There is a multitude of reasons to visit the stunning “spice island” of Grenada… the beaches, waterfalls, spice plantations and let’s not forget the rum! From the endless beaches that ring the island, to the acres upon acres of lush wildlife-rich rain forests, Grenada is blessed with scenic beauty in every direction. Even Grenada’s colorful capital city of St. George is known as one of the most beautiful in all of the Caribbean.
Luckily for us all, Grenada’s beauty doesn’t end at the beaches. More recently added to the list of “Grenada’s top reasons to visit” is the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park in the Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area. It was the world’s first underwater sculpture park and opened to the public in 2006. The man-made reef is now a top snorkel and scuba diving attraction.
Aside from attracting visitors from around the world, the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park has also been highly successful at attracting a stunning array of marine life, as well as promoting coral growth.
The concept and creation of the underwater sculpture park
The Underwater Sculpture Park was created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor with the goal of making both an environmental and social impact.
Taylor wanted to engage the local community with the underwater world that surrounds them by using a range of human forms constructed of concrete. With over sixty-five individual sculptures in the park, covering an area of nearly 1,000 square yards, it’s a dynamic ever-changing seascape just waiting to be discovered.
Popular can’t-miss underwater sculptures
The first art installation in the park was the hauntingly beautiful ‘Grace Reef’, sitting at a depth of 12 ft. The sculpture consists of 16 statues, each cast from the body of a local Grenadian woman and positioned lying down on the seafloor.
Of the many sculptures within the park, ‘Vicissitudes’ is perhaps the most recognizable. A circle of 26 life size hand-holding children rest on the sandy bottom in 14 ft of water. The ring symbolizes the concept of life’s ongoing cycle and the ability of children to adapt to their surroundings.
‘The Lost Correspondent’ is yet another striking sculpture, depicting a man working at his typewriter with the desk covered with newspaper clippings. The sculpture sits in a natural gully, giving a sense of office walls.
Many other sculptures in the underwater park await exploration and spark curiosity, delight and wonder among its many adventurous undersea visitors.
Tips for your visit to the underwater sculpture park
The park is located just off Moliniere Point on the southwest side of the island, a short drive from St. George. The gallery is a part of the Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area in Dragon Bay. Once in Dragon Bay you can choose to snorkel, scuba dive, or even join a glass-bottom boat tour. There is a selection of guides and outfitters available for hire.
The water depths within the sculpture park range from about 12 to 25 ft, making it easy to view the sculptures when snorkeling. For more prolonged or in-depth viewing, scuba diving is an excellent option.
Find out more
If you’re ready to unleash your explorer within, the Grenada Underwater Park is just the beginning of what this friendly Caribbean island has to offer. Consider a sailing yacht charter and get up close to the natural beauty found out on the water.
Choose a bareboat charter or hire a local skipper to sail the boat and show you the most coveted snorkel and dive spots. If rest and relaxation are calling, an all-inclusive crewed yacht provides a captain and chef to meet your every need as you explore the pristine islands of the Grenadines. Charter a full yacht and bring family and friends, or choose a by the cabin option perfect for singles or couples.
Learn more about yacht charters in Grenada, or one of our many other destinations on our blog. Get in touch with our team today on 855.650.8902 or email [email protected] for more information.
