Grenada
Stop number2 on a seven day cruise of the Lesser Antilles. Just after Caracas Venezuela.
Morning two tank dive with some nice folks from the cruise ship.
First dive was surprisingly right near the end of the harbor. Beautiful weather and flat seas. We brought our own regs, snorkel, and fins. (We carried these through five countries) I think we were the only experienced divers on the boat, less the crew. Drift dives in slow current. Flat reef in 60'. Lots of sea whips and big schools of tropical. Typical Caribbean reef system.
Second dive was even a little closer to the harbor than the first. I was quite shocked, as we could have been run over by an incoming cruise ship. The name of the reef was purple rain and for a good reason. I have never seen a reef that had so much purple. Seemed like all the octocorals and sponges were purple. Didn't even notice the fish (except for a few hi hats) because I was looking at all the purple. Very cool reef. We headed back to port to sample the famous rum punch. (Too much nutmeg). Very poor island, and over fished. The primary revenue on the island is from spices. The volcanic soils grow tremendous crops. This in turn fills the air with a pungent smell of exotic spice.
Ginger & Brian Catanzaro
11-26-03