Grenada is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, with pristine beaches, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and delicious food. If you want to minimize your footprint when you travel, we’ll show you the best things to do in Grenada to have a more eco-friendly vacation.
It’s easy to plan things to do in Grenada for the eco-minded/nature enthusiast. With miles of empty coastlines and lush forests, the island is teeming with endless possibilities. Eco Travel is very achievable in Grenada and can also be done on varying budgets. See how to visit this spice island paradise in a sustainable way.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Royal Mount Carmel falls, Saint Andrew
This is a community cared for waterfall, they keep the grounds clean, and the path easy to walk along. They’ve made an amazing walkway through the jungle and created seating areas by the base of the waterfall and along the river for lots of little swimming pools.
You don’t need to go on a day tour, and a guide isn’t necessary, as it takes approximately 10 minutes to walk to the falls from the parking space. It’s a great place for bringing a picnic and soak up the natural vibes on your Grenada eco travel vacation.
Cost: Approximately 2.50 EC per person.
Eco Tip: Have a chat (or a beer) with the locals at their bar afterward. They are very friendly and have put a lot of effort into making the grounds accessible.
2. Hike to Seven Sisters falls, Grand Etang national park
Visiting Seven Sisters waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Grenada! It’s not too often that you get your own double waterfall for the day. There are actually 6 tiers that you can hike to (we’ve only managed to get to two without a guide).
To get to this first double waterfall its a steep downhill stair climb, which takes approximately 30 minutes. You do not need a guide to get to the first waterfall, as the track is clearly marked.
There’s rarely people there (except for when the cruise ship is in town) and it’s a perfect place to swim. It is also accessible by public bus.
Eco Tip: Make sure you bring your trash with you as you are immersed in nature!
3. Adventure to the second waterfall at Concord falls, St John Parish
The first waterfall is right by the carpark, but if you want to check out one of the more unique things to do in Grenada, hike to the second waterfall. This second waterfall has the most incredible setting, with no other people for miles and a series of river crossings to get there, it was a total immersion in green vibes.
You can opt for a guide or find your own way (like us), it is approximately 30-45 minutes each way. Please do not support the unethical animal tourism at the bars on the way (captive monkeys).
Eco Tip: Use natural insect repellents, such as essential oils (we love bay oil).
4. Relax by Annadale falls, St George Parish
This waterfall is one of the more popular places of interest in Grenada. Only a short walk from the carpark via a well-groomed footpath (less than 5 minutes). There is now a restaurant and bar “Wild Orchid” overlooking the waterfall, so you can enjoy a drink while enjoying the fresh air.
If you are not inclined to swim, there is a space to walk behind the waterfall. A local man is often at these falls will jump from the top of the waterfall for some money. It’s not much, but that’s how he makes his living.
5. Experience Magic at Magazine beach, St George parish
There are some stunning beaches in Grenada, from the infamous Grand Anse beach to the off-the-beaten-path Sauteurs beach. Rivaling the beautiful beaches of Jamaica, Magazine beach is seriously stunning. There is a section of palm trees perfect for that Caribbean classic photo and a beautiful rocky outcrop in front of the Aquarium restaurant at the end of the beach.
This beach is accessible by bus (it’s on the way to the airport), and it is a great place to watch the sunset (rivals the sunset at Fort Frederick). You can also snorkel around the rocky headland to see some small fish, however, there is very little coral.
Eco Tip: Try and pick up three pieces of trash #take3forthesea.
6. Relax at the iconic Grand Anse beach, St George parish
This is the largest and most popular beach in Grenada, which is a must for your list of things to do in Grenada. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches to visit. Grand Anse has a long stretch of white, soft sand, and is a dreamy place to walk along. There are a few hotels along the way, however, all beaches in Grenada are public, so you can sit and walk anywhere along the beach.
This is accessible by public transport and if you get there early you won’t see many people.
Eco Tip: Support local businesses – There is a local man that walks up and down Grand Anse Beach offering to make hats or bowls out of palm fronds. He is incredibly talented, and this is a great zero waste purchase for your travel!
