— As told by Leah 🇺🇸 | Weekend adventurer turned accidental mermaid
So here’s how it started…
Some people collect fridge magnets. Me? I apparently collect underwater selfies with statues.
Today’s mission: paddle out from Dragon Bay, jump in, and snag the world’s quirkiest pics at Grenada’s famous Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park.
Grab your GoPro, ditch your dignity, and follow me into the blue — because this one’s part art crawl, part ocean workout, and a whole lot of laughter. 🌊
Why the Underwater Sculpture Park Is a Must-See
If you’re heading to Grenada, this is the spot everyone talks about — and for good reason. It’s not just an art installation; it’s a living reef. Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the sculptures — circles of children, lounging figures, a guy reading a newspaper underwater — have become home to coral, parrotfish, and the occasional vlogger.
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about gliding above them, sunlight flickering through the water, fish weaving between outstretched hands. It feels otherworldly — like snorkeling through a dream.
Getting Ready to Paddle
Before you even touch the water, it’s all about balance — and not just on the board. I slather on sunscreen, triple-check my drybag (phone, snack, emergency granola bar), and attempt my “underwater smile” in the mirror. Spoiler: it’s harder than it looks. 😅
My guide — a Grenadian local who’s equal parts instructor and stand-up comedian — greets me with a grin. “Ready to meet some statues?” he says. I nod, wobble onto my board, and we’re off!
The Paddle Out: Laughter, Locals & Sea Breezes
The journey from Dragon Bay to the sculpture park is only about a mile, but wow — what a mile. The water is crystal clear. I glide past tiny fishing skiffs, wave to a family grilling fish on the beach, and get dive-bombed by a pelican who’s clearly judging my paddle technique.
Halfway there, my guide somehow balances a coconut in one hand, paddle in the other. “Energy drink — Caribbean style!” he laughs, cracks it open, and hands me a sip. Fresh coconut water in the middle of the ocean? Perfection. 🥥
Diving In: Selfies, Statues & a Few Bloopers
Once we reach the site, I drop anchor (aka, tie my board to a buoy) and slip into the water. The sculptures rise up from the seafloor — eerie, silent, and completely mesmerizing.
The challenge: snap a photo with as many statues as possible. Bonus points for creative poses.
Highlights include:
Attempting to high-five the “Circle of Children” (they’re surprisingly heavy).
Trying the “I’m-a-mermaid-on-a-statue” shot — turns out I’m more “flailing fish” than Ariel.
Finally nailing the “Lost City of Atlantis” pose after about twelve tries.
When I surface, my group is clapping — apparently my accidental underwater somersault looked impressive.
Fish Friends & Reef Surprises
Between laughs, I realize how alive the reef really is — schools of parrotfish, tiny crabs hiding in coral, even a curious octopus that peeks out, blinks, and disappears. My guide points out a rare trunkfish and a sandy patch where turtles sometimes nap.
Travel Tip:
Bring a waterproof camera. The best shots are the ones you don’t plan.
The Ride Back: Banana Boats & Friendly Chaos
On the paddle back, a group of tourists on a banana boat waves us over and challenges us to a race. Three… two… one… chaos.
They wipe out halfway, I nearly lose my paddle, and my guide is laughing so hard he almost falls in. Somehow, I “win,” which earns me bragging rights (and a solid core workout).
Post-Paddle Thoughts (and a Few Tips)
If you’re after an adventure that mixes art, nature, and pure island fun — this is it. I left with ten ridiculous selfies, two new friends, and a deep appreciation for Grenada’s underwater world.
Pro Tips:
Check the tides. Calm water days = easy paddling and clear photos.
Rent local. Grenadian guides know the safest spots and best entry points.
End with food. Fresh grilled fish from a beach shack hits different after two hours on the water.
Final Challenge
So here’s your mission:
Beat my underwater selfie count and try a group shot with the statues. Bonus points for synchronized posing.
💬 Drop your wildest snorkeling or paddle boarding stories in the comments. 🌴🤳
Seriously, we want to hear from you!