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Review
Dive Grenada is a PADI 5 Star and BSAC Resort Centre that has been in existence since 1991 - the longest established dive operator in Grenada. Its Dive Centre is on the spectacular Grand Anse Beach, beneath the Flamboyant Hotel, and so it is ideally situated to reach most of the 30 plus dive sites around Grenada’s south-western tip within a short boat ride. The company offers two regular daily dives (a two-tank dive at 9am, a single tank dive at 1pm), custom-made day trips and some dive packages. They also offer a full range of dive courses, from the regular Resort Course (Discover Scuba Diving) up to Divemaster training.
The company is headed up by Phil Saye and his wife Helen. Phil, formerly with the Royal Navy, has been with Dive Grenada since 2004. He is passionate about the underwater life of the island and is a very active member of the Marine Protected Areas Co-Management Group. Helen is the Operations Director for the Company and was a Medical Doctor in the UK before joining Dive Grenada. There are five members of staff in all, including their Boat Captain - Raphie, Gary, their longest serving Divemaster and Marlon, who is their main Instructor.
Dive Grenada takes out a maximum of 10 divers with two divemasters. They use a custom built 32’ Pirogue boat fitted with a Garmin GPS and depth Sounder and VHF radio. It has a very ergonomic ladder with handrails for easy water exits. There are also clips to hold the tanks in transit and a 12 litre cylinder of O2 on board with a ‘DAN’ regulator and mask. The company has an excellent safety record and are known for their fun approach with experts or beginners alike.
They offer diving to all qualified divers – a standard single tank dive costs US$50 - and instruction at all levels including specialities. Courses range from their introductory Discover Scuba Diving (US$110), through the Open Water Course at US$485 to their Divemaster course at US$800. All PADI courses are inclusive of equipment and training materials, and resort dives and training sessions are done either in the pool at the Flamboyant Hotel, or in the calm water off Grand Anse Beach, right in front of the dive shop. Dive Grenada is happy to offer referral dives if you have done some of your training back home.
The company also offers a number of packages in combination with the Flamboyant Hotel. Finally they are also happy to let out their boat on a private charter.
The dive sites in Grenada are mostly around the south-western tip of the island, between Flamingo Bay (north of St Georges) and MV Hema 1, three miles off the south coast. They can all be reached within a 20 minute ride of the dive shop. The dive sites include a large number of wrecks (Grenada is now known as the ‘Wreck Capital of the Caribbean’ with 15) as well as reefs. You can expect to see hard and soft corals on the reefs as well as reef fish such as chromis and angel fish. There are also larger fish such as barracuda and occasionally sharks and rays.
There are also great opportunities for snorkelling along Grenada’s undulated coastline. A particular favourite is to the Underwater Sculpture Park at Moliniere Bay. The brainchild of Jason Taylor, a sculptor from England, it contains a series of underwater installations on the theme of Grenada’s history and folklore. The sculptures were transported, submerged and assembled by the Dive Grenada team. It is quite possible to free-dive the five metres to the deepest installation, where you will be greeted by such sights as 26 boys and girls slowly turning into coral, the Lost Correspondent or perhaps a few divers meandering through the coral networks.
For more information on dives sites and snorkelling trips please see below. Alternately, visit the Dive Grenada website by following the web link at the top of this page. |
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Grenada Diving
There are more than 15 wrecks in close proximity to Grenada’s shores – all between six and 40 metres below the waves. There is something for everyone, ranging from MV Veronica, a shallow dive with minimal current that is suitable for beginners, through to the famous Bianca C, known as ‘The Titanic of the Caribbean’, a 600ft cruise liner that was sunk in 1961. At 100ft deep, it is suitable only for experienced divers.
There are many different types of coral, including boulder, star and stag horn corals as well as many soft corals and sponges. And amongst this array of colour you will often find barracuda, lobster, turtles, moray and snake eels as well as large grouper, nurse sharks, and the occasional spotted eagle ray.
The waters around Grenada are generally clear, warm and calm, even when it’s raining – so visibility is generally good, as much as 20 or 30 metres at times. There are some sites that should be treated carefully due to strong currents, but the local knowledge and experience on hand at Dive Grenada will make sure that you are safe and enjoy yourself. |
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Dive Sites
Underwater Sculpture Park – 15’-25’/5m-8m
This is an exciting concept in the world of marine conservation and scuba diving in the Caribbean. Grenadian-borne artist Jason Taylor has created an underwater world of art installations depicting Grenada’s colourful history and folklore. As you snorkel or dive your way around Moliniere Bay, shapes and bodies appear to you from the depths.
