INTERVIEW: Tom Geer, Director & Owner of Aquanauts Grenada |SSI Divemaster Instructor, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer & Diveheart Instructor

Q: We’d love to learn more about Aquanauts Grenada.   Your team describes the experience as “The Art of Diving.”  How does it shape your brand identity?

A: At Aquanauts Grenada, “The Art of Diving” is more than a slogan; it’s our philosophy. We see diving as both a science and an art form: precise in safety and training, yet creative and deeply personal in how each guest connects with the ocean.

For us, it shapes our brand identity in three key ways:
Craftsmanship in Service – Every dive is carefully curated, from equipment preparation to guiding underwater, so guests feel both secure and inspired.
Immersion in Beauty – We highlight Grenada’s reefs, wrecks, and marine life as living masterpieces, inviting divers to appreciate them with the same awe as visiting a gallery.
Personal Expression – Diving is about discovery, and each person’s journey is unique. We encourage guests to experience the sea in their own way — whether that’s through adventure, photography, conservation, or simply being present.

By combining professionalism with creativity, “The Art of Diving” reminds us — and our guests — that diving isn’t just recreation. It’s a way of seeing, feeling, and caring for the underwater world.

Q: What specific eco-friendly practices does Aquanauts implement to protect Grenada’s marine ecosystems?

A: Aquanauts Grenada is deeply committed to preserving the island’s marine ecosystems through a variety of innovative and community-driven initiatives. Here are some of their key eco-friendly practices:

Aqua Rangers Youth Development Program – This flagship initiative offers CARICOM students and St. George’s University Conservation Biology majors hands-on training, scuba certifications, and marine research experience. Aligned with American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards, it bridges academic learning with in-water conservation fieldwork, cultivating career readiness in the Blue & Green Economies. Since its inception, over $13,400 USD has been raised through events like Lionfish Bites & Beats, funding 82 scuba certifications and supporting 160+ local high school students in environmental conservation courses. 

Aquanauts Grenada was recognized at the recent 2025 CHIEF Awards by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) for its work in removing invasive lionfish through the “Lionfish Bites & Beats” festival and its youth scholarship programs, demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. These prestigious awards highlight best practices in Caribbean hospitality and tourism, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. 

Lionfish Bites & Beats – This community-powered event combines conservation, cuisine, and music to raise awareness about the invasive lionfish species. Local chefs prepare dishes using lionfish, and attendees can participate in jewellery-making workshops using lionfish spines. The event has successfully engaged locals and visitors in hands-on reef protection while raising funds for marine conservation programs.

Roots to Reef Retreats – Twice a year, Aquanauts hosts immersive, week-long experiences blending adventure, education, conservation, and culture. Participants engage in coral restoration, lionfish management, and reef cleanups, while also exploring sustainable land-based initiatives like farm-to-table culinary experiences and permaculture workshops. These retreats foster a holistic understanding of sustainability from the land to the sea.

Blue Oceans Program – Designed for student groups and eco-minded travellers, this program combines education, exploration, and hands-on conservation dives. Participants engage in coral restoration, reef cleanup, and citizen science efforts, while also learning about marine protected areas, ocean plastics, and biodiversity. The program emphasises personal, community, and policy-level change for ocean stewardship.

Perfect Buoyancy Speciality Course – Aquanauts offers an SSI Perfect Buoyancy Speciality Course to help divers refine their skills in controlling buoyancy. This course teaches advanced breathing techniques, propulsion skills, and trim and hovering practices, ensuring divers can navigate the underwater environment without causing harm to delicate reef structures.

Through these initiatives, Aquanauts Grenada not only promotes sustainable diving practices but also actively involves the community in marine conservation efforts, ensuring the protection and preservation of Grenada’s rich underwater ecosystems.

Q: You mention welcoming “people of all abilities.” Can you share a story or initiative that reflects this commitment?

