Grenada is typically known as the shipwreck capital of the Caribbean. It’s because there are various wrecks off the coasts of this pristine Caribbean island, together with the famed Bianca C wreck, which is rated among the many high 10 wreck dives on the earth.
Divers from all around the world journey to Grenada to expertise Caribbean diving at its best. The sheer variety of dive websites on this island, the colourful reefs, and the truth that lots of the greatest diving areas are minutes away from shore by boat is sufficient motivation for scuba lovers to pack their bags and get going.
Image: Scuba’s calling and it’s all included at Sandals Grenada. From vibrant reefs to sunken treasures, your subsequent dive is simply steps out of your suite. Able to discover? Let’s e-book that getaway.
Grenada is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and most dive websites are alongside the south and west coasts. This island is the biggest of three sister islands; this contains Carriacou which is about 47.3 km from Grenada (an hour and half away by quick ferry). The opposite island on this trio, Petit Martinique, is about 54.9 km away from Grenada. From Carriacou, it takes an extra 10 minutes to get to Petite Martinique by boat. All three islands boast a number of the greatest diving within the Caribbean!
When it comes all the way down to it, it’s not exhausting to see why Grenada, famed for its spices and marine biodiversity, is a best choice for scuba diving. The island ranks particularly excessive with vacationers in search of an all-inclusive dive trip. Resorts like Sandals Grenada provide all-inclusive scuba vacations which make it attainable to scuba dive day-after-day of your journey without spending a dime (extra particulars later!).
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
What you can expect to see while diving in Grenada
Sandals best dive sites in Grenada
Best time to dive in Grenada
Diving with Sandals Resorts
Getting PADI certified at Sandals Grenada
Scuba Safety
Bonus: alternatives to scuba diving
What you possibly can count on to see whereas diving in Grenada
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A scuba diving day in Grenada is as wealthy because the marine life you’re prone to see. Like in most different dive locations, sightings rely upon the place you go. Total, a number of the stuff you’re prone to come throughout embody exhausting and gentle corals of all sorts like sponges, orange cup coral and sea followers.
You may additionally spot purple Creole wrasse, lizardfish, bar jacks, noticed drums, yellowtail snapper, batfish, eels, lobster, crabs, pipefish, octopus, and brindled jawfish. As you dive deeper, particularly in a number of the extra superior dive places, your chances are high larger for coming throughout stingrays and eagle rays, barracuda, sea turtles, and nurse sharks.
Among the many uncommon sightings in Grenadian oceans are frogfish and black seahorses!
Picture credit score: R Gombarik/Shutterstock.com
Diving in Grenada, you’re additionally prone to see some well-known wreck websites, a few of which is able to permit you to swim by ships which as soon as roamed the seas. This nation island can also be dwelling to the world’s first underwater sculpture park!
Although there’s a lot to see, the very best factor about diving in Grenada is that the various dive places provide experiences which are splendid for divers of all ability ranges — from those that’re pleased with shallow dives (and even snorkeling), to open water divers and wreck explorers!
Sandals greatest dive websites in Grenada
1. Bianca C
Dive Degree: Grasp
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
Off Pointe Saline, The Bianca C (as soon as often known as the Marechal Petain amongst many different names) was a 600-ft cruise ship that caught hearth and was towed, launched, and later sunk in 1961. The ship which is sometimes called the Titanic of the Caribbean now serves as a man-made reef which is dwelling to plenty of horse eyed jacks, grouper and barracuda.
This is among the bigger wrecks of the Caribbean and although divers can’t get into the ship which sits upright on its keel (165 ft), it’s an unbelievable sight to witness. Some divers make some extent of swimming into the ship’s swimming swimming pools on the 130 ft mark. Whereas diving right here you may additionally spot eagle rays and reef sharks. The Bianca C is close to Whibbles reef and it’s rated as one of many high 10 wreck dives on the earth.
2. Kohanee
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
Kohanee is a well-liked reef with outstanding, colourful coral formations. It’s excessive on the dive record for divers in Grenada, and the reefs right here stand out notably due to their structure — they’re separated by sand channels, so it appears to be like a bit like a rigorously tended backyard. Whereas diving right here it’s possible you’ll spot Creole wrasse, scrawled filefish, blue and brown chromis, in addition to several types of coral, like colourful sea sponges. The depth of this reef ranges from 40 ft to 60 ft. Currents could be sturdy right here.
3. The Japanese Gardens
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Elliot Murrell/Shutterstock.com
The Japanese Gardens are accessible by boat and it is among the high diving websites in Grenada for newbies. This dive has a most depth of about 40 ft, and on this underwater house you’ll see plenty of colourful fishes, moray eels, and typically turtles. The Japanese Gardens are one in all many diving websites alongside Boss Reef (listed under).
