Why this Grenada underwater sculpture park is a cultural must-see on Spice Island

The Caribbean island of Grenada, with its lush and fertile greenery, offers ample opportunities for hikes and chocolate tours, but it's what lies beneath the ocean's surface that offers an experience like none other.

What is the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park?

The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is the brainchild of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The massive project began in 2006 with the intention of creating a living, moving work of art on the ocean floor while rejuvenating an ailing storm-damaged bay and promoting marine life in the area.

The original 75 pieces in this first-of-its-kind sculpture garden include the Lost Correspondent – a man plugging away on a typewriter on a large desk; the Nutmeg Princess – a girl bursting out of a giant nutmeg, holding the spice in her hands, and the stunning Vicissitudes – a group of life-sized children holding hands, facing outward in a large circle.

Located off the west coast of Grenada, the sculpture park is north of Saint George's, the island’s capital, near the hillside community of Mt Moritz. The works of art are just 5m (16ft) below the surface, meaning you don’t need a scuba license to enjoy the park – snorkeling at the surface works just fine.

The best part of the experience is the stillness and the intimacy the water creates. Below the surface, with only the rhythm of your breath serving as the soundtrack to your tranquil and personal encounter just for you.

In 2024, a new underwater sculpture garden, entitled A World Adrift, was placed in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Carriacou, Grenada's sister island. The garden features 30 boat structures with the likeness of local children inside. It too was designed by Taylor.

About Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park's collection

In the late summer of 2023, the Grenada Tourism Authority and Taylor unveiled 23 new sculptures slated for the bay. The new collection of pieces celebrates Granada’s annual Spicemas celebration, an event on par with New Orleans Mardi Gras or Brazil Carnival.

The Coral Carnival – inspired by local artist Alleyne Gulston who won a country-wide design competition – features 25 classic masquerade (mas) characters like the Jab Jab (men in black paint, chains and devil horns), Vieux Corps (figures dressed in black gowns, hats, wooden shoes and painted face masks) and the Shortknee (revelers dressed in colorful costumes who wear painted wire masks and carry powder).

Each of these traditional mas characters, along with a host of others, are linked to Grenada’s pre-and post-emancipation from slavery.

Four sculptures by Grenadian artist Troy Lewis (each tied to Grenadian folklore): Mama Glo, The Bele Dancer, La Diablesee and a leatherback turtle, are also part of The Coral Carnival at the bottom of Molinere Bay.

What makes these sculptures especially fascinating and the perfect reason to return to Grenada’s waters again is how they evolve over time – these works of art become something completely different based on which underwater creatures decide to call a particular sculpture home.

How do you get to the underwater sculpture park?

Book an excursion with a diving/snorkeling outfitter who will make a day out of it. Outfits like Aquanauts Grenada, Dive Grenada and Native Spirit Scuba run daily or weekly trips to the sculpture garden, and other marine-protected areas like Flamingo Bay Reef, from a variety of locations.

The crew from the family-owned Aquanauts Grenada work with people of all skill levels (and act as cheerleaders when clients achieve once-unthinkable milestones like putting your head in the water or freediving without a lifejacket).

On average, Grenada underwater sculpture park scuba diving tours range between $80 and $200 for a half-day excursion. Most tours depart from St. Georges or Grand Anse for a 10-15 minute sailing before docking at the sculpture site. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours are also available for visitors who aren’t as inclined to dive in.

Where to eat near the sculpture park

After a day of water adventures, visiting nearby St. George’s will be well-deserved for a good meal and some of Grenada’s best restaurants. Depending on which diving company you book through, there are ample places to eat in St. George’s Parish (located in the southern part of the country). 

There’s only one place all these spices could have gone. Grenadian food is flavorful and fresh. Many of the main dishes include seafood, starches like potato or breadfruit, and vegetables like callaloo. The country offers all levels of gastronomic experiences, from roadside corn stalls to high-scale dining by the ocean.

