Something for Everyone in Beautiful Grenada

Grenada is a wonderful island with something for everyone. Whether you are the adventurous active type, nature buff, water baby or a history buff! If you prefer the company of groups or like to explore alone. There is plenty to do and see.
Caribbean Horizons Ltd., our preferred tour company, can put together tours for you that meet your requirements. They also know the best places to eat and to shop. They can advise you on what’s happening in Grenada while you are here.

Grenada is the most southern island of the Windward Islands and is the largest island in the Grenadines. The state consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The islands are of volcanic origin and therefore the soil is extremely rich.

When people think of the Caribbean the first thing that probably comes to mind is endless, white beaches and azure blue waters. Yes Grenada has a lot of unspoilt, mile long beaches, the famous Grand Anse Beach just one of many. But Grenada has a lot more to offer.

Sailing

Grenada with its steady and nice Trade winds is ideal for sailing. You can choose from half day, sunset or day trips or charter a yacht for sailing around Carriacou in the fabulous Grenadines.

Diving and Snorkeling

The Bianca C is the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and a must see for advanced divers. The calm leeward side of the island is perfect for snorkeling, there are also trips available that bring you to the recently added ‘Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park’ and the many wrecks lying close offshore.

Fishing

Grenada is blessed with deep water close to shore which is great for deep fishing. The Annual Spiceisle Billfish tournament which is held in January is a big highlight for the fishermen!

Hiking

The rain forest around the Grand Etang Forest Reserve is probably the most popular area. On a hike around Grand Etang you might get a chance to see one of the mischievous Mona Monkeys. Another attraction are the waterfalls, Grenada has several beautiful waterfalls. Some are easily accessible and some are a bit more hidden and it would be better to take a guide when you hike to them.

Flora

The soil in Grenada is so fertile that spice trees grow next to tropical and sub-tropical plants. Various gardens are open to the public, the owners are more than happy you show and explain the flowers and trees.
Grenada is also known as the ‘Island of Spice’ with Nutmeg as it’s most famous among them. But it is not the only spice that grows in Grenada, we can also show you cinnamon, gloves, ginger, vanilla and cocoa to name a few.
Our horticulturists won gold for the 10th time in 2012 at the annual UK Chelsea Flower show with its exhibition designed by Suzanne Gaywood. The bougainvillea is Grenada’s national flower, you will find it in various colors and all over the island. But you will also find many other flowers like orchids, anthuriums, heliconias, gingers and birds of paradise to name a few.

Fauna

The large leatherback turtles come to Grenada to lay their eggs. This is a must-see if you are on the island between the end of March and end of June.
Opossums or Manicou, Armadillos or ‘Tatou’, Mongoose and the African Mona Monkey are inhabitants of the islands.
Geckos, Iguanas, Ground Lizards and small snakes also live on the island, none of the animals are dangerous or venomous.
There are about 150 species of birds listed, 3 of which are endemic, the Grenada Dove, Grenada Flycatcher and the Lesser Antillean Tanager.

History

First sighted by Europeans in 1498 during the third voyage of Christopher Columbus Grenada has a rich history: Starting with its indigenous people ‘Island Caribs’ (Kalingao) who called it Camahogne, the Spaniards who did not settle permanently, the French and the British. Since 1967 Grenada is fully autonom.
Forts, the national museum, ‘rock art’ from the Kalinagos, are all witnesses from the past. If you are interested there is a great archeological site in Carricacou to visit.

Community

There is always something happening in the communities. Gouyave is called the ‘town that never sleeps’, and the Fish Friday is worth a trip especially if you are a seafood lover. The vendors line the streets with their grills, fryers, steamers and cookers, which result in some of the most mouth watering Grenada seafood you could imagine.
In the late 1600’s beekeeping was introduced to the Caribbean. It had its up and downs but has experienced a real revival in the past years. There are about thirty-five established beekeepers, mainly located in the eastern and north eastern parts of the island. The number of managed colonies is estimated to be 600-700.

Events

Throughout the year there are various events, like the traditional workboat regatta, billfish tournament, keelboat regattas, rum and beer festival, nutmeg festival with carnival in summer being one of the highlights.

Eating out in Grenada

You can buy a salt fish sandwich in a rum shop or go to one of the many fine dining restaurants. You can find restaurants that serve great local dishes like the oil-down or you can find Caribbean food influenced by Europe and even Sushi or Pizza can be served too, if this is what you like!

Always ask what fresh local juices like passion fruit, guava, tamarind and golden apple are available when you decide to quench your thirst. Tap water is drinkable, but Glenelg spring water as well as the locally bottled Carib larger beer are also very popular thirst quenchers.

More Useful Information

Grenada Board of Tourism: http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/

Airport information: http://www.mbiagrenada.com/flight

Airlines:

LIAT
British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
BWIA (Caribbean Airways)
American Eagle
Air Jamaica
Air Canada

Public Holidays

• January 1 – New Years Day
• February 7 – Independence Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• May 1 – Labour Day
• Whit Monday
• Corpus Christi
• 1st Monday in August – Emancipation Day
• 2nd Monday, August – Carnival Monday
• Following day, Tuesday in August – Carnival Tuesday
• October 25 – Thanksgiving Day
• December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – Boxing Day