Grenada National Parks

Levera National Park was opened in 1994 in the north east of Grenada and is a 450 acre park. The park includes Levera Pond, beautiful beaches and includes a bird sanctuary and sites of historic interest. There is a visitor centre where maps of the Park can be had for a small fee. Levera is one of the island’s largest mangrove swamps, and the marine life and coral around Levera are also spectacular. Between April and June, leatherback turtles come ashore on the white sand beaches to lay their eggs. Levera Pond is an important breeding and feeding area for waterfowl and other migrant birds and the scarlet ibis is an occasional visitor. Lake Antoine National Landmark: Six miles north of Grenville lies another crater lake, Lake Antoine, which occupies 18 acres and is sunken to only about 20 feet above sea level. This lake offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with snail kite, fulvous whistling duck, large-billed seed-finch, grey kingbird and limpkin. River Sallee Boiling Springs near Lake Antoine are noted for their unique geology and for being a natural wishing well. There are both dear and sulphurous boiling springs. La Sagesse Protected Seascape: A peaceful refuge which boasts three idyllic beaches, a mangrove estuary, a salt pond and coral reefs. The salt pond attracts brown-crested flycatchers, coots, herons and northern jacuna. In the coastal woodland are the remains of sugar milling and rum distilleries. Good snorkelling and swimming are available, as well as a guesthouse and restaurant.

Concord Falls: Within the Concord Valley are three beautiful waterfalls and are ideal for swimming. The first, Concord Falls is accessible by road, the second Au Coin, and the third Fontainbleu, are accessible only by foot. At Fontainbleu the water cascades from 65 feet to form a dear water pool.

Marquis Falls also known as the Royal Mt. Carmel Falls, is the highest waterfall in Grenada. It consists of two falls cascading over 70 feet. Improved access and facilities are underway and this fall won an Eco-Tourism Award from Islands magazine.

Rosemount Falls: A small, private and secluded waterfall, located in the Parish of St. John. The falls are only available to persons lunching at the Rosemount Plantation House.

Seven Sisters Falls consists of seven waterfalls and are a 30 minute trek to the first fall. To visit all falls takes about one hour, but a good guide is essential. The falls are some of the most pristine and tranquil on the island.

Victoria Falls situated in the parish of St. Mark at the foothill of Mt. St. Catherine on the West coast. This unspoilt recently discovered waterfall consisting of two landings, is accessible by foot only.

Marquis Island, Glover Island and Caliviny: At one time part of the mainland, Marquis Island now has eel grass marine environments and coral reefs. Nearby is La Baye Rock, which is a nesting ground for brown boobies, habitat for large iguanas, and has dry thorn scrub forest. It is surrounded by coral reef.

Caliviny mangrove swamp supports a seabird colony and numerous seabirds nest on Glover island

FLORA & FAUNA:

Flora is quite extensive and includes, bougainvillea, hibiscus, flamboyant, African tulip, frangipani, poinsettia, heliconia, anthurium, teak, allamandas, ixora, palms, aloe, cactus, crotons, bamboo, wild fuchsia, mahogany, gommiers, ferns, orchids, bois canot, Caribbean pine, and blue mahoe. Fruit trees include,mangoes, plums, golden apples,cashews, oranges, limes, grapefruits, guavas,papaya, soursop, etc.

FAUNA: The animal life in Grenada consists of frogs, lizards, iguana, armadillo (tatoo), mongooses, snakes and manicou (possum). None of the island’s snakes are poisonous. One oddity though is a troop of Mona monkeys, imported from Africa over 300 years ago, which live in the tree tops in the vicinity of Grand Etang.

Birdwatching: 150 species of birds have been identified in Grenada in and Carriacou. The avifauna is primarily tropical North American. All wild birds and their eggs are given absolute protection throughout the year, with the exception of 19 species from which there is an open season from September to February. The only endemic bird is the Grenada Dove, which is one of three species of endangered birds. The other two are the Grenada hookbilled kite or snail hawk, and Euler’s flycatcher. Typical birds are: the emerald-throated hummingbird, yellow-billed cuckoo, red-necked pigeon, ruddy quail-dove, cocoa thrush, chicken hawks, yellow breasted bananaquits, ducks, waders, and waterfowl. Over 100 migratory species are regularly recorded and the scarlet ibis is an occasional visitor.

