HIKING TRAILS
The Isle of Spice is a wonderfully green and serene place that, despite being home to some of the World's best beaches, has thankfully avoided the over-development effect of tourism. Discover the gem that is Grenada by walking its various nature trails, taking you around the island's lush green volcanic mountains, secret hot springs and waterfalls, botanical gardens and eco-sites.
Get to the heart of the island's unique heritage by taking a stroll around the its historic sites, estates, forts, and distilleries, or by celebrating with the locals during the carnival. Then dive deeper into the country's beauty by exploring its many underwater sites, breathtaking wrecks, and sculpture park.
HIKING TRAILS
Grenada's choice of maintaining a sensible building policy in the face of an increasing tourism economy has not only managed to preserve the island's clean and natural beaches, but has also highly contributed to protect the local wildlife.As a result, the island's beautiful rainforest is home to some of the world's rarest varieties of plants and animal species, such as the Mona monkey and the Grenada dove, the now endangered national bird.
HIKING TRAILS
For an easy walk suited to the whole family, the 15 minutes long Morne LaBaye Trail takes you through 12 points of interest highlighting the area's ecology, and ending at a tower overlooking the eastern Atlantic coast.
HIKING TRAILS
Travellers willing to immerse themselves in the island's wildlife should visit the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve for an all-round sensorial experience of Grenada's most glorious nature. At the heart of the reserve is the Lake Grand Etang, which was once an active volcano, and which offers a leisurely 90 minute-long trail called the Shoreline Trail, taking hikers through a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as some tricky tropical mud and intricate steam crossings.
HIKING TRAILS
If you wish to push the Morne LaBaye trail to a higher level of adventure, carry onto the St Margaret's Trail, a rugged and untamed trail providing insight on the difficulties the Carib and Arawak people must have encountered when hiking the unspoilt land. If you persist through the steep and slippery 90 minute-long trail, you shall be rewarded with the amazing beauty of the Seven Sisters waterfalls.
HIKING TRAILS
The reserve offers various breathtaking hiking trails, including one to Mount Qua Qua, a challenging 180 minute-long climb (both ways) requiring the assistance of a guide, but that promises to offer some stunning views of the island, from the mount's peak at over 2,370ft.
HIKING TRAILS
Located 15 minutes away from St George's and 4 minutes off the main road to St David's, the Morne Gazo trail leads to a wide undisturbed rainforest covering a 342 metre-high hill. The 1.7km trail built by the Forestry Department climbs about 75 metres to the summit to stop at a lookout platform that offers one of the best views of the Caribbean.
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CULTURE TO TASTE & FESTIVALS
LOCAL CUISINE
Delight your taste buds exploring the local cuisine made of a blend of African, Asian and European influences and using fresh ingredients readily available on the island to create a truly unique culinary experience
CARRIACOU MAROON MUSIC FESTIVAL
Described as a pure and culturally untamed experience, this festival mixes drums, dancing, string bands, games, and smoked food, in a celebration that is deeply rooted in the island's African heritage.
CARRIACOU REGATTA
The island's boat-making traditions, its love of the sea and natural sense of competition have contributed to make of this regatta one of the Caribbean's most diverse one, attarcting competitors from around the world. The festival takes place on the first weekend of August and features events and games such as the donkey race and the Miss Aquaval Pageant.
GRENADA SPICE MAS
For those visiting Grenada in August, make sure to attend the Grenada Carnival, a colourful and vibrant expression of the island's multicultural heritage and traditions through dance, music, pantomime and masquerades.
RUM
Of course, a trip to Grenada would not be complete without a tasting of one of its locally produced rums. Several distilleries are still fully operational on the island, despite Grenada's sugar industry decline, and all are producing truly distinctive tipples that will get your taste buds singing.
GRENADA DRUM FESTIVAL
Located in the northern part of the island, the village of Tivoli, home to the Tivoli Drummers, is a place with a rich drumming tradition and the birthplace of Grenada's Drum Festival, destined to spread the Drum Culture, carrying the unique Tivoli style of choreographed drumming.
