Blue Horizons Garden Resort - Grenada

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.

Wrecks

In all there are twelve 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 Hema 1, lies in the Atlantic current at a depth of 27m. The boat sank on its way to Trinidad in 2005 and has attracted a healthy coral growth and cruising schools of fish seeking shelter. Nurse sharks are commonly seen around the bow. This is a perfect playground for the wreck enthusiast.

Meeting her demise in 2018, the Persia II is a genuine antique, as she was built just before the start of WW2. Located around seven miles off the south coast she lies upright in 35m with marine life already moving in. She rests in a location where the currents attract rays, nurse sharks and other pelagics.

Purposely scuttled wrecks include the Buccaneer (1978) with its impressive coral growth and resident marine life and the MV Hildur (2007) with its large hold, home to shoals of fish. The Tyrrel Bay coastguard patrol boat (2018) is a shallow wreck allowing newly qualified divers the chance to explore in a safe environment.

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 island's 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, laid back 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.

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.  Options available include 8, 10, 12, 16 and 20 dive packages (based on two tank morning dives).  Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Extras in Resort

• Nitrox fills
• Isle De Rhonde visit
• Night dive - boat & shore diving available
• Fluo night dive
• Snorkel trip
• Snorkelling or diving in the Grenada Marine Protected Area
• Private dive guide
• 10 & 12 litre aluminum tanks are available, with INT valve - it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you
• Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire, including BCDs, regulators, shortie wetsuit, dive computers, full set excl. computer, rechargeable torch, digital camera, fins, masks & snorkels

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's, 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 25°C in the Winter and 30°C in the Summer.

Time

Grenada is GMT -4 hours

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (XCD / EC$)

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. George's, 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

This is optional, but worth considering, when returning to Grenada from Carriacou for your international flight.

We recommend staying at True Blue Bay or La Heliconia - Walking distance from the airport - ask for details. Please note that airport transfers are not included from True Blue Bay.

Flight Information

British Airways from Gatwick:

Regional add-ons available from selected UK airports. World Traveller (Economy), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) & Club World (Business) available.

Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow

Regional add-ons available from selected UK airports. Economy, Premium Economy & Upper Class available.

Flight duration: Approximately 10–11 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:
Daily. If you fly to Carriacou after a stay in Grenada, you need to apply your no fly, no dive rules.

Ferry:
From Grenada to Carriacou - Morning / From Carriacou to Grenada - Afternoon.

The afternoon ferry does not allow sufficient time to connect with your international inbound flight to UK. Sometimes there are two ferry services per day, but the timetable is not reliable enough to base your international flight plans around.

Please note that visitors to Grenada and Carriacou are required to pay a departure tax.

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.