Gotta Go To Grenada

“THE ISLE OF SPICE”

by Captains Bill and JoAnne Harris

My husband, Bill, and I have cruised aboard our boat for four years from Clear Lake, Texas. During this adventure, we have sailed to the Bahamas, up the US East Coast and then up and down the Eastern Caribbean. After our many adventures in different countries, we consider ourselves ambassadors for these stunning Caribbean Islands. We spent another great hurricane season here in Grenada and cannot say enough good things about our time we have spent here. With its warm tropical breezes and indigo waters, it is definitely one of the hidden gems of the Caribbean. The delightful sound of a conch horn being blown to announce fresh fish and lobsters have arrived at the fish market, is music to our ears. As soon as you arrive in Grenada, your senses abound with the aroma of sweet spices in the air and the great energy from the people.

Grenada is a resilient and independent country comprised of the islands of Petite Martinique, Carriacou, Sandy Island, Ile de Ronde and the main island of Grenada. The island of Grenada is known as “The Isle of Spice”, due to the large production of the major spices of nutmeg and cinnamon. It is filled with lush rainforests complete with pristine waterfalls and breathtaking flora and fauna.

We love the culture, the great music, the dancing, the food and of course the joyful people. We have participated in countless HASH Treks, full costume in Carnival, painted in Jouvert, numerous island tours, spectacular hikes in the rainforests, countless fills of our shopping bags at the Carenage and open air spice/produce market, beach days at both volcanic and white sand beaches, beautiful architecture, and of course the wonderful history and liming with our many great local and cruiser friends. While visiting here, you can be extremely adventurous and have something planned every day or you can just “lime” on the beach with a tropical cocktail in your hand and enjoy paradise. The Grenadian definition of lime is to hang out and socialize in an informal relaxing environment, especially with friends.

There is also great snorkeling and scuba diving here. We have been on many snorkel and dive trips that have included the amazing underwater sculpture garden, numerous wreck dives and coral gardens full of abundant sealife.

We have had family and friends come visit us at this island, and one couple decided to get married in Grenada aboard our boat, based on our adventures they read about on our blog. They had a beautiful and unique wedding that was presided over by a woman bishop. The couple spent their honeymoon aboard with us and sailed around Grenada.

With a fantastic international airport, it is also a great place to take the opportunity to travel to other places while you are here. We recently took a fabulous trip to South America to see Peru. It was on our bucket list, so we hiked Machu Picchu and visited the many other sacred and beautiful sites.

We have definitely participated in many opportunities to promote Grenada. This season, we were interviewed on the local tv program, Daybreak Grenada, promoting Grenada as a popular place for cruisers and also a great place for an adventurous vacation destination. Furthermore, we did some photo and video footage for the Tourism Bureau for their advertising. We were recently asked what has been the most memorable experience we have had in Grenada, well, there are so many, but we must say this: “Seeing our friends and family that have traveled the world, come to visit Grenada, showing them all Grenada has to offer, and seeing the adventures through their eyes, then hearing them tell us that this was their best vacation ever!”

We hope that this article inspires you to visit this charming island of Grenada. Oh yeah, Did me mention… “YOU GOTTA GO TO GRENADA!”

Captains JoAnne and Bill Harris both hold 100 ton USCG Master Licenses and sail aboard their S/V ULTRA. To follow their sailing adventures please go to: www.jandbyachtultraadventure.blogspot.com