7. Have a Vibe at Mourne Rouge Beach (BBC Beach), St George Parish
The beach is generally much quieter than Grand Anse even though it is close by. With plenty of shady trees to sit under, it is the perfect spot to spend the day. There are a few small bars along the beach with great local hospitality. La Plywood is a popular colourful bar, offering fresh food, and ice cold, locally made vibe hard seltzers.
Eco Tip: Make sure you wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated.
8. Experience the off-the-beaten-path La Sagesse beach, st David’s parish
This beautiful cove has a lot of palm trees to sit under and a small river that connects to the sea. There is also a restaurant (connected to a hotel) by the beach where you can order a beer and some food.
Eco Tip: Bring a bag and do a beach clean up. We often do beach clean-ups here as a lot of plastic trash washed up on the beach after the 2018 floods.
9. Travel North to Sauters beach, Saint Patrick’s parish
When trying to find unique things to do in Grenada, this is the perfect place to swing from a coconut tree. Hardly any tourists make it up this far to the Northern end of the island so if you are looking for some things off the beaten path in Grenada, head up here!
There is a cool and colorful bar across from the beach made out of Bamboo called D Real Bamboo Bar. The owner, Laza, built this bar by himself, and a small gym on the beach for anybody to use.
Eco Tip: Support the local businesses and purchase a beer (make sure you return the glass bottle as they recycle these).
10. Stay at Sugar loaf island, St patrick’s parish
This private island has one house on it (right at the northern tip of Grenada). You can rent it out on Airbnb for a totally unique experience. It is a rustic style home, with four bedrooms, a rainwater tank, and a generator for use at night.
The island is a short boat ride (5 minutes) from the main island at Levera beach, and there is an island caretaker available.
Eco Tip: Levera National Park / Levera beach is where the Leatherback turtles lay their eggs from March/April until June/July each year. If you spot one keep your flashlights off!
11. Experience your own island at Sandy Island, St patrick’s parish
Not to be confused with Sandy Island on Carriacou, this beautiful island is right off the north coast. There are some beautiful palm trees, white sand, and clear water to snorkel in. There are also some old hotel ruins on the island, but no toilets.
You’ll want to watch the weather conditions when you go to make sure the swell isn’t too rough, as it is a bumpy boat ride over.
Eco tip: Be prepared and bring a reusable water bottle, snacks and reef safe sunscreen.
12. Party at Hog island, St George parish
This island can be reached by boat, or you can walk across the bridge. It has one small bar that has live music on Sundays. It attracts mostly those living on yachts, however, it does get a local crowd on a Sunday.
Eco tip: Bring reusable cups unless you plan to drink beer!
13. Hike to Welcome Stone, St Patrick’s parish
After you park your car, there is a steep climb to the top of the mountain along the road. From there, there is a small path that takes you to the lookout (approximately 15 minutes). The view at Welcome Rock over the islands to Grenada’s north is worth the strain on your legs. The best time to visit is towards sunset when the lighting is soft.
Eco Tip: Bring a bag, there is often quite a lot of trash left that could be picked up.
14. Spot wild monkeys at Grand etang national park
You might get lucky and see some monkeys up here by the Grand Etang lake (you can ask the man in the security box whether he has seen them). You can hike all around this forest reserve, with many trails to explore.
Eco tip: Don’t touch or feed the monkeys – they might bite and it’s not good to encourage taking food from the hands of humans.
15. Experience Diving & Snorkelling in Grenada
The first underwater sculpture park in the world is in Grenada. The sculpture park has a variety of human and mermaid forms, with some interactive spots too (a selfie bench).
There are a couple of scuba diving tour operators on Grande Anse beach to choose from, however, a good place to start is Dive Grenada. Ask them when their next underwater clean up is.
Whether you are looking for shore dives or wreck dives, the island has lots of options to choose from, and you need to add at least one to your list of things to do in Grenada!
Eco tip: Don’t touch the coral, and be aware of your flippers. Pick up the underwater plastic trash if you see some!
