8 Amazing Day Trips to Take From Grenada by Boat
Large enough for an exciting variety of restaurants, but not overwhelmed by high-rise hotels or cookie-cutter tourism, Grenada is a true Caribbean gem. Its location just south of the hurricane belt makes it a prime yachting destination. Hire a boat and explore secluded islands, vibrant coral reefs and quiet beaches on these day trips from the capital, St George’s.
Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area
Molinière Bay is part of a protected marine reserve and is home to the first underwater sculpture park in the world. Bright orange sponges and thickly textured corals grow from the crooks and crevices of life-sized sculptures of human forms, creating an eerily beautiful ambiance. For the best reef and fish life, moor in one of the northern bays – Dragon Bay or Flamingo Bay – where you’re likely to spot flamingo tongues on the sea fans that gently sway in the surge.
Black Bay
The volcanic origins of Grenada are no more apparent than here, where the ebony sand beach of Black Bay lines the coast. This secluded bay has excellent snorkelling; watch butterflyfish, angelfish and wrasse dart between hard and soft corals. There is exploration to do ashore, too – follow the wide trail up the hill at the south of the beach. The canopy soon opens to reveal a grassy field before a deep cave, housing hundreds of bats.
St George’s
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore downtown St George’s. The Carenage waterfront road skirts the bay, and red fish-scale roofs embellish the hillside of the country’s capital. Walk through the tunnel (an experience in itself) and take the steep stairs up to Fort George for a spectacular view of the bay. In the heat of the day, retreat to the House of Chocolate on Young Street for an iced coffee, which pairs perfectly with their chocolate bon-bons, made from local cocoa.
Morne Rouge
This shallow, turquoise bay is a great place to spend the day. Explore the wide, white sand beach, snorkel with turtles as they munch on seagrass, and sunbathe surrounded by the clear, Caribbean sea. When lunch rolls around, head ashore to the Kalinago Hotel beach bar for one of the best rotis on the island. Fancy some exercise? Take the 15-minute walk up the hill to Quarantine Point for a fantastic view of the island’s southwest coast.
Grand Anse
With 2mi (3.2km) of sheltered white sand, Grand Anse is the longest and most popular beach in Grenada. Dinghy ashore for a frozen mojito from Esther’s at the spice market, or check out Umbrella’s Beach Bar and Restaurant for lunch – try the pulled-pork loaded fries. Spend the afternoon on the water with Eco Dive, who take scuba divers, both aspiring and certified, to some of the best dive sites on the island.
Glover Island
Just off the south coast of Grenada is Glover Island. This low-lying, uninhabited island is a former whaling station, remnants of which can still be seen on the rocky shore. The real draw, though, is under the water: spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays circle the bottom most afternoons, making it a rewarding place to spend the day snorkelling and relaxing in the sun.
Le Phare Bleu
Though this boutique hotel and marina is off the beaten path, it has a lot to offer. Spend the morning exploring the coastline with Conservation Kayak, a tour company that teaches about mangrove conservation and ecology; it’s based on a 120-year old Swedish lightship, moored in the marina. Afterwards, lounge on the nearby beach, have lunch at the marina restaurant, or enjoy a happy hour rum punch by the pool.
Hog Island
Hog Island is the place to be on Sunday afternoons. This otherwise uninhabited island is home to Roger’s Barefoot Beach Bar, which serves large portions of barbecue lunch to locals and sailors alike. Join the party or spend time discovering the island. Footpaths wind their way through the mangroves and over the rolling hills to secluded beaches and windswept peninsulas.