GRENADA CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
A tasty celebration revolving around the island's tradition of cocoa cultivating and processing, showcasing the old fashion and ethical way of growing organic cocoa. Learn about chocolate tempering, moulding, truffle making, as well as the journey of chocolate from tree to bar. Open your senses to the various flavours, aromas and scents of cocoa, whilst learning about its benefits.
ANNUAL GRENADA SAILING
Based at the Port Louis Marina, this annual four-day festival gathers sailing captains and crews from around the world for some of the most exciting races and other activities. Starting at the end of January.
ST MARK'S DAY FESTIVAL
A yearly celebration that transforms the town into a vibrant hub of cultural and culinary expression, featuring a health fair, cultural extravaganza, exhibitions, and a best talent and cooking competition.
CARRIACOU CARNIVAL
A celebration of expressive and wild street dance and music, with a calypso competition, soca frenzy, and parade of the bands, celebrated around March, and featuring the unique local Shakespeare Mas, where men dressed in bright colours engage in a verbal dual of the great author's words, with poor or inaccurate recitations resulting in one mas player being whipped by his opponent, to then get replaced by another player.
CARRIACOU PARANG FESTIVAL
An annual festival taking place during the weekend before Christmas Day, and attracting visitors from all across the region.
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Waterfalls, hotsprings & Carriacou
WATERFALLS & HOTSPRINGS
And if you can't get enough of challenging hikes with breathtaking waterfalls, head inland for another adventure: south east of Victoria, falling along the St Mark's River, are the spectacular, towering Victoria Waterfalls.
CARRIACOU
Also known as the Land of Reefs, Carriacou boasts the most beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, making it a great destination for snorkelers. In fact, records dating back to 1656 suggest that the island's name comes from the Kalinago (Carib) name "Kayryouacou", which means "land surrounded by reef".
LIVE THE GRENADA WAY
For a true feel of the island, immerse yourself in Grenada's way of life: move to the beats of its vibrant carnivals, listen to the local's many traditional stories whilst sipping organic rum, or read the weekly paper and simply relax. Grenada has a reputation for being a real charmer, one that will get under your skin and make you want to come back for more.
WATERFALLS & HOTSPRINGS
A long up-hill hike takes you to Concord Falls, which offer great scenery and natural pools making it a great swimming spot. Although a little challenging at times, the efforts of the hike are worth the magnificent views offered by the waterfall at the end.
WATERFALLS & HOTSPRINGS
The island's natural mountainous landscape blesses Grenada with stunning waterfalls creating truly dramatic and impressive sceneries that will leave any traveller stunned. For a tranquil, short trip away from St George, head to Annandale Falls, an easily accessible waterfall surrounded by flourishing tropical flowers and trees that provides a cool and peaceful break on a hot day.
WATERFALLS & HOTSPRINGS
Due to the Windward islands' volcanic nature, Grenada also offers great natural hot springs made of clear, salty water that average at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. For the best spot, head North East to the River Sallee Boiling Springs, a site made of six charming waterholes waiting to offer you a great moment of relaxation.
CARRIACOU
The cultural heritage there flourishes through a variety of colourful carnivals and infectious music and dance festivals, including the pre-Lenten Carnival, the Maroon, Big Drum Dance and the String Band Music Festival, as well as the annual Christmas parang competition. Whilst on the island, you might also witness other celebrations such as a traditional wedding or boat-launching event, and other demonstrations of the rich local culture that will make your trip a memorable one.
WATERFALLS & HOTSPRINGS
If you're after something a tad more impressive, head to the Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls, two miles south of Grenville, and the island's most forceful waterfall, cascading down from a height of over 20 meters. Keen hikers can trek to the Seven Sisters, seven falls located outside the Grand Etang Forest, although the area's rough terrain means that a guide is required.
