A Recipe for Romance – Sun, Sea and a Pinch of Spice in Grenada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.)–The idyllic tri-island nation of Grenada is a romantic wedding and honeymoon destination, a place to live out your dream day against a backdrop of swaying palm trees and turquoise blue waters.

A destination wedding on the tropical island of Grenada takes all the stress out of planning a wedding and allows couples to focus on enjoying their special time together. Many hotels, inns and resorts throughout the Island offer special wedding and honeymoon packages which they will customize to fit each couple’s needs.

No two weddings are ever alike, as they are all designed to reflect the individuals getting married. Wedding packages will often include: transportation to and from the Registrar’s Office, ceremony decorations, bridal bouquet and buttonhole for the groom, services of a professional photographer, wedding cake and celebratory champagne.

“We warmly welcome couples to Grenada and are so pleased when they choose to spend their special day with us,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “We do everything we can to ensure they have a magical beginning to their marriage.”

Couples are required to arrive at least three days before their wedding and most properties will help with the necessary legal arrangements, (the cost is included in many packages). For information on planning an Island wedding and the legal requirements, visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

Whether you are looking to say ‘I do’ on Grenada’s white sand beaches, in the lush rainforest, on a sailboat in the warm waters of the Caribbean, or at one of the many beautiful Island properties, the options are endless.

About Grenada Board of Tourism
The Grenada Board of Tourism objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at 416-595-1339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              416-595-1339      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com 

Interested in a romantic trip to Grenada? Click the link to view the following video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t8SeKdszGo&feature=youtu.be&a

How to Get to Grenada from Canada
Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com) from December until April. AC operates year round daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours operates a seasonal summer charter services from July through to September with a weekly direct flight from Toronto to Grenada www.ggtours.ca, as well as Titan Tours www.titantours.com. West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada year round.

Regional Grenada
St. Patrick – The Historical & Hospitality Parish; St. Andrew – The Green Parish; St. David – The Pure Spice Parish; St. Mark – The Natural Foods & Wellness Parish; St John – The Fish & Nightlife Parish; Carriacou & Petit Martinique – The Original Culture Parish.

Grenada, a Green Destination for the Eco-Conscious

July 29, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.)–For the environmentally conscious traveler, Grenada is the perfect vacation option, with many hiking trails, pristine beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and sustainable activities to take-part in.

One of the gems of the Caribbean, Grenada is a part of the Windward Islands, located about 100 miles north of Venezuela. The temperature on the Island ranges from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year round. With its unique vegetation, topography and diverse wildlife, the country has gone to great lengths to protect this stunning natural environment.

“As Grenadians, we are extremely proud of our beautiful and sustainable island,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “I hope that visitors take the opportunity to experience the diversity of Grenada, from its lush rainforests and secluded beaches to its natural waterfalls.”

The development in Grenada has been unobtrusive; none of the Island’s hotels (that are all family owned with no large hotel chains on the Island) exceed the height of the palm trees, allowing for unobstructed views of the beaches and beautiful surroundings. One ninth of the land mass is dedicated to wildlife sanctuaries and rainforest parks.

If you are looking to discover beaches, you’ve come to the right spot. Dotted with small bays and inlets, Grenada and Carriacou are full of stunning white and black sand beaches and with over 40+ dive sites, it is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean. The world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park can be found here and the sculptures that have been submerged have helped to regenerate marine life. For those looking for further active exploration and adventure there are many other options on land that exist.

Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve is one of the Island’s most popular locations for bird watching, hiking and trekking. Located in the interior of the Island, up in the mountains, the area is home to several ecological subsystems. Stop by the Grand Etang Lake during your visit to the park, located at 531 meters above sea level, it is a water-filled crater from one of the Island’s extinct volcanoes.

During a visit to the Park you’re likely to see a variety of animals and species of birds. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see the mona monkey while hiking in the Grand Etang. This small primate was first introduced to Grenada from West Africa during the time of slavery. Hikes through Grand Etang can range in length from 15 minutes to a number of hours.

Visit La Sagesse Nature Centre, on Grenada’s south-west coast, for some of the best bird watching on the island. The government protects the mangrove swamps found along the beaches of La Sagesse, in order to maintain their natural wildlife and vegetation. For a different perspective, go river tubing and spend time floating down the Bathazar River, while taking in the lush vegetation as you glide along.

For a truly unique experience, watch the majestic leatherback turtles as they lay their eggs on Levera Beach, a protected area from May to September. Turtle watching can be arranged through Ocean Spirits, a not-for-profit established in 1999 to protect Grenada’s turtles.

For those looking to get outdoors and experience an island with so much on offer in terms of natural wonders, no other country can compare to Grenada, ‘the Spice of the Caribbean.’

