There’s never been a better time to discover the Spice Island, and we think the best way to experience it is from the water.
We’ve been saying it for years, and now National Geographic agrees: Grenada deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
In its recently released Best of the World 2027, National Geographic named Grenada one of the 25 best destinations to visit in the coming year. The annual list highlights extraordinary places around the globe, and our little corner of the Caribbean is officially getting some well-deserved attention.
For those of us lucky enough to call Grenada home, it’s no surprise. With its lush green mountains, colorful waterfront towns, beautiful beaches, and warm Caribbean hospitality, Grenada has a way of winning people over.
But there’s another reason we love this island so much, and it’s one that deserves a little more attention: Grenada is an incredible place to sail.
Whether you’re planning your first Caribbean vacation, dreaming of learning to sail, or looking for your next adventure on the water, here’s why Grenada should be on your radar for 2027.
Why National Geographic Chose Grenada for 2027
Grenada isn’t your typical Caribbean destination. Sure, we have the white sand beaches and turquoise water, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the shoreline.
National Geographic highlighted Grenada’s rich spice-growing heritage, natural beauty, wellness experiences, and vibrant culture as reasons to visit.
Known as the Spice Island, Grenada produces nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices that have shaped its history and identity. Wander through a local market, visit a spice plantation, or enjoy a freshly prepared Grenadian meal, and you’ll quickly understand where the nickname comes from.
There’s also plenty to explore inland. Rainforest trails lead to spectacular waterfalls, colorful villages offer a glimpse into everyday island life, and the capital of St. George’s is home to one of the most picturesque harbors in the Caribbean.
And 2027 brings an especially exciting celebration.
Grenada’s famous Spicemas Carnival will mark its 150th anniversary in August 2027. The annual celebration fills the island with music, elaborate costumes, dancing, and traditions that reflect Grenada’s history and culture.
It’s a wonderful time to discover what makes this island so special.
Read more: National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027.
Why We Think Grenada Is Even Better Experienced by Sailboat
Here’s something you might not realize when planning a vacation to Grenada: some of the most beautiful places in this part of the Caribbean are best reached by boat.
Grenada sits at the southern end of the Windward Islands, making it a fantastic starting point for exploring the Grenadines.
Picture waking up in a peaceful anchorage, enjoying your morning coffee in the cockpit, and setting sail toward another beautiful island.
Along the way, you’ll discover colorful fishing villages, quiet beaches, and some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen.
And unlike a traditional resort vacation, the scenery changes whenever you decide to raise the anchor.
One day, you might be snorkeling with sea turtles in the Tobago Cays. The next, you’re enjoying a beach barbecue on a tiny island or exploring a waterfront village.
There’s something special about discovering the Caribbean this way. You get to experience places that many visitors never see, and the journey between them becomes part of the adventure.
Explore the Grenadines: Some of Our Favorite Places to Sail
One of the biggest advantages of starting your sailing adventure in Grenada is access to the incredible islands to the north.
While Grenada itself has plenty to offer, sailing through the Grenadines opens up a whole new world of Caribbean experiences.
Carriacou: A Little Island With a Lot of Character
Just north of Grenada, Carriacou is known for its traditional boatbuilding heritage, friendly communities, and laid-back island atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon wandering through town, chatting with locals, or enjoying a cold drink overlooking the water.
Carriacou is also a wonderful place to experience the maritime traditions that have shaped life in the Caribbean for generations.
Union Island: A Gateway to Adventure
Continuing north, Union Island offers dramatic scenery and a lively Caribbean atmosphere.
Clifton Harbour is a popular stop for sailors exploring the Grenadines, with colorful waterfront businesses and easy access to nearby islands.
It’s a great place to step ashore, explore, and enjoy a little island life before continuing your journey.
Tobago Cays: A Caribbean Paradise
If you’ve ever imagined sailing into a postcard, this might be the place.
The Tobago Cays Marine Park is a collection of small, uninhabited islands surrounded by brilliant turquoise water and protected by Horseshoe Reef.
It’s one of our favorite places to take guests.
Spend the afternoon snorkeling, swimming with sea turtles, or simply floating in the warm Caribbean water.