16. Go on a sunset sail in Grenada with Savvy Sailing
If you are looking for unique things to do in Grenada, go on a day sail with Savvy Sailing. Equipped with snorkel masks and fins, beers, and rum punch, you can head to the underwater sculpture park for an afternoon adventure. You can even organize a sunset cruise if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Grenada.
If you’ve got time, organize a trip to Carriacou to visit some of the beautiful Carriacou beaches, and sail with Savvy to the Grenadines which is home to the beautiful Tobago Cays.
Eco tip: Make sure you wear some reef safe sunscreen, bring a reusable cup and water bottle. A waterproof backpack is also handy to avoid getting your belongings wet!
17. Taste Black Iron’s vegan burgers, st george
Here is the BEST vegan food on the island – make sure you put it on your list of things to do in Grenada! There is no menu, you just ask what is cooking today.
It is up the street opposite the St George bus terminal. It doesn’t look like a restaurant so you have to keep your eye out & head down an alleyway off the main street. The meal is 10EC which comes in a cardboard takeaway box.
Eco tip: Be sure to bring your own reusable utensils!
18. Experience a Double
A traditional (originally from Trinidad) snack. Chickpea curry with mango and pepper sauce wrapped in a flatbread. With just the right about of spice, it’s a must-try when on the island.
These are served around the island, normally for breakfast. However our favourite is Latta & Frank’s Hot & Tasty Doubles along wall street.
19. Have some food and drinks at Container park
This collection of small restaurants operate out of shipping containers, hence the name of the park. There is a variety of food types here from local, to Mexican, to Indian.
Eco tip: Be sure to bring your own reusable cup, container, and cutlery.
20. Visit the fresh fruit and vegetable markets
There are market stalls scattered all along the side of the roads in Grenada. You can find a wide variety of tropical fruits and vegetables for very reasonable prices. Or if you are looking for some great spices and souvenirs, there is a large market on the weekends in St George.
Eco tip: Bring your own reusable bags.
21. Experience the local Fish market
Each morning the fish market in St George is buzzing with life (it’s worth visiting).
Eco Tip: Lion Fish are a serious environmental issue in The Caribbean. They are an invasive pieces and have caused huge negative impacts to the local marine ecology. The fish market sells freshly caught Lion Fish daily. By eating them you are helping to reduce their negative impact on the coastal ecosystem.
22. Taste locally made Rum
Grenada has three rum distilleries that you can visit – River Antoine Rum Distillery, Clarke’s Court Rum, and Westerhall Estate.
Eco Tip: Westerhall Estate actually offers a BYO bottle refill service. As many bottles used in the stores are plastic, you can bring your own glass bottle to the distillery in St Davids and they will fill it up for you.
23. Experience Caribbean Gin
The Birthplace of Caribbean Gin, Blue Light Distillery is making gin using 15 different botanicals (most of which are sourced locally on the isle of spice).
The distillery is small, but has an impressive hand-painted, tropical mural. Be sure to see how the gin is made, taste the different experimental gins on the shelf, and explore the “Lightship” in the marina (just a short walk away). This is the one that is featured on the bottle’s label.
Eco Tip: Blue Light Distillery has a bottle refill station, so you can bring your old bottles back for a top-up (at a discounted rate).
24. Make your own Chocolate bar at Tri Island Chocolate
Tri Island Chocolate is a small, family owned and operated chocolate producer with an amazing organic farm in Saint Andrews.
They have an interactive factory in the middle of town (St George’s) where you can see the chocolate-making process in action and even make your own bars.
Eco tip: if you do visit the farm be sure to wear a natural mosquito replant as not to contaminate the area with chemical sprays.
25. Have a Vibe
Vibe Hard Seltzers are a new locally made product in Grenada. Found in numerous bars and shops around the island, they are a great drink for beach limes and outings!
Social Impact in Grenada
If you want to give back, look into volunteering your time with one of these projects, or supporting these initiatives.
Join a Clean Up, Or Do Your Own
There is a lot of plastic pollution in Grenada. Along some of the beautiful beaches and around waterfalls you may find trash scattered within the natural surrounds. Bring a bag to pick up a few items of trash on your adventures, and say no to plastic when out and about to help keep this beautiful island clean.
