Scuba diving in
GrenadaHighlights
- Explore the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean
- Beautiful beaches, rich culture, and an abundance of spices
- Home to the largest shipwreck in the region, the Bianca C
- Visit Jason deCaires Taylor’s first underwater sculpture park
Originally renowned for its prolific production of exotic spices, Grenada remains one of the prized jewels in the Caribbean’s heavily-gilded crown. Boasting a rich cultural heritage, stunning sun-soaked beaches, endless outdoor adventure, and suitably zesty cuisine, this unassuming island nation can easily hold its own against any other in the region. And, when it comes to incredible underwater experiences Grenada goes even further, rightly claiming its title as the very best wreck diving destination in the entire Caribbean.
Diving in Grenada
TurtlesYear round
Schooling reef fishYear round
Macro CreaturesYear round
WrecksYear round
Plentiful reef lifeYear round
Grenada's volcanic coastline harbours some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Fuelled by nutrient-rich currents which flow from the northeast coast of South America, the reefs are diverse and healthy, while the island’s proximity to different shipping routes has resulted in plenty of shipwrecks – many of which are accessible for exploration by divers.
Like many destinations in the region, Grenada’s dive sites are mainly found around the more sheltered southwest coast. Visitors will find over 30 dive sites dotted around the island’s tail-like peninsula, as well as several more located within the Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, just a stone’s throw north of St George’s. This protected area incorporates the famous Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park created by Jason deCaires Taylor, where atmospheric three-dimensional artworks are scattered throughout the reef. Installed in 2006 and expanded in 2023, the park now features around a hundred artworks, many of which have been underwater for almost two decades.
Wreck Diving in Grenada
Located along several key shipping routes, this destination has witnessed plenty of maritime mishaps over the years. As a result, Grenada has become known as the “wreck diving capital of the Caribbean”, offering a score of quality shipwrecks to explore. Renowned wreck sites include Hema I, Persia II, The Buccaneer, Veronica L, and King Mitch.
Situated off Pink Gin Beach, the Bianca C is undoubtedly the most sought-after of all the island’s shipwrecks, and regularly ranks as one of the best wreck dives in the world. Originally measuring around 180-metres in length, this is easily one of the largest wrecks in the region and continues to draw crowds despite its slow yet steady collapse. With a maximum depth of around 50-metres, the Bianca C is best-suited to technical divers who can find an array of interesting artefacts among the wreckage, including cranes, funnels, lockers, winches, and even a swimming pool.
Diving Carriacou
Located 25-kilometres northeast, Carriacou offers an additional 30 or so dive sites, the majority of which are found on the west coast, within the Sandy Island Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area. Stand-out dive sites include Deep Blue and Barracuda Point – known as Sister Rocks – as well as Shark’s Hideaway, Whirlpool, Saline Express, and Black Rock. This little island is also graced with its own small selection of wrecks, including Westsider Wreck, Boris Wreck, Rose Wreck, and Troll Wreck, ensuring divers of all kinds can find a site to suit their desires.
Diving Environment
Wreck, reef, drift
Beginner to Advanced, or Tec
Year-round
5 - 40m+
10 - 30m
26 - 29°C
Top tips
- Grenada’s Spicemas festival is a bucket-list experience, featuring vibrant street parties full of energetic dancing, enticing Caribbean music, and delicious rum drinks.
- The national meal, Oil Down, is an absolute must, blending breadfruit, meat, salted fish, and vegetables, with the flavours of callaloo, coconut milk, and turmeric.
About Grenada
Located roughly 150-kilometres north of Venezuela, Grenada is the southernmost island in the Lesser Antilles chain. Volcanic in origin, a mountainous ridge running north to south runs along Grenada’s spine, with the steepest slopes facing the western coast. Though named after its main island only, this charming Caribbean nation also comprises several smaller satellite islets, as well as Carriacou and Petite Martinique in the southern Grenadines.
Affectionately dubbed “the spice island”, Grenada has long been famed for its sprawling plantations which grow an array of aromatic culinary plants including cinnamon, clove, allspice, and most notably, nutmeg. In fact, this relatively small island is the second largest nutmeg producer in the world, and even includes the spice in its national flag and dedicating an entire festival to its importance.
Originally settled by indigenous Amerindians, Grenada was highly prized among colonial powers due to its sought-after natural treasures, creating a captivating cultural tapestry rich in French, British, and African influences. Alongside its proud heritage, the island is also well-equipped for typical Caribbean relaxation, promising the same sun-kissed sands, laid-back lifestyle, and luxurious indulgences found elsewhere in the region.
Getting there
Located in the island’s far southwest, Granada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport receives regular flights from Miami, New York, Boston, Toronto, London, and Frankfurt. Once on the island, getting around is easy. Riding public transport such as buses will provide an authentic insight into the country’s character, though water taxis and taxicabs are also available for private hire. Visitors who prefer exploring the islands independently will find several vehicle rental companies to choose from.
Those wishing to venture beyond Grenada to the islands of Carricaou and Petite Martinique can do so by air or water. Flights between Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport and Carriacou’s Lauriston Airport operate around five times a week and take just 20-minutes. A round-trip ferry service also runs every other weekday, lasting roughly 90-minutes each way. Petite Martinique is only accessible by boat from Carriacou.
Where to stay
No matter what kind of getaway you’re after, Grenada offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all needs – with everything from guesthouses to elaborate all-inclusive hotels.
The island’s south coast is the most popular tourist destination, lying within proximity of the airport and providing easy access to the highest concentration of dive sites and scuba shops. Consequently, this is also where the greatest selection of accommodation can be found. Grenada’s capital city, St George’s, lies a little further north along the west coast’s single snaking road. This pretty settlement features picturesque pastel-coloured houses beginning in the foothills and tumbling towards the water’s edge. Beyond this, the island becomes increasingly quiet, with spice and fruit plantations dominating the landscape before giving way to the rugged wilds of the north.
Carriacou is a small island that promises a low-key and laid-back vacation experience. The quiet charm of this destination will certainly satisfy travellers looking to escape the crowds, while warm-hearted locals and cultural festivities are sure to make everyone feel welcome. Finally, the smallest of the three islands, Petite Martinique, is appreciated for its peace and tranquillity, embracing a sleepy lifestyle where the stunning scenery takes centre stage.
Seasons
The tropical Caribbean climate means that scuba diving in Grenada is fantastic year round. But, there are some seasonal weather fluctuations that are worth bearing in mind.
As with most tropical destinations, the two main seasons are dictated by the amount of rain. In Grenada, the dry season runs from January through May, with average temperatures of around 26-27°C on land and in the water. The wet season runs from June to December, with the heaviest rainfall in November. Though these months bring a higher chance of daily downpours, the diving conditions are rarely affected. Temperatures also peak during the wet season, averaging around 28-29°C.
Keep in mind that hurricanes are possible between June and November, with chances highest between August and October. Thankfully, Grenada lies south of the typical hurricane track making it less prone to direct hits than some other Caribbean islands. The shoulder seasons of May to June and October to November generally offer a good balance of climate, cost, conditions, and crowds.
