Underwater Sculpture Park: Snorkeling in Grenada

Timing is everything when planning your snorkeling adventure at the Underwater Sculpture Park. The ideal time to visit Grenada, and by extension, the Sculpture Park, is during the dry season, which runs from January to May.

Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the crowds and experience the park in a more serene and personal way. If you can, I also recommend checking the weather and planning for a sunny day. Sun coming through the water will create the best visibility from the surface. No worries if you have overcast days though. It was actually raining when we went and you can see from the photos it’s still clear enough.

Keep in mind that the Caribbean sun can be strong, so remember to wear eco-friendly sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate marine environment.

We were anchored in nearby Molinere, and were able to take the tender over just a couple minutes away to the park and carefully anchor it in the sand. I’m glad we went first thing in the morning as were had the park to ourselves until about 9:30am when tours started to show up.

There are several tour companies in Grenada that offer trips to the Underwater Sculpture Park, each providing unique experiences depending on your preference. Grenada Seafaris is known for its guided snorkeling tours, where knowledgeable guides share the history and stories behind each sculpture. For those looking for a more private experience, Aquanauts Grenada offers customized tours that can include snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving options. Another popular choice is Dive Grenada, which caters to both beginners and experienced divers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the park at their own pace.

If you have your own gear, bring your snorkel, mask, and fins, as well as underwater camera (these shots are once in a lifetime!). If you don’t have any of your own gear, the tour boat will provide you with some, as well as a flotation device. You’ll also want eco-friendly sunscreen or UPF protective clothing, a towel, and water bottle.

The Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada is the brainchild of British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who is renowned for his work that merges art with environmental activism. Taylor’s sculptures are not just artistic expressions but are designed to encourage coral growth and marine biodiversity, turning these installations into thriving artificial reefs over time.

In addition to the Grenada park, Taylor has created other underwater installations around the world. His most famous works include the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico, which features over 500 life-sized sculptures, and the Ocean Atlas in the Bahamas, which depicts a massive figure holding the ocean on her shoulders, symbolizing the weight of climate change on our world. Each of these installations serves as both a tourist attraction and a sanctuary for marine life, embodying Taylor’s commitment to conservation.

The Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada features over 75 sculptures, each telling its own unique story. One of the most iconic pieces is Vicissitudes, a ring of 26 life-sized children holding hands. The sculpture, which is now encrusted with corals, represents the unity and resilience of local children in the face of challenges. The circle is a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and the connection between humanity and nature.

My personal favorite is The Lost Correspondent, which depicts a man sitting at a desk with a typewriter. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer myself, or because the whole piece just has a romantic, wistful, and melancholy feel to it. Of the piece Taylor said: “My grandfather had just died. He was an avid letter writer. This piece was my last letter to him”.

Grace Reef is a series of figures lying on the ocean floor, partially submerged in sand. This installation highlights the idea of human connection to the earth, with the figures appearing almost as if they are being absorbed back into the environment.

One of the most recent additions to the park is Sienna, a sculpture of a young girl holding a mirror. This piece is particularly striking as it invites viewers to contemplate their reflection and their impact on the environment.

While these are some of the most popular ones, half of the fun of this site is just hunting around finding new ones and trying to figure out what they are. So always keep your eyes peeled! You never know what you’ll find down there.

Jason Decaires Taylor’s underwater gardens is more than just an artistic endeavor; it plays a critical role in marine conservation. The park was created in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which devastated much of Grenada’s coral reefs. By installing these sculptures, the project aimed to provide a new habitat for marine life and help restore the reef ecosystem.

The sculptures are made from a special pH-neutral cement that encourages coral growth and is resistant to corrosion. Over time, these installations have become encrusted with corals, sponges, and algae, turning them into vibrant underwater gardens. The park has also become a haven for fish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures, contributing to the overall health of the marine environment in Molinere Bay.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the Sculpture Park also helps to alleviate the pressure on Grenada’s natural reefs by attracting tourists to an alternative site. This reduces the impact of snorkeling and diving activities on the island’s fragile coral reefs, helping to preserve them for future generations.

You can expect to see a variety of fish, coral, and other marine creatures that have made the sculptures their home. Common sightings include parrotfish, angelfish, and damselfish. We were lucky enough to see a large octopus coasting along the ocean floor!

