A fantastic Caribbean sailing destination and one of the Windward Islands, Grenada is often referred to as the ‘Island of Spice’ due to its production of nutmeg and mace. However you choose to sail, there are a whole host of wonderful things to do in Grenada.
Its position at the base of the Grenadines makes it the perfect starting point for sailors and holidaymakers wanting to explore the Lesser Antilles, offering some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean, which you can experience on a sailing holiday aboard our Grenada fleet of bareboat catamarans and monohulls. Or you can take the hassle out of organising your own boat and book a cabin on our Grenada by the cabin charter .
The visibility of the water is so clear waters surrounding this quaint little island make way for exceptional snorkelling and diving, where you can see some wonderful sights, including shipwrecks and underwater volcanoes – but don’t let the lure of the ocean keep you on deck. There are a whole host of things to see and do on the island, both ashore and on the water. With the help of the Grenada Tourism Authority, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 10 things to see and do on your adventure to the Spice Isle.
Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse Beach is one of the most luxurious beaches in the world, with two-miles of pure white sand that slope majestically down into the warm Caribbean Sea. Moor off the coastline and spend a day relaxing under the gently blowing palm trees while soaking up the sun in pure paradise.
For the adventurers among you, head to Boss Reef for a touch of snorkelling and marvel at beautiful multi-coloured corals and schools of tropical fish. Our base at Louis Marina is just three miles away, making it the ideal first port of call if sailing on a bareboat yacht charter.
Snorkelling and diving in Grenada
The shimmering blue waters surrounding the island of Grenada make it a perfect place to explore the magical underwater world. Divers and snorkellers of varying abilities can enjoy the wealth of sea life, including tropical fish, turtles, corals and, if you’re lucky, maybe even a whale, at one of over 30 specialist sites. Eerie shipwrecks including the Bianca C and Rum Runner, lurk at different depths below the ocean’s surface, along with an underwater volcano, affectionately known as ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’ and an art studio – an absolute must when diving in Grenada.
Situated outside St George’s, ‘The Underwater Sculpture Park’ is an undersea art gallery in the Molinere Beausejour Marine Protected Area and was erected by English artist, sculptor and passionate diver, Jason de Caires Taylor. The first submerged art and sculpture park in the world, it contains 65 specialist sculptures, each anchored to the sea floor creating an underwater extravaganza – a must when choosing things to do in Grenada.
Grand Étang National Park
The Grand Etang National Park and Reserve is one of the most visited areas in Grenada and showcases Mother Nature in all of her wonderful glory. Located 1,740 feet above sea-level and surrounding the Grand Etang Lake, a 30-acre crater lake that was once an active volcano, this mist enshrouded botanical paradise plays a very important part in the ecological welfare of the island.
Visitors can spend the day perusing the many different species of wildlife, including Mona Monkeys, Broad Winged Hawks, colour changing frogs and armadillos or for those with a little bit more stamina, embark on a trek through the park’s fertile vegetation.
The Grenada Waterfalls
Grenada is not short of a waterfall or two, thanks to all of the lush flora and fauna sitting splendidly on top of the mountain peaks dotted around the island.
The most impressive of them all has to be the Concord Falls, situated at the edge of Grand Etang Forest Reserve in the Grand Etang National Park. These three individual falls, gush magnificently down into pools of sparkling water and make for an exceptional adventure for all of those adrenaline fans out there.
Those keen to explore Grenada by foot can take an organised hike to the ‘Seven Sisters’ – seven waterfalls on the outskirts of the Grand Etang Forest. Due to the nature of the terrain, it is advised that adventurers’ book on an organised tour with a local guide to ensure you have the very best experience.
River Tubing on the Balthazar River
Swap one expanse of water for another on a wet and wild river tubing adventure down the Balthazar River. Situated at the heart of the Balthazar Estate, approximately 45 minutes’ drive away from St. George’s, visitors will enjoy an adrenaline filled adventure on Grenada’s ‘Great River’.
Perched on a large rubber ring and stopping only to gather your thoughts and catch your breath in some of the shallow pools along the way, the river will cruise you through an exotic paradise, where the rush of the current will fill the air as you pay witness to nature at its best on a journey full of gorgeous flowers and wildlife, making it one of our favourite things to do in Grenada.
River Sallee Hot Springs
Sizzle in the remote River Sallee Hot Springs thanks to a submerged volcano, affectionately known as ‘Kick‘em Jenny’, which is located between Grenada and Carriacou.
The underwater activity from this aggressive little wonder finds an outlet in the River Sallee Boiling Springs, six mesmerizing salty water wallows each on the far northeast of the island in St. Patrick. Average temperatures can reach around 35ºC, so make sure you dip your toe before diving straight in.
Chocolate making at Belmont Estate
For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to the Belmont Estate on the north of the island is a must.
Referred to as the ‘Caribbean’s Finest Agri-tourism Experience’, Belmont Estate is the island’s oldest working organic cocoa plantation and is responsible for creating some of most mouth-watering chocolate delicacies you’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing.
Set in 395 acres of verdant land, the estate is home to a museum dedicated to the history of the plantation and offers visitors the opportunity to sample some of its signature creations in an al fresco setting in the impressive open-air dining room. In addition, you can stock up on locally grown spices such as nutmeg, marvel at the beautiful sugarcane garden and take a stroll through the tropical orchid garden.
Rhodes restaurant
Opened in 2004 by English chef and celebrity Gary Rhodes, Rhodes Restaurant is situated in one of Grenada’s most exclusive resorts, the Calabash, and offers first class cuisine in an aristocratic setting.
Perched above Prickly Bay with its iridescent current flowing freely beneath you, diners can expect their taste buds to tingle with dishes such as pan roasted Mahi Mahi and slow roasted lobster Souffle. A true culinary treat for all those foodies out there.
Sail to Sandy Island
With a surface area of just 20 acres, Sandy Island is a quintessential paradise!
Located two-miles from the mainland, Sandy Island is the perfect spot in the Grenadines to sail to for a day’s relaxing on one of the world’s most tranquil settings. Sparkling waves lap romantically against the beautiful white sandy beaches with nothing but the sound of the breeze and the tide to disturb you.
The waters surrounding the island offer a protected anchorage resulting in blissful swimming conditions. Snorkelling is equally as rewarding, with untouched coral gardens and multi-coloured fish waiting to be spied on as they swim majestically along with not a care in world – exactly as you will!
Petite Martinique Whit Monday Regatta
One of the islands of the Grenadines, Petite Martinique is a tiny island to the north of Grenada and is home to just 900 people.
To experience the famous Petite Martinique Whit Monday Regatta, visit in June 2019. Set over the Whitsuntide weekend which falls over the seventh Sunday after Easter, avid sailors and their guests are in for a real treat, with round the island races, cultural performances and daily competitions including beauty pageants and beer drinking competitions! The regatta is a chance to experience the Grenadians in their element, with all locals coming together to celebrate the festival with music, food, dancing and general delight.
How to get there
Flights are available from the UK to Grenada via St. Lucia or Barbados with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. With its position at the base of The Grenadines, Grenada’s International Airport, situated in St George’s is the perfect base point for your sailing holiday around The Windward Islands.
Find out more
Now you’ve seen what Grenada has to offer, why not take a look at our fleet of bareboat and by the cabin charters available, get a quick quote , or tell us your needs at [email protected] or talk to us on +44 2380 455527