4. Dragon Bay
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
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Dragon Bay presents the likelihood for divers to do each drift diving and wall diving. It’s positioned inside the Molinere Protected Seascape, and sightings embody peacock flounder and barracuda. You may additionally spot inexperienced morays, groupers, angelfish and octopus. On this dive you’ll even have an opportunity to scope the volcanic topography of Grenada’s undersea panorama, and as you get additional out, it’s possible you’ll spot southern stingrays and lobster. The Dragon Bay dive (20-90 ft in depth) could be accomplished together with the close by underwater sculpture park dive. That is additionally an amazing snorkeling spot!
5. Molinere Sculpture Park
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: R Gombarik/Shutterstock.com
Artwork lovers will recognize the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, as will conservation activists and dive lovers usually. A creation of British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, the intention of putting sculptures underwater was to boost the Molinere Reef System with the transitioning of the sculptures into synthetic reefs over time. The underwater sculptures inform tales of Grenada’s historical past, tradition, and different components. A few of the items made with cement and rebar have been broken by unhealthy climate circumstances through the years, however general, they’ve tailored effectively into the underwater surroundings. The Underwater Sculpture Park is kind of shallow, so you possibly can both select to dive right here or go snorkeling.
6. Flamingo Bay
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
There’s usually a variety of dive visitors round Flamingo Bay due to the wonderful expertise that’s available right here. This dive options a wall which begins at 23 ft, extending to 100 ft in depth. It may be discovered within the Molinere Protected Seascape, and sightings embody many varieties of sentimental and exhausting coral, chromis, yellowtail snapper, Creole wrasse, bar jacks, noticed drums, batfish, backyard eels, lobster, crabs, and fewer generally, sea horses, pipefish, and brindled jawfish. The sudden nature of what you’ll see right here is a part of the attraction, as is the opportunity of night time diving. Snorkeling can also be common at Flamingo Bay.
7. Veronica L
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: R Gombarik/Shutterstock.com
The Veronica L was shifted from the St. George’s Harbour and moved to nearer to the world the place Boss Reef begins. Many divers hunt down this wreck throughout day or night time dives. It’s particularly close to to the hearts of photographers, who discover it spectacular to {photograph} within the day or night time with a plethora of pink sponges and yellow cup corals on the underside of the ship. Whereas diving across the Veronica L, you’ll need to swim a bit additional out to scope a number of the extra alluring components of the Boss Reef wall, in any other case, simply benefit from the ship in its undersea splendor and peep in on a number of the sea creatures like gobies that decision it dwelling.
8. Boss Reef
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
Boss reef is an intensive reef system measuring 5 miles. Within the shallow space of this reef (40 ft) which is roofed in distinctive star coral, you’ll end up swimming with fishes like Creole wrasse, cero mackerel, yellow tailed snapper and different marine life. Whereas within the higher reef, you’ll spot issues like lobster, eels, trunkfish and typically inexperienced or hawksbill turtles. This dive web site descends to 80 ft, and infrequently it’s possible you’ll spot barracuda, stingrays, or nurse sharks. A few of the diving websites alongside Boss Reef embody Japanese Gardens, Decrease Boss, Center Boss, Valleys and Northern Publicity.
9. Purple Rain
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
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The well being of a reef determines the kind of fishes and different sea life that it attracts, and Purple Rain is one of the crucial populated reefs round Grenada. Whereas diving right here, look out for the gorgeous sponges of all colours, coral whips and gorgonians. You’ll additionally spot fishes just like the purple Creole wrasse, scrawled filefish, and black durgeon. When it comes to the purple Creole Wrasse, wait till they swim downwards in formation – then and solely then will you absolutely perceive the identify of this reef. Purple Rain ranges from 50 ft to close 90 ft, and different attainable sightings embody lobster, moray eels, and extra!
10. San Juan
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: R Gombarik/Shutterstock.com
An exploration of the San Juan is greatest suited to superior divers. This has a lot to do with the often-strong currents within the space the place this wreck could be discovered, nearly 1.5 miles south of Grenada. Nonetheless, skilled divers will have the ability to navigate and luxuriate in a dive geared toward getting up near the San Juan, a 105 ft lengthy cargo ship. That is an upright wreck, and it’s widespread to see nurse sharks, eagle rays, Atlantic Area Fish, and barracuda across the ship.
11. Grand Mal Wall
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: blue-sea. cz/Shutterstock.com
The black gorgonians masking the partitions within the space add intrigue to this dive web site which can divers love for its distinctive panorama. Interesting to divers who know their means beneath the waves, Grand Mal Wall options a number of submerged seamounts meandering partitions. Throughout this dive you’re prone to spot faculties of tarponsand different creatures of the deep. Dive websites close to Grand Mal Wall embody the underwater sculpture park, and Dragon Bay.
