Grenada may be a small island, but it is big enough to offer eco-tourists plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning natural wonders and wildlife between sun-kissed hours of relaxation on white-sand beaches. Sometimes overshadowed by the larger Caribbean islands, Grenada deserves equal consideration when planning sustainable travel. - BY PAMELA GRANT

When Christopher Columbus stepped onto the island of Grenada, he found it inhabited by the Carib Indians and covered with lush vegetation covering hills that meet the coast. Over time, the island was settled by France and passed to Britain, both countries using the island as a source of various items for export, including indigo, sugar, and spices like nutmeg, hence its nickname, “Spice Isle.” After becoming fully independent in 1974, Grenada went through years of periodic political turmoil, but once peace resumed, it began a transition from agricultural-dominant to tourism-based. Originally, enslaved people brought from Africa worked the plantations, and their efforts many years ago led to agriculture becoming a major industry. Even today, the country remains the world’s second-largest nutmeg producer, and it also exports mace, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa, citrus fruits, and bananas. This brief history sets the stage for island visitors who find a mixture of African, French, and British influences that create a colorful and interesting culture and plenty of historical spots to visit. The plantations are only part of the story. Grenada is an eco-tourist’s dream destination because of the government’s efforts to preserve the environment and culture.

FORTS TO WATERFALLS

Grenada is one island in a tri-island state consisting of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Together they have only 133 square miles of land. Saint George’s is Grenada’s capital city and has its own attractions, beginning with Fort Matthew, a good place for historian buffs to visit. Once a site of conflict and then converted to an insane asylum, it has 18th century bathrooms, underground tunnels, and other interesting features. The view from Fort Matthew is of the town of the city of Saint George, the Melville Street Cruise Port, and St. George’s University. It gives a good bird’s eye view of the surrounding area and sets the tone of your visit.

Grenada is rich in natural beauty, including white sand beaches, waterfalls and rainforests. The Levera National Park is a coastal area with a mangrove swamp where many bird species are found, including herons, common snipes, black-necked stilts, and many more. The marine areas have coral reefs, seagrass beds sheltering ocean life, and Bathways Beach, where sea turtles hatch from May to September. The aqua color of the ocean’s coastal waters is simply breathtaking. If you enjoy hiking, head for Welcome Stone because, at the top, you get a spectacular view of nine islands on the north side of Grenada.

In the center of Grenada are Grand Etang Lake and National Park. This is where you can mix it up with different sites. There is wilderness, a rainforest, hot springs, and waterfalls. Grand Etank Lake is a crater lake sitting on an ancient volcano. Local legend says a mermaid lives in the lake, so men beware! She tries to lure them to their death. The Grand Etang Lake’s water is so clear that you can spot barracudas, lobsters, bonefish, and more swimming around. Hikers can walk the lake’s rim to the top of Mount Qua Qua, the country’s third-highest peak. Another popular hike in the national park takes visitors through tropical rainforest to Seven Sisters Waterfalls, where water rushes down the mountain into a pool where you can swim. This is just one of many waterfalls on this lush island you can visit. The Grand Etang National Park is home to the Mona Monkey, a protected species, armadillos, tropical mockingbirds, lizards, frogs, and more.

UNDERWATER ART MUSEUM, SPICE GARDENS, AND PLANTATIONS CREATE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

If hiking is not your favorite pastime, you can take a bicycle tour or a paddle boarding lesson instead. There are many opportunities for watersports, including shark diving, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Boat tours are available, too. Of course, you could just enjoy the beach, reveling in the Caribbean sun while lying on the warm white sand.

One of the most unusual sites to visit is the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, which is listed as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the Works. There are 75 artistic works located 16 feet below the ocean’s surface. You visit this museum by snorkeling, scuba diving, or riding a glass-bottom boat. One of the fascinating and touching sculptures called Vicissitudes is a ring of children holding hands and facing out. They were cast from children with diverse backgrounds, a reminder of the island’s diversity. The artist is Jason deCaires Taylor.

Taking a tour of one or more plantations is a cultural experience. The plantations reflect both the history of the island and modern-day economic activity. The Gouyave village is where you find a spice factory and nutmeg processing operation. You can visit the Dougladston Estate and enjoy an immersive experience. Driving a short road outside Gouyave, you pass by callaloo and pimento trees with allspice berries and bananas. You can visit a building called a boucan, where spice-drying trays are on rails so they can be moved in and out of the weather. Here you can enjoy a little test, which involves scratching and sniffing various leaves and guessing the spices for each. After guessing, the locals will share how various spices are harvested and processed. Some spices being prepared for processing are in Calabash shells, a type of bowl. Visitors can also see the steam-powered cocoa processing building.

You can book a Spice Plantation tour with multiple plantations, like the West Indian Spice Facility, the L’Esterre Estate, the Tower Estate, and the Belmont Estate. There are gorgeous spice gardens filled with tropical fruit, flowers, and spice trees with alluring scents. Sunnyside Garden, Smithy’s Garden, and De La Grenade Industries Gardens are three beautiful gardens containing palms, hibiscus, orchids, coy ponds, herbs, spices, fruit, and opportunities to learn more about Grenada’s agricultural economy and how plants are used for food and medicinal purposes.

GENUINE COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Grenada is a remarkable place with more than beautiful beaches and stunning nature. The government has genuinely committed to protecting the habitat, and tourism outlays help. Several programs are planned or in progress, such as a monkey observation program and the leatherback sea turtle conservation program. There are eco-friendly hotels to choose from, too. The Green Globe certifying organization certifies hospitality businesses for their compliance with environmental sustainability. By staying at one of the Green Globe-certified resorts, you support Grenada’s strong effort to maintain an eco-friendly island that also wants to welcome tourists. It is a delicate balance that is not always easy to maintain.