Do you want to know what our students complain about the most after their courses with LTD Sailing? You do? Well, it’s that they did not schedule enough time on the island. You spend a week on a boat in a different anchorage each night but this island has SO much else to offer. Give yourself a gift of a few days to explore this hidden gem. I mean, you came all this way, right?
What do you want from your vacay? Crystal blue water? Palm tree lined white sandy beaches? Island vibes? Waterfalls? Beach bars? We got you!
Grenada is only 21 miles long, 12 miles wide with a population of a little over 100K people – which probably doubles during Carnival in August – LOL! You know you are on the Spice Isle when you venture though the bush and smell the cinnamon, nutmeg and mango – so nice! Did you know there is a rule that you can’t build anything taller than the tree line? That is why you don’t see the mega hotels throwing shade on the beaches.
Want to hear about it? Here you go:
1. Chill on Grand Anse Beach
Man! This beach is nearly two miles long! We have tried to do a rum shack crawl on this beach but never got past Esthers. (Challenge accepted?) Awarded as one of the best beaches in the world, you should not ignore this! The crystal blue water, the mellow swimming, and, oh yeah – the spectacular sunsets! Grab a frosty tropical drink and exhale!
Our recommendations:
Esther’s Beach Bar: get the best mojito you’ve ever had!
Beachside Bistrot: perfect for a cocktail and lunch
Umbrellas: a great spot for dinner and live music
Coconuts: Usually our first dinner on our sailing adventures
2. Explore the Underwater Sculpture Park
The world’s FIRST Underwater Sculpture Park curated by the Jason de Caines Taylor along with a local artist. It’s magical, it’s dreamy and it’s just a little bit creepy. This was on my bucket list before I even dreamed of living in Grenada. Each time I visit, it looks so different. It grows, it shrinks it’s a living art gallery. We stop here during our week-long trips or you can book a trip with the local dive shops. Worth it!
3. Visit St. George’s
I like to visit St. George’s on Sunday. Sundays in Grenada are sacred and most everything is closed which make wandering through the town pleasant without the honking of the busses or wild traffic to dodge in the tunnel. The panoramic views from the newly refurbished Fort George are spectacular! Warning: it’s a bit of a hike to the top – take your time.
4. GO chasing Waterfalls
Grenada is home to over 20 known waterfalls and many more undiscovered. It’s lush, mountain interior surrounded by tropical rainforests creates ideal conditions for a variety of waterfalls. Annadale Falls and Seven Sisters Falls are among the island’s most popular spots for hiking and swimming but, shhhhh Mt. Carmel is our favorite! Annadale is the easiest one to get to and well attended. Seven Sisters is a hike and a bit rustic. Mt. Carmel is sweet and rich just like the name – an easy hike and absolutely stunning!
5. Visit Grand Etang National Park
An easy hike around Grand Etang crater lake will satisfy the nature lovers as you enjoy a tropical paradise filled with rainforest trails, exotic birds, and the scenic views. Visit the Monkey Bar for more monkey shenanigans.
6. Tour a Plantation
Grenada earned its nickname “Spice Isle” because of its production of nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa, and cloves. A visit to Belmont Estate offers an authentic look at the island’s rich agricultural traditions and cocoa production. You can follow the entire production of cocoa, watch the creation process and even take home some of the delicious and wide variety of organic delights!
Note: No alcohol is served in the restaurant.
7. Sail
Grenada has the best sailing in the world! With consistent Tradewinds and line of site sailing on this tri-island paradise no wonder so many sailors make this their home for off-season! If you have not booked your week-long sailing course with LTD Sailing, consider a joyful ride on our J/80’s for the afternoon. Viewing Grenada from a boat is extra special. Check out GrenadaSailingClub.com for more details.
8. Discover Levera Beach
On Grenada’s northern coast, Levera National Park offers dramatic coastal scenery, mangroves, and a peaceful beach that’s often less crowded than Grand Anse. During nesting season (March through July), visitors may even spot leatherback turtles. These prehistoric-like creatures are as big as a Volkswagen and go into a trance when nesting. Not to worry, SPECTO (https://spectogrenada.org/) is the non-profit who watch out for the moms and babies. You can schedule a tour to check them out.
9. Experience Grenadian Food and Culture
Talk about influencers! The Grenada cuisine is a cornucopia of flavors with African, Caribbean, Indian and British influence. Oil down is the national dish but don’t let that name fool you. It’s really a “boil” down soup and includes, well, whatever you want. You might have a seafood base, it might be vegetarian or you might get some wild game like manicou. You will almost always get a dumpling.
Driving down the road you’ll find “Trini-style” rotis advertised from a make-shift table. Fresh coconut water is hawked on every corner – don’t forget to ask for the jelly.
Most restaurants offer the “Britsh-syle” breakfast with roasted tomatoes slices and baked beans. Yum!
Grenada is home to five chocolate factories, and you will want to try all of them.
Soca is the flavor of music in Grenada and you will hear it blasting from every rum shack. It’s a mix of soul and calapso and it will get your booty shaking! It’s mostly the men dancing by themselves in the streets with the woman watching from a distance. Smart!
Limin’ is a national past time which mostly involves sitting under a palm tree with a Carib – the local beer. Don’t plan on going anywhere on Sundays because shops are closed, buses are scarce and everyone brings their family to the beach – even grandma in her wheelchair. Most people work 6 ½ days a week so Sunday is truly sacred.
Plenty of culture and you will find that Grenada is a very friendly island. Be sure to say “Good morning”, “Hello” or “Good night” to everyone you pass.
Don’t cheat yourself out of an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Find those few extra vacation days to enjoy all that Grenada has to offer – adventure, nature, relaxation and maybe even a little romance? With stunning beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality, it’s easy to see why before you even leave, you’ll be booking your next trip to the Spice Isle!
See you out there!