About Grenada Board of Tourism
The Grenada Board of Tourism objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at  416-595-1339  416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada from Canada
Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com) from December until April. AC operates year round daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours operates a seasonal summer charter services from July through to September with a weekly direct flight from Toronto to Grenada www.ggtours.ca, as well as Titan Tours www.titantours.com. West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada year round.

Grenada is a history aficionado’s dream

May 28, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.)–A trip to ‘the Spice of the Caribbean’ is an historical and cultural journey. Part of the Windward Islands, the tri-island nation of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique was first sighted by Christopher Columbus back in 1498 and it is steeped in rich history, unbeknownst to many visitors.

The Arawak speaking Amerindians from South America are thought to have been the first settlers in Grenada. These original inhabitants spent their lives working in agriculture and fishing, crafting jewelry and musical instruments, and building boats. These trades and traditions still play an influential role in today’s society.

There is a strong French influence in Grenada that goes back to 1649. The name Grenada dates back to this time, when the French named the country ‘la Grenade.’ This name originated in Granada, Spain, in the 1500’s.

After the British seized control in 1763, the country became known as Grenada. It was not until February 7, 1974, that Grenada received its independence from Britain, a day that is proudly celebrated each year with beach parties, sporting events and official speeches and presentations.

Inhabitants on the tiny island of Carriacou can be traced back as early as 1000 A.D., when Arawaks and then Caribs settled there. Written records from 1656 suggest that the name came from the Carib term, Kayryouacou, meaning ‘land surrounded by reef.’ The island has many unique customs and traditions and was once home to a village of Scottish boat builders.

“We are extremely proud of our history and culture in Grenada,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “We hope visitors will take the opportunity to explore some of our historical sites and really understand Grenada’s culture in this context.”

When visiting Grenada there are numerous historical sites that visitors can explore for the opportunity to step back in time, including:

Belmont Estate: This 300 year old plantation is found in Belmont, St. Patrick’s, and is home to a museum, gardens and an old cemetery.

Fedon’s Camp: Only accessible by foot, this site is located in the central mountain range of the Grand Etang. It was named after a French planter, who led a revolt against the British in 1795.

Fort George: Built back in 1706, Fort George offers a view of the entire skyline of the town of St. George’s.

Fort Frederick: This fort was completed in 1791 on Richmond Hill and is another perfect spot for photo opportunities, providing a spectacular view of St. George’s.

Grenada National Museum: Housing a variety of historical artifacts, this museum is found in the remains of the old army barracks and prison, built back in 1704.

Leapers Hill: This historical landmark received its name after the last Carib Indians sacrificed themselves and leapt off the cliff edge, instead of surrendering to the French in 1651.

Plantation House: This beautiful stone building was built back in the 18th century and is a relaxing spot to visit for lunch.

River Antoine Rum Distillery: This rum distillery is the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean. The process they use here to distill rum remains much the same as it did back in the 1800’s.

The Carriacou Museum: This museum is housed in a restored cotton gin mill and provides a look at life during the British and French occupation of the islands.

Grenada is home to fiercely proud people with a rich heritage and culture. With pristine, white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, friendly, welcoming people and truly unique historical sites, a trip to Grenada is unlike anything else.

About Grenada Board of Tourism
The Grenada Board of Tourism objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at  416-595-1339  416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada from Canada
Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com ) from December until April. AC operates year round daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. 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 year round. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada.
 

The secret is out…diving in Grenada is some of the Caribbean’s best

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.) –The otherworldly, weightless experience of diving in Grenada and Carriacou is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. As you drift silently through the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant marine life, you are completely disconnected from the rest of the world, left to reflect on your incredible surroundings.

More and more people are quickly discovering that Grenada and Carriacou is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean. In fact, it is THE tropical destination for divers.

Sharks, turtles, lobsters, stingrays, unlimited schools of small tropical fish and coral are just some of the marine life you’ll see diving. Whether you are a beginner looking to take a lesson or get your certification, or you are an experienced diver, the area has over 30 dive sites, with varying levels of difficulty, for divers to explore.

Divers have the opportunity to dive at sites in both Grenada and Carriacou. The depth of most dive sites varies from 20ft to 120ft. The deepest site, the Bianca C, is actually home to the largest wreck in the Caribbean, making for an exhilarating and challenging dive experience.

Grenada is the site of the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Located at Molinere Bay, the original sculptures were designed by British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor and were submerged at a number of sites. Snorkeling or diving in the Sculpture Park is a truly magical experience and a ‘must do’ for visitors to Grenada. The sculptures have had a positive impact on the underwater ecosystem by allowing for the creation of artificial reefs.

“We are proud to be home to the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park and I only hope that visitors to the island will take the opportunity to see these unique pieces of art while in Grenada,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “Visitors to the island are quickly discovering that we have some of the best diving in the Caribbean and we continue to see diving grow in popularity.”

