IslandStar

Although this woman was not on a cruise, she was staying at an exclusive resort on Grenada. She was walking on the beach with her husband and was assaulted and murdered. Just the week before a Canadian tourist was murdered here. Exercise caution when you leave the ship.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3414917/American-woman-39-brutally-raped-murdered-day-vacation-husband-Caribbean-island-Grenada.html

Whilst I in no way wish to lessen the terrible story we need to stick to the facts not the sensationalist pieces out in the media at this time. The Daily Mail and press covering this story does not have the facts and was written within a couple of hours of the incident happening with no consultation with the police and is all based on hearsay of "I was told"...."we pieced it together". This is a disservice to our island, our people and above all the memory of this poor lady.

Facts we do we have from the police - the couple were on a part of the beach that is away from La Sagesse Beach and is quite deserted. The suspect has turned himself into police. He was recently released from prison. There is no official information that this is other than a terrible tragedy of a robbery gone wrong. The island is mourning with the husband and we are working hard to ensure justice is done and to highlight the fact that this is not the norm here.

"just the week before a Canadian tourist was murdered" is not totally accurate. Linnea, a professor at the medical university, was a victim of a hit and run in early december. The driver panicked and made awful decisions that ended with us finding her body. She has two beautiful little boys and a loving husband that have decided to continue to live here as this is where she wanted her kids to be brought up which is why they moved to and worked here. We have a memorial service for her this Friday evening.

As always there is nowhere on earth that is 100% safe and as you say at the start exercise caution as you would anywhere you travel but please, lease rest assured Grenada and her people are just as shocked, horrified and devastated that this has happened on our beautiful island. Our thoughts are with the families at this sad time.

Thank you. That is good to know too. I know I have got some nice things from vendors walking around the beaches when we would be there.

 

Sorry, but you may have already said, but what would be the nearest beach to the dock, and can we walk there?

Grand Anse and no you cant walk there as would take you ages. You can reach it by land taxi or water taxi:cool: or if you really want an experience a local bus :) way cheaper but louder and way more cramped lol

Do any of the Grenada Beaches have vendors that walk around, selling anything? If so, what beaches, if you know?

Yes we have them on all the beaches although the tourist police may move them on if they dont have their licenses up to date :cool: It is an extremely friendly island and a polite ‘No thank you’ is all that is needed for a vendor if you don’t want anything although it costs nothing to look at their wares.

The spice necklaces are unique to Grenada and very pretty and probably come top in my things to buy as a souvenir. They differ in prices for the amounts of spices or painted seeds etc. so do take time to pick the ones you want, they shouldn’t be offended. The spices are an obvious choice too and can be bought in coconut shells, calabashes, little boxes etc. The woven hats and baskets from palm tree leaves actually dry to a mahogany brown when at home and also make nice mementos.

We have never been go Grenada. If we didn't take a tour guide, can we get a Taxi to take us to the top of the mountain/s? If so, do you have any idea what the cost might be?

 

I really like to get "natives" to take me around, as sometimes I see more with then, than with a tour guide.

The difference with a taxi outside the terminal and those inside is they aren't always Tourism Authority vetted so you may end with a ride versus a tour and information. Don't get me wrong there are good ones out then the Taxi Association you will find as you disembark the boat and enter the mall (they wear yellow vests over their shirts) are very good, are approved by the Tourism Authority. There is another taxi association just outside the doors and across the street (also very good) :-)

All that said if you really want a great tour with lots of local information from a tour guide then you could also contact Sunsation Tours. They offer you options and you can also build your own tours to see just the stuff you want and have researched :-)

I wish you a fantastic day in Grenada :cool:

Hello!

 

Grenada (St georges) is our 3rd port on our first ever cruise in March!

 

We have decided to DIY as we keep changing our minds, so we will play it by ear as to what we fancy doing and may book excursions on the ship!

 

Any recommendations or No go's?

 

We are 24, newly married, and this is our Honeymoon. Our main aim of the holiday is to relax and enjoy some beautiful sites.

 

Our main interests would probably be beach resorts with restaurants, shops, maybe water activities or any other recommendations to make the most of the island!