CARRIACOU
Carriacou is also the home of a very special rum, the label-free Jack Iron, that you can find in one of the small island's 20 rum shops, and one that is not for the fainthearted!
CARRIACOU
A short boat trip from Grenada will take you to Carriacou, a place with an atmosphere so relaxed and a pace so slow it will relieve you from any stress. A popular holiday destination among Grenadians, the 34 square kilometres vast island is definitely worth a visit, and is a step back into unspoilt, local traditions.
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HERITAGE
CHRIST OF THE DEEP
On the Carenage in the town of St George, this statue stands proudly as a reminder of Grenadians' great kindness. In 1961, when the Italian cruise liner Bianca C caught fire and sunk, hundreds of locals rushed to the aid of the ship's passengers, offering help, food, clothes and shelter where needed.
FORT GEORGE
Regarded as one of the most important historical edifices in St George's for the role it played in the various military and political changes having taken place on the island in the past three centuries, this fort is a typical representation of the classic period of European bastioned fortifications.
FORT MATTHEW
Standing tall on Richmond Hill, in St George's, this 1500 yard fort named after the island's governor at the time, Governor Edward Matthew, is Grenada's largest. Featuring 18th century army kitchens, bathrooms, underground tunnels and cells all still found in their natural form.
GRENADA NATIONAL MUSEUM
Housed in a building dating from the late 1700s, and that was used as a hotel as well as a local merchant's warehouse, the museum displays exhibits and artefacts related to Grenada's history and culture, including its first inhabitants, slavery trade, plantation economy, whaling and fishing traditions, as well as early transport and technology.
BELMONT ESTATE
Located in the north of Grenada, an hour's drive away from St George's town, and set in 400 acres of lush rolling hills, this 300 year-old working plantation features a museum, farm, a restaurant, beautiful gardens, a gift shop and a craft co-op. On-site plantations and cocoa tours are available as well as organic cocoa and other products.
WESTERHALL ESTATE
Located in the north of Grenada, an hour's drive away from St George's town, and set in 400 acres of lush rolling hills, this 300 year-old working plantation features a museum, farm, a restaurant, beautiful gardens, a gift shop and a craft co-op. On-site plantations and cocoa tours are available as well as organic cocoa and other products.
FORT FREDERICK
Located at the heart of St George's town, at the top of Richmond Hill, this is a bastion-type fort that offers splendid 360o views of the capital and its surroundings.
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GARDENS & ECO SITES
BELMONT ESTATE SPICE PLANTATION
Take a leisurely stroll in these tropical gardens located an hour drive away from the capital. Discover the peaceful Sugarcane garden, Blue garden and Orchid garden whilst enjoying the company of the estate's farm animals, parrots, tortoises and monkeys.
JESSAMINE EDEN TROPICAL GARDENS
Over 60 acres of tropical gardens and organic farms and rain forest trails within the Grenville Vale Estate, nested in the crescent foothills of the Grand Etang Tropical Rain Forest, a 15 minutes drive from the capital. The gardens are consistently cool day and night, due to its several rivers and springs, including the beautiful Annandale Falls.
GRAND ETANG LAKE
Situated within the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, the lake is based in the crater of one of the island's extinct volcanoes, and is surrounded by a rich rainforest with abundant flora and fauna, with tropical birds, lizards and frogs, as well as rare orchids.
LAKE ANTOINE
This shallow crater lake is a great spot for bird watching, with beautiful walks to enjoy on site, such as the lake's perimeter trail.
DE LA GRENADE NUTMEG GARDEN
Located in St Paul's, at the eastern edge of the St George's parish, and adjacent to the De La Grenade Industries, these unique gardens offer the opportunity to discover the fruits used in the De La Grenad products. A garden filled with a diversity of flowers, spices, herbs and other plants that all grow abundantly on the island.
LAURA'S HERB & SPICE GARDEN
Stroll around this garden taking you through the variety of herbs, spices and trees that typically grow on the island. The site also features a wooden gazebo to relax and a gift shop.