A few favorites include:

Sails Restaurant

Located over the water in St George’s Parish, it offers fresh seafood (fish, shrimp, lobster and octopus), chicken and steak. This fine dining establishment has a wide selection of wine and cocktails.

61 West

This quintessential beachside restaurant provides hard-to-beat views of Grand Anse Beach. Enjoy classic American or Caribbean tunes at 61 West while munching on pork belly tostadas, grilled jerk chicken or grilled lobster tail, or sipping on signature cocktails like a passion fruit frozen daiquiri or a glass of wine.

Patrick's Local Homestyle Restaurant

This establishment is beloved for its warm, welcoming service and Caribbean comfort food. The simply designed wooden building is located near St. George’s Inner Harbour across from the Port Louis Marina and 10 minutes from the city center.

This is the place to be for local food served tapas style. Save room for popular Grenadian classics like oil down (a stew made up of vegetables, dumplings, coconut milk and either chicken or fish – it’s the national dish and available only on Fridays), lambie Creole (conch stew) and fresh fish. 

House of Chocolate

You can’t go to Grenada without savoring a few bites of chocolate. Grenada’s connection with the sweet treat began in the 1700s and The House of Chocolate offers an in-depth tour explaining the entire chocolate production process from bean to bar. A mini cafe serves up a variety of chocolate bars (mainly dark chocolate), bonbons, cakes and ice cream.

Where to stay near the sculpture park

Finding accommodation near the water is never hard in St George’s. There’s a host of villas and hotels that provide the perfect beachy backdrop to any stay. Here are a few places worth considering as your home away from home in Grenada:

Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club

Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club is a lovely boutique resort I stayed at that overlooks Grand Anse Beach. Mount Cinnamon offers everything from yoga classes to hot stone massages and body wraps.

Opt to stay in a hillside villa, a hacienda suite or a poolside garden suite. Try booking after Grenada’s annual Spicemas celebrations (think Mardi Gras or Carnival) to nab a deal.

While here, try dining at Savvy’s in the hotel. The farm-to-table cuisine (from the hotel’s gardens) aims to add a fine-dining spin on classic Caribbean fare. While the main dishes are seasonal, ask about the molasses ice cream for dessert. You won’t be disappointed.

Coyaba Beach Resort

Coyoba Beach Resort has been welcoming guests to its Grande Anse Beach property for more than three decades, with the most recent renovations completed in 2017. Wood and wicker furnishings contrast lush green gardens, calm turquoise waters and pink- and purple-hued sunsets.

The 80-room resort is a good option for families, with its low-rise layout, consisting of two-story buildings with private balconies that feature garden, pool or ocean views.

Onsite dining options include two restaurants – international and Grenandian fare restaurant Arawakabana or casual eatery The Carbet. Three bars keep spirits flowing for poolside lounging or garden strolls. Coyoba Beach Resort also offers a full calendar of live entertainment and activities.

Silversands Grand Anse

Silversands Grand Anse is for the traveler who appreciates aesthetic perfection. Accommodation options range from standard luxury rooms to private, multi-bedroom villas featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, modern decor and garden or sea views. 

Relax with a massage, facial or body treatment from the full-service menu at the Spa at Silversands.

After, enjoy a casual seaside meal at Grenadian Grill or dress things up for Asian fusion food at Asiatique. Eventful nights at Silversands typically end with a nightcap at Puro, the resort’s whiskey, rum and cigar lounge.

Maca Bana Luxury Boutique Resort

MacaBana is a stunning boutique luxury resort with eight unique villas set across a 2-acre Grenadian garden oasis.

Ranging from one-bedroom studios to three-bedroom, two-story villas, each unit features a private sun deck and jacuzzi, with guest status granting access to an infinity pool and stone’s throw proximity to the ocean. 

Situated below the villas is beachside favorite Aquarium Restaurant, an open-air restaurant known for its Sunday beach barbecues, live bands and international cuisine.

Alicia Johnson traveled to Grenada with support from the Grenada Tourism Board. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.