When it comes to finding teal-colored waters teeming with marine life, the Caribbean excels. The tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique might just have the edge over its neighbors, thanks to a flourishing marine protected area, strong local conservation efforts, and not one but two underwater art museums—not to mention more than 30 shipwrecks scattered around its shores. Over the years, these vessels have morphed into lush coral reefs, attracting eclectic marine life and earning Grenada the title of “Wreck Capital of the Caribbean.”
So whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or a keen snorkeler, be sure to check out these underwater sites next time you drop anchor here.
1. The Bianca C Shipwreck
To compare a wreck to the Titanic is a bold move, but this 600-foot-long cruise liner more than earns its “Titanic of the Caribbean” moniker. Not only is it the largest shipwreck in Grenada, but it has actually sunk twice—first near France in 1944 when German bombers struck, and again while docked in Grenada in 1961. An explosion in the boiler room set fire to the vessel, and while being towed away from the dock by a British frigate, the towline snapped, and the Bianca C sank to the seabed, coming to rest upright just a few miles offshore. Since then, it has transformed into a huge artificial reef, attracting nurse and reef sharks, groupers, and even barracuda. Though not penetrable, the vast remnants of this enormous wreck are fascinating enough; diving through its top-deck swimming pool is a truly surreal experience.
2. Underwater Sculpture Parks
The first of its kind in the world, the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is the brainchild of British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, who crafted 75 concrete statues in the likeness of local Grenadian community members. Opened in 2006, it is now one of the most popular snorkel and dive sites on the islands. Statues dot the seabed in various poses between 16 and 26 feet deep—a favorite is “The Lost Correspondent,” which depicts a man sitting at a desk with a typewriter, reading newspapers from the 1970s. Expect to see a variety of endemic fish in and around the statues, as well as a slipper lobster or two. Consider also heading to Carriacou, where a second underwater sculpture park, titled “A World Adrift,” opened last year. Thirty stainless steel, pH-neutral cement boats sit in the shallows, helmed by replicas of Grenadian schoolchildren, highlighting the nation’s prominent boat-building history.
3. Happy Valley
Ten minutes north of St. George’s, this beautiful reef wall is ideal for snorkelers and divers alike. Undulating between 20 and 90 feet deep, the reef begins with clusters of brown coral that stagger downward toward giant gorgonians. Swimmers will spot all kinds of tropical fish here, including yellowtail snappers, banded jawfish, and even shoals of baitfish—some lucky divers might even see a seahorse or two. A variety of corals, including elkhorn and staghorn, and sponges hide plenty of other macro life, as well as an encrusted Admiralty anchor, a relic from Grenada’s extensive maritime history.
4. HV Hema
Sunk during rough seas on a crossing to Trinidad, this 170-foot freighter met its fate three miles off Grenada’s south coast, where it found its final resting place 110 feet down. Since then, the vessel has been broken up by a series of hurricanes, but it’s still a must-visit site for wreck lovers. Its position offshore means that currents can be strong, attracting all manner of large pelagic life such as nurse sharks, which enjoy taking a nap in and around the wreck’s remains. Eagle rays and reef sharks also often make an appearance. Due to the currents and depth, this site is best suited to advanced divers.
5. Flamingo Bay
Well within Grenada’s Marine Protected Area, this flourishing reef is bursting with fish life. Depths here max out at 60 feet, but there’s plenty to see in the shallows, making it particularly popular with snorkelers. Expect to swim among creole wrasse, parrotfish, grouper, and squirrelfish, all of which dart between vibrant sponges and intricate corals. It’s also home to the flamingo tongue snail, a beautifully bright yellow and white-spotted sea snail whose shell is actually hidden beneath its colorful mantle. Once incredibly common, they’ve become rarer, so always look but don’t touch.
6. Face of the Devil
This scuba diving site has seriously cool credentials—after all, who doesn’t want to dive alongside an active underwater volcano? Kick ‘em Jenny is a striking seamount rising up from the seafloor five miles north of Grenada. It last erupted in 2017, but there’s no need to worry—the majority of its previous eruptions were only detectable by seismograph, meaning they were relatively small. Aside from the extra adrenaline rush of diving alongside a submerged volcanic mountain, this site is sure to thrill. A sheer rock wall stretches down to 100 feet, often offering up turtles and sharks alongside a plethora of gorgonians and golden sea sprays.
7. Purple Rain
Often cited as one of the most untouched reefs in Grenada, Purple Rain is a thrilling dive for a variety of reasons. First, its environment: The site gets its name from the abundance of creole wrasse that live above the coral garden, which engulf divers in bright blue and purple clouds as they explore the reef. Second, it’s a drift dive, meaning visitors are often swept along by the current, which is always an exhilarating experience. Lastly, the reef itself is supremely picturesque. Barrel sponges of every color dot the underwater terrain, attracting plentiful fish, including queen triggerfish and trunkfish, as well as rays and sometimes schooling barracuda.
Keen to start exploring? Become a certified scuba diver with PADI.