GRAND ETANG NATIONAL PARK & FOREST RESERVE
Situated in the centre of the island, this mountainous site is popular with hikers and trekkers, with walks ranging from accessible 15 minute strolls to several hours expeditions.
LEVERA NATIONAL PARK
This 450 acre National Park is considered by most as the island's most scenic and breathtaking coastal area. It is composed of a beautiful beachthat are home to nestling turtles, and a lagoon with a mangrove swamp that houses an impressive variety of bird species.
HYDE PARK TROPICAL GARDEN
Walking around the park and admiring its abundance of bougainvillea, palms, heliconias, cycads and other tropical plants, it is hard to believe the Hyde Park is such a young garden. Originally a small flower and kitchen garden, with pasture land for grazing cattle, the gardens have become one of the island's finest in just a few years.
SMITHY'S GARDEN
About 2 acres large and located a mile away from St George's Fort Frederick, at about 1,000ft above sea level, this lush site is divided in two sections known as the old garden and the new garden.
PALM TREE GARDENS
Overlooking the beautiful southeastern coast of the island, the palm tree gardens are set over 2 acres of land perfectly maintained by proud gardener and landscaper Mr Lawrence Lambert. Featuring over 25 species of Palms, as well as lily ponds, a unique greenhouse conversion, a variety of flora, fresh fruits and fauna, including baby turtles.
MOUNT HARTMAN DOVE SANCTUARY
Discover the protected Grenada Dove, as well as the local dry thorn scrub ecosystem and learn about the endemic Leptotila wells in this sanctuary located near Woburn Bay.
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diving & snorkelling
ARC DU VERO
A beautiful coral gardens with boulders housing a population of octopuses, small morays and crabs. Located in Anse La Roche Bay.
BORIS WRECK
Located only 100m away from the West Sider wreck, this long tugboat, sunk in 2007, is a great site for qualified divers, with French angelfish, snappers, grey angels, Creole wrasses, and jacks, as well as the occasional nurse shark and barracuda in the captain room.
CISTERN POINT
A magnificent wall with abundant marine life, including schools of tarpons and some large lobsters, located near L'Esterre in Carriacou.
FISHERMAN'S PARADISE
Located where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea, this site is best for experienced divers and can only be experienced at specific time of the year, due to its strong currents.
ROSE WRECK
An artificial 12 meters long wreck seating on a sand bed, with green moray eels and lobsters inhabiting the hold and the mast, whilst stingrays, porcupine fish, urchins and garden eels populate the site's surroundings. Located in Tyrell Bay, Carriacou.
TROPICAL HILL
One of Carriacou's most spectacular sites, a seamount extending from 60 feet to only a few feet below the surface, and populated by moray eels, lobsters, flamingo tongues, and plenty of sergeant majors. Located in Tyrell Bay, it is best dived early in the morning and is also a great site for snorkelling
WHITE SAND BEACH
Located in Carriacou's L'Esterre, this easy and relaxed dive near the white sandy beach is great for underwater photos and videos. Expect to see nurse sharks, gorgonians and soft corals, as well as hawksbill turtles.
BIANCA C SHIP WRECK
Listed as one of the top ten wreck dives in the world and locally known as the Titanic of the Caribbean, this very large cruise liner sunk in 1961 sits upright in 50 meters of water.
BOSS REEF
Extending up to 5 miles from the harbour at St George's, this reef offers a selection of enjoyable dives. The upper reef's rolling topography is home to trunkfish, spotted moray eels and lobsters, as well as the occasional green and hawksbill turtle.
DRAGON BAY
A great site for divers of all levels, located in a sheltered bay in Grenada's Marine Protected Area, with a colourful sloping reef full of reef fish, sponges and octopus, as well as lobsters and sting rays a bit further down.
GRAND MAL REEF
Beautiful pinnacles and pillar corals as well as Southern stingrays populate this reef located within the protective bay of Grand Mal.
