Overview

Measuring just 21 miles long and 12 miles wide, the island of Grenada may be small, but it’s packed with breathtaking natural beauty. Imagine secluded tropical beaches, vibrant rainforests, crystal-clear waters, and perhaps a refreshing rum punch or two! Located just off Venezuela’s coast, Grenada is celebrated as the "Spice Isle of the Caribbean." Its mountainous landscape is rich with fragrant plants, rare tropical flowers, crater lakes, and diverse wildlife.

Grenada offers countless treasures to explore, from the lively Market Square and historic forts to spice plantations, rum distilleries, and colorful coral reefs. Year-round, Grenada also hosts thrilling cultural celebrations and sailing events, including the Grenada Sailing Festival, the Easter Round Grenada Race, the Grenada Classics Regatta, and other informal races.

Things to See & Do

There’s more to Grenada than just beautiful beaches! Dive into the vibrant local culture, hike through lush rainforests, admire the beautiful waterfalls, discover the spice estates (some still operational today), explore the rum distilleries, or snorkel in clear blue waters. Whatever your pace, Grenada has an activity to match. Here are my top picks to make every day of your visit unforgettable.

Discover the Underwater Sculpture Park. This ecological art created by Jason DeCaires Taylor in 2006 is located off the coast of Moliniere Point. The sculpture park, listed by National Geographic as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World, features life-sized statues depicting scenes from Grenadian culture and folklore that meld with the marine environment. This site can be explored by glass bottom boat, however, the best way to get up close is by snorkeling or diving as you swim alongside schools of fish that dart through the art installations.

Go snorkeling and scuba diving! Grenada is an amazing island when it comes to snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Several dive sites can be found off the coast of Grenada Island, including shipwrecks, and coral reefs. Morne Rouge Bay is known to be one of the most popular snorkeling sites close to the mainland. You will find the beach south of Grand Anse beach, which is usually the more crowded option. Other popular snorkel spots include Levera National Park, Moliniere Bay and La Sagesse.

One of the most popular dive sites, the Bianca C Ship Wreck, sits near Carriacou’s shores. The Bianca C (a cruise liner that sank in 1961) has earned the nickname “Titanic of the Caribbean” due to its massive size. There are a variety of companies that offer guided dives to the islands’ underwater attractions.

Visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery. The oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean, River Antoine Rum Distillery has been churning out bottles of rum since 1785. Guided tours offer insight into the original water wheel and learn how rum has been made since the late 1700s. The visit concludes with sampling their distinctively strong rums, which are a proud presentation of Grenada’s heritage.

Explore the Grand Etang National Park. Occupying a large portion of central Grenada Island, Grand Etang is a nature lovers dream to enjoy hikes with stunning waterfalls, a peaceful crater lake, and a chance to spot tons of wildflie such as the Mona monkey, armadillos, and tropical birds. You’re sure to encounter these creatures and more as you explore popular areas such as Mount Qua Qua known for its beautiful views of the park, and the peaceful Grand Etang Lake. One of the most popular hikes is to Seven Sisters falls, located just a mile north of the Grand Etang Visitors Center.

Take a tour of the Belmont Estate. This 300-year-old plantation specializes in spices such as ginger, pimento, turmeric, and nutmeg. This is the perfect place to learn about the island nation’s rich flavors and provides a deep dive into its cocoa cultivation history. A visit to the estate offers a first-hand experience to learn the traditional processes of fermentation and drying. The highlight is a chocolate-making workshop at the Grenada Chocolate Company where you can try to make chocolate, guided by skilled chocolatiers. The history also holds a somber history of chattel slavery.

Go on a tubing adventure on the Balthazar River. Fed from sources located deep in the island’s interior, this river is inside a stunning tropical rainforest. This adventure is navigated through twists and turns spinning and swirling in the currents of the river. Navigate the rushing rapids surrounded by lush tropical habitats and Indigenous species. Enjoy relaxing breaks to swim in the natural pools.

Set off on a sailing excursion. Enjoy the beautiful coastline on a relaxing cruise, which typically includes snorkeling, swimming, and refreshments, offering a unique perspective of the island. Many private boat tour operators offer several options to experience the tranquility of the open sea.

Enjoy the many beautiful beaches. Grenada is home to excellent beaches! Grand Anse Beach is the most iconic, with over two miles of white sand and several amenities, this is a favorite for both activities and relaxation. Morne Rouge Beach, also known as BBC Beach, is a great beach for families. It offers a quieter atmosphere with shallow waters. Sandy Island is a small, remote island known for excellent snorkeling sites in crystal-clear waters. It is only accessible by boat, offering a secluded, natural setting. Levera Beach is located in a national park, it is great for nature lovers and is a prime spot for seeing leatherback turtles during nesting season. Magazine Beach is known for its lively scene, especially on Sundays and weekends when locals gather for live reggae music and beach BBQs. Finally, Paradise Beach is great for those seeking a relaxing and picturesque setting. It’s a long beach with shallow waters and a few shops and bars.