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Grenada Travel Guide

Your ultimate grenada travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in grenada. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Head south of the Caribbean Sea and you will find Grenada, an island nation made up of one main island and six surrounding islands.

Dubbed the “spice of the Caribbean,” Grenada has plenty to offer.

With roots in history, natural wonders like lakes and waterfalls, tropical animals, tasty cuisine, and white-sand beaches, Grenada has something for everyone.

This Grenada travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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20 of the Best Things to do in Grenada

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Grenada

• Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz.
• The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar and 1 Eastern Caribbean Dollar is equal to 0.37 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport. You do not need a tourist visa as long as your stay is under three months.
• Digicel and Flow are the main mobile providers, and a prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them. For the SIM card to work, you must have a phone that is unlocked and is compatible with a GSM international cell phone.
• The sales tax rate is 15%.

Things to See and Do in Grenada

• Grenada National Museum:  Travel back in time with artifacts and exhibitions to learn about the cultural heritage and history of Grenada, from the early days of the Kalinago inhabitations up to the 20 th  century. Admission is 5 European Caribbean Dollars for adults and 2.5 for children.
• Grand Etang National Park:  Make a day trip out of this national reserve. Hike through nature trails and see lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife like armadillos, Mona monkeys, and tropical mockingbirds.
• Fort George:  If you like history, stop by this historic fortress. Built in the 18 th  century, this fortress can be reached by taking a hike up the hill to see the fortress up-close, as well as great views of the harbor and city below.
• Annandale Falls:  If you love waterfalls, come see this great waterfall. Stroll through a short nature trail and see vegetation and natural beauty before getting to the waterfall, which has a beautiful pool of water at the base. Make sure to bring a camera.
• Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park:  Diving fans will love this underwater sculpture park.One of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, you can dive, snorkel, or take a boat down into the bay to see wondrous artistic sculptures.

Grenada Travel Guides

Accommodation.

Budget:  You can find prices for budget hotels in the range of 150-320 Eastern Caribbean Dollars per night. Enjoy private rooms, free Wi-Fi, good locations, an outdoor pool, free breakfast, and a hotel restaurant.

Mid-Range:  For mid-range hotels and resorts, expect to pay between 400-700 Eastern Caribbean Dollars per night. These hotels typically come with private rooms with tea and coffee makers and minibars, a hotel restaurant, an outdoor pool, fitness centers, and great locations to nearby beaches.

High-End:  Upscale hotels and resorts can range from 950-5,500 Eastern Caribbean Dollars and beyond. Take in the best with private suites and villas, multiple hotel restaurants, spa services, beach clubs, tennis courts, scuba diving facilities, live entertainment, and more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

Food : The national dish is Oil Down, a meal made from salted meat, chicken, dumplings, breadfruit, callaloo (taro leaves), and is stewed in coconut milk and spices. Seafood is popular in Grenada. When out and about, look for treats like cocoa tea (like hot chocolate, with bay leaves and cinnamon), roti (wraps with meat or vegetables), or Grenadian spice cake. In total, expect to pay around 140 Eastern Caribbean Dollars per day for food.

The Best Ways to Get Around Grenada

Getting to grenada:.

Getting to Grenada:  The main airport to fly into is the Maurice Bishop International Airport. It is located 5 miles from St. George’s, Grenada’s capital.

Flights:   You can check for the best flights on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train:  Grenada has a Discovery Train that is built for tourists and can take you around St. George’s in 45 minutes, with stops at destinations like the museum and Fort George.

Ferries:  Taking a ferry is the best way to get to the surrounding islands of Grenada. Go from the main island to Carriacou in 90 minutes for 80 Eastern Caribbean Dollars.

Bus:  Buses are a cheap way to get around, with a typical fare being 2.50 Eastern Caribbean Dollars. The buses in Grenada are minibuses and run most days, except Sundays. You can catch one by waving it down or going to a bus stop.

Taxis:  Taxis are a good way to get around. Taxis have flat rates instead of meters, so always double check what the price will be before getting into a cab. Go from the Maurice Bishop airport to St. George’s, for example, for about 30 Eastern Caribbean Dollars. As with the bus, look for a license plate that starts with an H, so you know it’s official.

Rent a car:  To rent a car, you need to be 25 years old and have a U.S. driver’s license, as well as a local Grenada driving permit (which cost 60 Eastern Caribbean Dollars). Prices for car rentals start at 135 Eastern Caribbean Dollars per day. You can also compare  prices here

When to go To Grenada

The best time to go is December. During this month, the rainy season has mostly ended, and you can beat some of the tourist crowds (the most popular time to visit is between January and April).

If you want to reduce hotel rates, you can travel between May and November, though be aware this is Grenada’s rainy season and there can also be a chance of hurricanes.

Where to Stay in Grenada

Deyna’s City Inn :  For those on a budget who still want to experience a great stay, Denya’s City Inn is the place to be. Located in the town center of St. George’s, the inn is a short walk to Fort George and the Grenada museum. When you’re done exploring, come back to the hotel for air-conditioned rooms with sea views and the hotel restaurant and bar.

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort :  Whatever your budget, this hotel in St. George’s is a great place to stay. Choose from a variety of rooms, from standard all the way up to suites that come with whirlpool tubs and living rooms. All rooms are equipped with a kitchen and the hotel also offers an indoor and outdoor pool, a golf course, a hotel restaurant and bar, a fitness center, room service, and shuttle to the airport. This hotel is both kid and pet friendly. Grand Anse Beach is just 5 minutes away.

Spice Island Beach Resort :  Come stay at this luxury 5-star all-inclusive beach resort to see some of the best of Grenada. Rooms come with LED TVs and furnished balconies and you can enjoy numerous amenities like massage services,an outdoorpool and relaxing lounge area, room service, ocean kayaking, beachside yoga, and more.

What to Pack for Grenada

• Sunscreen:  Protect your skin from the beautiful sun with some sunscreen.
• Bathing Suit:  With so many beaches to explore, don’t forget to bring a swimsuit.
• Lightweight Clothing:  As the weather is beautiful year-round, bring clothes that aren’t too heavy.
• Sarong – We always pack sarongs, especially in the tropics. Read why here.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Grenada Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Grenada Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Grenada Click Here.

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Grenada Island

The island of Grenada is an almond-shaped, beach-rimmed gem of a place with 75 miles of coastline surrounding a lush interior, which is filled with tropical rainforest.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nutmeg Processing Cooperative

On Gouyave's main road, you can literally smell one of the most important aspects of Grenada's heritage: nutmeg. This large nutmeg processing station is a…

Underwater Sculpture Park

An underwater gallery beneath the sea, just north of St George’s in Molinière Bay. The project was founded by British artist Jason de Caires Taylor and…

Fort Frederick

Constructed by the French in 1779, Fort Frederick was soon used – paradoxically – by the British in defense against the French, although it never fired a…

Levera Beach

Backed by low, eroding sea cliffs, Levera Beach is a wild, beautiful sweep of sand that gets few visitors. Just offshore is the high, pointed Sugar Loaf…

Grenada's main resort area is a lovely long sweep of white sand fronted by turquoise water and backed by hills. It has the highest concentration of big…

River Antoine Rum Distillery

River Antoine has produced rum since 1785 and still produces in the traditional way. Tours here cover all aspects of the smoky, pungent production process…

Fort George

Grenada’s oldest fort was established by the French in 1705 and it's the centerpiece of the St George’s skyline. You can climb to the top to see the…

A scenic inlet, the Carenage is a great place for a stroll along the water’s edge, taking in the colorful fishing boats and the bustle of supplies being…

Grenada Island and beyond

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Grenada

Written by Karen Hastings Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Grenada offers an intoxicating taste of the Old Caribbean. Fragrant nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and cocoa flourish in its fertile volcanic soil, earning it the name, "the Spice Island," and the island's rich culture makes it a top choice for tourists looking for an authentic Caribbean getaway .

Lushly cloaked mountains, rainforests, plantations, and colorful seaside villages provide picturesque photo ops , and you can bask on beautiful beaches framed by frangipani and flamboyant trees.

St. George's , Grenada's capital, is one of the prettiest cities in the Caribbean, its busy harbor of Carenage bristling with sailboats. You can even island hop in Grenada — the quieter islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique lie off the island's northeast coast.

Many visitors spend their time around Grand Anse Beach , one of the best beaches in the Caribbean . This is also where you'll find some of Grenada's best resorts.

Grenada offers more things to see and do than just basking on its sun-kissed sands. Waterfalls gush in the island's interior; hiking trails thread through the lush rainforest; and coral reefs rim the coast, where you can swim, dive, snorkel, and fish. History buffs will also enjoy exploring the country's forts and museums.

For ideas on the best places to visit, read through our list of the top attractions in Grenada.

1. Grand Anse Beach

2. grenada underwater sculpture park, 3. st. george's, 4. carriacou, 5. fort george, 6. spice tours & tastings, 7. annandale falls, 8. grand etang national park & forest reserve, 9. carenage, 10. st. george's market square, 11. fort frederick, 12. morne rouge bay, 13. levera national park, 14. la sagesse, 15. petite martinique, map of tourist attractions in grenada.

Fringed by sea grapes, almond trees, and coconut palms, Grand Anse is Grenada's most famous beach. Cruise ship visitors flock to this three-kilometer arc of golden sand and gentle surf, as do families looking for a fun day at the shore.

Water hues range from clear turquoise in the shallows to deep cobalt blue, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. Many hawkers patrol the sands, but a polite "No, thank you" will keep them at bay.

If you feel like indulging in a little shopping, midway along the beach is the Grande Anse Craft and Spice Market , another popular stop for cruise ship visitors who are searching for something special to take home.

Many of the best hotels in Grenada lie along the shores of Grand Anse. Steps from the sand, Spice Island Beach Resort is one of the island's most famous boutique hotels and one of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean.

Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is a unique submerged gallery that also serves as an artificial reef in a marine protected area. It lies on the west coast of Grenada, a short drive north of St. George's at Moliniere Bay.

Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the sculptures range from Amerindian petroglyphs to life-size figures cast from local children.

Divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boat passengers can admire this underwater exhibition, although coming face-to-face with these sculptures below sea level is the best way to appreciate their artistry. Visiting this one-of-a-kind attraction is one of the most memorable things to do in Grenada. Be sure to pack a waterproof camera to get shots of the unique finds and colorful fish you'll see during your adventure.

One of the prettiest port towns in the Caribbean, St. George's curves along a horseshoe-shaped harbor backed by volcanic hills.

This colorful capital of Grenada is popular with boaters, who dock in the busy harbor, called the Carenage. Brick and stone buildings with red-tiled roofs line the streets, where locals sell spices and crafts.

Two of the main historical attractions in the city are Fort George , built by the French in the early 18th century, and Fort Frederick . Both offer beautiful views over the town and the sea.

Another one of the top things to do in St. George is visit the House of Chocolate . Here, you can browse exhibits on the local cocoa industry and sample decadent sweet treats. This is a must for chocoholics!

To soak up some local color and buy fresh tropical fruits and spices, stop by the popular Saturday morning market at St. George's Market Square .

While not technically on Grenada, the island of Carriacou (carry-a-cou), also known as the "Land of Reefs," is a beautiful day trip destination. This pretty isle lies just northeast of Grenada, an easy, 90-minute boat trip away. It is one of the most popular places to visit when on vacation in Grenada, which is why it makes our list of the area's best attractions.

Both white- and black-sand beaches fringe the coast, and coral reefs lie offshore with great opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Nearby Sandy Island , in a Marine Protected Area, is also excellent for snorkeling.

Carriacou has a number of small villages, but the main population center is Hillsborough. The Carriacou Museum here displays Carib, European, and African artifacts, and the island offers several hiking trails.

You can access Carriacou via high-speed ferry from St. George's Carenage (a 60- to 90-minute trip) or on flights from Grenada's Point Saline International Airport.

Built in 1705 by the French, Fort George lies on the promontory to the west of the harbor and is Grenada's oldest fort . It was built to protect the harbor, but stands mostly derelict today.

The main draw here is the spectacular 360-degree view across the town's red-tiled roofs and church spires to the harbor and sea beyond. You'll also spot a few of the original cannons, which are still fired on special occasions. The police headquarters currently sit on a section of the property.

Be prepared for a hot and steamy hike up a flight of stairs to reach the fort.

Address: Church Street, St. George's

Sampling fragrant spices is one of the most unique things to do in Grenada. You'll find plenty of interesting places to visit where you can learn about the spice industry and see how the plants are cultivated.

About an hour's drive from St. George's, the Belmont Estate offers a variety of tours that explore the organic farm and its tropical fruits and spices. At this 17th-century plantation, you can also learn about the cultivation of cocoa and how the fruit is made into chocolate (with tastings along the way). Serious chocoholics can sign up for a tour, which includes a scrumptious three-course lunch spotlighting chocolate in every course.

Other fun things to do here include browsing the small heritage museum and shopping for chocolate-related treats and local crafts. Children will enjoy the petting zoo and all the animal residents, including goats, donkeys, tortoises, and talking parrots.

Laura Herb & Spice Garden offers a more intimate experience. Your visit begins with a guided tour through the beautiful spice gardens, with tastings and tips on health benefits.

After all these tours, you can stock up on nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and other goodies in the on-site gift shops.

Annandale Falls plunges 10 meters into a pool tucked amid tropical foliage. It's located in the mountains north of St. George's.

The short trail to the waterfall begins at the Annandale Falls Centre. Along the way, you'll see beautiful tropical flowers and foliage, like ferns and wild ginger.

One of the highlights of a visit is watching fearless local divers leap into the water from the top — but be prepared that they may ask for a donation. You can also swim at the base of the cascades, and change rooms are available.

If you're seeking a more peaceful waterfall experience, Royal Mount Carmel Falls , on the island's east coast, is worth visiting. The hike is only about 10 minutes, and you can slide down the rocks and cool off in the crystal-clear pools.

Grand Etang National Park offers some beautiful rainforest scenery and rewarding hikes. Travelers of all ages, from families toting young children to honeymooning couples can hike these trails, and the park hosts a rich diversity of plants and animals.

One of the focal points of the park is the beautiful crater-formed Grand Etang Lake. From the Grand Etang visitor center, several trails lead through the park, ranging from the 30-minute self-guided Morne LaBaye Trail , with many specimens of native plants, to the more challenging Concord Falls Trail , which passes a trio of cascades with swimming areas.

Other popular hikes include the Shoreline Trail around the Grand Etang Lake; the Seven Sisters Falls hike; and the Mount Qua Qua Trail, a three-hour uphill trek with views over the forest. Along the trails, you can spot many species of birds, orchids, and towering rainforest trees.

The inner harbor and anchorage, known as the Carenage, is the lively hub of St. George's. This horseshoe-shaped point of interest is a lovely place to wander along the waterfront and soak up daily life.

Watch fisherman unload their catch from colorful wooden schooners, spy locals haggling for the fresh catch of the day, and witness supplies being unloaded from container ships. There is a lot of action happening at this busy attraction.

You can also browse the shops, or relax at one of the restaurants selling fresh seafood and snacks. Wharf Road runs along the harbor offering great views of the area.

While you're here, look for the bronze Christ of the Deep statue. It was donated by the owners of a luxury liner in gratitude for local rescue efforts after the ship exploded off Grand Anse.

The best time to visit St. George's Market Square is on a Saturday morning, when the market really bustles. Set in the heart of downtown, a mere block from the Cruise Ship Terminal, Market Square is home to the region's best spice market and is considered one of the city's top attractions.

This is where you'll find heaps of fresh fruits and veggies overflowing their baskets in a kaleidoscope of colors. Bring your appetite, not to mention a camera, as you'll want to enjoy these local goods in every way possible.

The earlier you arrive, the more selection you'll have, but don't worry, there's no shortage of tasty and creative things on sale here. From spices to papaya to jewelry and touristy kitsch, you're sure to find something to excite your inner shopaholic.

Fort Frederick offers stunning views of St. George's and the sea. You'll find it at the end of winding hairpin turns atop Richmond Hill.

The fort has an interesting history. The French began construction of Fort Frederick in 1779, and the British then completed it in 1791. It is nicknamed the "backwards facing fort" because its cannons face inland instead of out to sea, thanks to the French who feared a surprise land attack after they used this successful strategy with the British. In 1850, the fort was abandoned completely until it was later occupied by the Grenadian military.

A small entrance fee gives you access to the site, but the views are worth it.

Morne Rouge Bay is usually a quieter alternative to Grand Anse Beach. It's located one bay south of Grand Anse, near the southern tip of Grenada. Calm, jade-green seas slosh upon this one-and-a-half-kilometer crescent of white sand making this one of the safest beaches in Grenada for swimming .

Bring the kids along for a family-friendly day by the sea or settle on the sand with your loved one for an amorous couples' day out. No matter who you're traveling with, you won't be disappointed by a few hours spent at this lovely beach!

Resort restaurants along the beach offer snacks, and the lush foliage fringing the beach provides plenty of shady areas to sit and relax. You can also rent sun loungers here, as well as paddleboards and snorkel equipment.

Levera National Park, on the northeastern shore of the island, offers some beautiful and dramatic scenery where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic.

You'll find some inviting, relatively undeveloped beaches here. Backed by cliffs, coral-sand Bathway Beach offers pretty views of the pointy-peaked Sugar Loaf (Levera Island) and other islands in the distance, while a natural offshore reef affords good protection for swimming. This means it's an ideal beach for families with young children to spend a day.

Levera Beach is also pretty, with less visitors than Bathway. Sea turtles frequently nest on the beaches here.

Also of interest is Levera Pond , a water-filled, ancient volcanic crater and an important habitat for birds such as black-necked stilts and herons.

Stop by the visitor center at the entrance to the park before you visit to find out more about these important habitats.

On the Atlantic side of the island, La Sagesse lies on the former estate of Lord Brownlow, Queen Elizabeth's cousin. His beachside residence has been renovated and turned into a romantic hotel and restaurant fronting a golden-sand beach, with great swimming in the protected bay.

The restaurant here is a lovely spot for lunch, with locally caught seafood dishes and produce plucked fresh from the organic garden. After lunch, you can explore the nature trails that lead up through the windswept hills, with pretty views over the ocean.

The area is also great for birding. Many avian species make their home in the area's scrub forests, mangroves, and salt ponds. This is a fun day trip far from the crowds on the well-trodden tourist track.

Five kilometers northeast of Carriacou, Petite Martinique is even quieter than its neighbor and equally beautiful. Fishing is the mainstay of this tiny island, and you can watch the locals haul in their catch, or stroll along the beaches and chat with boat builders as they work.

This is truly an island getaway, with few tourist facilities except a couple of guesthouses and family-run restaurants, but you'll find plenty of local color. Many boaters stop here to dine at one of the island's restaurants or hike up the piton, the island's highest peak, for fabulous views.

From Carriacou, you can catch a ferry or water taxi across to the island.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Island Hopping : Want to combine a visit to Grenada with some other Caribbean islands? Just to the north of Grenada lies St. Vincent and the Grenadines , a spectacular chain of emerald islands, where sailing and other water sports are among the top things to do. North of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia is another classic Caribbean beauty, with lush volcanic peaks and luxury resorts.

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Travel advice for grenada - the best caribbean island.

Grenada Explorer covers all travel & tourism related information about our unspoiled Caribbean island.

• Step inside and discover what Grenada has to offer. Use our Caribbean island travel guide to learn about the best accommodation in Grenada .
• Featuring a wide variety of hotels & resorts , guest houses , and vacation rental listings with photos, rates and all the necessary details to book your vacation.
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• Don't miss our information packed Grenada travel blog ... and take a peek at the webcams too!
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Visit Grenada Explorer and then visit Grenada - the Isle of Spice!

