Grenada Dive Sites: The Best Reefs Around the Spice Island

How Grenada's diving is laid out

Almost all Grenada dive sites sit along two coasts. The west coast, from St. George's north towards Gouyave, faces the calm Caribbean Sea. Its reefs start shallow, drop down sandy slopes, and are usually easy, relaxed dives. The south coast, around Point Salines, Grand Anse and the bays to the east, is where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. Currents are stronger there, the water carries more nutrients, and you're more likely to see big fish and the occasional shark.

Most dive centers are around Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, True Blue and Lance aux Épines, close to the airport and the main hotels. From there, the west coast reefs, the wrecks and the underwater sculpture park are usually a 5 to 25 minute boat ride. Most diving is done by boat, with two-tank trips in the morning and single dives or night dives later in the day.

Marine protected areas

Grenada protects several of its best reefs inside marine protected areas (MPAs). The best known on the main island is the Molinere-Beauséjour MPA on the west coast, which includes the sculpture park, Molinere Reef, Flamingo Bay and Dragon Bay. Divers and snorkelers usually pay a small user fee, collected by the dive center, which helps pay for moorings, rangers and reef care. Anchoring, fishing and taking anything from the reef are restricted inside these areas.

West coast reefs

• Flamingo Bay All levels

  One of the most popular reefs on the island, with a sloping wall that starts in a few metres of water and drops past sponges, sea fans and black coral. Seahorses, frogfish and moray eels hide in the reef, and the shallows make a good safety stop.

• Dragon Bay All levels

  A sheltered bay next door to Molinere with a gentle reef slope, plenty of coral heads and good night diving. It's often used for training dives and for a second dive after the sculptures.

• Molinere Reef All levels

  The natural reef that runs beside the sculpture park. Many dives combine the two: a swim around the sculptures, then along the reef wall, where turtles and schools of reef fish are common.

• Northern west coast reefs Intermediate

  North of Molinere, the coast is quieter and the reefs see fewer divers. Expect sponges, sea fans and a chance of turtles. Conditions depend on the day, so ask your dive center which northern sites are running.

South coast reefs and drifts

• Boss Reef Intermediate

  A long reef that runs for several kilometres off the southwest coast, between St. George's and Point Salines. Different sections make very different dives, from easy coral gardens to sections with current, so it is dived often.

• Purple Rain Intermediate

  Named for the clouds of creole wrasse that pour over the reef when the current runs, turning the water purple. It is usually dived as a drift.

• Whibble Reef Intermediate to advanced

  A drift dive along the south coast with a chance of nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles, and plenty of reef fish. It is often combined with a wreck dive nearby.

• Atlantic-side reefs Advanced

  East of Lance aux Épines, the reefs face the open Atlantic. The diving is wilder, with stronger currents and swell, and is usually limited to calmer days and experienced groups.

Wrecks and sculptures

Grenada's reefs are only half the story. The island has more than a dozen diveable wrecks, from the shallow Veronica L to the giant Bianca C, which are covered in the Grenada wreck diving guide. The sculpture park at Molinere is a shallow dive that suits every level and is well worth a morning.

What you'll see

Grenada's reefs are especially rich in sponges: purple and yellow tube sponges, azure vase sponges, orange elephant ear sponges and giant barrel sponges big enough to sit in (please don't). Gorgonian sea fans and sea rods sway in the current, and black coral grows on the deeper walls. Look for:

• Hawksbill and green turtles, especially on the west coast reefs
• Spotted and green moray eels, lobsters and crabs in the reef
• Frogfish, seahorses, flamingo tongues and other small creatures for macro photographers
• Schools of creole wrasse, blue chromis, grunts and snappers
• Southern stingrays, eagle rays and nurse sharks on the south coast

Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean, and you'll see them here too. Some dive centers run lionfish culls with trained divers.

Choosing your dives

If you're new to diving, start on the west coast: Flamingo Bay, Dragon Bay and the sculptures are all calm and shallow enough to enjoy. If you're experienced, mix west coast reefs with the south coast drifts and one or two deep wrecks. If you're thinking of getting certified on holiday, read learn to dive in Grenada, and if you have a few extra days, add Carriacou scuba diving to your plans.

For seasons, getting around and what to pack, see the Grenada dive trip planning guide.