Grenada Safaris: This new attraction is an exciting and educational way of seeing the west coastline of Grenada on board the custom built vessel ‘SeaFaris Explorer.’ The ride on the vessel is nothing short of amazing, very dry and smooth. Approximately 30’ long, it was manufactured in Europe and used by many Coast Guard units, military and commercial operators. The 2-hour tour focuses on historical landmarks, geographical and ecological aspects of Grenada as well as allows for snorkeling and exploration of the world’s first underwater sculpture garden in the sheltered Molinere Reef.

Sea Fun Adventure: Fun for the family just got better with this new attraction. Operating out of Port Louis Marina, Sea Fun Adventure arranges tours in self-piloted inflatable dinghies. Guests are briefed before boarding, accompanied by experienced guides to selected bays and shallow coral reefs for snorkeling, swimming, or simply lazing in the sun enjoying a refreshing drink. The exploration includes Halifax and Black Bays, then down to the more sedate pace along the outer area of Grand Anse Bay and onto Morne Rouge. Safety and comfort is paramount, meaning all guests wear a life vest, and each driver wears a bracelet that cuts the power of the engine instantly should he or she fall from the boat.

Helvellyn Pottery Workshop & Learning Centre: Keeping with the ancient tradition of the early settlers of Grenada. The owners of Helvellyn are using local materials to produce magnificently glazed, hand-painted, and unpainted pottery. As a craft centre, the goal is to create pottery for local and international markets, while being a learning centre for talented local artists. The pottery workshop uses manual potters wheels constructed form large electrical cable wheels, and a gas kiln capable of firing pieces up to 6 feet tall.

Glebe Street Museum & Exhibition Centre - Sauteurs: Grenada’s most northern parish, St. Patrick’s is steeped in history, and the town of Sauteurs opened a new museum on Glebe Street, close to Leapers Hill, where in 1651, approximately 40 Caribs leapt to their death, rather than surrender to French colonists determined to gain control of their land. The museum holds a large collection of sculptures, paintings, and modern art, antiques, and archeological artifacts.

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Sun. Sand. The Caribbean Sea is on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Diving, snorkeling and swimming are on the offer. Miles upon miles of unspoiled natural beauty - sound too good to be true? It's not...it's Grenada with activities galore for family fun. A selection of family activities is described below:

Go river tubing…
For the more adventurous family, available at the Balthazar Estate is the Adventure River Tubing. Become wet, wild and wonderful as guides accompany you on the journey, where you gently spin and swirl in the currents of the river, while 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.

Do the ‘cocoa dance’ the traditional manner at Belmont Estate…
The family owned Belmont Estate has existed in the parish of St. Patrick for over three centuries. The plantation, which sits on 400 acres of lush rolling tropical hills, has been in continuous operation for centuries, and still produces nutmeg and cocoa. Cocoa in particular is still produced the traditional way - making for a world class export. Families can see the cocoa fields that produce world-class beans for export, and learn the story of chocolate in Grenada. In addition they can indulge in the consumption of a fresh cup of hot cocoa and learn to dance the cocoa (a traditional way of polishing the beans).

Marvel at Grenada’s waterfalls…
Grenada’s waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in the Caribbean. They include the Annandale Falls – small, scenic and accessible, Concord Falls – picturesque and ideal for swimming. The first Concord Fall is accessible by road, the second Au Coin, and the third Fontainbleu are accessible only by foot.

Explore the fabulous Forts of Grenada…
Grenada’s Forts are historical landmarks of a colonial era, that are rich in military history, and ideal for the history buff’s family. They 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 – built in 1706, it overlooks the harbour. The fort is central to the nation’s history being the centre of the 1983 disturbance involving the former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and other members of the People’s Revolutionary Government. It now serves as the headquarters of the Royal Grenada Police Force.

Be an archeologist for a day with a family visit to Mt. Rich Amerindian Petroglyphs…
Situated along the St. Patrick’s river valley of Mount Rich, these petroglyphs are significant as they are the only extensive carvings left that depict the lifestyle of the Amerindians. Viewed on the top and sides of a large stone on the riverbank, it gives an indication of the kind of tools that were then used for hunting and fishing.

Visit Lake Antoine – a perfect extinct volcanic crater…
Situated six miles north of Grenville Lake Antoine occupies about 16 acres and has been created in the perfect crater of an extinct volcano.

