From river tubing to bird watching: Top 10 things to see and do in Grenada

The rich culture, majestic landscapes and clear blue waters of Grenada offer a plethora of exciting experiences for new and returning visitors. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 things to see and do to experience everything that Grenada has to offer. Let’s get started...

1. Go river tubing…
For the more adventurous, located at the Balthazar Estate is Adventure River Tubing. Wet, wild and wonderful with guides accompanying you on the journey, gently spinning and swirling in the currents of the river, taking in the exotic scenery, tropical vegetation and wildlife. A thrilling ride down the river, stopping only in the pools along the way, then finally at the last one, an opportunity for a swim before enjoying a Rum Punch or glass of local fruit juice.

2. Visit Carriacou…
Unspoiled Carriacou (90-minute ferry ride away from Grenada) is the tiny island with 7,000 inhabitants. It is one of the last places on earth where old traditions are preserved, such as elaborate wooden boat building handed down from Scottish ancestors, and accompanying ceremonies that are a blend of Caribbean and Glaswegian heritages. It’s a spectacular centre for scuba diving and snorkeling, or taking a water taxi adventure to neighbouring Sandy Island.

3. Take an island tour…
All who visit Grenada comment on the friendly people! None are more hospitable than the tour guides who take guests all around the island. They are a veritable encyclopaedia of history and natural science that arrange visits to major waterfalls, hikes in the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, visits to towns and markets, strolls through the Carenage that encircles the picturesque horse shoe harbour in St. George’s, tours of archaeological and historical sites, and even plan a picnic in a choice location.

4. See La Sagesse Nature Centre, romance amid nature…
One of Grenada's most spectacular nature centres - La Sagesse is composed of three beaches and lush flora with towering mangrove trees, coconut trees and small estuary pockets, where salt water and fresh water meet. The mixing of salt and fresh water attracts a variety of tropical fish and birds, making La Sagesse one of the best places in Grenada to enjoy wildlife. Nestled in a deep bay with cliffs on both sides, this white-sand, turquoise water and palm-tree studded beach is filled with beauty and Eco sensitivity. This picturesque spot on a secluded sandy beach, surrounded by lush vegetation is the ideal place to exchange wedding vows.

5. Walk the Grand Anse Beach, having a Carib at the turning point…
Grenada’s most famous beaches and one of the largest in the Caribbean – the stretch in Grenada called Grand Anse. This is a perfect place to walk, particularly at the end of the day when locals come to have a swim. At the north part of the beach, enjoy a cold Carib at a thatched bar called the Turning Point, or meet Jennifer Hosten, the 1970 Miss World and former High Commissioner to Canada, who still maintains a house in Manotick. Sunday brunch pancakes are served with maple syrup and Caribbean specialties.

6. Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang…
Hike a three to four mile, half-day rainforest trek through the 30-acre Grand Etang Forest Reserve to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit several natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watchers paradise, where avian enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, and Hook-Billed Kite, that can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trial. Graceful herons fish patiently in the crystal clear waters of Grand Etang Lake, while brightly plumbed wonders, such as the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, can be spotted among the many tropical blooms.

7. Watch turtles hatch, a nest in show…
Grenada is one of the three sites in the Caribbean that annually hosts 150+ female leatherbacks. The turtles make the arduous journey from their feeding grounds in North America to the tropical climate of Grenada to lay their eggs. These ancient reptiles have been around for over 165 million years and have managed to outlive the dinosaurs. Levera Beach is where the nesting females bury their eggs in the sand in order to incubate them and to protect them from predators. Best viewing is in May and June of each year.

8. ‘Spice’ up your life with Grenada’s products…
Grenada produces allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric and sapote, and is one of the world’s major suppliers of nutmeg and mace. Recommended visits include Dougaldston Spice Estate, a historical monument to Grenada’s past of spice growing and processing; Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Station, the largest in Grenada; Grenada Sugar Factory to savour rum products; River Antoine Rum Distillery to view processes that have changed little since the 1800s, and remains the oldest functioning rum-propelled distillery not only in Grenada, but the Caribbean; Westerhall Rum Distillery with vestiges of old artefacts used in the rum refining process; and the Grenada Chocolate Factory for the pure taste of rich local chocolate.

