Pristine beaches, hidden waterfalls, rainforest and volcanic landscapes, Grenada and its sister islands, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, are true Caribbean gems.
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| The underwater sculpture park |
CRUISING WITHIN the Southern Caribbean is incomplete without the inclusion of the "Spice of the Caribbean" Grenada. Lying between Trinidad and Tobago to the south and St Vincent and the Grenadines to the north, Grenada is 12 miles wide, 21 miles long and covers a land area of 120 square miles.
Tropical rain forests filled with a large variety of flora and fauna, together with more than 40 pristine white beaches and clear turquoise waters are just some of the delights of this unspoilt island. So beautiful is the island that one-ninth of its landmass is preserved as parks and natural wildlife sanctuaries. There are picturesque waterfalls throughout the island including the two most accessible, Annandale Falls and Concord Falls. Royal Mt Carmel Waterfall consists of two falls, cascading over 70ft to crystal clear pools below.
The state of Grenada also includes Carriacou, or the ‘Island of Reefs', which offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean with extensive reef formations, and Petite Martinique, just three miles from Carriacou and only reachable by boat.
Docking
The Port of St George's in Grenada's capital can accommodate the largest cruise ships, with up to two vessels berthed at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal, one vessel berthed at the north end of the main quay and four anchored in the outer harbour.
Climate
Grenada enjoys a pleasant year round average temperature of 23ºC. The dry season runs from January to May and the rainy season from June to December, although it rarely rains for more than 15 minutes at a time, and even then it is not every day.
Currency
The East Caribbean dollar is the local currency and is linked to the US dollar.
Cuisine
Living up to its name, spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, tumeric, cloves and ginger are all grown on Grenada and the St George's Saturday Market offers an impressive assortment of seasonal local fruit, vegetables and exotic spices. There are some fantastic restaurants too showcasing Creole and Caribbean cooking in addition to French, Italian and even Chinese. Top spots include Gary Rhodes Restaurant at The Calabash, the Water's Edge at the Bel Air Plantation, Oliver's at The Spice Island Beach Resort and The Aquarium Beach Club & Restaurant, famous for its Sunday morning beach-side BBQ.
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| St George's Harbour |
The great outdoors
The most popular area in Grenada for hiking and trekking is undoubtedly the rainforest within the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, high up in the mountains of the island's interior. Adrenaline junkies can book a full-day mountain biking tour with Trailblazers exploring the island's best off-road trails or river tubing, spinning and swirling in the currents of the river. For those wanting to explore Grenada's coastline Grenada Seafaris cruise to the various bays where experienced guides describe the history, geography and ecology of the island. Or try Sea Fun Adventure, a new water-based attraction where visitors pilot their own inflatable boat in a two and a half hour tour along Grenada's west coast past the 'Kick 'em Jenny' - an active underwater volcano, taking in possible sightings of flying fish, dolphins and even possibly one of the 15 species of whale seen in Grenadian waters.
Not to be missed
The best of Grenada - Our insider guide to what to do and see
Explore underwater
Located in Moliniere in St George's, the world's first underwater park opened in 2007 features sculptures depicting the Grenadian people and their history. Sculptures are sited in clear shallow waters providing easy access to divers, snorkelers and those in glass-bottomed boats.
Join the festival fever
There are year-round events and festivals but for a real treat don't miss the annual Grenada Carnival which begins in July and features calypso and steel bands.
Linger at the lake Lake Antoine
Occupying a perfect crater of an extinct volcano, it is well worth the trip to St Patricks, Grenada's most northern parish.
Discover island history
Set in the foundations of an old army barracks and prisons built in 1704, Grenada National Museum boasts objects and artefacts of the island's history and culture.
