The Caribbean

GRENADA

Spice Island of the Caribbean

Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique lie at the most southerly point of the Windward islands. With over 40 silver-white sandy beaches bathed by warm turquoise waters, a rugged coastline of bays and an island interior of high peaks and rainforests, Grenada makes an ideal holiday destination. This small island is famous for its production of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. ‘Black Gold’ in Grenada refers to nutmeg and Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmeg in the world! The diversity on land is reflected underwater, where the diving ranges from gentle, shallow reefs and lazy drifts in warm water to the distinctly more challenging wreck of the Bianca C. The reefs have not had as much diver pressure as other Caribbean islands and are in good condition. The hurricane of 2004 swept the corals, sponges and rocks clean of algae, clearing habitats for the recently spawned coral polyps to find homes.

The reefs are composed of finger corals and brain corals covered with colourful sponges, hydroids, sea whips and sea fans. There is a good population of black coral at deeper depths, along with deep-water gorgonians. Tube sponges in purple, orange and pink, azure vase sponges and some impressive barrel sponges make excellent subjects for the wide-angle photographer.

Divequest features the livaboard boat, Wind Dancer.