Grenada & Carriacou / Special Interests / Eco/Nature

Like most of the Caribbean islands, Grenada is limited in its animal life and the biggest species, goats, donkeys and cattle, are all introduced. There are however some exotic land creatures living up in the bush, including the nine banded armadillo, a nocturnal animal that lives in rainforest areas, the manicou, a type of possum found in wooded areas, and the iguana, a giant lizard that haunts seaside scrub and can change colour for camouflage. Unfortunately all three of these also feature as delicacies on island tables and so they are hunted, during certain seasons.

In the Grand Etang Forest Reserve you may also catch sight of the Mona monkey, which was introduced from Africa. Make sure you see them before they see you because they are known for nicking pairs of glasses and cameras. There are two non-poisonous snakes on the island, a tree boa and a grass snake, but you are very unlikely to see them. Much more likely is that you will see a mongoose skittering across the road. These were introduced from India to rid the island of poisonous snakes.

It is possible to go turtle-watching on certain beaches in Grenada. Leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles all come to lay their eggs on the island between March and July. Turtles are being monitored and tagged by a team of Grenadian guides and UK scientists, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Fisheries, and there have been awareness and education programmes with schools in an effort to protect them. Also there has been cooperation with the Tour Operators and local villagers, who provide food. Tours are at night, most of the sightings occur at the Levera National Park. Shoppers please be aware that products made from turtle shell still surface in the market and some shops. They are illegal and the trade should not be encouraged.

For a private tour by a self-taught enthusiast, contact Caribbean Horizons.

Finally you can go dolphin and whale watching. About fifteen species of whale pass Grenada and in the season between December and April there is a good chance of seeing them. Occasionally dolphins join in the fun and dance at the prow of your yacht as you cruise along. See under Day Sails.

See separate sections on Birdwatching and Hiking.

Carriacou

Carriacou has relatively little wild animal life, there are opossum or as they are known locally, manicou, red legged tortoises and a boa constrictor (a small snake that lives in trees). There are also iguanas. Known to grow to a length of five feet, they also live most of their lives in the trees, except during their nesting season. Birds that you will see on the island include frigatebirds, pelicans, terns and boobies.

Hawksbill, leatherback and the occasional loggerhead turtle make their nest sites on Anse la Roche and Petit Carenage beaches in the north of the island. Monitoring and education, to prevent the theft of the eggs or even the taking of the turtles themselves (for their meat and shells), is carried out by the KIDO Trust, who also tag the turtles for tracking purposes. Hanzel Patrice also offers turtle watching tours.

Guided nature tours on Grenada: 

KIDO Ecological Research Station - Guided Eco Tours and nature trails and whale and dolphin watching. All tours are US$30 per person except the whale and dolphin watching, which is $80 for a day sail. Two-day sails are available, US$200.

Hanzel Patrice - Turtle watching tours during nesting season from April to August. Guided night tours from 8 pm. Also Mangrove Tours of Petit Carenage Bay, starting in Windward. To take this tour you need to wear either old footwear that you don't mind getting covered in mud or go barefoot (loose shoes get stuck in the mud).

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

KIDO Ecological Research Station (KERS), The Sanctuary, Carriacou, t 443 7936 | kido-ywf@caribsurf.com | www.kido-projects.com