhabited by seahorses, lobsters and the occasional stingray, there is plenty to see at Molinere Reef. The reef begins at 20ft underwater, slopes to a wall at 35ft and drops to 65ft where the Bucaneer Wreck, a 43-foot yacht can be found.
Purple Rain – Home to angelfish, lobster, turtles, green moray eels and stingrays, this reef dive will not disappoint.
Quarter Wreck – This wreck lies on the edge of Grand reef and has beautiful coral formations and large schools of fish in the deeper parts.
Red Buoy – An 18th century wreck, now visible as clumps of coral, can be seen on this dive.
San Juan Wreck – Also known as shark wreck, this site is a resting spot for nurse sharks.
Shakem Wreck – The inter-island freighter visible at this dive site has been overgrown with coral and remains fully intact.
Shark Reef – At a depth of 60ft, divers will often see sleeping nurse sharks, giant channel clinging crabs, lobster, moray eels, turtles and reef sharks.
Spice Island Reef – This is the ideal spot for beginners to learn how to dive.
Three Wrecks – This site is home to the remains of a cargo ship, yet is rarely dived due to strong currents.
Veronica L. – This small cargo vessel can be found in 50ft of water schooled by Creole wrasses and chromis.
Whibble Reef – During this advanced drift dive, you’re likely to see schools of jack, runner and wrasse. Turtles, eagle rays and the occasional sleeping sand shark can also be seen among the brown coral.
Windmill Shallows – This narrow ridge is 20ft to 30ft wide and many schools of fish can be seen on this dive.
Dive sites in Carriacou include the following:
Barracuda Point – For experienced divers only, this site provides many stunning photo opportunities.
Deep Blue-Carriacou – Sloping from 27ft to 130ft, this reef sometimes has strong currents.
Divers Surprise – This reef slopes from 20ft to 75ft and barracuda, snapper, flamingo tongue, moray eels, lobster and crab can be found here.
Magic Garden – The wreck of a small tugboat can be seen on this dive, along with a rock-garden and ‘champagne’ bubbles from volcanic activity.
Millennium 2000 – As this site has no strong currents, it is well suited for beginners and night diving.
Sharky’s Hideaway – Divers can expect to see nurse sharks, along with green moray eels and porcupine fish.
Twin Sisters – This dive, for experienced divers only, is one of the most spectacular in the region.
Western Adventure – This dive site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It is a good location for underwater photography, as well as night diving.
World of Dreams – When diving this reef you are likely to see stingray, angelfish, turtles and giant soft coral.
Wreck of the Westsider – This spectacular wreck dive can be found at a depth of 90ft and is suitable for experienced divers only.
The following dive sites can only be accessed during dive trips to Isle de Rhonde:
The Deep Blue – At this dive site there is a steep wall covered with beautiful sea fans and sponges. Ending in the shallow reef, you’ll see star coral boulders, which provide shelter for nurse sharks, lobsters and moray eels.
Sister Islands – This dive site is centered around a grouping of three rocks, hence the name Sister Islands.
Diamond Rock – The rock divides the currents and it is an excellent spot to see both turtles and sharks.
About Grenada Board of Tourism – The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at 416-595-1339 416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com
How to Get to Grenada from Canada – Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada until April 2010 (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com ). AC operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services (www.ggtours.ca and www.titantours.com ). West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada year round. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada.
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