 

We are also visiting;

Aruba

Bonaire

Barbados

St Lucia

Antigua

I always like to give others the opportunity before I start sounding like a stuck record with my recommendations for my island :cool:

Unique to Grenada:

• We dont have jet skis :)
  
• We do have the World's 1st Underwater Sculpture Park which you can snorkel or dive depending on your abilities :D It is in the MPA so more likely to see diversity and quanity there and if the day just doesnt play fair the statues are cool to see
  
• We have spices which you an buy in packs for food or on a cool necklace (more like an air freshener which last for ever) :p
  
• we have chocolate - no more needs to be said ;)
  

Want to see the sculptures then you cant go wrong with Grenada Seafaris Powerboat Adventure - excellent reviews and a super fun experience and loads of island information all rolled into one. [believe there are also cruise critic reviews below this thread] Suggest you pre-book this to avoid disappointment

Island tours then you can pre-book or ask one of the Taxi association guys as you arrive on island

Whatever you choose Grenada is the best island and we have the friendliest people in the Caribbean - got to say that as I am one :cool:

Just got off Royal Princess and did private excursion with above on Christmas Day. Highly recommend!! Group was ages 8-50 and everyone loved it. Perfect for beginning snorkelers, knowledge and very helpful staff. Right on time, family owned. Can't say enough great things about them!!

That's fantastic to hear. I have let them know your comments as I dont think they check in to this forum. I always recommend them highly as they get great TripAdvisor reviews and are a good way to get a lot of Grenada knowledge, sightseeing and a snorkel all rolled into one :D

We are going on a cruise in January and will spend a day at Grenada. I read several threads about getting to Lazy Days beach from the port and am confused. Some talked about water taxis, others land taxis, but someone mentioned that Lazy days is about a 5 minute walk from the dock. If the latter is true, why would a taxi be needed? Could you also tell me whether the sand is nice and clean, and what the swimming conditions are like in the ocean. Last but not least, is it possible to get in a tour as well as spend some time at the beach if you have only one cruise day to spend on the Island? Thank you for your feedback.

Happy New Year to you....will try to answer your questions in order.

Lazy Days is next to the water taxi dock on grand anse beach. To get to Grand Anse beach you need either a water taxi or a land taxi which you can easily find in your cruise ship terminal as you disembark.

Sand is usually cleaned each evening and morning by a team employed by the Grenada Tourism Authority so yep should be clean.

Sea conditions will depend on the day's weather but as it is sheltered west coast it is usually flat calm. There are some areas of beach that have more broken coral washing up than others so you can pick and choose you area. In general I prefer moving away from the crowds and heading south (turn left if you are facing the beach) - usually you only need to go 5 minutes and you find a peace of heaven that's all your own. If you prefer security in numbers then stay near the dock and Lazy Days

I see they are getting rave reviews on Trip Advisor and one on here so I would recommend Grenada Seafaris Poweboat adventure for a 2.5hr powerboat adventure with snorkel and then beach. If not a fan of the water (what!?! :D ) then you can easily get a half day island tour before lounging on the beach for the afternoon.

Hope this helps. Have a super cruise and my island looks forward to your visit:cool:

We will be in Grenada on a Sunday in late January. We plan to take a water taxi to Great Anse beach. Does it run on a Sunday. We would also like to 'do' something else. Is there a spice market open? Is there anything else to do close to the ship?

Sunday tends to be very quiet in Grenada unless we have a ship in port. The water taxis will be running as will the land taxis. Shops inside the cruise ship terminal will be open and so should the Vendors Market on Grand Anse Beach.

As they even worked Christmas Day I would suggest if you want a great sightseeing tour and loads of Grenada information coupled with a snorkel inside the Marine Protected Area which includes the underwater sculptures contact grenada seafaris. Tour is 2.5hrs so perfect to fit in as "anything else" to do :)

IslandStar: Do you have any suggestions re: vendors in the Market near Lazy Days Beach? Thinking of going to that Market for spices and chocolate after beaching, but would like to know that we are working with a reputable vendor. Can you also let me know what time that Market is open?

Sorry I didn't see this one. The market on the beach is open when ships are in usually from 10-3 I think but I cant say for sure as don't often go there myself. All our vendors have to be licensed with the Grenada Tourism Authority though and usually have a tag to prove it. The beach vendors who aren't licensed are just trying to make a living and often cant afford the license fees (we have no social security). They usually source their products from their own gardens. I buy from these guys and ladies usually as opposed to from the market. Check the quality of what they are offering you and there is no charge to look and people dont tend to get offended if you say no. Chocolate I buy from the supermarket close to the cruise liner terminal.

Wednesday Blessings Island Star...

Was wondering what would be a day trip from 1p -8p for 3 adults 2 kids...

(13 & 15)

would love an open jeep type excursions...

