Grenada’s best wreck dives

As a tiny island nation tucked in the eastern part of the Caribbean, Grenada has become home to a number of sunken ships over the course of its history, making wreck diving one of its most popular activities. These five ships are some of its best for exploring its underwater worlds.

For more information about this beautiful country, see Paul Crask’s guide to Grenada.

Bianca C

Also known as the ‘Titanic of the Caribbean’ because of its sheer size (600-ft long), this Italian cruise liner sank in 1961. She caught fire whilst anchored off St George’s, and approximately 700 passengers and crew scrambled to abandon the ship while Grenadian fishermen and boat owners rushed to help (only one crewman died). She sank perfectly upright on her keel at 165 ft.

Often listed as one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world, the Bianca C is a must-do for advanced divers in Grenada, and is home to eagle rays, nurse sharks, schools of Atlantic spadefish, large moray eels and barracuda. The opportunity to dive into one of her upper deck swimming pools is a particular thrill.

Hema I

In 2005 this coastal freighter had offloaded its cargo in St George’s and was on its way back to Trinidad empty, but seas were rough and it started to take on water and the bilge pump didn’t work. The captain tried to make it back to Grenada but failed (all crew members were rescued), and the ship sank three miles off the south coast.

It now sits on its side at 100 ft, still swaying in the current, which makes this an advanced dive only. There are frequent sightings of nurse and reef sharks, and squadrons of eagle rays hover over the wreck. 

King Mitch

This minesweeper sank on her side in Grenada in 1981 four miles off the southern Atlantic coast after the ship leaked and its bilge pump failed (all of the crew survived).

A challenging and another advanced dive due to strong currents, the wreck lies in the sand on its port side at 110 ft. The holds, ladders and walkways can be explored and are home to large marine species such as turtles, southern stingrays, nurse and reef sharks and other pelagics. The iridescent blue water makes a fantastic ascent and descent.

Shakem

This 180-ft-long cement-carrying cargo ship took on water and sank in 2001 within sight of the harbour at St George’s. It now sits intact on the seabed at 105 ft, and solidified cement bags line the hold, overshadowed by a huge intact crane.

Competent divers can explore the interior of the bridge, captain’s quarters and engine room and her propeller and foremast make for great underwater photography. It’s decorated with large gorgonian sea fans and soft corals, where seahorses, green moray and lobster can be found.

Veronica L

In contrast to the dramatic deep wrecks, the Veronica L, a small freighter, sits upright at 50 ft off Grand Anse Beach. It used to be outside the mouth of St George’s Harbour but was moved to make way for the new Cruise Ship Terminal, when it was loaded onto a barge and dropped back upright.

A highly photogenic wreck, it is festooned with colourful soft corals and sponges and the open hold and crane are home to seahorses, moray eels, sometimes turtles, barracuda, and shoals of purple wrasse. It’s a great night dive, with the opportunity to see critters such as black brotula, shrimps and crabs. A shallow dive, it can be enjoyed by all levels.

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