7 Things to Do in Grenada For a Memorable Vacation

If you’re looking for more than just white sands and turquoise waters in the Caribbean, Grenada is a great place to start. Lush mountains, rainforests, and quaint seaside villages provide lots to explore. Also known as the ‘Spice Isle’, the island is one of the biggest producers of various spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cacao, and ginger all grow in the fertile soils here, and life goes about in sweet, slow pace. Whatever your reason is for visiting Grenada, the island will leave you wanting more. Read more for the seven best things to do in Grenada!

1. Laze on Grand Anse Beach

Most visitors to Grenada spend their time around Grand Anse Beach. The epitome of a Caribbean paradise, it is fringed by palm trees, coconut trees and almond trees. The gentle blue water is perfect for swimming in, and there are also water sports like kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving. If you need a drink, simply duck into one of the beach side restaurants or bars for a glass of mojito or pina colada.

2. Tube down Balthazar River

If you’ve had enough of the beach, take an exciting tube slide down the Balthazar River. Known as the ‘Great River’ in Grenada, it is nestled between an exotic tropical rainforest. The trained guides on this tour will help you navigate the rushing rapids as you’re introduced to the Grenadian attraction. Along the way, keep a lookout for some of the exotic, indigenous species that call this lush habitat their home. After an action-packed time, enjoy a much-deserved rum punch or glass of local fruit juice and take a relaxing dip in the natural pools.

3. Visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery

This distillery, whose processes have changed little since the 1800s, is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery not just in Grenada, but throughout the Caribbean. Tours run from Mondays to Fridays and they cost just a few dollars. River Antoine’s rum isn’t expensive by any means but it is highly sought after. You won’t even find it in the finest liquor stores in Europe or America. Very little, if any, is exported from Grenada, so coming to the distillery is your only way to get a bottle!

4. Do a spice tour

Sampling the region’s spices is one of the unique things to do in Grenada and there are many places to experience this. One of them is Belmont Estate, where there are a variety of tours on its organic farm. At this 17th-century plantation, you can learn about the cultivation of cocoa and how it goes from bean to bar (with tastings along the way, of course!) If you have kids, be sure to check out the petting farm! For a more rustic experience, check out the Dougaldston Spice Estate, where they still grow and process spices the old-fashioned way. Sample them as you go, and you can also purchase them to bring home!

5. Stroll on St. George’s

The capital city of St. George’s is easily one of the prettiest port cities in the Caribbean. Take a walk along The Carenage, a lively waterfront promenade where you can see locals preparing their boats or coming in from other islands. Do some shopping, or check out historical attractions like Fort George and Fort Frederick. If you’re curious about Grenada’s history, make sure to stop by the Grenada National Museum. 

6. Hike to Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls

Two miles south of Grenville is where you’ll find the island’s largest waterfalls, which plunge into a pristine pool from 70 feet above. You can get there quite easily and part of the fun is the 30 minute hike through a private plantation, where local spices and tropical fruits grow. You will need to pay a small fee (less than US$1) to enter the property, and guides are also available to offer fascinating insight into the plants that grow around you.

7. Snorkel at the Underwater Sculpture Park

The Underwater Sculpture Park is a unique attraction that also serves as an artificial reef. Here, scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the underwater sculptures, which range from life-size figures modeled after local children to Amerindian petroglyphs. Expect to see a variety of colorful fish as you swim past everything! The best way to see them is of course to go underwater yourself, but if you’d rather stay dry, many operators also do glass bottom boat tours.