After living in Grenada for almost four years, I feel like we’ve explored a lot this beautiful country has to offer. We’ve driven around, sailed along the western coast, joined hashes, toured rum distilleries, and much more. There are just so many things to do in Grenada!
However, I hadn’t yet experienced Grenada from beneath the sea. When I decided to go diving, I chose my dive shop the same way I always do—through Trip Advisor. Dive Grenada had excellent reviews, so I felt confident booking with them.
Dive Grenada is linked to the lovely Mount Cinnamon Grenada accommodations, which offer great activities, beautiful rooms, welcoming staff, and two top-notch restaurants. Dive Grenada is ideally located on Grand Anse Beach, although its beginnings were quite rocky. When the owners, Phil and Helen, first opened in 2004, Hurricane Ivan hit just five weeks later, practically destroying everything. Despite these challenges, Phil and Helen persevered and now run the most recommended dive shop on the island.
Today, you can find Phil, Helen, their dogs, and the Dive Grenada team at the south end of Grand Anse beach in a welcoming yellow dive shop that’s just steps from the water.
After six dives around Grenada, I was amazed by the rich sea life and vibrant coral. While I enjoy reef dives, the shipwrecks are the true highlight here. There are nine different wreck dives, and though I only managed to explore three, the experience was incredible and I hope to return to see more.
One of these dives is within Grenada’s Marine Protected Area, not too far from the dive shop. The visibility was excellent, and I spotted various eels, turtles, an octopus, and numerous small fish and crustaceans. The shipwrecks are carpeted with coral, and one even had an air pocket 15 meters below the surface!
Another memorable wreck is the MV Shakem, where the captain’s quarters and kitchen remain intact, and I observed moray eels hidden in its crevices. Besides the wrecks, one dive featured a serene garden of hard and soft corals.
The striking Bianca C, a 600-foot cruise liner that sank in 1961, is one of Grenada’s premier dive sites. Sitting upright in 50 meters of water, its visibility ranges from 15 to 25 meters. Known as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’ due to its size and presence, it’s a must-visit for advanced divers, despite its depth limiting the dive duration.
Grenada offers many other fantastic dive sites, and most are free from crowds. This Caribbean gem is a best-kept secret among divers. If you’re eco-conscious like me, Dive Grenada is an excellent choice. They run the Grand Anse Reef Regeneration Project (GARRP), which uses underwater pyramids made from cinderblocks to promote coral growth. Phil has also educated local school children on the importance of marine ecosystems.
Despite the joy of solitary dives, diving could become a valuable part of Grenada’s economy. It’s only a matter of time before more people discover the underwater wonders this island has to offer. If you’re planning a trip to Grenada, make sure to dive or snorkel and explore the vibrant marine life around the island.