In order to ensure the maintenance and further development of the site, the Underwater Park Action Group was established. Seven new sculptures will soon be added to the Park, the first of which was recently completed. Titled ‘The Silent Cry’, the sculpture was designed to capture the feel of the trees within Grenada’s rainforest. Created by Rene Froelich and produced along with craftsman Jefferson Thomas, it is the largest sculpture to date, standing 7ft tall.

Grenada is home to numerous reputable dive operators, all of whom are regulated by the Grenada Scuba Diving Association. Members of the Diving Association all carry international affiliations such as PADI, NAUI and BSAC.

Dive companies in Grenada and Carriacou are all strongly committed to preserving the underwater environment and regulations are in place to ensure their preservation. Damaging coral by anchor, chains and other means is strictly prohibited. No marine life may be taken from the waters while diving or snorkeling and use of a spear gun, Hawaiian sling, pole spear or seine net is not permitted without the proper license.

Dive sites in Grenada include the following:

Bianca C – On this advanced deep dive you’ll explore the largest wreck in the Caribbean. The 600-foot cruise ship sank in 1961 and has become a popular dive site. At 167ft, this advanced dive requires a checkout dive.

Boss Reef – This extensive reef consists of three main dive sites, where you’ll see a variety of underwater life.

Grenada Marine Park, Happy Valley & Flamingo Bay – This sheltered bay is the perfect spot for beginner divers; close to shore some of the most abundant fish life can be found.

Hema 1 Wreck – Home to barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and pelagic fish, this site is at a depth of 110ft.

Kick ‘em Jenny – Full of rare and plentiful marine life, Kick ‘em Jenny is a submarine volcano.

King Mitchell – This is one of the best advanced diving sites found in Grenada. Four miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, the wreck of a minesweeper can be found.

Kohanee – This is one of Grenada’s most colourful reefs and you are certain to see plenty of marine life when diving here.

Dragon Bay, Molinere Reef & Bucaneer Wreck – The wall portion of this dive is suitable for beginners along the top and advanced divers along the bottom. Inhabited by seahorses, lobsters and the occasional stingray, there is plenty to see at Molinere Reef. The reef begins at 20ft underwater, slopes to a wall at 35ft and drops to 65ft where the Bucaneer Wreck, a 43-foot yacht can be found.

Purple Rain – Home to angelfish, lobster, turtles, green moray eels and stingrays, this reef dive will not disappoint.

Quarter Wreck – This wreck lies on the edge of Grand reef and has beautiful coral formations and large schools of fish in the deeper parts.

Red Buoy – An 18th century wreck, now visible as clumps of coral, can be seen on this dive.

San Juan Wreck – Also known as shark wreck, this site is a resting spot for nurse sharks.

Shakem Wreck – The inter-island freighter visible at this dive site has been overgrown with coral and remains fully intact.

Shark Reef – At a depth of 60ft, divers will often see sleeping nurse sharks, giant channel clinging crabs, lobster, moray eels, turtles and reef sharks.

Spice Island Reef – This is the ideal spot for beginners to learn how to dive.

Three Wrecks – This site is home to the remains of a cargo ship, yet is rarely dived due to strong currents.

Veronica L. – This small cargo vessel can be found in 50ft of water schooled by Creole wrasses and chromis.

Whibble Reef – During this advanced drift dive, you’re likely to see schools of jack, runner and wrasse. Turtles, eagle rays and the occasional sleeping sand shark can also be seen among the brown coral.

Windmill Shallows – This narrow ridge is 20ft to 30ft wide and many schools of fish can be seen on this dive.

Dive sites in Carriacou include the following:

Barracuda Point – For experienced divers only, this site provides many stunning photo opportunities.

Deep Blue-Carriacou – Sloping from 27ft to 130ft, this reef sometimes has strong currents.

Divers Surprise – This reef slopes from 20ft to 75ft and barracuda, snapper, flamingo tongue, moray eels, lobster and crab can be found here.

Magic Garden – The wreck of a small tugboat can be seen on this dive, along with a rock-garden and ‘champagne’ bubbles from volcanic activity.

Millennium 2000 – As this site has no strong currents, it is well suited for beginners and night diving.

Sharky’s Hideaway – Divers can expect to see nurse sharks, along with green moray eels and porcupine fish.

Twin Sisters – This dive, for experienced divers only, is one of the most spectacular in the region.

Western Adventure – This dive site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It is a good location for underwater photography, as well as night diving.

World of Dreams – When diving this reef you are likely to see stingray, angelfish, turtles and giant soft coral.

Wreck of the Westsider – This spectacular wreck dive can be found at a depth of 90ft and is suitable for experienced divers only.