Must buy some awesome spices.... the more the better. :D

Thanks you

Cathy

Morning, I would suggest you contact Johanna at Sunsation Tours http://grenadasunsation.com and ask her about a BYO (Build Your Own) tour for the day. That way you would be able to pack in all the things you want to :-)

If you wanted a land and sea I would highly recommend Johanna for the land bit and http://grenadaseafaris.com for the water. They so a 2.5hr powerboat adventure suitable for all ages and provide more information on the island from a marine perspective. I think you can book them through Johanna too

Whatever you choose I wish you a wonderful day on our beautiful spicy island :cool:

[url=http://grenadaseafaris.com][/url]

We are planning on an island tour! Arriving on a Monday, so we should be able to see works in process.

 

What are the 'brand(s)' of chocolate? I want to get some!

 

Someone mentioned Almond Oil for aches / pains? Any thoughts?

 

If you think of anything else, pls. let me know!

Grenada Chocolate Company started up by Mott Green (RIP) - really made the vision of sustainable chocolate work here in Grenada

Nutmed oil or cream for aches and pains. Prefer the oil myself as seems to be stronger

Can you confirm for me that the buses do not run on a Sunday?

I'm wondering what else won't be open on a Sunday?

 

I'd also love your opinion on local food... what are your feelings on The Nutmeg and Coconut Beach?

 

Thanks in advance for the info Island Star :)

hmm we don't tend to like working on the best of day so a sunday really is a non-no :p Sundays busses do not run but as you are a cruise ship there will be loads of taxis (land or water) to take you about.

Excursion work on Sundays (most of them) as do the Taxi Associations so you should easily be able to find island ours.

The Nutmeg is nice and affords great views over The Carenage but not much traffic int he water as it will be Sunday I guess. Water Taxi or land taxi to Coconuts Creole Beach Restaurant - usually open on Sundays but not sure of the time though.

What are some things you have purchased in Grenada, that are native to the area. Things I must consider buying!!!

 

Any chefs out there with suggestions for spices!

 

I did read that what they sell as Safron is really Tumeric and what they sell as Vanilla is a flavoring made from something that looks like a vanilla bean, but isn't (I cannot remember the name of it....sorry)

 

Thank you all in advance

Spices - we have loads of vendors so make sure you get the freshest they have. The market is usually the best spot but you can also buy in the supermarket (hang a left as you come out of the cruise liner terminal and keep going for about 4 minutes. Last shop on your left before the bus terminal. It will b local prices in there :)

Spice necklaces - not actual necklaces more air fresheners that you can hang up. Made from all our spices and usually very pretty. They will go brown over time and if they lose their aroma simply dunk in boiling hot water and then air dry and it comes right back. Mine are 2 years old now and on their 3rd dunk :o oh and do not put them in a plastic bag as they will go mouldy - paper bag is perfect. (also we are trying to ban plastic bags on island so you would be elpiing the environment :p

Chocolate - world famous and comes in 6 (I think now) variations of cocoa strength. Low in fat content so doesn't melt as easily as the milk chocolates. Super yummy. Again can be bought in said supermarket.

We also have a local lady who does gorgeous glass jewellery (Italian lady studied abroad before finally coming to Grenada) - cant miss her as she has a small jewellery booth directly opposite where you come out from security - unique stuff

Batiq - we have another now-grenadian lady who works up batiq clothing. might be worth looking at?

:rolleyes:Oh bruther, I just seen this thread is from 2014. But I still wanted to know.:o

It is an old thread but the answers are much more recent. There is no sun cover on the Seafaris boat but that's why the tour is 2.5hrs long but still manages to load in a ton of information about the island and offers the only guided snorkel of the statue park.

We dont have many fish or good reefs off the beach as we have rather fished it all out :mad:. The sculpture park lies within the marine protected area so there's usually a large diversity and quantity of species there.

Seafaris are often suggested as they only take x10 maximum on their boat so they offer high-quality small group experiences with great levels of service. They also have loads of good TripAdvisor reviews. Hope you have a great day on our island whatever you choose to do.:)

Out of interest I just called Seafaris if they are booked for Carnival Glory as it seems so far away :confused: - she says according to her notes it is calling into port only once on the 6th Feb 2016 and as yet she still has seats available.

:cool:

We'll be in Grenada for the first time next March on Royal Princess and are thinking about Seafaris. Does the tour make more than one snorkel stop? How long is the tour total?

 

Lastly, in looking at the photos on their website, it seems like the boat is completely open to the sun - is there any shade? I'm very pale and, in addition to wearing tons of sunscreen and a long sleeves swim shirt, I always seek out shade.

 

Thank you!

Hi there suggest you contact them directly if their website doesn't answer all the questions you have. They are super good at speedy replies. :)

Thank you! You just answered my remaining questions.