12. Face of the Satan
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Elliot Murrell/Shutterstock.com
The lure of this dive web site is that it’s close to the infamous underwater volcano in Grenada, Kick ‘em Jenny. This submarine volcano is energetic, which is probably going one thing you’ll take into consideration whereas diving to this hard-to-reach shear rock wall (100 ft). Nonetheless, this makes for an exhilarating dive full of surprises!
13. Glad Valley
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: blue-sea. cz/Shutterstock.com
Diving in Grenada is a dream for knowledgeable divers as there’s one thing completely different to see at each dive web site, which provides to the fun. At Glad Valley, not solely can divers take within the abundance of coral and good sea life, they’ll additionally have the ability to see firsthand what has been described as a graveyard of outdated automobiles together with automobiles and buses on the 90 ft mark. There’s additionally an encrusted Admiralty anchor on the 60 ft mark. Divers love exploring the wall at Glad Valley, which begins in Flamingo Bay extending to Dragon Bay.
14. Hema I
Dive Degree: Grasp
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Ian Scott/Shutterstock.com
You’ll have to have Grasp diving certifications to get underneath the water to discover the Hema I, a 170 ft wreck 3 miles off the south coast of Grenada. The Hema I sank on its solution to Trinidad in tough sea circumstances and now it’s a common underwater attraction. This dive is on the Atlantic facet, which suggests circumstances could be turbulent, a lot in order that typically the wreck even sways underneath water. The Hema I is about 100 ft down, and round this wreck you’re prone to see noticed eagle rays, nurse sharks, and reef sharks. There are additionally plenty of pelagic fish, together with Atlantic Spade Fish on this space. Save this dive for final if you wish to finish on a excessive word.
15. Shark Reef
Dive Degree: Novice
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Brad Bowins/Shutterstock.com
Adjoining to Pointe Saline is Glover’s Island, the place many individuals go by boat to dive. This space is a identified hang around spot for barracuda, and you too can typically spot nurse sharks at relaxation inside the ledges, in addition to lobster, eels, and crabs. You may additionally spot grunts, black surgeons and scrawled filefish. The currents on this space could be fairly sturdy, which tends to herald extra marine life to the reef.
16. Frigate Rock
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: RLS Picture/Shutterstock.com
Simply after Grenada heading towards Carriacou you’ll discover Frigate Rock which is all the time populated with plenty of birds. The large rock in the midst of the ocean is white with chicken droppings so you possibly can’t miss it. Frigate Rock is a part of the Isle de Rhonde group and for divers it is a mixture of a wall and reef dive with plenty of sea life, and seemingly untouched underwater options. Currents could be sturdy on this space, however there’s a lot to see.
17. Isle de Rhonde
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
Close to Frigate Rock, off the coast of Grenada you’ll discover Isla De Rhonde, a 2,000-acre personal island. You’ll want to rearrange a ship to get to the island which is usually uninhabited. From Sandals’ resort in Grenada, it takes about 1 hour to get to Isle de Rhonde. This isn’t a very talked-about diving location, however it’s pristine with clear waters and a excessive risk of recognizing turtles, inexperienced moray eels, and typically sleeping nurse sharks. The reef right here is visibly wholesome and attracts every kind of sea life.
18. Shak ‘Em
Dive Degree: Superior
Out there from: Sandals Grenada
Picture credit score: Eric Carlander/Shutterstock.com
Shak ‘Em is a wreck of a cargo ship, and it is among the newer wrecks across the island. This ship was reported to have been loaded haphazardly, which resulted in cargo (loaded cement baggage) shifting misplaced and inflicting her to sink. The wreck now lays in an upright place close to Quarantine Level, and lots of divers reap the benefits of the chance to get into the ship to go searching. Exterior the ship you’ll discover loads of deep-water gorgonians and marine lifetime of all varieties together with barracuda.
Greatest time to dive in Grenada
The perfect time to go to Grenada is through the island’s peak season which is often between mid-December and mid-April. Climate circumstances have a tendency to carry up higher throughout these months which makes it time to dive. Within the summertime although, the ocean will likely be at its warmest, which provides to the enchantment of diving through the hotter months.
The water temperature through the summer season months is often round 28°C/83°, whereas through the months the remainder of the world observes as winter, water temps will likely be round 26°C/79°F. Daytime temperatures in Grenada are additionally constant, round 30°C/86 °F and 31°C /88 °F year-round.
Discover out extra in regards to the best time to visit Grenada.