The 15 Best Things to Do In Grenada – the Spice Island of the Caribbean!

Visiting Grenada

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Grenada for the first time. Grenada and the Grenadines is a small trio of islands in the Caribbean , near the West Indies and quite far south nearer to South America than Florida.

I spent a total of five days on the island, staying right on Grand Anse beach and filled the days with sun, sand and relaxation.

In today’s post, I’m sharing all the best things to do in Grenada!

Quick jump to:

• Fun Things to Do
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Popular Tours and Day Trips

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The Best Things to Do in Grenada

While researching for the trip, I didn’t find much out there. I’m not quite sure why Grenada doesn’t seem to receive much traffic (it also gets often confused for Granada , Spain) but now having been, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

The island is perfect for diving and sailing while on the interior, Grenada boasts a lush national park and rain forest  so you get a great mix of beach and jungle – which was fascinating to me.  Most people seem to do a quick day stopover aboard a Caribbean cruise ship but I also noticed lots of British expats with homes on the island!

Here are just some of the amazing things to do on Grenada!

1. Swim on Grand Anse Beach

Most of the luxury hotels in Grenada are located along Grand Anse, a beautiful beach with lush palm trees, soft white sand and gentle waves.

Our hotel, the Radisson Grand Anse , had some of the most beautiful landscaping that I’ve ever seen and lots of waterfall pools, swim up pools, bridges and hammocks.

It was a paradise that we didn’t want to leave! You can read a full review of the property in our earlier  blog post here .

Beaches in Grenada are public so you’ll find lots of locals relaxing, tanning and swimming! It’s such a fun atmosphere and you can even walk into some of the other hotel properties if you want to snorkel, rent a boat or scuba dive .

2. Eat Authentic Jerk Chicken

For the best local food, head to ‘Wall Street’ a small strip of restaurants and stores. There you’ll find a Caribbean Grill Master restaurant with amazing jerk chicken, kebabs, Carib beer and ice cream smoothies!

Our advice?

Ask for an ice cream milkshake combining chocolate and nutmeg. Grenada is known as the ‘Spice Island’ since it exports so many rich spices, including rich dark chocolate cacao beans and nutmeg. The shake is delicious!!

3. Explore St. George

The bustling capital of St. George is a great spot to have lunch and do a short walking tour. Walk uphill (bring sturdy travel shoes ) to see the  Carenage , fort, market and churches. From the  Radisson   (or any hotel on Grand Anse beach), it’s a short 15 minute drive into town.

Fort George sits above the town center, originally built for strategic fortification to guard the harbor entrance. This is a great spot for a good view and to take some pictures of the colorful houses below!

To get to St. George, you can take a taxi but we thought it was more fun to hop on the crazy, loud and fun local minibuses (bus #1) to get to Saint George’s. The minivans stop right outside the hotel on the main road every couple minutes.

Or, if you want a complete experience, book this guided tour of St. George that includes an English speaking guide as well as trips to a spice plantation and distillery! You’ll get round trip transportation taken care of and even get to taste Grenada’s local specialties: rum and chocolate !

4. Try Local Fruits like Soursup

In St. George, there’s a small mall near the cruise dock where you can pick up some souvenirs.

Don’t miss the delicious frozen fruit smoothie stand where they whip up fruit smoothies of every kind. Try the  soursup  smoothie if you’re adventurous (it’s been studied and found to help fight cancer!)

5. Climb Seven Sisters Waterfall

In Grenada’s center, you’ll find Grand Etang volcanic lake and rainforest trails. We took a hike to see Seven Sisters waterfall which was a challenging uphill climb!

6. Visit Concord Waterfall

Next, we took a second visit to Concord Falls, which is much more easily accessible by car. If you have time it’s fun to do both – Seven Sisters is more remote and feels like you’ve stumbled on a local hideout while Concord waterfall is a larger singular fall with some tourist infrastructure.

7. Swim in Annandale Falls

Finally, Grenada has a third waterfall, Annandale Falls, a picturesque grotto where 30 feet of water cascades down into a small pool. For convenience, we booked an all day tour  that included a drive to take us around to all these picturesque waterfalls! 

8. Visit River Antoine Rum Factory

Almost every Caribbean island produces great rum, and Grenada is no exception!

River Antoine Rum Distillery dates back to 1785. It gets its name from the River Antoine, and is the oldest functioning water powered distillery left in the Caribbean! Despite the factory being ancient enough to be an antique, it remains a working distillery today. 

We loved tasting the rum here – in small doses though, because this stuff is 75% proof! The strong rum is only available in Grenada so pick up a couple bottles as souvenirs for friends and family back home who love the potent stuff.

The factory is located on Grenada’s northeast coast, in the parish of St. Patrick, so it’s convenient to include this as part of an all day tour of the island. 

9. Tour a Nutmeg Plant

I really enjoyed the island drive as you get to see how diverse and lush Grenada is.

Mangoes and banana trees sprout right on the side of the road, footpaths are overgrown with tiny pineapple shrubs and beautiful inland mansions and old shells of houses remain from Hurricane Ivan.

Don’t leave the Spice Island without a proper spice tour.

We visited a nutmeg plant , all locally operated, and learned about all of the island’s main agricultural exports. Nutmeg is one of Grenada’s top spice exports and is used in everything from your basic seasoning to mace, massage oil, syrup… even garden mulch and nail varnish!

Local nutmeg plants are a main employer on the island and all the employees were incredibly friendly.

10. Stop by the Chocolate Museum

Come here to learn about the island’s most delicious dark chocolate export. There’s artisan chocolate pieces for sale and ice cream shakes as well.

We bought a ton of chocolate bars to take home – my favorites are the salty-licious 71% dark chocolate and the nib-a-licious 60% dark bars!

11. Go Scuba Diving

You definitely have to take advantage of the island’s pristine diving waters and spend a morning or two underneath the sea.

We scuba dived every morning of our trip, exploring different reefs each time and couldn’t get enough! We saw turtles, lots of local reef fish and the world’s only underwater sculpture park, all of which were a treat.

Some of Grenada’s most popular dive sites include:

• Purple Rain
• Flamingo Bay
• Bianca C Wreck

Monday through Friday seemed to be the touristy days, and frequent stops are made to the  Underwater Sculpture Park  (the first in the world!) where you can see sunken sculptures and local reef life intertwined.

Advanced divers probably want to dive on the weekend, where the expats and locals take diving seriously and head to deeper waters like Grenada wreck sites. We’ve mentally bookmarked them for when we get our advanced certification!

For our full diving experience, you can read this post about  scuba diving in Grenada .

12. Go Sailing

There are many charter options in Grenada available for hire and most opt for a one way cruise southward starting from St Lucia and ending in Grenada, in order to travel windward.

13. Hop over to Carriacou Island & Petite Martinique

If you have a week or longer, budget some time to hop over to neighboring Carriacou island to explore for a couple days.

The easiest way to is fly (flights are offered daily from the main island to Carriacou and Petite Martinique) but there are also daily ferry options and the slower mail boats, which can go to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

14. Have Lunch at Belmont Estate

Belmont Heritage Estate is a historic cocoa plantation that dates back to the 1700s.

The large property includes a museum and a modern day restaurant. Take a guided tour to learn about the original Scottish owners, present day Grenadian owners and relax long enough to enjoy lunch !

15. Experience Fish Friday

We didn’t get to try this, but we heard about it often from locals and wished we had!

Fish Friday takes place (you guessed it) every Friday in the town of Gouyave, a small village on Grenada’s west coast. The town is well known for its seafood and is the fishing hub of Grenada.

Book transportation here to take you into the street festival, wander the food stalls and listen to the live music! Fish Friday is a Grenadian tradition so it’s a great way to mingle and experience the local culture.

What kind of food can you expect? Freshly caught seafood like lobster, conch and shrimp, jerked marlin, fish cakes and refreshing beers. 

Best Time to Visit Grenada

The steamy tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds for a year round balmy climate. I spoke to locals who recommended January to April as the driest and best time to visit (rainy season occurs from June to November).

Though if you’re looking to experience a Caribbean party like no other, the raucous August Carnival is a brilliant time to be in Grenada.

From New York City, you can easily hop on a direct flight to Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, making it an easy destination to visit, whether you have a long weekend or a full week! Set a flight alert here to be notified of deals.

One thing we recommend is to book your transportation in advance. When we landed, we were immediately swarmed by taxi operators as we left the airport and we didn’t have any local currency to pay them. Grenada uses Eastern Caribbean dollars – try to exchange currency in advance if you can!

If you want a seamless arrival and departure, you can book a taxi private comfortable transfer here to pick you up and drop you off directly to your hotel. They’ll pick up from both the airport and cruise terminal, so it’s really convenient!

Where to Stay in Grenada

The best place to stay in Grenada is on Grand Anse Beach . It’s centrally located on the island and where you’ll find all the high end resorts. The capital is a short drive away, while the beach is at your feet! For more of a secluded feel, head south to Morne Rouge.

Radisson Grenada  

We stayed here and loved every second! It’s nothing fancy, but it is clean and comfortable and has extensive lush grounds as well as a prime spot right on the beach. It’s near the top of the hotel strip, so you’re within walking distance to restaurants, scuba schools and bus pick ups to head into the capital.

Check rates:  Booking.com , Hotels.com  

Read: Our Review ,  TripAdvisor

Other fantastic hotels in Grenada:

This hotel was right next door to the Radisson and where we walked over each morning to the  EcoDive scuba shop . We didn’t see the rooms, but the grounds were similar to the Radisson’s and also had beachfront access.

Check rates: Booking.com , Hotels.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

Sandals La Source  

This luxury resort down south in Morne Rouge. This property is much more secluded and close to some beautiful scuba diving spots. It’s also quite popular with honeymooners and romantic couple getaways!

