My Top Ten Reasons to visit Grenada

Grenada’s popularity is growing as an exotic, friendly destination, but remains a mystery to many who visit the Caribbean regularly, these are a few of the reasons this island should be moved to the top of your must visit list. Located in the southeastern Caribbean, just north of South American and Trinidad the destination of Greanada also includes two off-shore sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique which are perfect for day trips. Grenada has been featured by National Geographic as one of the the “10 Best Places in the World”

These are my top 10 reasons for visiting Grenada:

picturesque colorful waterfront in St George

St. George, Grenada’s capital is one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque capital cities-home to colorful waterfront buildings, historical churches,fishing boats so many photo opportunities.

Concord Falls

cliff jumpers

worth the hike
Waterfalls – Concord Falls (actually three waterfalls)worth the 45 minute hike to get you to the second and third falls which are off the beaten path, Annandale Falls – several tributaries converge to create the easily accessible waterfall, Honeymoon Falls- partially concealed at the base of Mount Qua Qua, normally visited by ardent hikers because of the challenges of accessing this waterfall on foot, Royal Mount Carmel Falls- consists of two falls that drop to over 70 feet into crystal clear pools – tour guide is best to access this secluded waterfall,Seven Sisters Falls – found at the end of a relaxing 30-minute trek through a rainforest, swim in a cool refreshing pool, Victoria Falls (also called the Tufton Hall Waterfall) unspoilt natural attraction only accessed by foot. ** guides are suggested for best experience, be prepared to pay small admission fees of $2 per person to access falls, ** Members of an authorized group of jumpers normally entertain guest with their acrobatic plunges and photo opportunities.

Nutmeg processing

Diamond Chocolate Factory-yes please !

learning the history of rum
Food and Rum Tours – known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean- there are several tours that showcase the islands unique rum and spices – Nutmeg Processing Stations lead visitors through the entire process of producing nutmeg, Grenada Distillers Ltd (formerly Grenada Sugar Factory) home of the famous Clarke’s Court Rum offers guided tours, River Antoine rum distillery dates back to 1785 and is the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere – tour and taste, Westerhall Estate – this refurbished estate uses imported raw materials , tours of the estate and museum, inquire about Sunset City Food Festival held the last Saturday of the month in the small fishing village of Victoria “The Sunset city” a great way to experience all types of Grenadian dishes in one location by the vendors that line the streets, then check out the craft market and entertainment by local drummers and dancers.
Scuba Diving – Divers and snorkelers that take the plunge into the waters of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique will not be disappointed. National Geographic nominated as one of the 25 Wonders of the World with the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park, Southern Caribbean’s largest shipwreck the Bianca C.,these islands are blessed with year round warm water diving and a variety of environments to explore from rugged coastlines, black and white sand, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove systems and healthy coral reefs and coral gardens, shark diving. Reader’s Choice Awards for both Best Advanced Diving and Best Wreck Diving via Sport Diver. Be sure to take the ferry over to Carriacou “the Island of Reefs” which makes Grenada a multi-island dive destination for avid divers.
Visit three islands in one destination with the sister islands of Carriacou which can be reached by ferry or short flight and Petite Martinique (3 miles east of Carriacou)
Wildlife – Grenada is home to a diverse and healthy ecosystem that is ideal for animal and nature lovers. Beautiful and interesting creatures, some in danger of extinction and fiercely protected can be found on Grenada including over 150 species of birds, mammals, turtles and reptiles. The Grenada Dove is one of the most critically endangered doves in the world, but you can catch a glimpse at the Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary, the mona monkey (with unique small, long tail) , tiny frogs including the indigenous and nocturnal Grenada Piping Frog, From early spring to summer the Levera National Park welcomes on average 150 returning leatherback turtles that lay their eggs at night before slipping back into the ocean. Ocean Spirits a non-profit conservation organization is dedicated to protecting the variety of turtles that find their way to Grenada and seek protection from poachers and other hazards. Grenada’s protected marine areas protect the variety of marine life spotted on the island’s reefs, walls and wrecks, many lizards and non poisonous snakes can be found in the rainforest as well.
Historical Sites and Activities – whether you are into military history, gorgeous landscaped gardens or historical great houses or outdoor activities Grenada is a destination that offers more than just beautiful beaches and ocean activities. Historical forts from the 18th century include Fort Frederick, Fort Matthew and Fort George ~ gardens such as Laura Herb & Spice Gardens, Sunnyside Gardens, St. Rose Nursery & Gardens and Dougaldston Spice Estate showcase the many species of florals, fruit trees, herbs and spices that thrive in the fertile soil of Grenada ~great houses and estates such as Helvellyn House, Morne Fendue Plantation House, Balthazar Estate and Belmont Estate ~Lakes – including Grand Etang Lake, Lake Antoine, Levera Lake – provide birdwatchers the opportunity to see a wide variety of bird species, recreational opportunities, panoramic views of the lake- but swimming is not allowed to protect valuable tropical ecosystems, Carib’s Leap, Sulphure Springs, mountain biking through Grenada’s mountainous terrain, river tubing and hiking~ island tours are tailored to visitors to incorporate their interest and the opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Grenadian people as they visit around the island.
Grand Anse Beach- top 100 in the world
Grand Anse Beach recognized as one of the 100 best beaches in the world
A variety of accomodations : from budget apartment style hotels, boutique eco-friendly cottages to five star luxury accommodations – truly something for everyone can be found on Grenada. my clients favorites include Sandals Grenada , Coyaba Beach Resort, Laluna and Spice Island Beach Resort.
Sandals Grenada “Living Room” at night
Destination Weddings – in a word Grenada is so romantic and a perfect backdrop for destination weddings- many of my clients enjoy the ease of having their wedding on their resort such as Sandals Grenada where their wedding is included in the price of their resort stay – other clients are a bit more adventurous and prefer to exchange their vows by a waterfall,on a private yacht, at a historic fort with amazing views or the ever popular sun-kissed white sand beach (all of Grenadas 45 beaches are sanctioned to host wedding ceremonies, once they are held after sunrise and before sunset)- the options are endless based upon the couple.