ST GEORGES, GRENADA

From the pier, we drive through the quaint capital of St George’s, perhaps the most appealing city in the entire Caribbean. Founded in the early 18th century by the French, St George’s still possesses something of the character of a French town, particularly in the red-tiled roofs and pastel colours of its traditional architecture. We pass the ruins of Government House through St Paul’s, then travel to the parish of St David’s, where plantations of cocoa and spices can be seen.

We continue up the eastern side of the island, viewing two seaside villages: the first Marquis, where the locals weave the abundant pandanus grasses into various crafts; and Soubise, one source of the locally-built, brightly-painted fishing boats which dot the beaches and seas of Grenada. Our next stop is in Grenville, the commercial centre of the East Coast and the island’s second largest city. Here we will visit a nutmeg station, to see the processing of this fragrant crop. We will also learn about cocoa and other spices growing in abundance on this fertile island (we may purchase some to take home). From Grenville we drive inland and ascend the central peaks, arriving at the National Park Nature Centre, where Grand Etang, a large lake, languishes at 575 metres (1,900 feet) in the crater of an extinct volcano. We can enjoy views of the indigenous vegetation and forestry.

From Grand Etang we descend through the magnificent hanging carpets of green mountain ferns, through the quaint village of Vendome to Annandale Falls. After a short but steep walk, we will arrive at a paradise of rushing water and emerald greenery. Following a short interlude we will proceed by charming villages, before returning to St George’s.

TOUR NOTES: There is a small amount of walking around the nutmeg station (plus a couple of steps), and also at Grand Etang. At Annandale Falls there are approximately 23 steps to and from the viewpoint, and an unmade, uneven path. Tourists pay local people to dive into the pool below the falls. This activity is extremely dangerous and we ask you please to refrain from encouraging the locals to dive.

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