7 reasons to get off the beach in glorious Grenada

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

So, you're lucky enough to be in the balmy, blue-skied Caribbean and you just want to relax on the puffy white sand beach and forget that you ever had any other life.

The white sands lining the shore of Sandals Grenada
The white sands lining the shore of Sandals Grenada - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

That's perfectly understandable and there's a lot to be said for just lotus-eating on your hard-earned holiday. On the exotic, intoxicatingly beautiful 'Spice Island' of Grenada you'll be amply rewarded, though, if you manage to break away from your sun lounger and try some of the following activities.

Getting to Grenada: for an all-inclusive luxury escape to remember, check out the latest deals from Sandals*, which has a seriously stylish resort on this most delicious of Caribbean islands.

1. Wild watersports

If you can rouse yourself off the beach adventures await right in front of you if you're staying at Sandals, as the famous Pink Gin Beach boasts an array of watersports that are included* with your stay.

How about using the top-notch equipment, with professional instructors on hand of course, to enjoy a sea kayak, snorkel or windsurfing session?

Or maybe try out the latest fashion, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), which is a whole lot easier than learning to surf.

Within a short time, you can be standing up easing along through the waters congratulating yourself for having left the beach.

2. Dive below the surface

Snorkelling is fun, but if you really want to get to grips with the bountiful local marine life and numerous wreck sites scuba diving is the way to go.

Diving through the Sculpture Park, Grenada
Diving through the Sculpture Park, Grenada - photo courtesy of Grenada Tourism Authority

Divers flock to Grenada from all over the world and you can join them for free at Sandals as PADI diving is included* with certified instructors. They know the best reef sites and you get out to them in style with state-of-the-art Newton Dive Boats.

Spend time with these seasoned, but never world-weary, pros and you will soon see why it's been voted one of the 'Top 5 Dive Operations in the Western Hemisphere' by PADI.

3. Rum ahoy

If you're partial to rum you've come to the right place as the Caribbean is home to this delicious drink, which makes for an ideal sundowner.

There are rum distilleries all over the Caribbean, but handily the oldest working rum distillery in the archipelago is right here on Grenada.

The River Antoine Rum Distillery is how you want a rum distillery to be, gloriously old school and laden with bags of character. They know what they are doing here as you will find out on one of their guided tours.

The strong Rivers Rum has been produced here since way back in 1785! It's unlikely you'll find any of their rum abroad, though, as the small production is usually snapped up on the island by the Grenadians, who really know their rum.

4. Two-wheeled oasis

Rather than just sit on a tour bus, heading out on a bike trip* lets you discover more of the island and burn off a few calories as you go. I'd recommend these guided tours, especially for those not sure about exploring on their own.

The diverse scenery of this never-less-than-stunning island offers its fair share of twists and turns to keep things interesting as you pedal along on your mountain bike.

Highlights en route include stopping off at a local fishing spot where you can watch fishermen land their haul and L'Anse aux Epines, where cameras should be at the ready at the deeply scenic southern peninsula where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.

Your adventure culminates with a short trail section, the ideal end to a rewarding day off the beach and on two wheels.

5. Get trekking in the rainforest

Trekking out to explore the virginal rainforest is a Grenada must. This is a world that is more Jurassic Park than theme park.

A guided tour is the easiest and safest way to get out to experience oases like the epic Annandale Waterfall*. I reckon it's the island's most spectacular waterfall and this is saying something!

This adventure gives you the chance to assault your senses with a hike that immerses you in the vibrant flora and fauna of the Grenadian jungle.

Spectacular sea views from the Grand Etang National Park, Grenada
Spectacular sea views from the Grand Etang National Park, Grenada © Claudio968 - Fotolia.com

The Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve is a real wilderness where exotic birds call overhead, cooling streams rush by the trail and you can catch sight of lizards, armadillos and the local Mona Monkey.

Feast on tropical fruits - sprinkled with the island's famous spices - and also enjoy a life-affirming swim in the crystal clear waters of the Annandale Waterfall, which flows out from the Grand Etang Crater Lake.

6. Fish for big game

Whether you are a keen angler or not back home bashing out in search of big game fish is a thrilling experience.

Numerous companies operate trips, with Sandals able to set you up with a vessel specially designed for deep sea sport-fishing*.

You're likely to encounter some of the Caribbean's most famous fish species from yellowfin tuna and wahoo, through to blue marlin, feisty barracuda and the distinctive sailfish.

You'll find your vessel equipped with all the necessary top-end gear, from tackle to lures. A range of complimentary cold drinks is stocked onboard too.

Note: as part of a sustainability programme all billfish (marlin, sailfish and spearfish) are tagged then released.

7. Explore historic St.George's

Grenada is not just all about sea, sun and sand, as its historic capital St. George's is testament to.

You can learn a lot in its web of streets, sights and colonial-era buildings, but however much you want to learn and how deep you want to go an essential first stop is the Grenada National Museum.

The museum has a fittingly eclectic heritage as it was once a French-era barracks then went on to become the island's first hotel and also served as a warehouse.

Highlights amongst the exhibits include artefacts from the Amerindians, through to the island's first telegraph line and an old rum still, which will set you up nicely for enjoying a rum cocktail back at your resort.

You can toast yourself on discovering there is much more to Grenada than just its glorious beaches.

Explore the historic capital
Explore the historic capital © Pkazmierczak - Adobe Stock Image

The weather in Grenada

As you can see below, the weather in Grenada is pretty consistent throughout the year. However, things are drier and slightly sunnier between January and May, which is what's cemented its reputation as a winning winter sun destination.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

Tempted to try these activities in Grenada? Book your luxurious holiday to Grenada with Sandals for an all inclusive getaway like no other.

Discover more about Sandals

Sandals: Find your all inclusive holiday to the Caribbean here

More about Grenada

Grenada by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Article updated on Friday 30th July 2021 in: Caribbean Excursions Winter sun

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