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Grenada Delivers the Teen-Friendly Vacation Success Formula with Multiple Activities and ‘Ed’-ventures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2009. (St. George’s, Grenada, WI)–Grenada has the secret formula for the perfect vacation that provides activities for the entire family – including teen-only adventures. With the kids’ entertained doing a range of activities/sports both educational and adventurous, parents have real quality time for their own experiences with or without their teen children. Here are a few skills teens can acquire while in Grenada:

Brush up on avian knowledge - Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang…Hike a three to four mile half-day rainforest trek through the 3,816-acre Grand Etang Forest to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit several natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watcher’s paradise, where avian teen enthusiasts will be enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, and Hook-Billed Kite, which can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trial. Graceful herons fish patiently in the crystal clear waters of Grand Etang Lake, while brightly plumbed wonders, such as the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, can be spotted among the many tropical blooms. There is a seasonality factor regarding the sighting of birds. The winter months (January - April) usually have more birds in the area than at other times of the year.

Become a marine biologist - Dive the unspoiled paradise…With over 30 dive sites, Grenada and its sister islands make ideal diving destinations. Grenada and Carriacou are known for spectacular walls and wrecks, with sharks, turtles, lobsters and giant moray eels gliding against the backdrop of soft coral forest, striking reefs and sponges.

Become a marine photographer - Dive or snorkel the underwater sculpture gardens in Moliniere Bay with camera in hand…Created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor, the sculptures located in the shallow waters (18ft in depth) of Moliniere Bay, has been constructed with 65-life size individual sculptures so that teen divers or snorkelers can view from their respective vantage points. This is the only one of its kind in the world. In time, the sculptures will preserve the ecology/marine life of the Moliniere reef. The statues not only create a hauntingly beautiful landscape but also act as artificial reefs and will change appearances as they become home to various marine life.

Improve skills in varied water sports…Swimming in the pristine, safe, reef protected waters off the island is unlike anything in the world. With the temperature hovering constantly around the 30-degree mark, the waters are warm and inviting for sailing, snorkeling and scuba. Search out the majestic whales off the coast of Grenada as whale watching is a year round activity in Grenada, with several tour operators offering daily and half-day trips in search of resident pods of humpback, killer and sperm whales.

Get wet and wild - Go river tubing…For the more adventurous, located at the Balthazar Estate is Adventure River Tubing, with guides accompanying teens on the journey, gently spinning and swirling in the currents of the river, taking in the exotic scenery, tropical vegetation and wildlife. This is a thrilling ride down the river, stopping only in the pools along the way, then finally at the last one, and an opportunity for a swim before enjoying a glass of local fruit juice.

Be a history buff by exploring Grenada’s fabulous Forts…Grenada’s Forts are historical landmarks of a colonial era, rich in military history and include:
Fort Frederick – completed in 1791, this bastion type fort on Richmond Hill commands a panoramic view of St. George’s town and harbour.
Fort George – overlooking the harbour, built in 1706. The fort is central to the nation’s history being the centre of the 1983 disturbance with Maurice Bishop. It now is the headquarters of the Royal Grenada Police Force.

Then, explore the town of Sauteurs on the northern part of Grenada…It was here in 1651 that 40 Caribs leapt to their death in preference to succumbing to French colonists. A newly created attraction gives teens an opportunity to view the type of lifestyle that characterized the indigenous Carib people of Grenada.

Enjoy food fun - Become an epicurean aficionado…Grenada produces allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric and sapote, and is one of the world’s major suppliers of nutmeg and mace. Recommended visits include Dougaldston Spice Estate, a historical monument to Grenada’s past of spice growing and processing; Gouyave and Grenville Nutmeg Processing Station; and the Grenada Chocolate Factory for the pure taste of rich local chocolate. Savour some nutmeg ice cream laden with local chocolate sauce…Yum Yum!

Take your parents to Fish Friday in Gouyave…Nestled in the heart of Gouyave, one of the Caribbean’s premier ‘fish villages’. For many years, Gouyave has been host to the annual Fisherman’s Birthday celebrations (June 29th). Now, the expanded festivities are a weekly street festival held every Friday afternoon and evening, with samples of the Caribbean’s finest local delicacies, seafood and music.

Indulge in a little retail therapy: ‘Shop Grenada’…From exotic spices, crafts, to tropical clothing shopping in Grenada offers something for every teen. Bustling with activity and offering a wide assortment of fresh produce, spices and handicrafts, St. George’s Market is the centre of island life. Souvenir, gifts, jewelry, and handicraft shops are in the St. George’s district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and woodcarvings.

About Grenada Board of Tourism
The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) was formed in 1991 to market and promote Grenada as a preferred Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to industry partners. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at 416-595-1339, e-mail at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada
Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (11 resorts, Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways, and bookings for the 2009/10 season available at www.aircanadavacations.com) from December 20, 2009 to April 2010. AC operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada and Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services (www.ggtours.ca and www.titantours.com). West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada from November onwards. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada from November onwards.