Caribbean marine life behaviour is enthralling, and you can quite happily float along watching the mesmerising performances. From mating displays to territorial disputes, the underwater world is a bustling hive of activity. Take a moment to hover calmly, and you will be amazed at the fish behaviour that takes place around you!
On our learn to sail courses, we allow plenty of time to explore the islands both above and below water. After anchoring, jump in for a swim or snorkel to see the marine life! It feels like heaven after a day sailing in the hot Caribbean sun.
Cool Caribbean Fish In Grenada
Credit: Stuart Ramsay
Sea Turtles
If you love turtles then Grenada and the islands in the Windward Antilles are the best place to snorkel! Tobago Cays is brimming with them and they will calmly swim alongside you in the shallow areas. The most common types of turtles to see are green, hawksbill or endangered leatherback. Read about Grenada’s turtle protection program here.
Rays
Southern stingray are the most common type to see when snorkelling here. You may also get lucky and see a spotted eagle ray though! They glide across the sandy bottom foraging for food and it’s a delight to snorkel above watching them. We often see them under the boat at anchor.
Credit: Polly Philipson
Spotted Drum Fish
Juvenile spotted drum wiggle around with their flowing, ribbon like fins. They are normally found under ledges or at the mouth of recesses in the reef. Once they develop to be adults their stripes and spots really stand out making them highly distinctive.
Trunk Fish
Trunk fish are shy but curious fish that swim slowly above reefs, often hovering under ledges or over small holes. They are a boxy, triangular shape – always seeming to look surprised with their pointed snouts. As juveniles they look like tiny bumblebees, but with spots instead of stripes!
Credit: Polly Philipson
Squid
You can’t beat watching these highly intelligent fish. It is almost hypnotic to hover calmly and be surrounded by them. Try staying the same place, but copying their behaviour, it’s really interesting how they react. We often get a big group of adults and juveniles at the Underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada.
Damselfish
Highly territorial and utterly fearless, damselfish will always bring a smile to your face. The jack russell’s of the underwater realm, they cultivate their own algae patches, and defend them tirelessly. Feel a nip on your leg? You’ve got too close to a damselfish’s garden!
Credit: Polly Philipson
Seahorses
One of our all time favourite types of Caribbean marine life! These miniature marvels are mesmerising (although pretty hard to spot!) We have three species in this region – long snout, lined or dwarf and you may find them camouflaged in the sea grass or holding onto a sponge. The Grand Anse Reef Regeneration Project recently found a big seahorse on their underwater pyramids – great news!