Grenada and Carriacou

The nutrient rich Guyana current flows over Grenada and Carriacou’s volcanic coastlines, contributing to a healthy and varied coral reef environment that has few equals in the Caribbean.

In addition to their fine reefs, Grenada in particular is recognised for its exceptional range of wrecks, which has made the island a truly unique Caribbean dive destination. The islands of Grenada and Carriacou are located in the Eastern Caribbean and along with Petit Martinique they collectively make up the island state of Grenada.

Dive Sites in Grenada

Grenada, the size of the Isle of Wight, offers divers an exceptional range of different dives. There are over 30 sites concentrated around the South West tip of the island, the majority of which are within 30 minutes of the Aquanauts dive centre. They range in character from beautiful coral gardens suitable for inexperienced divers through to adrenaline charged drift dives where encounters with a variety of rays and sharks are commonplace. Grenada offers a great twin centre option with its quieter sister island, Carriacou, or Peter Hughes Wind Dancer liveaboard.

Wrecks

In all there are nine attractive wrecks just a short boat ride from the centre. Grenada is renowned for its wrecks in general, and for one in particular. The Bianca C is a 200 metre liner that sank in 1961. Lying at a gentle angle the wreck supports a large amount of marine life and has numerous points of interest, including the swimming pool and the bridge.

The island's most recent wreck, Hema 1, lies in the Atlantic current at a depth of 27m. The boat sank on its way to Trinidad in 2005 and is already attracting healthy coral growth and cruising schools of fish seeking shelter. This is a perfect playground for the wreck enthusiast.

Sculptures and Reefs

Moliniere reef, within the National Marine Park, has been brought alive and transformed by the work of Jason de Caires Taylor. His human form sculptures present fantastic photographic opportunities whilst forming a new home for underwater sea life and give an entirely new perspective to the diver.

The islands volcanic base has created wonderful dramatic dives and prompted the growth of the islands famous coral reefs, which are largely undamaged. Black coral can be found on sites like Dragons bay and Moliniere reef, competing for spaces with sea fans, gorgonians and pillar corals.

Dive Sites in Carriacou

Carriacou is a small island with a simple, laidback charm that would appeal to anyone looking to get away from it all. Ringed by reefs, Carriacou, meaning ‘Land of Reefs’ remains largely untouched by tourism and makes a great twin centre option with Grenada, or as a destination in itself for those who want to really get away from it all. The island of Carriacou is accessed either by ferry via Grenada or a short hoppa flight.

The waters surrounding the island abound with life and colour. The islands dive sites range from uncomplicated dives on sheltered reefs through to more advanced wall dives. There are around 20 dive sites, the majority of which are within the Sandy Island / Oyster Bay Marine Protected area (SIOBMPA). Notable dive sites are Sisters Rock with a wealth of Black coral, Sharky’s Hideaway, known for regular sightings of Nurse Sharks and Whirlpool, where you dive surrounded in bubbles emerging from the sea bed.

As well as a profusion of naturally established reefs, Carriacou benefits from a number of artificial reefs. The twin tugs of Boris and WestSider, sunk in 2004 and 2007 respectively, are attracting strong coral growth and marine life.

The lifestyle on the island is simple and has been largely unaffected by tourism. As a result, Carriacou suits guests searching for areas in the Caribbean where the facilities normally associated with a more developed tourism infrastructure are not present.

Whilst you are in Grenada, pre-booked dive packages will be with Aquanauts

Whilst you are on Carriacou, pre-booked dive packages are with Deefer Diving

Aquanauts

Aquanauts is a very well run PADI Gold Palm resort with two bases in Grenada. They are onsite at True Blue Bay Resort & Marina and have a second base on Grande Anse Beach, a short walk from Blue Horizons Hotel. Aquanauts operate three fast dive boats. They are all equipped with depth sounders, GPS, safety equipment, O2 and first aid, drinking water, marine toilet, dive platforms, dive ladders, camera tables, rinse tanks and dry storage.

A two tank dive operates every morning with a third day dive in the afternoon. Night dives can be arranged locally. Snorkelling trips are available to Grenada's Marine Park in the afternoons and are charged locally. 30% Nitrox is provided FREE of charge for those qualified. Fills of up to 40% are available, at extra charge.

Dive Packs

We recommend you pre-book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure in order to secure your diving or course and benefit from lower rates than you will pay in resort.

Includes: Air tanks (or 30% Nitrox, if qualified) and weights and 15% local tax. 

Dive Courses

Includes: Equipment, materials and certification fee. 

Scuba Reviews, other speciality and marine based courses are available and charged locally. Please ask for further information.

Extras in Resort (US $)

• Nitrox fills: up to 30% mix free of charge. Other fills: $US10
• Isle De Rhonde: $40
• Night dive - boat: $65
• Night dive - shore: $42
• Snorkel trip: $48
• Grenada Marine Protected Area, ($EC) per day (Eastern Caribbean Dollar) -
• Snorkeler: EC$3
• Diver: EC$6

Equipment: 
10 & 12 litre aluminum tanks are available, with INT valve. Please take DIN adapters.

Equipment rental, payable in resort per day: 

• Full kit excl. computer: $25
• Mask, Fins & Snorkel: $12
• Shortie wetsuit: $6
• BCD: $13
• Regulator: $13
• Dive computer: $10
• Underwater torch incl. batteries: $10
• Rebreathers / TDI Courses
• Digital camera (per dive): $25 incl. CD-ROM

Group Offers

Group offers are available, please enquire.

