Vos vacances dans le sud

Grenada

Sun. Sand. The Caribbean Sea on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Diving. Swimming. Miles upon miles of unspoiled natural beauty. Shopping. Relaxing. Sound too good to be true?

It's not...it's Grenada. Located at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands about 100 miles off the coast of South America, Grenada is actually made up of three separate island states: Grenada, and its sister islands Carriacou (KARRy-a-COU) and Petite Martinique.

This site is designed specifically for Canadians traveling to the State of Grenada. You will find all the information you need on how to get to Grenada, the currency and exchange rates, the climate, where to stay, where to shop, customs regulations as well as a list of some of the more frequently asked questions about Grenada.

GRENADA

The island of Grenada remains one of the few truly unspoiled travel destinations in the Caribbean. We invite Canadians looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway to make the trip to our peaceful and safe little piece of paradise. Canadians can expect to be treated to world-class resorts and dining, water sports, diving, and eco-adventure.

Grenada is truly a feast for the senses. Known as "The Spice Island of the Caribbean," from the moment you step off the plane the smells of nutmeg and other indigenous spices waft by in the gentle ocean breezes. The effect is enticing and alludes to the promise of an unforgettable vacation.

CARRIACOU AND PETITE MARTINIQUE

Located 23 miles northeast of Grenada, English-speaking Carriacou is only seven miles long yet is the largest of the Grenadine islands. From the air, Carriacou appears as the largest gem in the string of jewels that make up the Grenadines. Home to a population of close to 6,000, Carriacou is accessible by air from Grenada where several small airlines offer daily flights to the island. For those who prefer to travel by water, the motorized catamaran, The Osprey runs daily from Grenada.

Just two and a half miles from Carriacou, is the other treasure of the Grenadines, Petite Martinique. In spite of its name, which dates back to the French occupation of the island in the 17th century, Petite Martinique is an English-speaking island of less than a thousand people. The boat trip to Petite Martinique from Carriacou is only 20 minutes but visitors will feel as though they have traveled back in time. Although the island has all the modern amenities, rainwater is still collected in tanks on roofs and visitors are as likely to see livestock on the road as they are an automobile.

ECOTOURISM AND ADVENTURE

As a leader in the growth of ecotourism, the government of Grenada is committed to preserving and sustaining the island's natural beauty. Measures have been taken in the past to ensure that Grenada remains an unspoiled Caribbean gem. Through initiatives such as designating one sixth of the land mass to parks, natural sanctuaries and wildlife preserves, Grenada strives to limit human encroachment and to provide travelers with environmentally friendly and ecologically sound activities on the island.

DIVING

Grenada and its sister island Carriacou offer divers of all skill levels some of the most extensive and spectacular diving in the Caribbean, giving divers access to sites that remain virtually untouched. Diving in Grenada is considered among the finest available anywhere in the world. The island's undervisited sites, including the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the Bianca C, means divers, swimmers and snorkelers can expect to be greeted by colourful schools of fish, pristine coral reefs and unique varieties of marine life.

Grenada's newest dive site is "The Shakem", a shipwrecked freighter that sunk in the waters off the island on May 30, 2001. En route from Trinidad, the German-made freighter sank to a coral ground at 90 feet below the water. The Shakem currently stands upright and can be explored at depths between 60 and 90 feet. In the year since it went down the Shakem is home to numerous species of fish and other sea life.

For divers looking for more than just a day dive, Aquanauts is pleased to offer weekly dive cruises on board the "Seahawk." The six-day cruise takes divers to various locations around the Grenadines and offers a variety of après-dive entertainment and activities.

WATER SPORTS

Diving is not the only water sport available to Canadian visitors to Grenada. Swimming in the pristine, safe, reef protected waters off the island is unlike anything in the world. With the temperature on the island hovering constantly around the 30-degree mark, the waters are warm and inviting.

Avid Canadian sailors can charter a yacht and crew and take a tour around Grenada and the neighbouring islands. More experienced sailors can "bareboat" or crew their own boats for a day or longer.

Deep-sea fishing is exceptional and Canadian game fishers who find themselves in Grenada during the annual Spice Island Billfish Tournament in January might just net themselves a cash prize.

Another popular island water sport doesn't involve getting in the water at all. Whale watching is a year round activity in Grenada and several tour operators offer daily and half day trips in search of resident pods of humpback, killer and sperm whales.

HISTORICAL POINTS OF INTEREST

Canadians have a reputation for being adventurous travelers. They also want to absorb a little history from their host country. Grenada's long and storied history and its unique culture help make the island the perfect adventure vacation spot for Canadian history buffs.

Historians can go back in time through Grenada's colonial past by visiting a number of local landmarks. The hilltop forts that surround the island are worth a visit and many are privately owned and in different stages of restoration. One of the few remaining sugar cane plantations, River Antoine Estate, continues to make Grenada's famous bay rum the 18th century way. At the River Antoine Estate, river water is still used to grind the cane and the Estate and distillery remain impressive testaments to colonial times.

There are number of other places of historical interest to explore on the islands and both Grenada and Carriacou have national museums in their respective capital cities.

FESTIVALS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

The highlight of the festivities each year is Spice Mas, Grenada's unique Carnival, a fusion of French and African traditions that lasts for two weeks in July into August. It is a celebration of the unique culture of Grenada. Experience Dimanche Gras, J' Ouvert, Monday Night Mas, and Pageant. Follow the parade of the bands and 'chip' through the streets of St. George's to the rhythmic sound of calypso and to the melody of the steelpan.

These are a sampling of the varied activities and festivals in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

MEDICAL/HEALTH FACILITIES

There are three public hospitals in Grenada, including the newly renovated General Hospital in the town of St. George's. There are also private hospitals, as well as many public medical clinics throughout the island. In the event of an emergency, contact your hotel's front desk. Doctors will also make house calls.