The following dive sites can only be accessed during dive trips to Isle de Rhonde:

The Deep Blue – At this dive site there is a steep wall covered with beautiful sea fans and sponges. Ending in the shallow reef, you’ll see star coral boulders, which provide shelter for nurse sharks, lobsters and moray eels.

Sister Islands – This dive site is centered around a grouping of three rocks, hence the name Sister Islands.

Diamond Rock – The rock divides the currents and it is an excellent spot to see both turtles and sharks.

About Grenada Board of Tourism - The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at  416-595-1339  416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada from Canada - Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada until April 2010 (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com ). AC operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. 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 year round. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada.
 

Grenada - a sailor’s paradise!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.) – Imagine the warm Caribbean sun on your skin, water droplets splashing your face and the sound of waves crashing…this is Grenada, the perfect holiday destination for sailing enthusiasts, boat lovers and anyone looking to get away to a warm, friendly destination with plenty to offer.

Whether you are an amateur or experienced sailor, or simply looking to spend some relaxing time out on the water during your holiday, Grenada is a yachtsman’s paradise. With some of the best sailing in the Eastern Caribbean - Grenada, Carriacou and its smaller island Petite Martinique, are now considered a top yachting destination.

“Our country is home to some of the Caribbean’s best sailing and we are proud that it has become such a popular yachting destination,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “We are continually working to provide high-end facilities and services and strive to maintain the highest level of safety for yachtsmen visiting our country,” said Joseph. “With an exciting line-up of regattas and sailing events taking place throughout the year and new marinas, we attract visitors from around the world!”

Grenada presents a variety of options for sailing vacations and it is a destination not to be missed if you are on a yachting trip within the Caribbean. Visitors can hire a crewed yacht while visiting the island, rent a bare boat, or take courses leading up to the American sailing certification. For those looking to relax, while spending time out on the water, dolphin and whale watching cruises, as well as sailing trips to the outer islands, are a perfect option.

Grenada is home to numerous marinas that vary in size and provide a variety of shore-side amenities, where you can stop and put down your anchor. Restaurants, bars, high-end overnight accommodation, shower facilities, laundry, swimming pools, etc., can be found at Grenada’s different marinas. If problems arise, or a boat is in need of maintenance, Grenada Marine and Spice Island Marine Services both provide a variety of yard, mechanical, electrical and storage services.

For those arriving to the island by boat, customs can be cleared at the following marinas: Grenada Yacht Services (GYS), St. George’s; The Moorings, L’Anse aux Epines; Spice Island Marina, Prickly Bay; Grenada Marine, St. David’s Bay; Le Phare Bleu Marina, Port Louis Marina and Grenville. Once boats have arrived at an official port of entry they must display the Q flag, until all clearance procedures are complete. A recently combined Immigration/Customs/Port Authority form is available online. Five copies of this form must be presented to Customs and Immigration; the captain is usually responsible for completing such procedures.

The recently expanded Port Louis Marina provides visitors and locals alike with top-of-the-line facilities. Renovations completed in 2009, increased capacity to 220 berths. Each January, the famous Grenada Sailing Festival is held at the Port Louis Marina, attracting participants from around the globe. For more information, visit www.cnportlouismarina.com

Located on Grenada’s south coast, at Petite Calivigny Bay, Le Phare Bleu Marina & Boutique Hotel is another high-end facility for both locals and visitors. Le Phare Bleu is a full service Marina offering 60 slips, fuel sales and many other services. On site, the marina also has a car rental office, Immigration & Customs Office, Canvass Shop, Yacht Services, Diesel Engineers, serviced laundry and mini market offering freshly baked bread.

This year, Le Phare Bleu will host the 2nd South Grenada Regatta from February 26 - 28, 2010. With 20 boats already registered, the challenge is set for the three races. A few of the yachts look for crew to race during the Regatta and this enables keen sailors visiting the island the opportunity to participate. For more information, visit www.lepharebleu.com or www.southgrenadaregatta.com

Other sailing events taking place this winter include:

Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta (March 4 - 7, 2010): This exciting regatta will take place in the waters between St. David’s Harbour and Petite Calivigny. Food, fun, and great music can all be found at the after racing parties, where visitors can experience the famous Grenadian hospitality.

The 8th Annual Grenada Round-the-Island-Race (March 12 - 14, 2010): Hosted by the Grenada South Coast Yacht Club, this event will take place on Grand Anse Beach. There are many fun activities on the go throughout this event, including a youth sailing exhibition, bathtub derby, beach games and Taste-of-Grenada. For more information, visit www.aroundgrenada.com

About Grenada Board of Tourism - The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at  416-595-1339  416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com

How to Get to Grenada from Canada - Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada (11 resorts, Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways, and bookings for the 2010 season available at www.aircanadavacations.com ) until April 2010. AC operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. 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 year round. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada from November onwards.