9. Dive the unspoiled paradise…
Located on the west coast edged by one long offshore reef, lays the 600-foot wreck of the Bianca C, the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean. Popularly referred to as "the Titanic of the Caribbean," competent divers speak admirably of its stunning pull as a premier dive option. The vast reefs and numerous dive sights surrounding Grenada allow aquanauts to explore without being crowded by other divers. Divers can enjoy a solitary expedition or book a group tour with one of Grenada's many dive shops. There are more than 28 sites including reefs, wrecks and walls most within 15-20 minutes from dive shops.

10. Experience part of Grenada’s ‘colourful’ history a Carib village…
A visit is incomplete without a stop at the Kalinago/Carib village on the northern part of Grenada. It was here in 1651 that 40 Caribs leapt to their death in preference to succumbing to French colonists. Later a town was built close to this historic site (called Morne des Sateurs) or Leaper’s Hill. A newly created Kalinago/Carib village gives an opportunity to view the type of lifestyle that characterized the indigenous Carib people of Grenada. Nine kilometres away is the largest burial site of the Arawaks complete with their archaeological possessions.

…and many more experiences! For more information on Grenada, visit http://www.grenadagrenadines.com

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This past August, thousands of revellers gathered across Grenada to celebrate Carnival. The weeklong celebration was a spectacular march of colourful pageantry and soulful island culture including traditional Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions, steel drum showdowns and Fancy Band Mas. 

The tradition of Carnival began hundreds of years ago in Italy as Catholics prepared to enter Lent. Before giving up meat and other earthly temptations, devotees took the street for one last party. The tradition quickly spread across Europe and branched out to the Caribbean colonies. The celebration was adopted into the island slave culture, not only providing a forum to mock their colonial masters, but to introduce into the festivities their own cultural heritage.

Carnival is seeped in a variety of treasured cultural traditions. The brilliantly coloured and intricately detailed attire worn during Carnival represent the Island’s African tradition. Masquerading through the streets in costumes made of feathers, bones, grass, beads and shells is thought to spread good-luck and healing while solidifying bonds with the spirit world.

Though Carnival doesn’t officially start until mid-August, festivities begin in July with the opening of Calypso Tents. Here, calypso bards vie for a chance to compete on the big stage of the National Calypso Monarch Competition. Schools hold their own Calypso competitions to showcase Grenada’s young cultural talent in junior Calypsos.

Calypso, Soca, and steel-drum panoramas are the most popular styles of music featured during Carnival. At this year’s celebration, crowds were proud to crown Finlay Jeffery ‘Scholar’ as their Calypso Monarch. Also honoured in the festival’s musical competitions were Hollis Mapp ‘Mr.Killa’, who was given the titles of Groovy and Soca Monarch, and Monique Cummings who was declared Junior Calypso Monarch. C&W Commancheros won the steel-drum panorama, while the AGP Whiz Kids took the junior division.    

Carnival celebrations were moved to the street with the beginning of J’Ouvert. Here traditional Jab-Jab or “Devil Mas” bands parade around the streets blackened with stale molasses, tar, grease, creosote or brightly coloured body paint. The playful devils dab their paint onto unsuspecting bystanders while they dance through the streets along side steel drum bands, calypsos and huge DJ trucks.

Each evening the festivities were closed with a traditional ‘street jump-up’. Here all the revellers gather in the streets dressed in bright coloured shirts and hats waving fluorescent wands. The remaining days of Carnival are dedicated to the beautiful Traditional Mas and Fancy Bands.  Parishes from across the island enter their own variation of a traditional Mas, the most common being Short Knees, Vekou and Wild Indians. The Fancy Bands consists of costumed participants lead by a King or Queen. The kings and queen are distinguished by their elaborate, large-scale costumes.

The vitality of the music and enthusiasm of the participants makes Carnival a world-class festival. Local Carnival festivities begin as early as May, while official celebrations get underway in mid-August. 

For more information, visit http://www.spicemasgrenada.com

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