On a yacht to Grenada: incredible nature and secluded beaches

There are so many sailing and anchorage options in the Grenadines and Grenada that it is impossible to visit even some of them. But you surely won't get past Cape Molinerewhere you can go snorkeling in Underwater sculpture park... This is one of the first famous underwater sculptured gardens of Jason de Keir Taylor, which was established in 2006. Now there are about 10 such gardens, scattered throughout the oceans. There are approximately 75 sculptures in the park, most of them life-sized stone men and women in natural positions, for example, standing in a circle with folded arms, or sitting at a work table.

Another great place near Grenada - Sandy Island. It is located near the northeastern edge of the main island. Here you can spend a wonderful day in the parking lot: relax on the white sandy beach, wander through the ruins of an old colonial-style villa.

If you want to get away from the beaten track, then between Carriacou and Grenada there is a small Ronda island... It is practically uninhabited, apart from a tiny handful of fishermen. On the northern tip of the western side of the island, there is a sheltered overnight stay with a completely deserted beach. It can be occupied for the whole day, although it becomes narrow during high tides.

In addition, the beach is surrounded by a low but steep cliff. So, if you decide to go inland, you have to climb up a fixed rope that hangs about halfway from the beach. In this place there will be a network of inconspicuous paths. One of them leads the traveler through the wild surrounding landscapes, past several small huts, down to the south side of the island, where there is a small fishing community and another good beach. Others head mainly towards the north coast with its rugged and wild beaches.

North of Ronda is Carriacou island, which especially attracts people associated with shipbuilding. In fact, it is one of the few remaining places in the Caribbean where the locals still build traditional sailing and motor boats out of wood. Many of them are still used commercially.

Although Carriacou is close to Grenada, it has a unique atmosphere, individuality and its own culture. Unlike some of the more popular tourist destinations, visitors to this island seem more like guests than invaders. This is partly due to a lack of mass tourism amenities such as cruise ships, international airport, hotels and resorts. In short, Carriacou is the place to be! One of the few remaining places in the Caribbean of this kind.

There are two large anchorages at the southwest end of the island - Tyrell and Hillsborough Coves... Tyrell is smaller and quieter, and in its southern part is "The Slipway" - one of the best restaurants in Carriacou.

Owned and run by an American named Keith, this restaurant has great food and a pleasant atmosphere. The relaxing nature of the bay and the establishment is embodied in the person of the local dog Baldo. The sly man likes to lie under the tables of visitors during dinner and, of course, never leaves without a present.

If you are in Tyrell Baybe sure to take a walk along the local beach. There are several pretty little cottages on the shore, a grocery store, a number of bars and restaurants, and a few fruit and vegetable vendors. If you are looking for a quiet, cozy place, you are at the right place. Life here is unhurried, and it is relaxing.

Hillsborough is just around the corner from Tyrell, to the north. There are many more shops and restaurants here, all buses and taxis call in here. So, if you want to explore the island - Hillsborough is worth choosing as an anchorage.

Most of the local boats are built in Windward village on the northeast coast. This is an informal production, you cannot say otherwise. Most boats are built right in the courtyards, and the only way to find them is to ask the locals.

Traditionally, boats are built on 100 % wood: white cedar, mahogany, resinous pine and marine plywood. At the end of the project, his owner throws a grand party for his friends, and then they help him drag the finished boat to the water. Local residents use boats not only for personal purposes, but also for commercial purposes: for example, to transport goods between the islands.

After getting to know the boat builders Carriacou, head to the northernmost end of the island to visit Petit Carenage... Well-groomed trails lead through swamps and mangroves to a beautiful sandy beach. It is a haven for many migratory birds and turtles that lay their eggs here. The wonderful place is surprisingly rarely visited, and the entire beach will be completely at your disposal. Although it is rather narrow, there is enough space to lay a towel and rest.

In addition, Carriacou has excellent diving spots. In search of great views, you should definitely visit Two Sisters and Wilpool... There are many colorful corals, various fish, unique rock formations and even small ruins.

To visit these parts and not go to tobago reefs - a big omission. Although geographically located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in fact they are easily accessible from Grenada. On these tiny islands, you seem to find yourself in a fairy kingdom. Palm trees and grapevine trees sway gently over shimmering white sand beaches, iguanas bask in the sun, and playful green sea turtles peek out of the water to greet you.

One of the traditions on the reefs of Tobago is BBQ on the beach with a specialty of grilled whole lobster... Locals prepare goodies on the beach of Petit Rameau Island and serve them on wooden tables under the trees, on which soft lights are lit by electric bulbs. They will grill lobster, chicken or fish of your choice, and in addition you will receive rum punch, rice and slices of local delicacies.

The moment you crunch open a lobster shell while sipping rum and your feet sink into the cool, soft sand, it's hard to imagine a more beautiful place on earth!

Another great feature of Tobago is the protected population of green turtles in Baradal Islands... While snorkeling here, you will see an incredible number of these peaceful graceful creatures eating algae.

When traveling in this part of the Grenadines, it is worth taking a look at Mero island... There are some excellent anchorages in Sailin and Salt Whistle Bays. Sailine has a more homely atmosphere with families having barbecues, children playing on the beach, and some fisherman sipping cold local beer.

Salt Whistle is more touristy. There are many yachting-themed bars and restaurants. For example, there is the entertaining Last Bar Before the Jungle, which offers an inspiring kick of rum.

If you find yourself on Union Island, be sure to check out Happy Island near Clifton. It consists entirely of sea-washed shells and regularly hosts impromptu kitesurfers at sunset. The show features locals performing their high-altitude acrobatic performances as close to the bar as possible. Therefore, you can easily see a child a few feet above your head, from whose hair salt water drips straight into your beer.

One of the natural attractions of Grenada is its lush rainforest. Of particular interest in this regard is Mount St. Catherine, which rises 840 m above sea level. Here you can admire many species of rare deciduous trees, tropical birds and monkeys, and several rivers and waterfalls organically complement this island of paradise on earth.

The trails here are mostly unobtrusive, so you should get a guide to walk around the area. He will not only guide you to the most interesting places and tell you about the flora and fauna, but also help you get to the most secluded and inaccessible corners thanks to climbing equipment.

If you are a beach lover, you will surely love Grand Anse - the largest and most famous beach with a wide white strip of sand along the coast. And for a secluded vacation, you should go to one of the most unusual beaches - Black Bay... It is covered with black sparkling sand, and there is also a cave with rock paintings of ancient people nearby.

Another pleasant secluded place - Levera Beach on the northeastern edge of the island. If you come here between March and August, you can see the leatherback turtles that crawl here en masse to lay their eggs.

Grenada has excellent diving spots, including some interesting wrecks. These include cruise liner Bianca Cwhich sank in 1961 at a depth of 50 m about a mile from Grand Anse Beach.

Also worth visiting the resort True blue bay on the southern edge of the island. There is a magnificent Aquanauts water parkwhere they offer diving in full gear. A great place to relax as the resort is located right in the city center and the local restaurant is famous for its regular culinary events and live music.

Fans of racing will also find entertainment in Grenada. A couple of local, but no less exciting regattas are held here: Grenada Sailing Week and Work Boat Race, in which exclusively wooden sailing boats of local production participate.

And if your soul is thirsty for parties, welcome to Dinghy Concert in Petit Calivigny Bay! Here, a local band puts on afternoon shows on a tiny barge with a bar and dance floor. Yachts, boats and everything that moves on the water gather around this barge and the whole area turns into one big fun party!

26.03.2020