Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park: Where Art Meets the Ocean
Discover a world of art beneath the waves at Grenada's Underwater Sculpture Park, where creativity fosters marine conservation and vibrant sea life.
The Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is an awe-inspiring example of how art and environmental conservation can intertwine. Established in 2006 by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the park was conceived as a response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 to Molinere Bay's coral reefs. Taylor envisioned the sculptures as a way to create artificial reefs, providing a habitat for marine life to flourish. The park features over 75 sculptures, crafted from eco-friendly concrete and steel, designed to encourage coral growth. The sculptures are placed at depths of 13 to 16 feet, making them accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers. Among the most famous installations is the 'Vicissitudes,' a circle of 26 life-size figures cast from local children, holding hands and facing out to sea. Other notable works include 'Christ of the Deep,' a replica of a statue in St. George's harbor, and various pieces by artists such as Rene Froelich and Troy Lewis. Over time, the sculptures have transformed into living ecosystems, attracting a diverse array of marine species. Corals, sponges, and other marine organisms have colonized the surfaces, creating a vibrant and ever-evolving underwater landscape. The park has not only become a popular tourist attraction but has also played a crucial role in promoting marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices in Grenada. Recognized as one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic, the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park offers a mesmerizing blend of art, nature, and conservation.
Local tips
- Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the best visibility for snorkeling or diving.
- Bring an underwater camera to capture the unique beauty of the sculptures and the marine life that inhabits them.
- Check the weather conditions before your visit, as visibility can be affected by rough seas or rain.
- Respect the marine environment by avoiding touching the sculptures or disturbing the marine life.
- A small fee is required to access the marine park, with proceeds going towards managing tourism and fishing quotas.
A brief summary to Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
- 12°05'00.3N 61°45'48., 2nd Ave, The Lime, GD
- +1473-440-2001
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Boat Tour
The most common way to visit the Underwater Sculpture Park is by boat. Several tour operators offer snorkeling and diving trips departing from St. George's or Grand Anse Beach. The boat ride to the park is approximately 10-15 minutes. Tour costs vary, with snorkeling tours ranging from $60 to $129 USD and diving tours from $80 to $112 USD. These tours typically include snorkeling or diving gear, guidance from experienced instructors, and the marine park access fee.
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Taxi and Swim
From St. George's, take a taxi to the area near the park. The taxi fare is approximately $20-50 EC, but negotiate the fare before accepting the ride. From there, it is possible to swim to the sculpture park, but this is only recommended for strong swimmers due to boat traffic and currents. A day pass is required to enter the marine park, costing $1 USD for snorkelers and $2 USD for divers, obtainable from the Ministry of Fisheries.
