Explore Grenada
There's a lot to see and do in Grenada
The north of Grenada offers a quieter, more relaxed Caribbean experience with many naturally beautiful sights to see.
There are several nearby beaches to enjoy, including Levera Beach (a key nesting beach for leatherback turtles), Davey Beach (my own personal favourite), and of course Bathway Beach. There is also beautiful rainforest to explore, the River Sallee Boiling Springs, and plenty of hiking opportunities along back roads or the coast. From February to May, it is even possible (with a little patience) to watch whales from our cottage balconies!
Beyond its natural beauty, the north of Grenada also features a number of historical attractions – including Amerindian stone petroglyphs (carvings) at Duquesne and Mount Rich, and the oldest functioning water-wheel in the Caribbean at the River Antoine Estate – as well as boasting award-winning organic chocolate production and nutmeg processing. Plus, enjoy Gouyave’s weekly Fish Friday Festival, St. Mark’s monthly Food Festival (every last Saturday), the Easter and Christmas beach parties at Bathway Beach, and the atmosphere of Grenada’s 10-day Spicemas Carnival in August.
For supplies and other purchases, the town of Sauteurs is a pleasant walk away, and for those willing to venture further, we highly recommend driving or getting a bus to Grenville where there is a fantastic fish market and a vegetable market all week.
This is just a taster of things to do in Grenada! Below you will find a little more information on some of our favourites…
Sauteurs
Just a 25 minute walk away from Almost Paradise is the hub of the north: the colourful fishing town of Sauteurs.
With a French name that literally translates to ‘Jumpers’, the town is best known for its grim history: In 1651, local Caribbean families elected to throw themselves off the 130ft-high cliffs that line the coast rather than surrender to the advancing French army!
Nowadays the area is perfectly safe and the residents are especially friendly – it has a relaxed village feel, especially in the late afternoon when the locals come down to relax.
As well as supermarkets and a number of shops that sell fresh produce, there is a local market on Friday and Saturday mornings, a fish market open every day, and plenty of places to sample the local cuisine.
Levera Beach
One of the main nesting beaches for leatherback turtles in Grenada, Levera Beach – part of the Levera National Park – is just a 20 minute drive east from Almost Paradise.
During turtle nesting season (March to June), it is a prohibited area and permission is required for the purpose of turtle viewing. Ocean Spirits perform scientific research and provide a nationwide education on sea turtles for the communities of Grenada. To find out more about Ocean Spirits and volunteering opportunities please visit the Ocean Spirits website. Alternatively, for night-time tours, get in touch with the St. Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism Organisation (SPECTO).
Hiking
There is plenty of hiking to be had here in the north of Grenada, either on your own or on organised walks.
The Spice Isle offers its adventurous side for those looking to connect with the wild beauty of the Caribbean.
The northern and central parts of Grenada are the place to explore lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, plantations and coastal trails. We are especially fond of the Grand Etang National Park.
We can arrange guides for you for a fuller experience should you wish. We also try to do ‘The Hash’ most Saturdays, and you are more than welcome to join us! Great company, interesting trails and an ice-cold beer or two at the end – what’s not to love?
East coast: Grenville & the Mount Carmel Falls
Venture down the east coast and you will find Lake Antoine and the historic River Antoine Rum Distillery, as well as the Belmont Estate working spice plantation a little further inland.
Further down you will find Grenville, the second largest town in Grenada and the capital of the St Andrew Parish.
Grenville has a diverse marketplace and is the perfect starting point for trips to the rainforest inland or further south to the stunning Royal Mount Carmel waterfalls and some of Grenada’s protected bays and beaches.
Further south and inland is Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden where you can learn how Grenada’s spices are grown and processed – well worth a visit.
Davey Beach
Of all the beaches in north Grenada, Davey Beach is my favourite. Just off Little David Point, and only a half-hour hike away along the coast (or a short drive), this is a picturesque beach that is popular with the locals, but don’t be surprised if you have the beach to yourselves.
Some local fishermen keep and maintain their boats here, ready to take out when the conditions are right, and on public holidays you can expect families to come to the beach from across the island to cook ‘Oil Down’ – the national dish of Grenada.
The local wildlife have been known to use the beach too, so keep your eyes open for pelicans, frigatebirds, boobies, yellow-crowned night herons, and more – they’re often out enjoying the sunshine!
Diving and snorkelling
Grenada is the self-proclaimed ‘Wreck-Diving Capital of the Caribbean’, with numerous sites within recreational dive limits, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean: the Bianca C passenger ship.
The local waters are home to a wide variety of marine creatures, colourful reef fish, and hard and soft corals. The underwater topography is especially interesting, with various drop-offs and flat reefs. On some sites, usually those in more exposed waters, you can also expect to see larger creatures such as eagle rays and reef sharks.
For those who are happy snorkelling closer to home, Sandy Island (just off Bathway Beach) is a short boat ride away. The island is deserted and has a reef nearby in crystal clear waters – perfect for a relaxing day trip!
West coast: Gouyave & the Concord Falls
Take a trip down the west coast and you will find Duquesne Bay (famous for its Petroglyphs), the Crayfish Bay Organic Estate, the Diamond Chocolate Factory in Victoria, and the new Nutmeg Museum.
For those wanting to experience more of Grenada’s natural beauty, we suggest venturing further south to the beautiful Concord Falls. The more adventurous can walk from Concord Falls up stream to Au Coin Falls. The hike can take anything up to an hour, and be prepared to get your feet wet as you have to cross the river five times, but the stunning vegetation and the cool swim at the end definitely make it worthwhile!
Bathway Beach
This white sand beach is popular with the locals, especially at the weekend and on bank holidays. It boasts views across the water to Sandy Island and Green Island.
The shoreline is protected by natural boulders that break the waves, making it a safe place to swim most of the time, but don’t venture outside of these boulders as there is a very strong current.
While you’re there, make sure you check out the local vendors – especially Gillian! – for food and drinks.
Cruising
Yachts are available for both bareboat and skippered charters in St. George, and we can assure you that cruising to the Grenadines is a fabulous experience.
There are plenty of secluded islands to visit, all surrounded by crystal clear water. We have visited the islands a few times and our favourite itinerary so far has been to stay overnight at Tirrell Bay as it is an easy and safe anchorage. With the right timing and a bit of luck, you might get to see the sun set while the full moon is rising!
From Tirrell Bay we suggest sailing to Sandy Island for a morning swim before heading to Anse La Roche Beach for a spectacular lunch at Tim Garraway’s Bar.
Of course, you may prefer a completely different itinerary, and the choice is entirely yours – we’re happy to help with arrangements as needed!