Looking for something new to add to your bucket list? Here's what you need to know about the first underwater sculpture park

by Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of Jason deCaires Taylor and Underseakeke
December 14, 2023

Often, we merely glimpse the surface of the water, leaving the depths of our oceans shrouded in mystery. But nestled in the depths of Grenada's Caribbean waters lies the genesis of the world's first underwater sculpture park. Over the years, this park has burgeoned across different countries, offering both ecological benefits and enriching experiences for visitors.

Prepare to plunge into the depths and unearth the tale behind this pioneering underwater sculpture park.

Creation of these ghostly-figures

The inaugural ensemble of these ghostly figures emerged from the creative mind of sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006, establishing the Moilinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park on Grenada's West Coast.

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World, the Moilinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park earned its place among Grenada's National Marine Protected Areas.

Since its inception, this underwater odyssey has expanded across the globe over 17 years, spanning locations from Mexico, the Bahamas, Spain, and the United Kingdom to Indonesia, the Maldives, Australia, France, Cyprus, and culminating in its latest installation, 'Coral Carnival,' returning to Grenada.

Striking beauty for the people

Beyond being a picturesque attraction, these underwater sculpture parks beckon visitors for exploration. Hosting over 1,200 terrestrial and underwater sculptures worldwide, guests can witness these marvels via snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, or immerse themselves deeper through scuba diving.

Rest assured, any fees incurred for park entrance or exploration contribute to funding park rangers tasked with managing tourism and fishing quotas.

For all who have visited these installations, it's an indelible experience; for those yet to come, it awaits as an unforgettable memory in the making.

Perquisite to the ocean

More than a visual spectacle, these sculpture parks harbor immense value for the ocean and its inhabitants. Serving as new habitats for coral reefs and aquatic life, they embody sculptor Taylor's dual vision—beauty through art and advocacy for environmental consciousness and conservation.

Originally, these statues were strategically placed to divert divers and snorkelers away from vulnerable reefs ravaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, striving not just for aesthetic allure but also safeguarding the reefs and sustaining marine life.

This art isn’t just about beauty; it's a symphony of efforts to protect, preserve, and revive marine ecosystems.

Indeed, the realm of art spans far and wide, even plunging to the ocean's depths. Yet, beneath its striking beauty lies a deeper purpose—showcasing how art can seamlessly interlace concepts of conservation, restoration, and protection in these underwater sculpture parks.