Just as beautiful below the ocean’s surface as the scenery above the water, diving in Carriacou is a truly breathtaking experience.
Most of the best dive sites are located on the south side of the island, about a 10 to 15 minute boat ride from shore. There are several dive shops and charters ready to take visitors to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, including 30 sites off the coast of Grenada and more than 20 sites off Carriacou. There are also PADI instructors all over the island capable of teaching even the most inexperienced novices the ins and outs of diving in Carriacou. Whether it’s your first time out or you’re a scuba pro, diving in Carriacou has what you are looking for.
Observant divers can spot nurse sharks, reef sharks, stingrays, moray eels, turtles, barracuda, lobsters, shrimps, and all kinds of fish. There is also an interesting array of scenery, from gorgeous coral gardens and reefs to the mysterious ship wrecks in an area known as Bianca C. There is even an underwater volcano!
Photo copyright Carriacou Silver DivingSite depth varies from about 20 feet to more than 120 feet, and visibility fluctuates from between 30 feet to nearly 150 feet. The best time of year for diving in Carriacou is just about any time you find yourself there. The average air temperature remains a fairly constant 83°F with gentle breezes. The rainy season lasts from June to November, but steady rain is only a brief daily occurrence; the sun still shines quite a bit during these months.
The following are some of Carriacou’s top dive sites:
Best Diving Site For Beginners
Millennium 2000 at Jack-a-Dan is perfect for beginners. The steep sloping reef is fairly easy to navigate, as there are no strong currents. Experienced divers will thrill at the challenge of night diving here. Marine life includes lobster, shrimps, eel, and the occasional ray.
Diving Sites For All Experience Levels
Diver’s Surprise/Lighthouse at Sandy Island is another steep sloping reef that is well-suited to divers of all experience levels. Soft and hard corals, sponges, barracuda, snapper, eel, lobster, and crabs abound.
Western Adventure at Sandy Island is also appropriate for divers of all levels, though there can be a slight current. This is another prime spot for night diving in Carriacou.
World of Dreams at Mabouya Island is a gently sloping reef, with extensive schools and diving that is great for all skill levels. Catch a glimpse of stingray, angelfish, and the occasional turtle.
Sharky’s Hideaway at Mabouya Island is a steep sloping reef with a maximum depth of about 76 feet. The underwater landscape is spectacular, moving from a lovely reef to an impressive rock garden complete with canyons. Schools of chubs, nurse sharks, and glassy sweeper live here, as do giant moray eels and porcupine fish. Though the terrain seems imposing, Sharky’s Hideaway is suited for all divers regardless of experience.
Diving in the Caribbean is truly an amazing way to spend a vacation. Why not try diving in Carriacou and discover all that the Caribbean has to offer?
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Very interesting post – thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly. I look forward to future posts.
Hey Janet – Thanks for dropping by. You are welcome to come and stay at the hotel – give us a call!
George