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Dive the Southern Caribbean, Grenada

© Linda Gettmann

Something about this island - smell the air scented with nutmeg and frangipani - Isle of Spice aptly describes this diverse southern Caribbean beauty. Lying across the equator, Grenada (Gra-nay-da) and neighbors Carriacou (Carry-a-koo) and Petit Martinique (Pitty Mar-ti-neek) are the furthest south in the group of islands comprising the Lesser Antilles and Windward Islands, about 70 miles south of St. Vincent and 100 miles north of Venezuela. Lush green volcanic mountains (Mt. St. Catherine tops out at 2,756 ft.), magnificent beaches, excellent dive sites, and exciting sailing make these islands an ideal holiday location. The northeast trade winds keep the islands refreshingly cool most of the year with an average temperature of 85 F, dropping to a cool 65 F at night in Grenada's mountainous interior. The dry season lasts from January to May with heavier showers from June to December, freshening the air and filling the many rivers. Coastal area rainfall averages 50 inches with over 160 inches in the high rainforest. Grenada has experienced only one hurricane; Janet arrived in September, 1955. Islanders do not expect a repeat visit for at least another 500 years.

Diving here is not as predominant as in many neighboring islands. The main hotels along Grand Anse Beach have dive shops and will take small groups on all-day trips. Gliding through crystal clear water in over 100-foot visibility, I said to myself, this is the best spot yet! Not often dived, Isle de Ronde, a small rocky island north of Grenada rewards the adventurous diver with awesome marine life, coral formations, and unmatched visibility. I say adventurous because it is over an hour-long bumpy ride in a small open boat to get there, but well worth the effort. A teeming reef at 20 feet slopes off to a wall covered with waving soft corals and sponges. The largest green moray I've ever seen swam out to greet us, along with big squirrelfish, queen angelfish, coneys, spotted filefish, spanish hogfish, queen triggerfish, and many more. This is an all-day 2-3 dive trip with a barbecued lunch on a deserted beach. Don't miss out on this little Caribbean secret.

Grenada's diverse and colorful population (around 100,000) embrace visitors to their special island. Tour and hike through the spectacular capitol of St. George's, along the Carenage, a semi-circular roadway sweeping around a calm bay that reflects the red-roofed colonial city. Six forts guard the ridges surrounding the city, a hub of activity from the business and financial district to the bustling port welcoming cruise ships and freighters loaded with goods. Local craft and spice shops mingle with international restaurants, museums, and Market Square; the gathering place for buying and selling produce and spices. Visit Queen's Park, Richmond Hill and the Botanical Gardens established in 1887.

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