SHARKDORM
Located in Carriacou, this challenging site is better suited to experienced and fearless divers looking for a bit of adventure. A racy drift dive off of the reef formations and volcanic rocks, situated in up to 60 feet of water and populated by countless nurse sharks.
GRENADA'S UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK
Located within the island's Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, this popular snorkelling site is a unique underwater gallery of sculptures enhancing the existing reef by making natural use of the site's varied topography.
BLACK ROCKS
Located on the south of Carriacou, this shallow dive requires a certain level of experience due to its strong currents. Expect to see barracudas, sharks, ocean triggerfish and more.
BUCCANEER WRECK
A popular site amongst photographers, this sloop lies on her starboard side in 72 feet of water, a short swim from Molinere Reef. You'll find an octopus living in the chain locker, as well as some barracudas.
FIONA WRECK
This barge offers a wreck dive in shallow waters, with Banded coral shrimp, anemone and nudibranchs.
FLAMINGO BAY
Regarded as one of Grenada's top sites and located at the northernmost part of the island's Marine Protected Area, this site is suitable for divers with all levels of experience.
KING MITCH
The second wreck site located in the Atlantic, and suitable for experienced divers due to its depths and currents. A converted minesweeper lying on her side in 110 feet of water and offering a great choiceof exploration, as well as encounters with sharks, turtles and rays.
WESTSIDER WRECK
Sunk in 2004, this 30 meters long tugboat is located just a 100 yards away from the Boris Wreck site, in Carriacou's Mabouya Island. This site is best suited to experienced divers, who will enjoy a structure bursting with marine life, including queen angel fish, barracudas, grunts, and juvenile fish amongst others.
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sailing & other watersports
SAILING
Offering a variety of sheltered anchorages, great waters in which to sail, beautiful weather all year round, and plenty of activities to enjoy, it's no wonder Grenada has become such a popular destination amongst sailors over the years.
KAYAKING
A few operators also offer guided kayak adventures around the island, suitable for all levels of experience.
CLEARANCE PROCEDURES
All vessels and crews entering Grenada, Carriacou or Petite Martinique are required to go through clearance procedures at one of the region's official ports of entries: Grenada Yacht Club, St. George's, Prickly Bay Marina, Prickly Bay, Hillsborough, Carriacou.
FISHING
Charters dotted around the island offer half and full-day fishing trips to try your luck with one of the island's marlin, tuna, wahoo, dorado or sailfish.
MARINA BOATYARDS
Sailors will find numerous bays and inlets dotted around the coastline and offering sheltered anchoring, as well as great marinas ranging from rural low-key services to top-class yachting facilities, with technical tacht services and chandleries available at all marine locations.
CHARTERS
Being one of the Caribbean's top sailing locations, the island has a choice of premier yachting centres from which you'll be able to rent bare boats, crewed yachts, or even take a learn to sail course leading to the American Sailing Association certification.
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spas
SPAS
Escape reality and lose yourself in the therapeutic treats the Spice Islands have to offer.
LA HELICONIA SPA
In Point Saline, this spa offers treatment packages for singles and couples, as well as spa days.
THE MOI SPA
Massages, body wraps and spa packages in this Grand Anse spa using natural West Indian remedies.
HEAVEN & EARTH SPA
Placed on the hillside and overlooking the L'Anse Aux Epines bay, this spa uses locally sourced products to provide services in breezy open air rooms that guarantee a complete state of relaxation.
LALUNA SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE
A spa mixing Balinese products and techniques with Caribbean and Mediterranean influences, located in Morne Rouge
JANISSA'S SPA
Using local herbs, fruit and spices, as well as seaweed, Aloe Vera, this oasis of serenity offers a variety of treatment and features a trendy reflection pool and outdoor relaxation lounge. In Grand Anse.
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH YOGA STUDIO
Located on Grand Anse Beach, within the landscaped gardens of Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort, this fully equipped studio offers classes, as well as Eco Yoga tours and retreats for all experience levels.
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