Grenada , Caribbean
Grenada styles itself , with some justification , as the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean , though in fact there ’ s a lot more to discover there . Looming large over the diving scene is the wreck of the liner Bianca C , a 200-metre long behemoth which sank in 1961 . Lying at a gentle angle , the wreck supports a large amount of branching coral and has numerous points of interest , including the swimming pool and the bridge .
There are enough wrecks for a visiting diver to dive two new ones each day over a week-long stay , weather permitting . Some have been purposefully sunk in order to keep that ‘ wreck diving capital ’ crown , but even those have taken on layers of encrusting life , notably gorgonian fans and great swathes of Tubastrea cup corals . Sometimes covering the entire hull of a wreck , they are incredibly beautiful .
Often , the wrecks are just as notable for their wildlife . Take the Hema 1 , which sank on its way to Trinidad in 2005 and lies in the Atlantic current , at a depth of 27m . In addition to its lush coral growth , the wreck often has nurse sharks on the seabed around the bow . Purposely scuttled wrecks include the Buccaneer , sunk in 1978 , with its impressive coral growth and resident marine life and MV Hildur ( 2007 ), home to shoals of snapper .
Grenada has an additional facet to its marine attractions at Moliniere Reef , a protected area that has become an underwater art exhibition . Featuring the sculptures of Jason de Caires Taylor and local artists , it is a thought-provoking setting for a snorkel or a shallow dive .
Top left : Encrusting sponges have started to colonise statues at Moliniere Reef .
Top right : Tube sponges and plume corals at Carriacou .
Main image : Blue-striped grunts on a shallow reef
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