Visiting the Spice Island: Things to Do In Grenada
I visited Grenada in January 2020 on a cruise just before the world came to a stop. I had never cruised before and had never been to such a welcoming island. This is an article about the experience of visiting this cruise port.
From the moment you arrive in the cruise port of Grenada, you know you will enjoy everything this wonderful country has to offer. The Christmastime smells of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon fill the air and put you into that holiday mode. There are so many things to do in Grenada and choosing just one cruise excursion can be challenging. It will be next to impossible to see all that Grenada has to offer. Grenada is often the next port of call after visiting Dominica and St. Thomas on a Caribbean cruise. Use this Grenada cruise port guide to help you choose the best things to do on the island.
Commonly known as the Spice Island, Grenada is part of a beautiful tri-island state in the southern Caribbean. With a population of only 110,000 people, the island is home to a beautiful landscape with pristine beaches, fantastic snorkeling and diving, numerous festivals, abundant food, and the ever-present aromas of vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Grenada contains just the right balance of modern conveniences with traditional Caribbean charm. The people are friendly and helpful by nature and quite welcoming to visitors. It is the perfect destination for families as well as couples.
Grenada, although one of the less popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, is certainly worth the visit. Whether you are stopping over on an island-hopping cruise excursion for a day or planning an extended vacation, be sure to use this Grenada cruise port guide to explore what this island has to offer.
Beaches, waterfalls, and hikes will attract the nature lover while forts, and museums will attract the history buff. For the foodie, spices and spice plantations are abundant. I would be amiss if I did not mention the rum distilleries.
Pro Tip: Fort Frederick is walking distance from the cruise port if you prefer to go on your own.
Some best things to do in Grenada should include:
Underwater Sculptures
A trip to Grenada would not be complete without a trip to the World-Famous Underwater Sculpture Park. The Molinere Sculpture Park, created in 2006, consists of a collection of underwater contemporary art designed to engage the local population with the sea.
House of Chocolate
The House of Chocolate is a mini museum and café which portrays the history of chocolate. From the history of cacao you are educated on how it is grown, harvested and processed. You can also grind some cacao beans and see how they make cocoa butter and chocolate bars. Tasting is also available, and an assortment of items is available to take away. Oh, and you might even find some free samples!
Grand Anse Beach
Spending some time on the beach in Grenada is a must! There are so many well-kept beaches where you can relax, read a book, take a dip, watch the boats go by or simply just listen to the waves.
From Grand Anse beach, you can see the cruise ships in port and marvel at their beauty with the tropical island landscape as their background. The azure colour of the water relieves all stress as you walk along the beautiful soft sand beach.
Tip: An inexpensive taxi ride could be just what you need to enjoy this day.
Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden
Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden is a definite must as Grenada is known as the Spice Island after all. From the time you arrive on the island, the Christmas-like scents of nutmeg and cinnamon fill the air. At Laura’s Garden you will be escorted and guided though an array of locally ground herbs and spices. The guide will demonstrate how to grow them and some of their uses.
There is a small store on-site to purchase some of these spices. On the day I was there, a worker was demonstrating how cinnamon was traditionally harvested from the tree and formed into the curled pieces we see today. This is one of the best things to do in Grenada.
Seven Sisters Falls
One of the most beautiful hikes in Grenada is to the Seven Sisters Falls in Grand Etang National Park. The hike takes about forty-five minutes, and it is quite the trek. Be sure to wear proper shoes and perhaps take a walking stick as the path does tend to be steep and slippery.
Once at the falls you will be tempted to go for a swim or to try jumping off the falls. Jumping is quite dangerous so do so at your own risk. If you go with a guide, they will be able to identify the flora and fauna of this beautiful area. You might even see a monkey or two.
Fort Frederick
Although looking a little worse for wear, Fort Frederick, is the fort that you see when you arrive in the cruise port in St. George’s. High on a hill, it offers incredible views in all directions. In the evening, you will see amazing ocean sunsets with colourful reflections on the surrounding hills. The southwestern direction offers views of the southwestern peninsula, the airport, Grand Anse Beach, the roofs of St. George’s University and tiny Glovers Island which was used for whaling in the 1920’s.
At the fort, you will notice that the cannons are facing backwards as it was believed at the time that a military offense would come by land rather than by sea. This fort is known as the “backward’ s facing” fort.
Clark’s Court Rum Distillery
Many cruise excursions include Clark’s Rum Distillery. In advance of entering the plant, hard hats will be provided. Also be aware that there are many stairs on the tour and some passageways are narrow. Your guide with take you through the distillery and provide an informative presentation of the history of the distillery. It is quite interesting to see the rum making process.
At the end of the tour, you will be guided to the on-site store for tasting and sampling the rum. There are over 15 varieties of flavoured rum available for tasting and purchase. Don’t get too excited as quantities are limited for tasting. My favorite is the chocolate rum. Remember, if you are on a cruise, you cannot bring a bottle back to the ship. Definitely, one of my favorite things to do in Grenada.
Grenada National Museum
This little museum is a great place to learn about the history of Grenada from the European influences of the 15th century to the modern-day including Grenada Independence in 1974 and the Revolution in 1979. Inside you will fine artefacts and displays including Amerindian pottery, cannons from British/French battles, coppers used to process sugarcane and other objects from the 17th and 18th century.
Are you ready for a visit?
From the cruise port of St. George’s to the sandy shores of Grand Anse beach, Grenada is a wonderful place to take a step back and unwind. The ever-present scent of the Spice Island relieves stress and provides the perfect ambiance to enjoy the many things to do on the island. Grenada is a perfect place to spend a day or a week. I hope this cruise port guide has given you some inspiration for some things to do in Grenada.
If you have been to other places on the island, leave a comment.
I performed on cruise ships for several years back in the late 70s and early 80’s. We stopped going to Grenada because of politics I never understood. But I did visit Grenada on a rare stop and I couldn’t stop breathing in the beautiful aromas. So intoxicating and rich. 💫💞