As the sun begins to set, you can enjoy dinner aboard your boat or arrange a beach barbecue beneath the stars.
It’s the kind of experience that makes you wonder why you didn’t book a sailing vacation sooner.
Sandy Island: Sometimes Simple Is Best
Not every memorable Caribbean experience needs an itinerary packed with activities.
Sometimes all you need is a beautiful stretch of white sand, clear water, and nowhere else you need to be.
Sandy Island, just off Carriacou, is one of those places.
It’s a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery.
These are just a few of the destinations you might experience while sailing from Grenada. Every trip is a little different, depending on the weather, your itinerary, and where the adventure takes you.
You Don’t Need to Know How to Sail to Enjoy a Caribbean Sailing Vacation
One of the biggest misconceptions about sailing vacations is that you need to be an experienced sailor to enjoy one.
You don’t!
At LTD Sailing, we offer private skippered sailing vacations that allow you to experience the Caribbean without needing to know how to operate a boat.
Your professional skipper handles the sailing and navigation, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
Imagine spending a week aboard a comfortable catamaran with your family or friends, exploring beautiful islands at your own pace.
You can spend your days swimming, snorkeling, discovering local restaurants, or simply relaxing on deck with a good book.
Want to get involved in the sailing? You’re welcome to participate and learn along the way.
Prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride? That’s perfectly fine, too.
Our 7- and 10-day skippered charters are a wonderful option for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a Caribbean vacation that’s a little different from the usual resort experience.
And with private charters, there’s room to personalize the adventure around what your group enjoys most.
Whether that’s finding beautiful beaches, exploring local culture, or spending as much time in the water as possible, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Or Turn Your Vacation Into a New Adventure: Learn to Sail in Grenada
What if your Caribbean vacation could also be the beginning of an entirely new hobby?
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of learning to sail, Grenada offers an incredible classroom.
At LTD Sailing, our liveaboard sailing courses combine professional instruction with the experience of living aboard a sailboat and exploring the Caribbean.
Instead of spending your vacation in a traditional classroom, you’ll learn while sailing between beautiful islands.
You’ll practice handling the sails, navigating, anchoring, and maneuvering the boat, all while gaining the skills and confidence to become a capable sailor.
Our courses follow the American Sailing certification program, with options for complete beginners and sailors looking to advance their skills.
Never sailed before? Our beginner courses are designed to introduce you to sailing and help you work toward your first certifications.
Already have some experience? We offer more advanced training, including cruising and catamaran certifications.
And perhaps the best part? At the end of the day, you’re still on vacation in the Caribbean.
You might finish a day of learning with a swim in crystal-clear water, a sunset in the cockpit, or dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
It’s a pretty great way to learn something new.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Grenada?
Grenada enjoys warm tropical temperatures throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of vacation you’re planning.
For sailing vacations, December through May is especially popular, thanks to the Caribbean trade winds and generally favorable sailing conditions.
These months are ideal for escaping colder weather at home and enjoying time on the water.
If you’re interested in experiencing Grenada’s famous Spicemas Carnival, August is the time to visit. Keep in mind that summer falls within the Caribbean hurricane season, so sailing plans require additional consideration.
Grenada’s location in the southern Caribbean makes it an appealing sailing destination, but weather conditions and seasonal considerations should always be part of your planning.
No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to discover on the Spice Island.
Make Grenada Part of Your 2027 Travel Plans
National Geographic may have just named Grenada one of the best places to visit in 2027, but we’ve known how special this island is for a long time.
It’s the place we call home, where we share our love of sailing, and where we’ve introduced countless guests to the magic of exploring the Caribbean by boat.
We love watching someone take the helm for the first time, discover a beautiful anchorage, or realize that a sailing vacation might just be their new favorite way to travel.
And we’d love to share that experience with you.
Whether you’re ready to learn to sail or simply want to enjoy an unforgettable Caribbean vacation, LTD Sailing can help you experience the best of Grenada and the Grenadines.
Explore our liveaboard sailing courses, ask us about a private skippered charter, or get in touch to start planning your 2027 adventure.
Grenada is calling. Come see why it’s one of the best places in the world to visit!