Check rates: Booking.com | Read reviews: TripAdvisor

Getting Around

Grenada is a truly beautiful island and quite unique in the Caribbean in that is has a rainforest interior and beach exterior. You could spend your entire trip laying out on the beach, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least see the waterfalls, spice plantations and beautiful estates in the interior!

If you want to experience as much as possible, within a limited period of time, it’s easiest to book a tour. This is what we did to see Grenada’s interior and what we would definitely recommend for cruise visitors.

Here’s a couple of the most popular tours in Grenada:

Grenada All Day Tour 

This full day tour will show you everything beautiful that there is to experience in Grenada. With round trip transportation from your hotel or cruise ship, you’ll tour St George, a spice plantation, the River Antoine rum distillery and also visit Concord Waterfall and Grand Etang rainforest .

If you’re only in Grenada for a short time, there’s no better way to get a complete picture of the island than this! We did this tour and especially loved learning about Grenada’s history, sampling rum and tasting local chocolate.

Check availability and rates here .

7 Sisters Waterfall

Grenada’s waterfalls feel blissfully un-touristy. They’re hidden deep on the island’s lush interior and surrounded by green forest, local vegetables and muddy climbing paths. A great way to experience Grenada properly is to see 7 sisters waterfall and Concord Waterfalls , especially if you enjoy hiking!

Belmont Estate Heritage Tour

Belmont is a working cocoa plantation . The rural site is home to a historic museum, cocoa bean fermentary and a great lunch buffet! The food is always fresh, delicious and authentically Grenadian.

Local Transportation in Grenada

On the other hand, if you prefer to stay at your all inclusive resort and just want a short half day trip to see St. George, you can take advantage of the local minibus. #1 passes between the beach strip and the capital and is what the locals use!

The pick up is right in front of the Radisson, so it’s convenient if you’re staying at the hotel.

Note : this is a bumpy ride in a local minivan. It gets crowded, wasn’t air-conditioned and the drivers often like to blast music. We took it a couple times and thought it was fun, but it probably isn’t the transportation mode for everyone. All the locals are friendly and it’s definitely safe.

Is Grenada on your Caribbean bucket list?

Visiting St George, Grenada – Travel Checklist

We took a direct flight from New York into Maurice Bishop International airport (GND) via Jet Blue. For any Caribbean destination, Jet Blue offers competitive fares – you can check for  flight deals here .

If you’re visiting Grenada for the beach, stay right on Grand Anse Beach. This is the best part of the beach and the most scenic place to stay – it’s also where all the hotels tend to concentrate! You can spend all day at the resort and beach, or head into town. Book accommodation in advance  to save.

Lastly, be sure to visit Grenada with  travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a  quote for your trip here .

Grenada Vacation Planning Articles

11 Can’t Miss Activities in Grenada

Scuba Diving in the World’s First Underwater Sculpture Park

Beachfront Living at the Radisson Grenada

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Our trip to Grenada was hosted by the Grenada Tourism Board. Our decision to write this post and all opinions within are our own.

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How gorgeous! I love all these photos and love your outfits! Especially the off the shoulder dress and the eyelet dress. Thanks for the helpful travel tips too, I can’t want to go back to the Caribbean!

That water is beautiful! :) I’m definitely adding this to my bucket list!

This will be in my list. I like to travel on new places. Great that you mentioned… Its good to travel in april as its my birthday month.

Hi Ashley, so glad you liked it! Hope you get to do something fun for your birthday :)

Nice pics and guide, thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks Julian! Glad you enjoyed

I like your list of things to do.

I had never given Grenada much thought, but it looks beautiful! Added to my bucket list!

Well spent days in a lovely place. Each shot you have is stunning.

Grenada looks great. I think the Caribbean is somewhere that could do with being visited!

Totally Tom! Especially if you enjoy water sports, Grenada is pristine

Grenada looks amazing! I’ve been to the Caribbean but never here before. These pics make me really want to go.

Thanks Nathan! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos enough to consider a trip

I absolutely LOVE Grenada but have only been there by cruise ship. I have been thinking about going back for about a year now so this article is timely and gave me good advice about where to stay. I loved the spice tour but unfortunately after a stop to the rum factory with 110-180 proof rums, I don’t remember much about the rest of the stop. ;)

I have been to quite a few Caribbean islands, but not to Grenada, so I really enjoyed your detailed report and all the useful suggestions.

holy cow, i think i need to take a trip to grenada. looks like paradise and not too intense with the resorts like cuba and domincan. looks like you had a phenomenal time and the food looks super yummy.

yay you visited the underwater sculptures with our besties at Eco – Dive – great call ? Worth mentioning for those that can’t dive that you can snorkel the site too with Eco – Dive or combination it with a powerboat adventure with us. Hope we see you next time you visit our beautiful spicetastic island.

Oh my god you went to paradise! That place looks amazing, especially that falls by the pool in your hotel, gorgeous! But the real life falls, Concord is much more beautiful. I’m sold, I am going to visualize myself in the Caribbean so I can go there too.

I’m excited this post is out as I wonder how Grenada is from your instagram photos :) Such a haven in paradise, a great getaway from the US! And love how your dresses match up the tropical weather and island.

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Wow this is awesome. We’d love for you to visit the resort whenever you are back in Grenada.

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Thinking of going here soon.

How affordable is Grenada compared to other spots like Mexico/ Jamaica Bahamas?

Also, I’m a vegetarian— do you think it will be a struggle?

I enjoyed reading your blog. I have to really take a look at Grenada, love the islands, have recently been to Curacao and loved it. Thanks for the great insights.

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Grenada   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Flavio Vallenari | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Grenada

The best time to visit Grenada is December. This single month is sandwiched between the departure of the rainy season and the arrival of the winter crowds, making this the best time of year to score both sunshine and sales. Like the rest of the Caribbean, Grenada experiences a surge in tourism from January through April, when the weather in the U.S. and the U.K. is at its gloomiest. You can expect both airfare and room rates to rise during this peak season. Summer and fall usher in regular rainfall and the constant threat of hurricanes, but if you're willing to risk a bout of bad weather, you'll find hotel rates discounted up to 40 percent.

Weather in Grenada

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Grenada

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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20 Reasons Why Visiting Grenada is Totally Worth It

You’ve been to Jamaica, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands but what about Grenada? You may be wondering if it’s worth visiting Grenada. I wondered the same thing so delved into research mode and discovered hundreds of reasons to visit Grenada. This article covers just the top 20 to get you started.

I’ve been to many of the popular, well-known touristy Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, St. Martin, the US Virgin Islands, and the Mexican Caribbean but not to the ones further east and south. 

Grenada caught my attention because it has all the wonderful things the Caribbean has to offer all in one tiny little island including amazing geography to explore (ocean, sea, beaches, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers), warm & friendly local people to meet, rich history to learn, unique food and drink to consume, surrounding islands to hop to, a variety of accommodations to please any traveler, and so much more. 

Where is Grenada Located, anyway?

Before we get into the reasons why Grenada is worth visiting, I thought you might like to know where it’s located. I know I would!

Grenada is located in the eastern Caribbean and as far south as the Caribbeans go – aside from the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao). If you’re like me, you need some reference points and a visual.  If you were flying to Grenada, it’s about 1529 miles from Miami and only 515 miles from Venezuela.

For details about Grenada’s location, check out my article Where is Grenada Located?

Grenada is actually comprised of more than 20 islands with the main island of Grenada being the largest followed by Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Compared to other Caribbean nations, it’s tiny with a mere 130 square miles and less than 115,000 calling Grenada home. 

Check out my articles describing all the tiny islands of Grenada Number of Islands in Grenada including the Tiny Ones. You’ll be amazed!

If you’re ready for a fresh destination, let’s dig into the 20 reasons why I think Grenada is worth visiting. 

When someone mentions the Caribbean , where does your mind go? To beaches of course! Grenada does not disappoint in the beaches department. All of the beaches are public. Even if a resort seems to consume the length of a particular beach it’s required to allow the public access to it.

With 45 beaches along Grenada’s shorelines, you’re sure to find one that suits (pun intended) you. Below I’ve listed a few of the more popular ones and a description of each.

Bathway Beach

• Grand Anse  Beach

La Sagesse Beach

Levera Beach

Magazine Beach

• Morne Rouge  Beach

Paradise Beach

Petite Anse Beach

Pink Gin Beach

Sauteurs Beach

Located on the northeastern side of the island Bathway beach is somewhat hidden but still easily accessible. It hosts a quiet bay area suitable for small children but in general, the waters can be a bit rough, especially during the winter when the winds kick up. On the weekends, locals like to spend time at Bathway Beach but during the week it becomes virtually deserted so you can enjoy it almost by yourself.  It’s especially appealing to those that enjoy a bit more solitude without the hustle and bustle of restaurants and bars like the other beaches.

Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse Beach is the main island’s most popular beach with serene and calm conditions all the time and soft white sand that stretches for 2 miles. This beach is also one that many travelers identify as the most beautiful one in Grenada. The beach is located on the southwestern side of the island, where most of the hotels and resorts are located rendering an active and busy vibe. Beachside bars and restaurants can be found along Grand Anse.

La Sagesse Beach is a calm and shallow cove located on the southeastern part of the island. It’s a very quiet area but you can still enjoy food and drinks at the nearby La Sagesse Nature Centre. Rumor has it that if you venture along a path by the southern tip you’ll find a more remote beach.

Beautiful semi-private beach on the northern side of the island with a full view of Sugar Island. Renting a 4×4 vehicle is recommended to cross the rough terrain that leads you to this beach.  From the shore, you can spot nearby Sandy Island and Green Island. Levera Beach is where many of the turtles come to nest and hatch their eggs between March and July.

Magazine Beach is also located on the southwestern side of Grenada, north of Pink Gin and south of Morne Rouge. Check this one out if you like a quieter environment yet are still close to the action.