Deefer Diving

Deefer Diving prides itself on the personal, friendly service offered at this small, intimate dive centre. Deefer Diving is a PADI 5* Dive Resort, run by the professional team of Alex and Gary, and not forgetting the efforts of their dog Deefer! Alex is a biologist with a keen interest in marine biology, and previous dive positions have seen them both work extensively in the Caribbean and Central America. Gary is a keen sidemount diver, and loves all types of teaching. He would love to teach you the PADI Tec Sidemount Diver speciality!

Deefer Diving offers up to 3 guided boat dives per day (2 x am and 1 x pm), plus night dives, a range of learner diver and further education diving courses. A range of PADI Speciality courses are also possible. Boat dives are from two small fibreglass dive boats, with a maximum capacity of 9 and 13 persons including crew. Morning dives either return to shore during the surface interval, or stay out dependant on the dive site locations.

A few hundred metres from the dive centre is a small shore dive site called Jack-a-Dan, otherwise all diving is operated from the boats. Snorkellers will enjoy the calm, almost current free conditions on the Caribbean Sea side of the island.

Carriacou benefits from the long established Marine Protected Area of Sandy Island and Oyster Bay. Regulations for diving in this area require that divers remain with the guide. At other sites, divers may dive more independently in buddy pairs, in visual range of the guide.

The centre is situated on the beach front, close to Hillsborough and a short walk from the ferry port and 10 minutes from the small airport. The closest medical facilities offer a basic service in Hillsborough. Full medical facilities are available on Grenada. The closest recompression chamber is on Trinidad, Barbados or St. Lucia.

Dive Packs

We recommend you pre-book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure in order to secure your diving or course and benefit from lower rates than you will pay in resort.

Dive Courses

Includes: Equipment, study manual, certification fee and 2 free fun dives.

Extras in Resort

• Night Dives: $27.50
• Nitrox: Not currently available

Equipment rental, payable in resort, per day $USD:

• Full equipment: $16.50
• Regulators: $13.20
• BCD: $13.20
• Wet suit: $5.50
• Fins, Mask & Snorkel: $13.20
• Digital camera: $25
• Dive computers: Not currently available to hire
• Tanks: 12l Aluminium. Limited 15l available
• DIN adaptors - Limited, please take your own

Payment in resort: EC$, USD, Euro or GBP and credit cards.

Grenada, the size of the Isle of Wight, is a mountainous island of volcanic origin with an integrated cultural mix. The dramatic interior is defined by cascading waterfalls, mountain lakes and tropical rainforest whilst its coastline boasts 45 beaches. 'Grand Anse' beach is the most famous, with 2 miles of fabulous white sand and a nice choice of bars and restaurants.

The capital, St George, is considered to be one of the most attractive towns in the Caribbean with its horseshoe shaped harbour. Most of the roads are in good condition and hiring a vehicle is a popular way of exploring the island and offers as much for the diver as their non-diving partner or friend.

Carriacou is an even smaller island that is largely untouched by tourism. Hillsborough, the Capital, has a few restaurants and shops and a friendly local population.

The lifestyle on the island is simple and has been largely unaffected by tourism. As a result, Carriacou suits guests searching for areas in the Caribbean where the facilities normally associated with a more developed tourism infrastructure are not present.

The island attracts those who are looking for a quiet break to combine with excellent diving.

Climate

The tropical climate is tempered by cooling winds and the average air temperature is 27° C rising to 32° C in August and November. Average water temperature is 25c in the Winter and 30c in the Summer.

Time

Grenada is GMT -4 hours

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD / EC$)

US $1 = EC $2.70

£1 = EC $4.20

Activities

Grenada is blessed with rainforest developing at different stages, with old trees towering above young growth. Outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, golfing, canyoning, yachting and day cruises. Trips to the Grand Etang Forest and various waterfalls can be arranged and car hire is available locally.

St. Georges, the capital, has a pretty harbour surrounded by pastel-painted building and is also home to the largest fruit and vegetable market on the island.

The rum distilleries still use traditional methods and the nutmeg processing plant is open to visitors.

The island has an interesting history associated with the Caribs, the island's indigenous Caribbean population.

Day Use hotels in Grenada (where travelling back from Carriacou before your international flight)

True Blue Bay

Day Pass* - From 9 am to 5 pm

Includes:

• Continental breakfast buffet
• Lunch 
• House Drinks 
• Use of Pool
• Kayaking
• Hobie Cat Sailing

* transport to/from the airport not included.

Package value US$ 99 - US$ 145

OR

La Heliconia

Walking distance from the airport.

www.laheliconia.com

Flight Information

British Airways flights*:

BA 2159 Sundays LGW 10:10 GND 15:25

BA 2158 Sundays GND 17:20 LGW 08:40 (+1)

Virgin flights*:

VS 52 Thursdays GND 17:30 LGW 08:40 (+1)

VS 51 Thursdays LGW 09:35 GND 15:20

*Flight times above indication only - please check your invoices and tickets.

Flight duration: Approximately 9½ hrs

Travelling to Carriacou: 

Options depend on whether you are staying on Grenada as well as Carriacou, and availability of internal hoppa flights.

Internal hoppa flight:

Several daily. If you fly to Carriacou after a stay in Grenada, you need to apply your no fly, no dive rules.

Ferry:

To Carriacou - Morning

From Carriacou - Afternoon.

The afternoon ferry does not allow sufficient time to connect with your international inbound flight to UK.

Sometimes there are 2 ferry services per day, but the timetable is not reliable enough to base your international flight plans around.

Departure tax:

Adults: XCD 50

Child (5 - 12): XCD 25

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to Grenada must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return travel.

No visa required for British passport holders, you are granted a 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Other nationalities should check with their consulate.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Grenada, although we recommend vaccination against tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Dengue Fever can also be present.

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True Blue Bay - Grenada

Green Roof Inn - Carriacou