I aim to please :cool:

Thank you IslandStar for you comments, I think we may just head into town and take a look around and then head on over to the beach. I know Lazy days and umbrella beach have been mentioned a lot, is there a special beach you prefer?

I have many favourites as we have about 45 but the one all the cruise ship folk go to is Grand Anse which is where Lazy Days and Umbrellas are. Umbrellas is about 15 minute walk from the dock while lazy days is about 5. sand in front of both is lovely.

I have seen you answer many questions on here so I am hoping you can help me out as well. I see that there are two spice markets one at grand anse beach by lazy days beach and umbrella's beach and one by the cruise port past the tunnel. Is there a difference in prices and quality of the spices? which place would you recommend? Do you like one more then the other?

Thanks for any input

Gail

Hi there

Spices are generally produced by the vendors that sell them so I have no real preference between the two markets. The market in town is right by the ship which means should you need more money to buy up all our supplies :) you can easily get more - lol. Quality should be as good in each - suggest you stroll the market before choosing. I tend to buy in town simply as it is mixed in with my other shopping. Hope you have a wonderful day on our beautiful island.

Island Routes do not do their own tours as they are a booking agent :o. Suggest you check cancellation policies as I guess this and price is where booking direct with a company versus booking though Island Routes may differ. All other aspects of all tours would be the same. Hope this helps

Hi there, I would suggest contacting Johanna at Sunsation tours as they can offer you all the options of land tours and they also work really closely with Suzanne at Grenada Seafaris who have the best snorkel guide and tour to the sculpture park coupled with an information/sightseeing tour from the sea. This could give you the best full day experience of our lovely island.,:D

Thanks Port Royal. Can you tell me why you like this place? Love to hear your opinion. Thanks in advance.

Have to second everything that was already said. This is our favourite hangout on island and we are there every week. The food and vibes are great and there are sports TVs on too just in case you need a latest score :)

The beach is not right next to the bar but you can take drinks to the beach to chill while the tots play. Hope you have a wonderful time on our island:cool:

Thankyou for posting such great pictures and words about our wonderful island:D We hope you come back and visit us again soon :cool:

This will be our first visit and I would love suggestions. We will have our 4 kids with us ages 3-12. We love the beach and love day passes to resorts. We have also really enjoyed private tours in the past.

 

Any suggestions?

I would suggest Grenada Seafaris as they do a great 2.5hr powerboat adventure that is totally family oriented and gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Age range 2-90 :). You can learn about the island, have great sightseeing, a snorkel and all be finished ready for an afternoon on our fabulous Grand Anse Beach

Anybody done this tour for Grenada? Read on Tripadvisor has pretty good reviews, just checking here..I'm interested in doing an island tour that includes the Rum factory, a place that has views from a mountain top and maybe does Grande Anse beach..the "Creole Adventure" on the RCI site has not gotten great reviews BTW, so we are looking for private or locals, too....any other recommendations would be great..we are going in mid Nov on the Adventure Of The Seas..Thanks!!

 

Big Al

What you want can be covered by any of the tours guides and even the taxi association who you see as soon as you walk through from security. You can start from town and take in a waterfall, head up to Grand Etang (great phot stop ont he way from almost top of the hills :cool:) (feed the Mona monkeys so take bananas), we have a few rum factories so depends which one you want? I would recommend east coast one called Rivers with working water wheel, this then allows you to stop at Belmont Estate (chocolate yum yum), the you can head to the forts for photo opps and then finally the beach for a while to cool off. This would be a full day tour and would cover middle to south of the island. North of the island has great views but you wouldn't be able to stop as often.

My personal recommendation would be to contact Sunsation Tours Johanna and BYO build your own tour.

Tip: If you decide to swim do take a towel with you as some of the drivers have cloth seats and visibly cringe at folks with wet clothes getting back in :o

Whatever you choose I a sure you will have the most fantastic day on our beautiful island :):D

IslandStar, I have NEVER been to a black sand beach. We will be there in May (soooo far away) on a RC cruise. Can you tell me more about these beaches? Where are they? Are their tours to them or how would we get to one? Do you have photos???

TIA!

A quick search on google and this link shows you Black Bay Beach. Last I know it had a big digger on it which messed up a bit of the picturesque quality of the place. It is volcanic sand so hot as hell when the sun gets to it. They are pretty but I prefer our white beaches for barefoot walking and swiming https://www.google.com/search?q=black+sand+beach+grenada&biw=1920&bih=945&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMI29LXhMCIxwIVxRUeCh2N9gtK#imgrc=_CIG0NF3jgGkhM%3A