Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada

If you're a sea loving culture vulture or a beach bum who likes to visit the odd art gallery, then read on. It might sound like the most random combo, but last week when I was on a much-deserved holiday in the Caribbean, I went scuba diving at the UnderWater Sculpture Park in Grenada.

The collection of statues on display in the Molinere Bay near St George was created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. He meant to increase engagement of humans with the submarine world, but the park's art work has turned into an arty underwater eco-system with lots of fish and corals calling it their home.

Photo by SunCat under Creative Commons Licence

I was a bit nervous for this dive as it was my first time back in the water after a mini panic while doing my Advanced Open Water PADI course, which I didn't finish because of it. I was meant to go on a deep dive, which totally freaked me out and had to abort. Since these statues are only about 6 metres deep this seemed like a good place to get back on the horse.

Photo by SunCat under Creative Commons Licence

The guys from Eco Dive took us out to Molinere Bay and showed us the sculpture dubbed Vicissitudes which is a cirlce of children holding hands. We also swam by the Lost Correspondent who was sat behind a desk and typewriter. There was an impressive statue of a female figure clasping her hands above her head, which looked much like the baby back bend in yoga class.

Photo by SunCat under Creative Commons Licence

There were some pieces in the Inca style, a mermaid leaning back in the sand, a statue of Christ and even a still life with a pitcher of wine and some apples.

Before I knew it, we had been down below for almost an hour and it was time to go up, back to the boat.

My friend told me she thought the statues had seemed spooky to her, but for me it was the best distraction ever from freaking out over breathing through a regulator.