You Need to Do These Eight Things on Your Next Trip to Grenada

Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve

Photo: Claudio306/Shutterstock

Grenada is not just an island for avid beachgoers. Naturists also find the native flora and fauna an enticing reason to visit. Grand Etang Forest Reserve is a lush, rainforest and protected area populated by the Mona monkey, several species of tropical birds, frogs, lizards, and more native animals. Hikers of all levels are found at Grand Etang. The trails range from easy nature walks to rigorous expeditions that can last several hours for the more serious hiker.

Fire-breathers at Sandals Resorts

Photo: Sandals

Sandals Grenada is situated perfectly on Pink Gin Beach, known for its pretty pinkish hue created by powdered coral mixed with white sand. The resort serves as the perfect anchor for your grownups-only getaway. You can spend the day lounging beachside, poolside, or even taking scuba diving courses to become a certified scuba diver. But it’s when the sun goes down that a good part of your fun will begin at this expansive, all-inclusive resort. Your evenings will become unforgettable when you dance the night away as the resort transforms into a beachy, outdoor club atmosphere with acrobats and fire-breathing dancers. Sandals Grenada will allow you to enjoy the best activities of the day and the most entertaining evenings in one location.

River Antoine Rum Distillery

Photo: Richard Semik/Shutterstock

Operating since 1785, this historic rum distillery hasn’t changed much since its inception. Guided tours of the privately-owned River Antoine Rum Distillery are available for only $2. Not only will guests learn in-depth about rum production, but they’ll also enjoy a tasting of River Antoine Rums from one of the Caribbean’s oldest working production houses.

Jason deCaires Taylor’s Underwater Sculpture Park

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Just beneath Grenada’s Moilinere Bay is an underwater sculpture park, which was the first of its kind. Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor created his first underwater garden depicting children holding hands in a circle. Among locals, it has been widely interpreted as a remembrance of those who died while enslaved due to the sculpture’s structural connections resembling shackles and the island’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Middle Passage. The area is easily navigable by boat and is a beautiful natural habitat for marine life, a favorite of snorkelers. The Underwater Sculpture Park is listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World.

Annandale Waterfalls

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The tropical climate mixed with humidity due to the misty rainforests can be sometimes overwhelming to new visitors to the island nation. Finding refreshing cool water without touching the hot sand can be refreshing for locals and travelers alike. One of the prettiest waterfalls in Grenada is located not far from the capital of St. Georges. Annandale Waterfalls is the waterfall of childhood dreams. Schoolchildren often stop here after school for a swim, while adults can enjoy cocktails underneath the lush forest canopy at the waterside restaurant, Wild Orchid.

Hog Island

Photo: Sail Summer Kai/Facebook

At only 81 acres and reached by a footbridge, Hog Island is one of the few genuinely isolated areas in the Caribbean. Located on the southern side of Grenada, this is one of the best snorkeling areas in the area due to its isolation. Live coral and colorful fish, including barracuda, are abundant in the tiny island’s waters. For the more adventurous traveler, Hog Island is worth the extra time and effort to explore.

Black Bay Beach

Photo: Grenada Tourism Authority

While Grenada is known for its powdery white beaches, the volcanic island also has beautiful beaches of a different color — black. Located in St. John Parish, Black Bay Beach is a quiet way to spend the day lounging on one of the more isolated beaches. The beach also features Black Bay Cave which houses native cave drawings. Although it’s not an experience that’s exclusive to Grenada, it’s worth checking out to see some of the island’s history.

West Indies Beer Company

Photo: West Indies Beer Company/Facebook

The food culture of Grenada offers island food with vibrant flavor. And with craft breweries popping up all across the globe, Grenada has a brewery and brewpub that travelers to the island shouldn’t miss. West Indies Beer Company was established in 2014 and offers the widest array of beers in Grenada. Visitors can enjoy beers made on location and take a peek at their brewing process while enjoying a full menu of Caribbean food and music, from salsa to calypso.

With all there is to do on this small by mighty island, it’s safe to say that Grenada is worth the trip.