Grenada Yacht charters

Grenada is an untapped treasure of the Caribbean islands, one  which many sailors never experience. The primary island of the  Grenadines, and the southernmost of the Windward Islands, this sliver of  paradise is rich in culture, food and natural wonders. French and  English influence has brought unique cultural distinction, but you’ll be  most impressed by the exotic foods and vast open waters to explore on  your Grenada yacht vacation.

12 Knots Yachting Club offers catamaran, bareboat and luxury yacht  charters for all destinations across the Caribbean. We recommend Grenada  for those who want to venture down the path less traveled, as Grenada  offers a unique island culture and a variety of uninhabited islands  within a day’s sailing trip away. But first, learn about the unique  characteristics of this Grenadine island that make it a favorite among  seasoned sailors.

Grenada is situated in the southern part of the Caribbean,  close to the coast of Venezuela and Trinidad. The warm southern seas and  year round sunshine bring a varied ecosystem to these islands.  Grenada’s landscape is characterized by steep cliffs, volcanic rock,  vibrant tropical forests and pristine waters on the beach.

The national bird of Grenada is the Grenada dove. This species is  endemic to Grenada, and lives in the small areas of dry forest on the  island. However, human territory expansion and the subsequent  deforestation of these rare suitable habitats has diminished the Grenada  dove’s population to the mere hundreds. These birds are a rare find on  the island, and a birdwatcher’s treat. You may be able to spot one  during your sailing vacation if you take a hiking tour of one of  Grenada’s national parks.

Most of the Caribbean islands formed from volcanic eruptions, and  Grenada is no exception. Most of the volcanoes on Grenada are inactive,  and have formed beautiful mountain peaks with fertile soil below. Mount  St. Catherine is the highest peak, reaching 840 m(2,760 ft) at the  summit. The rainfall on these craggy peaks create beautiful rivers and  waterfalls that decorate the rainforests and provide unique habitat for  Grenada’s native animals.

During your yacht charter in Grenada, explore several grand  waterfalls and hot springs of the island. Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls  is the largest, beginning on a peak over 70 feet above the river below.  Concord Falls is another must-see natural waterfall, with several pools  perfect for an afternoon swim. River Sallee Boiling Springs features six  hot springs, reaching a temperature of 35°C (95°F). These springs are  unique in that they are saltwater, even though they reside over a mile  inland. Both the hot springs and waterfalls provide natural beauty any  island adventurer will enjoy.

Grenada has a rich historical background, dating back to the  indigenous Arawak people. This tribe inhabited most of the Caribbean  islands, but were replaced by the Caribs. Origins of the name "Grenada"  are uncertain, but historians believe that Spanish conquistadors  provided the namesake after the city of Granada. While the Spanish never  settled here, it was likely that Columbus spotted the island on one of  his subsequent voyages to the Caribbean after his first discovery of  land.

Colonization of Grenada did not happen until the late 1600s, due to  significant resistance from the Caribs. The indigenous islanders were  able to maintain their land until 1650, when the French arrived to  settle and build plantations. Like most islands, Grenada was passed  between British and French control until 1763, when the Treaty of Paris  gave France control of it and several other southern islands.

In the late 1950s and 60s, Grenada was a member of the Federation of  the West Indies. This federation of British West Indian colonies lasted  for a brief period, and in 1967 it named Grenada an Associated State;  they were in control of internal affairs but still a part of the  Federation. However, Grenada pushed for full independence, and in 1974  was granted recognition as a sovereign nation. It is one of the few  islands of the Caribbean that won their sovereignty. Many are still  considered French or British territory.

Grenada’s main cultural attraction for tourists is the food.  Known as the “Spice Island of the Caribbean,” Grenada exports cinnamon,  cloves, mace, ginger, allspice, citrus peels, and nutmeg to all corners  of the world. Grenada exports 20% of the world’s supply of nutmeg. This  fragrant seed, which is crushed into a spice, is even portrayed on the  Grenadian flag. Many sailors take back these exotic spices on their  trip, as they can find them fresh, locally grown, and oftentimes at much  cheaper prices than when they are sold in stores.

In addition to spices, Grenada is a major exporter of cocoa and  coffee. The Grenada Chocolate Company, which grows its own cocoa to  produce fine dark chocolate, has paved the way for “tree to bar”  production of organic chocolate. The company provides jobs for a great  number of people in the village of Hermitage, St Patricks. Their  chocolate and the products of other local growers are sold at an annual  chocolate festival, which has brought sailors and foodies to the island  for several years in a row.

Traditional Grenadian food uses a mix of African, Indian and Carib  Amerindian influence. Most restaurants use heavy spices to create  curries and sauces for seafood and fresh, local veggie plates. The  "oildown" is the famous meal to have on the island. The oildown cooks  pork, salt beef, or chicken, and dumplings in a creamy coconut sauce.  The meat and dumplings are submerged until only a small bit of coconut  oil is left in the pan. Fruits and vegetables including breadfruit,  banana, callaloo, yams and potatoes are also added to the famous dish.

Grenada is an eclectic island with plenty of natural and  cultural wonders to experience during your sailing vacation. If you want  to spend some time on dry land during your Grenada yacht charter, take a  trip to Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. You’ll find  several hiking trails, and may spot a Grenada dove, armadillo, lemurs,  monkeys, manicou, and other rare species. Grenada is a haven for many  exotic animals, and sailors may be lucky to spot one during a sailing  vacation while on land or on the boat.

One you’ve seen everything you want on the island itself, there are  several nearby islands you can visit during your yacht charter vacation.  Within a day or two, you can sail to Carriacou, Petite Martinique, or  St. Vincent. These sparsely populated islands are rich in beauty. For  miles you can see the lush forests,  tropical flowers, and beaches that  make the Caribbean one of the most popular vacation destinations in the  world.

Further south, more experienced sailors can reach the Tobago Cays of  The Grenadine. Five uninhabited islands comprise the Tobago Cays, and  are surrounded by a grand horseshoe-shaped coral reef. If you visit  Tobago Bay, you must bring snorkeling or diving equipment, as the reefs  are home to hundreds of rare and beautiful sea creatures.

The most unique attraction to Grenada is hands-down, the Molinere  Underwater Sculpture Park. A short boat ride from the Grenada shore will  take you to the most unique snorkeling experience you’ll ever have.  Artist Jason deCaires Taylor created over 65 sculptures of Grenada  natives, and placed them underwater at a depth of up to twelve meters.  This is a must-see for anyone visiting Grenada, for you may never see  another underwater museum quite like this.

12 Knots Yachting Club offers bareboat and crewed yacht and  boats rentals in Grenada and across the Caribbean. Grenada is not the  most travelled of our charters, but it is a rare experience and for  some, more enjoyable than visiting the well-populated islands. Sailing  conditions around Grenada are ideal for beginners, however, more  challenging waters are accessible for the experienced sailor. No matter  your experience level, 12 Knots has an ideal sailing vacation for you.  We equip you with the best boats, crews, and even offer sailing classes  so you are nothing but prepared for the ultimate yacht charter  experience.

Temperatures in Grenada hover around 84°F (29°C) year round. It is  recommended that beginners take a bareboat charter in the summer, when  both the waters and winds are calm. The winter months are a good  challenge for the experienced sailor to travel with winds of 20 knots.  No matter how you want to plan your sailing vacation to Grenada, 12  Knots is here to guide you. We offer once-in-a-lifetime charters of the  best and most treasured islands of the Caribbean and beyond.