Morne Rouge Beach

Morne Rouge Beach also has very calm conditions as it’s contained within a bay on the southwestern side of the island, south of Grand Anse Beach. Families with children like to spend time on this beach because of its tranquil nature. This beach also has an array of bars and restaurants to enjoy.

Located on the west shoreline of Carriacou, Paradise Beach is Carriacou’s most popular beach and is appropriately named. Travelers that have ventured onto the beach describe it as a breathtaking paradise with calm turquoise-blue water and soft white sand.  If you’re looking for a local vibe with restaurants and beachside bars on a not-so-crowded beach, Paradise is for you. If you want to head over to the beach you can easily take a water taxi from Grenada.  

Petite Anse Beach is situated on the north side of Grenada. It’s a palm-lined beach that is a sight to behold, but travelers have reported it not an ideal location for swimming as it’s often windy and the waves can be choppy.

Sandals Resort is located on Pink Gin Beach on the Southwest coast of the main island of Grenada. Pink Gin Beach has soft white sand and crystal blue calm water from the breakwater that surrounds the beach. The gentle waves are ideal for water activities.  

Not as popular as the others but just as gorgeous. Check it out for a more private experience. Also located on the northern side of the island but has easier access than Levera Beach (no 4×4 required).

For bicycling enthusiasts, pedaling around the island can be a great way to explore. Imagine taking in Grenada’s amazing geography and nature at your leisure – while working off all those Rum Runners you’ve been enjoying on the beach.

The main city roads are rough, there isn’t a shoulder and traffic can get busy so many recommend you avoid them. 

Outside the main city areas (i.e. St. Georges) you can bike on the roads and paths along the coasts. Obtaining a bike route map or joining a tour is recommended so you don’t get lost, are able to maximize your time while on the bike, and see the key locations. 

Several businesses on the island rent mountain bikes for exploring and offer tours. If you check with your hotel you may find they rent bikes as well.

Bicycling around Carriacou is a popular activity as well. The tiny island offers similar geography as the main island of Grenada but is significantly less traveled so biking on the city roads becomes a less harrowing proposition. 

Birdwatching

Grenada is a hidden gem when it comes to bird watching. All three main islands – Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, offer 182 bird species to observe. 

Many of the birds you may encounter are also rare species as well as a few endangered ones. According to Avibase – The World Database, below are the vulnerable, near-threatened, and endangered birds you could observe in Grenada:

And wouldn’t it be a thrill to see a species that is endemic to Grenada? There are 3 including:

• Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi)
• Grenada Flycatcher (Myarchus nugator)
• Lesser Antillean Tanager (Tangara cucullata)

Serious bird watchers will have the following places on their travel itinerary while visiting Grenada:  

• Hartman National Park
• La Sagesse Nature-Center
• Levera Mangrove Wetland
• Lake Antoine
• High North National Park
• Grand Etang Lake and National Park – Check out my article Why Grand Etang Lake is a Must See on your Next Trip to Grenada
• Palmiste Lake

A few island tour operators offer birdwatching expeditions including Tropical Adventures .

Before you go, be sure to pick up one of our recommended bird-watching books specifically for the Caribbean / West Indies region. You can check them out here . 

Grenada is one of the southernmost islands in the Caribbean so enjoys ideal temperatures year-round. In fact, the average year-round temperature is 81 – even in January when some of the northern Caribbean islands are still in the 70s (e.g. the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexican Caribbean).

The northeast trade winds add to the comfort of the climate, especially when the humidity begins to rise in the summertime.  

It’s the Caribbean, so of course, sunshine is abundant – more in the dry season (8 hours a day) and only 1 hour less in the rainy season.

Unlike the northern more popular islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, and more, Grenada see significantly fewer hurricanes. Based on the National Hurricane Center’s historical data, Grenada is only likely to encounter a hurricane during two of the six months that comprise the hurricane season (June – November).  Those months are August and September.

In the past 100 years, Grenada has experienced three major hurricane hits. Compare that with other Caribbean islands (see the table that follows) and it becomes evident Grenada is safer from hurricanes than most of the other islands.  Hurricanes got your attention? You may be interested in my article Do Hurricanes Hit Grenada + What You Must Know Before Going?

Note: For the larger islands I selected just an area instead of the entire island so the comparison is more equitable (i.e. one could argue the larger islands have been hit more because they have more surface area). 

Hurricane Hits in the past 100 years

From a weather safety standpoint, Grenada is ideal for a getaway during the hurricane season – especially if exploring waterfalls is on your list since they are flowing at their peak during this time. 

Grenada and its sister islands of the Lesser Antilles formed millions of years ago as a result of underwater volcano eruptions. When an oceanic volcanic erupts it builds up lava and ash eventually results in the formation of an island diverse in geography with mountains, waterfalls, valleys, rainforests, rivers, lakes and coastlines. A hiker’s dream.

Characteristics of islands formed by volcanoes are mountainous regions, valleys, and lakes of craters. 

For a relatively tiny island, Grenada has an impressive 22 mountains ranging in height from 680 feet (Mount D’Or) to 2,755 feet (Mount Saint Catherine). 

The warm, sunny climate and rich volcanic soil create the perfect environment for forests, foliage and flowers to grow.  And the rainy season provides for the island’s lush rainforest.

Hiking and nature lovers are able to explore the island in pure, natural and beautiful surroundings. 

If you’re up for the challenge, Grenada offers you mountain and river hikes to enjoy a birdseye view of the island or the top of a rushing waterfall. (More on waterfalls later – it deserves a section of its own!).

If a level saunter is more your speed, the island offers coastal or lake walks or even a jaunt through the village.

A dozen or so tour operators are on hand to guide you through the island should you decide to go. 

Prior to the 14th century, groups of indigenous people inhabited the island of Grenada. They are referred to by many names including Arawaks, Caribs, Siboney, and Kalinago. The latter was what they called themselves so I will too. 

As history marched on, the French and British battled it out to gain control of Grenada. The French succeeded in that fight and quickly turned its sights on the Kalinago launching attacks on them until they were eventually exterminated. 

But the Kalinago fought hard and fierce never succeeding to the French – to the point where they literally jumped off a cliff edge to their deaths rather than surrender. This location was named “Le Morne des Sauteurs” by the French, which translates to Leaper’s Hill. 

Today, Leaper’s Hill is a popular historical spot for locals and tourists to visit. 

Until Grenada achieved independence in1974, the citizens have been under Spanish, French, and British rule.  Today, Grenada is an independent nation with a constitutional monarchy, meaning a Prime Minister is local and reports up to the head of state – currently Queen Elizabeth II. 

In 1983, at the request of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States ( OECS ), the US invaded Grenada to help settle the unrest created by a militant group that killed 16 people, including Maurice Bishop, a popular revolutionary that was in power at the time.

OK, super over-generalization of the nation’s history and a ton of inadvertent omissions. The truth is, I’m not a historical expert but I do love to take in the history of the islands I visit. Hopefully, you get my point which is Grenada has much to offer the history buffs. 

Grenada has had a long and interesting history. Many important events occurred over the years. Today Grenadians and tourists can explore destinations and artifacts that have been preserved to ensure the history is never forgotten.

Areas of particular interest include:

• Amerindian petroglyphs at Mt Rich and Duquesne
• The Belmont Estate
• The River Antoine Rum Distillery
• Grenada National Museum
• Carriacou Museum
• Fort George
• Richmond Hill
• Fort Frederick
• The Douglaston Estate
• Westerhall Estate & Rum Distillery
• River Antoine Rum Distillery
• Leaper’s Hill

Island Hopping

Traveling to a Caribbean island is an amazing experience. If you’ve ever visited one or more nearby islands on your trip you’ve exponentially enhanced your experience. 

Caribbean islands have many similarities – loads of sunshine and beaches – but they also have unique attributes as well including the culture, history, geography, reefs, other underwater gems and much, much more! This is why island hopping has become so popular. 

Island Hopping: Travel from one island to another, especially as a tourist in an area of small islands. Oxford Dictionary

Grenada is an ideal location to island-hop from or to because it’s a small island surrounded by more small islands. In fact, the nation of Grenada is comprised of 20 islands in total. Three larger islands – Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique –  and 17 smaller islands.

Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited but offer breathtaking scenery and beaches of your dreams. Below is a list of the smaller islands around the main island – Grenada:

• Diamond Island 
• Ronde Island 
• Caille Island (aka Ile de Caille) 
• Frigate Island 
• Large Island 
• Green Island 
• Sugar Island 
• Sandy Island 
• Hog Island – Learn how easy it is to get to Hog Island in my article Why Grenadas’s Hog Island is Hog Heaven and How to Get There
• Calivigny Island 
• Marquis Island 
• Saline Island 
• Glover Island 

And more islands around Carriacou and Petit Martinique:

• Jack-A-Dan Island
• Sandy Island
• Mabouya Island
• Fota Island
• Petit Dominique Island
• Mushroom Island
• White Island
• Saline Island
• Frigate Island
• Large Island

Between ferry shuttles services and local Caribbean airlines, getting from one island nation to another is becoming easier and easier. It’s even possible to charter your own flights.

The islands surrounding the country are also high on travelers’ bucket lists and many are accessible from Grenada either directly or with a quick stop on Barbados.  Here are a few to get you started:

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines – I detailed 5 Ways to Get From Grenada to St. Vincent in this article !

Music & Dance 

Grenada has a rich and diverse history which it expresses in many forms including their music and dance. Its traditional music and dance is a culmination of historical influences from West Africa, Spanish, French and British cultures as well as more modern influences from neighboring islands. 

According to the Grenada Cultural Foundation , “popular music of Grenada are calypso music, soca music and to a lesser extent Reggae and Dancehall. Soca produced in Grenada has a distinct style taking on the name of ‘jab jab’ soca”.

Carriacou is known for its Big Drum Afro-Caribbean song-style. The goatskin drum is central to their traditional music and as you might imagine, mimics the rhythm of an Africa tribe.