You can also join a clean up during your vacation. Check out the Green Up Grenada facebook page to see if there are any cleanup campaigns happening during your stay. Dive Grenada, Eco Dive and Aquanauts also regularly host underwater clean ups, so reach out to them for more information.
Volunteer with the Leatherback Turtles
The Ocean Spirit Program (a non for profit running for over 15 years) offers volunteer programs with the leatherback turtles on Grenada’s northern beaches. There are various different roles and positions, here’s a first hand experience of volunteering with the leatherbacks.
Pack With A Purpose
Why not use that extra space in your bag to bring a few items for organisations in need? Check with your hotel whether they are associated with Pack For A Purpose, or contact one of these organisations to see if they need supplies or equipment.
- Dorothy Hopkin Centre for the Disabled
- Queen Elizabeth Home
- Bel Air Children’s Home
- Autistic Foundation Of Grenada
Transport Options In Grenada
There is a public transport system on the island. It is a small mini van (bus) with 9 bus routes.
- Keep your eyes open for the mini vans they have numbers on the front windows and cost around $EC2.50 for most trips.
- The buses only run along the main roads so you will have to walk to and from the main roads if you want to get anywhere.
Grenada things to know
Things to consider when travelling to Grenada, West Indies:
- It is tropical – hot and humid.
- There are mosquitoes.
- It’s relatively casual but you can get “dressed up” if you want too.
- There are some good hiking and swimming opportunities.
- Plastic pollution is a big issue in Grenada, with very little recycling availability.
- Most takeaway shops use plastic cups, plates and utensils.
- The supermarket still uses plastic bags, and will often double bag items.
To find out what you can recycle and where click here.
What To Pack For A Grenada Vacation
- Bring a reusable bag for grocery shopping
- Travel cutlery and container for any takeaway that you may purchase
- Reusable wine tumbler/coffee cup – many of the beach bars will use plastic cups for drinks unless you drink beer (from the bottle).
- Reusable water bottle – the tap water in Grenada is good to drink in most places, however a reusable bottle with a built in filter is always a good idea.
- Reef Safe Sunscreen – Fewer chemicals are better for you and the environment.
- Natural Insect Repellant – Essential Oils like Tea Tree are great for keeping mosquitoes away.
- Eco Friendly Toiletries – They are amazing and green!
Eco Hotels In Grenada
There are more and more Eco Resorts popping up around the world, and it’s great to see that there are a number of hotels and resorts in Grenada that are implementing more eco-friendly and sustainable practices. The following hotels have been “Green Globe Certified”.
True Blue Bay Resort
The eco boutique resort is our favourite place to stay in Grenada. They have 22 new “self-sustainable” rooms called the Cocoa Pods.
The eco friendly initiatives implemented are Solar water heater, partial solar electricity, ethically sourced wooden furniture, energy-efficient appliances, eco friendly bathroom amenities, recycling bins, inverter type AC, no single use plastic and arrange regular local beach cleanups.
See more about True Blue Bay here
Blue Horizons
This was Grenada’s first Green Globe Gold certified resort. The eco friendly initiatives implemented are eco friendly cleaning supplies, Local and seasonal foods in menu planning, 95% LED bulbs, inverter type AC, solar water panels and 100% of employees are local. They’ve got tree planting programs and waste management in place.
They offer internships to local students, and partner with the Dorothy Hopkin Centre for the Disabled.
Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort
This beautiful beachside resort has implemented a Sustainability Management Plan and is striving to meet the requirements of the Green Globe Company Standard.
The Treehouse, Crayfish Bay Organic Estate
A local favourite eco accommodation is a “Treehouse” situated on an organic chocolate farm. You can learn about chocolate making, or walk through the stunning farm and refresh yourself at the nearby waterfalls. They offer fresh fruit (in season) from the farmhouse and freshly made bread.
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Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
Lovely travel website we found you on Pinterest! Really eye catching hoping to start something similar.