A snorkeling tour is the most popular way to explore the park, as the sculptures are located in shallow waters, making them easily accessible. Snorkelers can float above the sculptures and observe them from the surface, enjoying the vibrant marine life that surrounds them. It’s a relaxing and low-impact way to experience the park, perfect for those who are new to underwater exploration.

Free diving offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with the artificial reef.

This is the PERFECT spot for practicing your free dive skills (with a buddy of course!) as the sculptures are stationed at slightly different depths and you want to spend as much time as possible up close to see all the details. This is what we did as we found the dives weren’t deep enough for us to bother with scuba gear, and we are proficient free divers.

For those seeking a more time at depth, scuba diving is an option as well. Diving allows you to fully explore the park, including the sculptures that are located in slightly deeper waters. This is a very shallow dive (as far as shallow dives are concerned) so this would be good for beginners, and those still practicing with gear. 

Grenada has a brilliant underwater world, and while the Underwater Sculpture Park is a huge highlight, there are several other great snorkeling sites around the island that offer equally mesmerizing experiences. If you want more time in the water, here’s a look at some of the top spots you should consider exploring.

Located within the Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, Flamingo Bay. This site is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it easy to spot the myriad of marine life that calls this area home. Expect to encounter colorful coral formations, sea fans, sponges, and a variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The diversity and abundance of marine life here made it one of my favorite spots.

One of the unique features of Flamingo Bay is its sloping reef, which starts at just a few feet below the surface and gradually descends into deeper waters. This allows snorkelers to explore different levels of the reef, each teeming with life. The protected status of the marine area ensures that the ecosystem remains vibrant and healthy, offering a pristine snorkeling experience.

Adjacent to Flamingo Bay, Dragon Bay is another must-visit snorkeling site. This secluded cove offers a tranquil setting with calm waters, perfect for a relaxing snorkeling session. The bay is sheltered by rocky outcrops, providing a haven for marine life and making it an ideal spot for spotting a variety of species up close.

Dragon Bay is particularly famous for its diverse coral species, including brain coral, elkhorn coral, and sea fans. The shallow waters make it easy to observe the intricate details of these coral formations, which are home to numerous small fish and invertebrates. You might even spot a turtle gliding gracefully through the water or a moray eel peeking out from a crevice.

If you have time, I highly suggest taking a short boat ride on the ferry to Carriacou. Sandy Island is the perfect destination. Located off the coast of Carriacou, Sandy Island is a tiny, uninhabited island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs and one of the best places for snorkeling.

The shallow waters have excellent visibility and an abundance of marine life. The reef is home to a variety of coral species, as well as tropical fish, rays, and sometimes even small sharks. The island itself is a picture-perfect paradise, with soft white sand and swaying palm trees, making it a great spot to relax after your snorkeling adventure.

For those who prefer a more off-the-beaten-path snorkeling experience, La Sagesse Bay offers a serene and secluded environment. This lesser-known gem is located on Grenada’s southeast coast and is part of the La Sagesse Nature Center. The bay’s calm, shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling, with a thriving ecosystem just waiting to be explored.

La Sagesse Bay is known for its healthy seagrass beds, which attract a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, and a wide range of fish species. The bay’s tranquility and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for snorkelers seeking a peaceful and intimate experience with nature. After snorkeling, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach or a meal at the nearby eco-friendly restaurant.

Hog Island, located just off the southern coast of Grenada, offers a unique snorkeling experience in a more rustic and laid-back setting. This small, uninhabited island is accessible by boat or a short swim from the mainland, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to escape the crowds.

Hog Island is also a great place to spend the day, with its white sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas, and the famous “Roger’s Barefoot Beach Bar,” where you can enjoy a cold drink and some local fare after your snorkeling adventure.

One of the best ways to unwind after snorkeling is to head over to Grand Anse Beach, arguably Grenada’s most famous beach. This two-mile stretch of powdery white sands is framed by calm turquoise waters, making it the ideal spot to relax, sunbathe, and take a refreshing dip. The gentle waves are perfect for a leisurely swim, and the beautiful beach is dotted with charming beach bars and restaurants where you can indulge in local cuisine, fresh seafood, or a tropical cocktail. Scuba divers also flock to the plethora of dive sites located further off the beach.

The Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada is a truly unique destination that combines art, culture, and conservation in a way that few other places can. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler, the park offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the creativity and resilience of both the human spirit and the natural world. So, pack your gear, grab your eco-friendly sunscreen, and get ready to explore this underwater wonderland. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!