Whale Watching: Humpback whales are often sighted from January to March off th south coast of Grenada Bank. Dolphins and sometimes pilot whales are sighted off Grenada. In Carriacou humpbacks are often seen between December and April as well as various dolphins (porpoises), like Spinners, Spotted, Common and Bottlenose, and Pilot and Sperm Whales year-round. Starwind Enterprises (Tel: 440-3678) are currently the only company offering Whale and Dolphin Watching.

Hiking: Most of the hiking is done within the Grand Etang National Park. The Morne La Baye nature trail is only 15 minutes long, the Shoreline trail around the lake takes 1 ½ hours and is moderately easy, much further, 1 ½ hours walk is Mount Qua Qua. The trail then continues for an arduous three hours to Concord Falls, with an extra 30 minutes walk to Fedon’s Camp. The camp is a Historical Landmark, dating back to 1795 and is located at 2,509 feet.

Seven Sisters trail is approximately one hour, which leads past seven waterfalls. For the more advanced trails, guides are recommended and can be booked through hotels.

Diving: Grenada and Carriacou’s underwater scenery is some of the best in the Caribbean, with a unique feature of a submarine volcano! For further information, please request a copy of ‘Diving-Beneath the Surface’.

Carriacou, Grenada’s sister island also boasts interesting eco-systems, and a small National Park.

High Point North: At 955 feet above sea level this is the highest point in Carriacou. This national park encompasses the complete spectrum of ecological systems in Carriacou. It includes L’Anse La Roche, the most scenic and private beach in Carriacou, where coral reefs and outstanding volcanic and uplifted sedimentary formations are clearly visible. The littoral vegetation of seagrape, manchineel and coconut is well developed. The park is the most undisturbed area of Carriacou.

Carriacou Fossil Beds: The fossil beds at Grand Bay are The only known beds in the country which are plainly visible. They provide excellent information, exposing millions of years of archeaeology in the rock layers including prehistoric shellfish, some of which are long since extinct. Shore birds can be seen searching for crustaceans in the mudflats of the lagoon. The adjacent coral reefs are unquestionably this nations finest. Panoramic views of the reefs may be seen from various lookout points on both Saline and White Island.

Belair National Park offers fabulous views over the north of the island and beyond Petite Martinique. Belair also has old French and English ruins and the finest sugarmill and windmill foundations on the island.

Sandy Island Marine Park: Surrounded by white sands, this tiny island has the most spectacular coral reef, the home of shoals of variegated tropical fish, in clear blue water. Ideal for picnics, this beautiful island has been used for television and magazine advertisements.

Saline Island and White Island Marine Park: Saline Island and White Island present examples of fascinating geology. Columnar jointing of the rock formations indicate major volcanic activity. Saline Island has a brackish lagoon salt pond surrounded by a mangrove ecosystem. White Island is a marine park because of its virgin reefs, and shoals of exotic tropical fish.

Petit Carenage Bay: The mangrove ecosystems at Petit Carenage Bay are among the most developed in country. Both the mangrove swamp formation and littoral sand beach vegetation are found. This is one of the finest mangrove and mud flat ecosystems. Here numerous migratory and shorebirds can be found. The area is one of the best bird-watching spots in the country.

Tyrell Bay: At Tyrell Bay ‘tree oysters’ grow on mangrove roots. The oyster beds can be visited by boat, and the trail back to L’Esterre is spectacular with wonderful views.

Underwater Study: The introduction of the ‘Carriacou Islander’, a 35 foot motor powered catamaran, has opened exciting new possibilities for both Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The 16 x 4 feet underwater observation window, which can be raised and lowered as required has the double advantage of allowing very close views of the tropical reef and fishes while avoiding possible damage to this fragile ecosystem. There is a library and running commentary, which provides study opportunities for those with a special interest in marine life.

Content and Images Courtesy of the
Grenada Board of Tourism