Carriacou and to a lesser extent, the main island of Grenada, hold annual music festivals where history and freedom are celebrated through music and dance.

• Maroon & String Bank Music Festival has its roots in Africa & Scotland, is celebrated on Carriacou, and includes the Big Drum Dance.
• Pure Grenada Music Festival is a 3-day festival taking place in May each year held near the Port Louis Marina.
• Shortly we’ll discuss the big festivals – Grenada Spice Mas’ and Carriacou Carnival.

National Parks

Nature lovers are in for a treat when visiting Grenada. The country is serious about conserving and preserving the natural beauty of its islands by implementing policies that protect and conserve resources for their national parks, forest reserves, and seascapes. 

As a result, local citizens and tourists have a variety of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Grenada. You can visit the national parks every day and there’s no charge – except Grand Etang which charges a few dollars. Hike your way through the forests, rainforests, up the mountains, and through the countryside. 

Stop to swim in the waterfalls, enjoy the birds-eye views, marvel at the wildlife, or just hike around to work off all those rum runners you’ve been having on the beach!

Off the Beaten Path

If you’ve traveled all over the Caribbean like me, you may be looking for something new and different. Grenada offers that and more. 

Be honest, does another trip to Jamaica, the Bahamas or the Dominican Republic really fill you with wonderment and excitement about what you may experience? Probably not if you’ve been there already. Don’t get me wrong, toes in the soft, white sand looking out over the turquoise waters is always a thrill (and where I prefer to be) but wouldn’t you like to experience somewhere new, different and off the beaten path?

Off the Beaten Path:  somewhere that is out of the way or out of a central, popular or touristy area. Your Dictionary

In 2018 over ½ million people visited Grenada so it’s not exactly an unknown destination. At the same time, it’s not Jamaica which welcomed almost 6x as many people as Grenada. In fact, more and more travelers are discovering the wonders that Grenada offers. 

With all of the things to do on the island, there’s something that will please everyone in your travel group.

Grenadians – The People

Friendly, inviting, charming, positive, and helpful. Those are the words most used to describe the people of Grenada. Perhaps it’s their laid back lifestyle or the awareness that tourism helps to drive their economy. Either way, who wouldn’t want to vacation around local people that appreciate you and welcome you as their guest?

River Tubing

For the adventurous, or just difficult to please travel companions (teenagers anyone?) Grenada has several tour operators that offer the thrill of tubing down the Balthazar River, also known as Grenada’s Great River.   

If it’s a particularly hot or humid day, beat the heat and experience the interior of the island meandering down the Balthazar River. Take in the tropical vegetation and wildlife as you head down (or splash down, depending on the time of year) the river until you reach the part of the river that empties into the Atlantic Ocean – the Great River Bay 

Rum Distilleries

Island nations throughout the Caribbean are known for a long tradition of rum making. With Grenada’s excellent conditions for growing the popular drink’s primary ingredient, sugar cane, it too has been in the rum-making business for a long time. 

One of the most popular rum distilleries on the island, River Antoine Rum, still makes its white rum using the same methods it did in 1785 when it first opened its doors. The 26’ tall water wheel is still powered by water channeled by the river and is ultimately used to power the equipment that crushes the sugar cane to extract the cane juice. 

Visitors have said you’d think you stepped back in time when touring the facility as not much has changed – the equipment, methods, and building remain much the same.  

With a minimum alcohol volume of a whopping 75% (150 proof) you can’t take this particular strength home with you – it far exceeds TSA’s limits.  

River Antoine isn’t the only distillery making rum and offering tours on the island, there are two others – Clarke’s Court Estate and Westerhall Rum Distillery. 

The islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique have a rich history in boat building.  Perhaps that’s why Grenada has always been a friend to sailors. Sheltered bays and marinas are available for those traveling to Grenada on their own boat

There’s no shortage of marinas on Grenada including the following world-class marinas:

• Le Phare Bleu Marina
• Prickly Bay 

If you didn’t arrive on a boat, maybe you’re interested in taking in the Grenada coast, bays or one of the tiny islands (e.g. Sandy, Hog or Calivigny). No worries. You’ll have your pick of excursion operators and types of boat from the catamaran, trimaran, traditional wooden sloop, and even a wooden schooner.  

Grenada takes its sailing seriously. Check out these annual events that the locals share with the people they attract worldwide. 

• Grenada Sailing Week is a 5-day regatta hosted by Grenada at the end of January / early February each year. Sailing enthusiasts from all over the world come for this festival which includes yacht racing, live music, food & drinks, a workboat regatta, a swimming gala, and kayak racing. Hey, visiting Grenada in February? Check out the other cool things going on – February Festivals and Events in Grenada .
• Carriacou Regatta Festival is another popular event held each year in the middle of summer ( (End of July / Beginning of August). In fact, it’s the largest festival of its kind int he region. For 5-7 days there are races for a variety of classes including yacht, sloop, long open boat and traditional workboats.  It’s a big party with races during the day and live entertainment, food, drink, dancing, and fireworks in the evening.

Some less traditional activities to be enjoyed include donkey-racing, walking the greasy-pole, bicycle-races, and drinking competitions.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Did you know Grenada is known as the Wreck Dive Capital of the Eastern Caribbean? Grenada also offers scuba divers a ton of ways to explore with over 30 sites of amazing reefs, reef walls, shipwrecks, and of course the popular Underwater Sculpture Park. 

Probably the most popular shipwreck attraction in Grenada is the Bianca C, often referred to as the Titanic of the Caribbean”. This 600-foot passenger cruise liner actually sunk twice – once while in France before it was completed and the second and last time after it burned due to an explosion just outside Grenada.  Today it sits outside the main island of Grenada, a gem for scuba enthusiasts to enjoy.

Grenada is also host to the first Underwater Sculpture Park, an extremely popular underwater attraction. It was constructed in 2006 by the British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and is comprised of 75 amazing sculptures made of concrete and steel that are about 9-16 feet underwater. Some are just six feet below the surface making it easy for snorkelers to enjoy. 

Below is a list of the 20 most popular dive sites in Grenada.

If you’re a snake lover, bad news. The snake population on the island is few and far between. 

If you’re a snake scaredy-cat, good news! The snake population on the island is few and far between AND none are venomous!

There are only 4 species of snakes living on the island, including the following:

• Grenada Bank tree boa
• Barbour’s tropical racer 
• Grenada Bank Blindsnake

Snake sightings are very rare. If your goal is to encounter one, hiking the mountains or rainforests is your best bet. 

Check out my article Are There Snakes on Grenada? to learn more.

Spice Mas (Carnival)

Just about every country in the Caribbean celebrates Carnival and are happy to share the giant party with visitors.

Never heard of Carnival? Historically, it was a giant party brought over by the Europeans and intended to celebrate the days leading up to Lent. When slavery ended, some islands expanded the festivities to also celebrate their newfound freedom.

Carnival is a grand event that requires a year-long planning and many islands even sell tickets to events. The celebrations are pretty crazy often including elaborate masks & costumes, parades, pageants, dance competitions, and of course food, drinks and dancing.

Many Caribbean islands have adhered to the traditional sense of the celebration and hold their carnival in February right up until Ash Wednesday. Carriacou Carnival is held in February.  

Other islands have chosen to hold their Carnival during other times of the year including the main island of Grenada. Grenada typically holds their version of Carnival, called “Spice Mas”, from the second weekend in July until the second Tuesday in August. 

Spice Mas includes many of the traditional Carnival activities like parades, elaborate masks & costumes, dance competitions, and pageants. Spice Mas includes some rather unique events such as Jab Jab where people dress up as devil-like characters by applying a mud/oil mixture to their face and body.

The history and evolution of Carnival are rather complicated. I won’t attempt to go into any more detail but suffice it to say, if you’re visiting Grenada during Spice Mas’ or Carrriacou’s Carnival, it’s a must-see event. 

Spices & Cocoa

OK, if this list were not in alphabetical order, Spices & Cocoa would definitely be #1.

You go to Cuba for cigars, St. Thomas for jewelry, Jamaica for coffee, and Puerto Rico for rum, but what do you buy in Grenada?  Spices, of course! 

Grenada is known as The Spice Isle for its production of an array of spices including:

• Nutmeg & Mace
• Turmeric (Saffron)

Grenada’s famous exports aren’t limited to spices. They’re also experts in the production of these fine ingredients:

Wondering about the history behind “The Spice Isle”? Check out my article How Grenada Became Known as the Spice Isle.

Food products made from these organically grown spices are also available including jams, jellies, syrups, juices, and candy.  You can either purchase the spices while on one of the many foodie or spice plantation tours offered or visit one of the numerous shopping centers in Grenada. 

Turtle Watching

The Leatherback turtle, the largest living and critically endangered species of marine reptile, nests on the beaches of Grenada. 

The largest nesting population can be found on Levera Beach on the eastern shores of Grenada in St. Patrick’s parish. Every April through July the turtles return to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, they’ve become endangered as only 1 in every 1000 hatchlings make it to adulthood due to human predators, pollution and climate change. 

St. Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism (SPECTO) is a local conservation group whose mission is to protect and conserve the environment with a special focus on protecting the leatherback turtles. 

In an effort to educate as well as raise additional funds for the conservation efforts, SPECTO offers Leatherback Turtle Tours during the nesting season where you can witness the leatherback turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs. 

Learn more about SPECTO or schedule a tour . 

The mountainous, rainforest and river orientation of Grenada’s geography allows it to be home to more than 18 amazing waterfalls including: 

• Annandale Waterfall
• Concord Waterfalls (includes 3 waterfalls)
• Honeymoon Waterfall
• Mount Carmel Waterfalls (includes 2 waterfalls)
• Paraclete Waterfall (includes 2 waterfalls)
• Seven Sisters Waterfalls (includes 7 waterfalls)
• Tufton Hall Waterfall
• Adelphi Waterfall

The best part is you don’t have to be Joe Hiker to visit some of the falls. In fact, some are even wheelchair accessible.