Insider tip: In the event you’re planning your dive trip throughout peak season, attempt reserving at the very least six months upfront to make sure you’re capable of finding one thing you’ll love. Sandals Grenada is a best choice for {couples} in search of a first-class dive trip.
Diving with Sandals Resorts
There’s no higher feeling than diving with an all-inclusive resort like Sandals the place you’ll find skilled divers as a part of the resort employees complement. Sandals presents to divers the chance to dive without spending a dime throughout their trip (as much as two tanks per day), which allows them to soak up a number of the most spectacular dive websites whereas in Grenada.
The resort’s dive workforce additionally leaves it to the discretion of friends the instances they wish to dive, and which websites they’d prefer to discover. Many seasoned divers go along with morning dives, which permit them to see extra and go additional out. First time divers or much less skilled divers will take pleasure in diving on this territory throughout each morning and afternoon periods!
Image: At Sandals once we say we embody SCUBA, we imply it!
One other beauty of diving with Sandals is how accommodating the dive workforce all the time is with friends – they’re used to assembly new folks and taking them out to see the very best diving their island has to supply. The dive workforce members additionally take note of diver’s competency, which suggests in the event that they see that you just’re expert, they’re prone to suggest extra superior dive websites, or absorb consideration your suggestions on the place you wish to go on future dives.
Whereas diving with Sandals, it’s worthwhile to notice that all gear (apart from wetsuits) is included. You may deliver alongside your individual wetsuit or lease one and retailer it in a locker that you would be able to lease within the dive store.
Tip sensible, it’s price noting that Sandals workers aren’t allowed to just accept ideas apart from butlers and spa employees. Some individuals who join with members of their dive workforce after a packed dive week get round this by exchanging small tokens of appreciation like a bottle or rum or dive gadget they’d like to go away behind, although a real “thanks” will suffice!
Getting PADI licensed at Sandals Grenada
Image: Make sure you take a look at a number of the Caribbean’s most beautiful dive sites that Grenada has to supply.
Getting PADI® licensed is simple with Sandals. All you’ll have to do is enroll and pay the common value of PADI® certification, and you then’ll be guided by the method which incorporates coaching within the pool to study all of the diving necessities (together with hand alerts) earlier than going into the ocean.
Solely when you get a dangle of issues will you have the ability to begin your dive journey. This course of could be skipped completely in case you’re already licensed or fast-tracked with some e-learning earlier than you arrive in Grenada. When you’re PADI® licensed, you possibly can dive without spending a dime (as much as two tanks per day) throughout your vacation in Grenada.
Regardless that you’ll have to foot the price on your dive certification, remember that the worth you pay at Sandals is usually cheaper than what you’d pay at dive facilities in North America.
Must get scuba licensed? Learn how to Get PADI® certified at Sandals. You can too learn in regards to the scuba courses Sandals has on provide.
Scuba Security
Image: Scuba diving at Sandals really presents you the easiest in equipment, employees and unbelievable dive sites ; all of this aboard a fleet of brand-new dive boats – all included!
Something price doing is price doing effectively and being secure. This rings true for scuba diving, which is why there’s a lot emphasis on being dive licensed earlier than suiting up. Whereas diving for the primary time or making an attempt new dive websites could be intimidating, you’ll be in good fingers with the Sandals dive workforce who will inform you all the things it is advisable to know earlier than you dive in.
To your personal security, comply with all secure diving pointers and the directions of your dive teacher. Stick with respected divers like Sandals and be sure you stick near your dive buddy. Lastly, guarantee your dive gear is in good situation earlier than heading off, and don’t hesitate to look into dive insurance coverage which might come in useful within the occasion of an emergency.
Bonus: options to scuba diving
Grenada is among the most enjoyable islands to go to within the Caribbean just because there’s simply a lot to understand about it. Divers discover heaven on earth beneath its ocean house, and even in case you’re simply accompanying a dive buddy, it’s possible you’ll be tempted to dive.
Image: SNUBA®, a genius mixture between scuba diving and snorkeling that makes it attainable to take pleasure in the very best of the undersea world.
If you wish to dive with out having to get scuba certification, attempt SNUBA diving whereas in Grenada which is kind of a snorkeling/scuba combo. Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to SNUBA Diving which is able to get you in control on all the things SNUBA.
You can too simply go snorkeling – chances are high excessive that you just’ll come throughout some fascinating marine life. New to snorkeling? Learn our useful snorkeling tips for beginners!
When you’re out of the water, there’ll be loads of time to take a look at the remainder of the island and it is amazing attractions.
Image: Slip into your Skypool suite at Sandals Grenada the place the ocean view flows proper into your day. Whether or not you are gearing as much as dive or winding down from an underwater journey, that is your private slice of serenity.
Able to plan your journey? Learn our full assessment on What Guests Love About Sandals Grenada.