Take a lucky look at Grenada’s famous Mona Monkey…
Grand Etang National Park is home to some Mona Monkeys that are not native to the Western Hemisphere, but were introduced to Grenada by the ships from Africa. Characteristically, they do not have the prehensile tails of their new world cousins. A few can be seen near the parking lot and Welcome Centre of the Grand Etang National Park.

Explore, hike and bird watch in Grand Etang…
Do a family hike of three to four miles, half-day rainforest trek through the 30-acre Grand Etang Forest to Concord Falls, a spectacular waterfall, then take a refreshing dip in the swimming hole or visit natural wildlife sanctuaries. Grand Etang Lake (one of Grenada’s extinct volcanoes) is a virtual bird watchers paradise, where families are enthralled by the rare tropical species that make Grenada their habitat such as the Grenada Dove (the national bird of Grenada), Gree-Gree, Hook-Billed Kite, which can be seen swooping down from atop the towering mahoganies of the Mount Qua Qua Trail. View graceful herons as they fish patiently in the crystal clear waters of Grand Etang Lake, while brightly plumbed wonders, such as the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, are spotted among the tropical blooms.

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Set in a secluded bay on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada, The Calabash Hotel & Villas are the ultimate in pure elegance, with gardens that meet the white powdery sands of L'Anse Aux Épines Beach.

The hotel comprises 30 suites arranged in a horseshoe shape around eight acres of lush tropical gardens facing the sea. Each suite has its own balcony or patio, relaxing whirlpool bath and exquisite views of the opulent surroundings.

The 'Rhodes Restaurant' at The Calabash was opened in January 2004 with the à la carte menu developed specifically by London’s Gary Rhodes who places a high importance on locally grown seasonal produce, all supplied by the best sources as approved by Rhodes. Kitchen and restaurant staff has been fully trained by Gary and the majority obtained City and Guilds qualifications. The Calabash is the only hotel in the Caribbean to be a certified base of City and Guilds.

Heaven and Earth Spa at Calabash means holistic therapy with a combination of treatments and advice, including diet and lifestyle, to create a balance of mind, body and spirit, to effectively combat stress and improve the quality of life. Calabash Hotel & Villas is the epitome of calm and relaxation.

Full information on Calabash is available on www.aircanadavacations.com and packages can be booked with ACV by phone or via a travel agent.

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Carriacou Carnival – Febraury 23, 2009
Carnival celebrations in Carriacou are held from the weekend before the start of the Christian Lenten period. In the tradition of Caribbean Carnivals, these celebrations include calypso competitions and the parade of brightly costumed masqueraders through the streets of the main villages. Unique to Carriacou Carnival is the Shakespeare Mas, with brightly dressed Peirrots engage in a battle of wits using only lines from Shakespearean plays. The competitor without a quick reply earns a playful stroke from his opponent's stick.

7th Annual Grenada Round-the-Island Race – March 13 - 15, 2009
The 7th Annual Grenada Round-the-Island Race kicks off on March 13 on the magnificent Grand Anse Beach, presented by the Grenada South Coast Yacht Club (GSCYC). This year's race hosts many exciting water sports competitions. In addition to the main race there will be a youth boating exhibition, plus the Bath Tub Derby brought back by popular demand. The climax of the weekend activities will be the greeting of the crews after an all day sail around Grenada, followed by a huge Post Race, Party and Prize Giving Ceremony. There will be a tribute to Peter Spronk's legacy to raise funds for the first annual GSCYC's youth sailing scholarship.

The 2009 Grenada Round-the-Island Race will be held at a new venue - Garfield's Beach Bar, from March 13-15. The format is as follows:

• Friday March 13 - Captain's briefing, registration & welcome party at Port Louis Marina.
• Saturday March 14 - Race Day: Round-the-Island Race & Youth Sailing Exhibition, ‘Family Fun’ activities: tug-o-war, potato sack race, egg & spoon relay race with the after party at Bananas.
• Sunday March 15 - Bath Tub Derby, A Taste of Grenada: Fish Friday relocates to Grand Anse Beach (menu samplings from Grenada's premiere restaurants right on the sand), Award Ceremony, prize giving & live entertainment.

Labour Day – May 1, 2009
Each year the first day of May is celebrated in Grenada with parades and parties organized in honour of Grenada's workers. On this day, special attention is given to Workers' Rights, with many activities organized by the Trade Unions. Labour Day is a public holiday, when banks and most shops are closed.

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Air Canada Vacations operates a non-stop flight from Toronto to Grenada (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways) from December 2008 to April 2009. Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto and Montreal 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 will operate 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.

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