If you are Joe Hiker, great news! The island offers numerous opportunities for a challenging hike. In fact, some are so challenging hiring a guide is highly recommended. 

My Complete Guide to Grenada’s Waterfalls is a must-read if you’re planning to check out the falls.

Grenada is a fresh Caribbean destination with something to offer everyone. I hope you realize it’s more than worth visiting. This article is just the tip of the iceberg as there is so much more to see and do on Grenada. Hope to see you there soon!

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The Caribbean’s overlooked gem: Here’s why Grenada should be high on your list of islands to visit

CARRIACOU, Grenada — I felt genuinely guilty as I listened to the conversation taking place on the beach towel next to mine.

“I don’t understand why there aren’t more people here,” a woman in a sarong and oversize straw hat said to her friend as they sunned themselves on the pristine white sand at Paradise Beach. “This is the most beautiful place I’ve seen. It’s like a secret.”

And here I was, not only eavesdropping but also planning to share the secret of the beautiful, uncrowded Paradise Beach with the world. This is the way I often felt during my trip to Grenada. My assignment was to write about the island, but I wanted to keep it to myself. I fell in love with the stunning blue water, scenic volcanic hills, and the unhurried pace of the Caribbean nation about 100 miles north of Venezuela.

Grenada felt like a hidden treasure. Only it wasn’t hidden. In fact, it was quite the opposite. British Vogue named it one of the “11 Best Places to Go in 2024″ and The New York Times included Grenada in its “52 Places to Go in 2024.” Despite the accolades, I never felt that Grenada was swimming in tourists.

The country may be having a moment, but I found myself needing to describe Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da) to many of my well-traveled friends. I assumed they would be familiar with it. I was very wrong. The country is made up of three inhabited islands — Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique — plus several smaller, uninhabited islands. When I told friends and co-workers about the trip, I was met with blank stares and questions such as, “Isn’t that the place that the United States invaded in 1983?” or “Is that a city in Spain?”

The answer to the invasion question is yes, and the answer to the Spain question is no; that’s Granada. They were unaware that Grenada has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. It also has the world’s first underwater sculpture park, distilleries that make rum so strong that it’s illegal to bring it on planes (true story!), historic forts, lush waterfalls, and a rich agricultural history. It’s called Spice Island because it produces nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, all of which you can buy fresh at the fragrant Grand Anse Craft & Spice Market.

It’s also now more accessible for Bostonians to get to. JetBlue added a direct flight from Boston to Grenada’s capital city, St. George’s, this winter.

This is a big year for Grenada, and not simply because it got a mention in Vogue. The island is celebrating 50 years of independence from Britain. It’s also attracting new resorts. In April, the ultra posh Six Senses will open a 38-acre resort in the southern part of the island. Construction is also underway on a new InterContinental resort, which will open in 2025.

My recommendation (thank you for asking) is that you should visit Grenada sooner rather than later. Between an influx of new resorts and pesky journalists writing about it, tourism will continue to grow. That’s great for Grenada, but not ideal for those of us who enjoy escaping to quiet beaches.

Before I jump into my Grenada favorites, here are a few practical tips: Because this was a British colony, driving is on the left side of the road. The roads are also quite narrow in places and local drivers can be ... spirited. I wasn’t daring enough to rent a car, so I relied on a tour driver (I used Tour de Spice Grenada , but there are many drivers and companies to choose from). The largest and most popular hotels here are oceanfront, all-inclusive resorts. Even though meals are included at the resorts, please make an effort to leave the grounds to explore the island and try the local cuisine as well.

Now, let’s get to the must-see places in Grenada.

THE MOLINERE BAY UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK

The 100-plus concrete sculptures that are bolted to the ocean floor at the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park feel as if they’ve come to life thanks to the complex corals and algae formations that are growing on them and the sea creatures that swim between them. The experience is both moving and slightly chilling. Created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor , the park can be reached by either snorkeling or diving. It’s a 15-minute boat ride from Grand Anse Beach, and the sculptures are 15 to 20 feet below the surface. I was able to steal glimpses by snorkeling, the divers on my boat had a different experience because they could spend more time among the aquatic art. If you have no intention of going underwater, the sculptures are also visible from glass-bottom boats. If the sea is choppy, the view of the art becomes hazy, so check at your hotel before booking the trip.

PARADISE BEACH, CARRIACOU

There isn’t a bad beach to be found in Grenada. Most visitors spend their time on Grand Anse Beach, a sparkling 2-mile crescent of white sand where you’ll find several resorts (Spice Island Beach Resort, Coyaba Beach Resort, Allamanda Beach Resort, Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, and Silversands), plus restaurants, bars, and areas where you can rent chairs. It’s a great beach for walking and people watching. But, as much as I adored Gran Anse, my favorite beach was on the island of Carriacou. Carriacou is a 90-minute ferry ride from the main island (it’s one of the Grenadines of Grenada) and has far fewer tourists than Grenada. If you come to Grenada, you should come to Carriacou, otherwise you’re missing an essential part of the journey. After getting off the ferry and checking out the panoramic views from the Princess Royal Hospital, I made a beeline for the Paradise Beach Club .

The Paradise Beach Club serves fresh seafood and strong rum cocktails. But the beach is the star attraction. The preternatural turquoise water is dazzling. The club also has a water taxi that takes patrons to nearby Sandy Island, a tiny, empty island where you can stay for hours and do nothing but sit under a palm tree and listen to gentle waves and sea birds. When you’re ready to hydrate, just take the water taxi back to the bar for another round of rum punch.

STREET FOOD WEDNESDAY

Every Wednesday, the Dodgy Dock restaurant hosts local chefs and street food vendors at its sprawling al fresco space over the water. You can hop from vendor to vendor and try dozens of Grenadian specialties. It’s a fun crowd of mostly locals and the vibe is buoyant and convivial. I tried conch, hearty roti, rich curried goat, and incredibly smooth nutmeg ice cream. It was also a great place to try Grenada’s national dish, called oil down. It’s a stew of salted meat, breadfruit, coconut milk, and spices. The ultimate Caribbean comfort food. While the crowd devoured the cuisine, a local band tore through a catalog of American soul hits. It was a party that grew more raucous as the night wore on.

BELMONT ESTATE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Grenada is currently in the midst of a chocolate boom. The island, which has ideal growing conditions for cacao trees, was the world’s largest exporter of chocolate in the 18th century. A new generation of chocolate makers sprang up in 1999 when the Grenada Chocolate Company opened. Instead of shipping their cocoa beans out of the country, locals are now making their own chocolate. After the success of the Grenada Chocolate Company, Belmont Estate , Crayfish Bay Organic Chocolate , Jouvay Chocolate , Taste ‘D’ Spice Chocolate , Tri-Island Chocolate , and L’Esterre Chocolate opened. Grenada now has the most chocolate factories per capita of any country in the world. There’s even a small museum called the House of Chocolate in the capital of St. George’s.

I opted to head out of the capital for my chocolate fix and went to Belmont Estate, which is an hour north of St. George’s in St. Patrick’s Parish. At Belmont, a guide walked visitors through Grenada’s chocolatey past, and then explained the intricate process of harvesting, fermenting, and drying the beans. There are opportunities to sniff and taste along the way. The tour ends in the small factory where the chocolate is made.

Conveniently, the factory also houses the gift shop and offers samples. I bought several bars with the intention of taking them home as gifts. As I was packing them away on my last day, I contemplated keeping them for myself, but then I realized, much like Grenada itself, I reluctantly would have to share.

I've been to 20 Caribbean islands — these are the 5 I'd return to and the 2 I'd skip despite having great experiences.

• After visiting 20 islands in the Caribbean , I have lots of favorites and a few I wouldn't return to.
• St. Lucia offers wellness activities, fun nightlife, and great food.
• Although I enjoyed my time on Grand Bahama, this island left me wanting more.

There's a misconception that all Caribbean islands are the same. However, as someone who's been traveling to the Caribbean for almost two decades, I've found that each island has its own distinct food, festivals, and cultural traditions.

After visiting 20 Caribbean islands, I can see why the area is such a hot spot for tourism. In fact, travel to the Caribbean is already off to a strong start this year, with many destinations seeing an uptick in visitors compared to 2023 .

As someone who's spent a lot of time in the Caribbean, these are the five islands I'd love to return to and the two I'd skip.

St. Lucia offers wellness activities and great food.

Though St. Lucia is typically billed as a romantic destination , I visited on a solo trip and had a blast exploring the island.

Some of my favorite activities included a mud bath in Sulphur Springs, a rum and chocolate tour, and an afternoon boat ride past The Pitons.

St. Lucians also have some great street food and love to have a good time. During my stay, I headed to the lively Friday night Gros Islet street party for grilled conch and fried fish straight off the boat.

Dominica is great for hiking and natural attractions.

Nicknamed " the nature island ," Dominica is one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets.

One of my favorite excursions was a hike to Trafalgar Falls, a pair of stunning waterfalls about a 20-minute drive from the island's capital city, Roseau.

I also rode horseback on the island's black-sand beaches and floated on an inner tube through Titou Gorge, a cave with a hidden waterfall and swimming hole.

St. John has gorgeous beaches.

I spent my 15th wedding anniversary on St. John, the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands. One of the highlights of my stay was a beach day at Trunk Bay.

The beach is located inside Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, and though there's a small entry fee, it's worth every penny. The beach is framed by lush mountains, and towering palm trees dot the wide, sandy shore. In short, it's paradise.

St. John isn't a hub for partying or late-night entertainment, but the island's gorgeous sunsets and natural setting are ideal for honeymoons and special anniversary trips.

Grenada is a snorkeling hot spot with a unique national park.

During my stay on Grenada, I encountered lots of warm and inviting locals, who would strike up conversations and ask how I was enjoying my visit.

Besides enjoying the popular Grand Anse Beach, I booked a day tour to Grand Etang National Park to check out Grand Etang Lake, a freshwater lake surrounded by a lush rainforest.