For more information about Jason Taylor and the individual pieces used in the display, please visit www.underwatersculpture.com
MV Unity Courier – 40’/12m
In 1991 this ship was cut into four pieces and taken from where it sank in the Carenage to four sites off Quarantine Point. You will see an abundance of soft corals and are likely to find lobsters, angelfish and some southern stingrays. If the moon is right you can enjoy a superb night drift dive on the Quarter Wreck passing the stern, complete with its propeller and engine.
MV Veronica L – 45’/14m
A favourite dive for beginners and experts alike, this 25 metre coastal freighter sits atop the Upper Boss Reef. It teems with marine life for such a small area. You will probably see barracuda; horse eyed jacks, brown chromis and creole wrasse, as well as the occasional huge green moray eel. MV Veronica is also a popular night dive location.
Buccaneer – 72’/22m
A photographer’s dream just off Moliniere Point, this 18 metre sailing vessel is home to an octopus, queen triggerish and lots of schooling grunts and squirrelfish.
Rhum Runner - 100’/30m
A day charter catamaran that was sunk several years ago and which plays host to a number of horse eyed jacks, barracuda and big eye. Only five minutes from the dive shop, this makes a good dive which not many of the other dive operators on the island visit.
MV Hema 1 – 100’/30m
En route to Trinidad, this coastal freighter got into trouble in rough seas and sank three miles off the south coast. Due to its position it is influenced by strong Atlantic currents and is recommended for advanced divers only. The largest collection of nurse sharks is watched by spotted eagle rays above and some reef sharks.
MV Shakem – 100’/30m
Experienced divers only. A 180’ cargo ship that lies completely intact and full of cargo in 100 feet of water. Whilst transporting cement to St George’s in 2001 the cargo shifted and caused it to sink. The entire hull is close to becoming a new reef and is already home to schools of barracudas.
MV Hildur – 115’/35m
The newest addition to the abundant list of dive wrecks on Grenada, a 30 metre coastal freighter that was sunk in July 2007 and is quickly being coralised. Watch closely as it develops.
Bianca C – 90’-130’/28m-40m
Known locally as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’, this 600ft cruise liner has been ranked in the top ten list of wreck dive sites by journalists and divers alike. Because of its depth it is suitable for advanced divers only. You will see eagle rays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, large moray eels, Atlantic spadefish and barracudas of course. |
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PADI Dive Courses
Discover Scuba Diving (Resort course) - US$110 (Repeat $85)
Open Water Course - $485
Advanced Open Water - $400
Emergency First Response - $150
Rescue Course - $415
Divemaster - $800
Pool Refresher - $50
Tropical Referral - $310
(Tropical Referral enables you to complete the open water diving section of your scuba course after initial training and classroom work at home.) |
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Dive Packages
1 Tank Dive - US$50
2 Tank Dive - US$95
5 Dive Package - US$225
10 Dive Package - US$425
Night Dive (min 6 people) - US$70
Snorkel Trips (min 6) - US$35
Equipment Rental (per dive) - US$15
All rates are per person and require proof of certification. All rates subject to change without notice. |
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Package Plans
FLAMBOYANT HOTEL & DIVE GRENADA - DIVE & STAY PACKAGE
SUMMER 2009 - 16 Apr-15 Dec 2009
7 night stay + 5 dives US$542
10 night stay + 10 dives US$875
14 night stay + 10 dives US$1065
WINTER 2009/10 - 16 Dec-15 Apr 2009-10
7 night stay + 5 dives US$752.50
10 night stay + 10 dives US$1175
14 night stay + 10 dives US$1485
SUMMER 2010 - 16 Apr-15 Dec 2010
7 night stay + 5 dives US$542
10 night stay + 10 dives US$875
14 night stay + 10 dives US$1065
All prices are exclusive of equipment hire and are subject to tax and service charge - based on 2 persons sharing a Standard Room at The Flamboyant Hotel on an EP basis. Flights not included. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Special discounts only available for direct bookings made through Dive Grenada. |
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Boats
Dive Grenada uses a custom built 32’ Pirogue boat which has a ladder with handrails making exit from the water very easy. The boat is equipped with the following Safety Equipment – O2, VHF radio, emergency phones, flares, GPS and depth sounder. |
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Shop
Dive Grenada has a small dive shop beneath The Flamboyant Hotel. This enables beginners to do all their training on site and for non-divers to relax by the bar, surf the internet (WiFi), or bask in the sun on complimentary loungers on the beach.
There are changing facilities with outdoor showers and secure areas for drying and storing your equipment. |
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Safety & Medical
All equipment is modern, well-maintained and regularly serviced. The regulators and BCDs are Sherwood, the wetsuits are Akona. |
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How to Book
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Dive Grenada, or if you wish to telephone Phil or Helen, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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