10 Reasons to Scuba Dive Grenada
In St. George's, Grenada's capital, red rooftops dot the surrounding hills.
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The colorful reefs off St. George's, Grenada.
Allison Vitsky Sallmon
The air is sweet and the wrecks are prolific in this southern Caribbean Eden:
1. LUXURIOUS LADY
A dive on the Bianca C, the legendary liner known as the Titanic of the Caribbean, is a must. If the current allows, drop down to 130 feet for a “dip” in the ship’s swimming pool.
scubatech-grenada.com
2. FISH SOUP
The current at Shark Reef runs so swiftly and reliably from east to west that the barrel sponges are all bent to its will. Expect to see turtles, nurse sharks, morays, jacks, pufferfish and more.
3. APRÈS-DIVE
Dodgy Dock, at True Blue Bay Resort, is a local favorite for theme nights and live music; there’s a calypso band every Saturday.
dodgydock.com
4. SATELLITE SITE
Tiny Carriacou is where Grenadians come to “get away from it all.” At Sisters Rocks, just outside Hillsborough Bay, you’ll circle the two spires, which drop to around 130 feet, and see everything from turtles to eagle rays.
deeferdiving.com
5. CHOCOHOLIC DREAMS
The smell of spices permeates the air in Grenada; see them growing for yourself at the hillside Belmont Estate. The lush 300- acre property grows mostly chocolate, along with nutmeg, cinnamon, papaya and guava.
belmontestate.net
6. GRAND STRAND
Grande Anse is Grenada’s most famous beach for a reason: Azure seas lap the silky, white sand, which stretches for 2 miles along the island’s southwest coast.
7. SHAKE ’EM UP
Sitting on keel at 110 feet, 180-foot Trinidadian cargo barge the Shakem went down with a full load of concrete-stuffed bags, still visible in the open hold. The main attraction now is the curtains of white telesto coral covering the bow.
aquanautsgrenada .com
8. TINY TREASURE
Veronica L is a small wreck in only 45 feet of water, but don’t be fooled — there’s plentiful life aboard, including camouflaged frogfish, morays, rays and schooling reef fish.
9. ISLAND CHIC
Bash Restaurant by Mark B at boutique Calabash Resort offers tasty tapas such as twicebaked callaloo soufflé, soothing electro- chill beats and great peoplewatching at the bar.
calabashhotel.com
10. TAKE A TIPPLE
River Antoine Rum Distillery is the oldest functioning water- propelled distillery in the Caribbean. You can take weaker bottles home, but the 138- to 150-proof bottles aren’t allowed on the plane.
DIVERS GUIDE TO GRENADA
Average water temp: In winter, temps dip to the high 70s; in summer, temps climb to the mid-80s
What to wear: 3 mm wetsuit in winter; shorty in summer
Average viz: Water clarity can range from 30 to 100 feet, depending on the site
When to go: Year-round; rain showers blow through quickly
More info: sportdiver.com/grenada