Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park lies a few minutes north of St. George's in a marine-protected bay, and it is the best-known thing to do on the water in Grenada. The park was created by the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and opened in 2006, and its concrete figures sit in shallow water where fish, sponges and coral have been settling on them ever since. The most photographed piece is a ring of children holding hands, and many of the figures are people at work or play. The park is reached by boat, and the cruise listed here is a four-hour snorkel trip that stops for about an hour at the sculptures and about an hour at Flamingo Bay, with snorkel gear, lunch and drinks included. It carries a 4.7 rating from nearly 480 travelers, which is unusually strong for a boat trip.
Why it is worth doing: the sculptures are a rare mix of art and reef, and you float above them in warm, calm water rather than diving down. Because the figures are shallow, snorkelers see them clearly in good light, and the marine life around them changes the look of each piece over time. The trip described here departs from the Grenada Yacht Club or from Grand Anse Beach, with a dinghy shuttle used for Grand Anse departures, and the boat passes along the St. George's coastline on the way.
What to know before you go: you need to be able to swim, because the guides are not swimming instructors, although snorkel equipment and floating aids are available. Fins are not handed out, so bring your own if you want them. The listing is not suitable for wheelchair users and it is not recommended for anyone with back or heart conditions or other serious medical issues. Some travelers find the swim demanding while others only needed to be comfortable in the water, so be honest with the crew about your confidence.
Making it work on a port day: the trip takes about four hours and ends where it begins, so a morning departure leaves the afternoon free for the beach or a quiet lunch. Give yourself a generous buffer before all-aboard time. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the start, and weather can change sea conditions, so keep your plans flexible.
What to expect
The experience
A small-boat snorkel trip with about an hour at the underwater sculptures and about an hour at Flamingo Bay, with lunch and drinks on board.
Best time
A morning departure for calmer water and clearer light, outside of rough-weather days.
How long
About four hours from departure to return, plus the dinghy shuttle if you leave from Grand Anse Beach.
Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and your own fins, and confirm the meeting point the day before because it can be the yacht club or Grand Anse.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants Grenada's most distinctive sight and is comfortable swimming in open water.
- Families
- Fine for confident swimmers of school age, with floating aids available, but small children need an adult close by.
- Couples
- A relaxed, photogenic outing, and the sunset cruise on the same boat operator pairs well on a longer stay.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon at Grand Anse or a walk through St. George's.
- Time needed
- Four hours on the water, five with transfers.
Good questions
What is the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park?+
It is a collection of concrete figures placed on the seabed in a protected bay near St. George's, created by Jason deCaires Taylor and opened in 2006. Coral, sponges and fish have since colonized the sculptures.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
You need to be able to swim, since the guides are not swimming instructors. Snorkel gear and floating aids are available, but fins are not provided.
Is lunch included?+
The listing includes lunch, soda and alcoholic drinks, along with snorkel gear, fees, taxes and gratuities. Hotel pickup is optional and costs extra.
Can I cancel if the weather turns?+
The listing offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. For sea conditions on the day, ask the operator what happens if the trip is called off.
Is the trip suitable for children?+
No minimum age is listed and discounted child rates are offered, but it suits confident young swimmers best. Infants must sit on laps and the trip is not wheelchair accessible.