A: At Aquanauts Grenada, welcoming people of all abilities isn’t just a tagline — it’s a core part of how we design experiences. One initiative that reflects this is our collaboration with Diveheart, an international organisation that provides adaptive scuba programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Through this program, we’ve guided guests with limited mobility, amputations, or sensory challenges safely underwater, giving them the chance to experience coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life firsthand. Diving isn’t just an activity; it’s empowerment. This commitment extends beyond individual dives. We train our team in adaptive techniques, maintain accessible facilities, and design programs like our Aqua Rangers Dive Training Scholarships to be inclusive from the start. For us, diversity in the dive community strengthens conservation, education, and connection — making the ocean truly a space for everyone.

Q: Your team is described as “spiced with local crew.” How do local voices and traditions enrich the diving experience you offer?

A: At Aquanauts Grenada, having a team “spiced with local crew” is central to the way we deliver dives. Our local guides bring more than technical expertise — they bring stories, traditions, and a deep connection to Grenada’s people and waters. Their knowledge transforms every dive from a simple sightseeing trip into an immersive cultural experience.
For example, many of our tours highlight historical shipwrecks and submerged heritage sites, like colonial-era vessels and old trade schooners, linking each dive to Grenada’s maritime history. Local crew share the lore, legends, and even songs associated with these sites, giving divers a sense of place and continuity.
Additionally, our team weaves in traditional fishing practices, local ecology insights, and community narratives — teaching divers about the symbiotic relationship between islanders and the sea. This approach not only enriches the diving experience but also fosters respect for the ecosystems and the people who have cared for them for generations.
In short, our dives are as much about culture and story as they are about coral and fish. The local voices ensure every guest leaves with a deeper connection to both the ocean and Grenada itself.

Q: Are there cultural or historical underwater sites that you highlight during your tours?

Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park. Established in 2006 by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Located in the Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, the park features over 65 life-sized sculptures made from eco-friendly materials designed to promote coral growth and marine biodiversity. Notable works include “Vicissitudes,” a ring of 26 children holding hands, symbolising unity and resilience. Many sculptures are cast from local Grenadian residents, infusing the artwork with authentic cultural representation. The park serves as both an artistic endeavour and a marine conservation project, attracting divers and snorkelers to explore its submerged gallery.

Bianca C Shipwreck: The Titanic of the Caribbean is a 593-foot cruise liner that sank off the coast of Grenada in 1961 after a fire broke out on board. Known as the “Titanic of the Caribbean,” it is the largest wreck dive in the region, resting upright at a depth of approximately 50 meters (165 feet). The wreck is largely intact, with original structures still visible, including the upper deck swimming pool. Diving into the Bianca C offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of maritime history while observing the vibrant marine life that has made the wreck its home.

At Aquanauts Grenada, we incorporate these sites into our dive tours, providing guests with an enriching experience that combines underwater exploration with cultural and historical education. Our local guides share stories and insights, enhancing the connection between divers and the rich heritage of Grenada’s marine environment.

Q: What innovations or expansions are on the horizon for Aquanauts Grenada?

A: Aquanauts Grenada continues to innovate and expand its offerings, enhancing both the diving experience and its commitment to marine conservation. Here are some of the key developments:
Technical Diving Expansion
Aquanauts is planning to launch “Grenada Tec Diving Week” in 2026, catering to technical divers. This event will offer specialized support and courses, allowing divers to explore Grenada’s extensive wreck sites, including the Bianca C, at greater depths.
Dive and Conservation Fest
Scheduled for October 25–31, 2025, this week-long celebration combines diving, conservation, and cultural experiences. Participants can engage in reef clean-ups, lionfish hunting, and marine monitoring activities, while also enjoying local hikes and cuisine. The festival aims to foster a deeper connection between visitors and Grenada’s marine environment.

These initiatives reflect Aquanauts Grenada’s dedication to providing enriching diving experiences while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement. Stay tuned, as there are more coming in 2026 that will position Aquanauts Grenada as the leader in sustainable dive adventures.