I ended my stay on Grenada with a snorkeling trip to Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park to see the submerged sculptures.

Turks and Caicos are great for decompressing on the beach.

There's a reason Turks and Caicos are a magnet for celebrities and socialites, but you don't have to be an A-lister to enjoy the islands.

Providenciales is the most populated island in Turks and Caicos. Provo, as some locals call it, offers a laid-back, tranquil beach vacation. Most hotels on Provo are located along Grace Bay, a picture-perfect stretch of pearly white sand and turquoise water.

Water sports like jet skiing, snorkeling, and clear-bottom kayaking are popular, but I was content to spend most of my days alternating between reading on the beach and cooling off in the pool.

However, Grand Cayman was one of the priciest islands I’ve visited.

Grand Cayman has a lot going for it: beautiful resorts, delicious food, and a flight from Miami that's under two hours.

The soft white sand and sparkling turquoise water of Seven Mile Beach have also helped make Grand Cayman a popular vacation spot .

But when I visited, I experienced a bit of sticker shock since US currency doesn't go as far as it does on other islands. The Caymanian dollar has a fixed exchange rate, and one Caymanian dollar is worth $1.21 USD.

I've visited more affordable islands with equally stunning beaches like Klein Curaçao Beach in Curaçao, Crane Beach in Barbados, and Palm Beach in Aruba.

Grand Bahama left me wanting more.

One of my first trips to the Caribbean was to Grand Bahama via a ferry from Fort Lauderdale . My husband and I stayed on the island for about a week, filling up on fresh conch and visiting the Port Lucaya marketplace.

While I enjoyed the laid-back stay, I've found that other Bahamian islands have more to see and do.

If you want to be closer to the action, skip Grand Bahama for New Providence, which is home to top-notch restaurants and hotels, historic landmarks like Queen's Staircase, and the annual Junkanoo parade.

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Grenada Tourism Authority CEO, Petra Roach, was awarded the Director of Tourism Award 2024 by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation at the Women’s Leadership Breakfast during Caribbean Week in New York.

The ceremony celebrated exceptional women in Caribbean tourism leadership across three distinguished categories:

• The Director of Tourism Award 2024 recognizes a female Director of Tourism who has demonstrated exceptional visionary leadership, driven destination growth and development, has shown unwavering commitment to regional tourism development, and provided support and inspiration to other women in Caribbean leadership roles.
• The Minister of Tourism Award 2024: Honours a female Minister of Tourism demonstrating excellence and chosen by fellow Ministers. This was awarded to Valérie Damaseau – Commissioner of Tourism & Culture, St. Martin.
• The Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award: Celebrates a female leader with over 30 years of service, with notable contributions to regional tourism, and who provides inspirational support to other women in the industry. Selected by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairmanship. This was awarded to Beverly Nicholson-Doty, CEO of Figment Design.

In receiving this accolade, Petra Roach expressed her heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to fostering growth and development within the Caribbean tourism sector.

Stating, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at the Grenada Tourism Authority. Our collective efforts have been instrumental in driving growth and elevating Grenada’s profile on the global stage. I am passionate about inspiring other women and future generations to dream big and take bold steps to advance our industry. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable tourism landscape that benefits all Caribbean nations for years to come.”

Minister of Tourism the Honourable Adrian Thomas showed his appreciation stating, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Petra on this well-deserved accolade. This esteemed recognition is a testament to her unparalleled passion and innovation in promoting Grenada, and her dynamic leadership which has not only propelled Grenada’s tourism industry to new heights but has also set a benchmark for excellence and innovation across the Caribbean.”

Chairman of the GTA Randall Dolland added, “Under Petra’s stewardship, the Grenada Tourism Authority has seen remarkable advancements in sustainable tourism, strategic marketing initiatives and community engagement, all of which have cemented Grenada’s position as a premier travel destination.”

This prestigious award comes on the heels of CEO Roach receiving the Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year accolade in December of 2023 by Carib Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards.

Caribbean Week, is a week-long event for travel industry professionals showcasing a dynamic lineup of events with the 2024 theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity.” Grenada has received significant recognition with Teen Vogue’s Entertainment News Editor, Kaitlyn McNab,  also receiving a prestigious Caribbean Media Award for her viral feature, ‘Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival Revolutionized the Way I Think About My Blackness and My Body’ .

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Petra Roach honoured with Women in Caribbean Tourism Leadership Award for Director of Tourism 2024

• The Director of Tourism Award 2024 recognizes a female Director of Tourism who has demonstrated exceptional visionary leadership, driven destination growth and development, has shown unwavering commitment to regional tourism development and provided support and inspiration to other women in Caribbean leadership roles

• The Minister of Tourism Award 2024: Honours a female Minister of Tourism demonstrating   excellence and chosen by fellow Ministers.  

This was awarded to Valérie Damaseau – Commissioner of Tourism & Culture, St. Martin

• The Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award: Celebrates a female leader with over 30 years of service, with notable contributions to regional tourism and who provides inspirational support to other women in the industry. Selected by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Chairmanship. This was awarded to Beverly Nicholson-Doty, CEO of Figment Design.  

In receiving this accolade, Petra Roach expressed her heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed her dedication to fostering growth and development within the Caribbean tourism sector.

Stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at the Grenada Tourism Authority. Our collective efforts have been instrumental in driving growth and elevating Grenada’s profile on the global stage. I am passionate about inspiring other women and future generations to dream big and take bold steps to advance our industry. Together, we can create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable tourism landscape that benefits all Caribbean nations for years to come.”

Minister of Tourism the Honourable Adrian Thomas showed his appreciation stating, “We   extend our heartfelt congratulations to Petra on this well-deserved accolade. This esteemed recognition is a testament to her unparalleled passion and innovation in promoting Grenada, and her dynamic leadership which has not only propelled Grenada’s tourism industry to new heights but has also set a benchmark for excellence and innovation across the Caribbean.”

Chairman of the GTA Randall Dolland added, “Under Petra’s stewardship, the Grenada Tourism Authority has seen remarkable advancements in sustainable tourism, strategic marketing initiatives and community engagement, all of which have cemented Grenada’s position as a premier travel destination.”

This prestigious award comes on the heels of CEO Roach receiving the Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year accolade in December of 2023 by Carib Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards.

Caribbean Week, is a week-long event for travel industry professionals showcasing a dynamic lineup of events with the 2024 theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity.” Grenada has received significant recognition with Teen Vogue’s Entertainment News Editor, Kaitlyn McNab,   also receiving a prestigious Caribbean Media Award for her viral feature, ‘Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival Revolutionized the Way I Think About My Blackness and My Body’ .

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Where Is Carriacou?

We are known for

A journey to Grenada remains incomplete without an enchanting detour to Carriacou (pronounced (Karry-a-cou).  Experience Caribbean living in its purest form as the island’s allure lies in its tranquil and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

Carriacou, meaning “Isle of Reefs,” is conveniently located just 90 minutes away by ferry or a quick 20-minute flight from the main island of Grenada.

One of its greatest charms are the deeply-rooted traditions cherished by its warm-hearted citizens. The Maroon Festival, Big Drum Nation Dance, Shakespeare Mas, Stringband music, Carriacou Regatta and boat building are all unique experiences still kept alive with pride.

 Spanning a modest 13 square miles, Carriacou is  the second-largest island within the state of Grenada.  Carriacou boasts some of the world’s finest dive spots, characterized by crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, enchanting drifts and beaches that are unmatched such as the World-famous Paradise beach.

Serving as the largest and final destination in the breathtaking sailing paradise of the Grenadines Island chain, Carriacou promises an unparalleled Caribbean experience.

Our Culture

The people of Carriacou carry a rich treasure trove of traditions and customs, passed down through generations, shaped by the influences of African and European ancestors. Immersing yourself in Carriacou’s cultural experiences unveils a myriad of memorable celebrations and traditions, from witnessing boat-launching events and unique traditional weddings that boast captivating cake and flag dancing rituals to engaging in the vibrant Big Drum Nation Dance or the unique Shakespeare Mas which is practiced exclusively on the island. During Shakespeare mas the creativity and talent of the people shine through as they recite William Shakespeare’s best lines.

Adding to the island’s cultural wealth, Carriacou boasts its own culinary traditions. Transport your taste buds to a bygone era with Carriacou’s traditional flavourful smoked food served with rice and corn based starchy dishes. This unique cuisine is an integral part of Carriacou’s cultural and historical celebrations, including Saraca, Tombstone Feast, Parang Festival and the Maroon & String Band Music Festival.  

Our History

Carriacou derives its name from the Kalinago term ‘Kayryouacou’, signifying land surrounded by reefs. Archaeological findings of pottery tools indicate that the initial settlers on the island were the Arawaks from South America, succeeded by successive waves of inhabitants culminating with the Kalinago.

The French became the first European settlers in Carriacou around the 1740s. In 1763, the British took over Carriacou and Grenada. Despite the predominant African descent of Carriacou’s population, traces of European influences persist in the lifestyle of its residents in the names of towns, cities, and people. Of particular note is the enduring traditional wooden sloop boat building craft passed on by Scottish settlers on the islands.

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Kayaks as they are affectionately called are welcoming, vibrant and love to share their culture and traditions. It is customary to see them in social gatherings, sharing a drink, food and engaging in past times such as domino. The talent of the people of Carriacou is highlighted through art, boat building, sailing regattas, music and mouthwatering cuisine.

Carriacou got its name from the Kalinago (Caribs) – ‘Kayryouacou’, meaning, ‘land surrounded by reefs’. Discoveries of pottery tools reveal that Arawaks from South America were the first settlers on the island, followed by various waves and ending with the Kalinago.

The French were the first European settlers in Carriacou around the 1740s. In 1763, it was surrendered along with Grenada to the British. Although the majority of Carriacou’s inhabitants are of African descent, European influences can still be found in the way Kayaks live and also in the names of our towns, cities and people.

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