Friday July 04, 2008

Nature lovers are sure to enjoy the beautiful natural sites on Grenada

Grenada's Great Outdoors

Grenada is home to many of the Caribbean's most impressive national parks and natural reserves. Outdoor enthusiasts will thrive on a vacation to the"Spice Island," which is known for its lush green vegetation, abundant animal life, and mountainous terrain that is perfect for hiking or quietly enjoying the natural surroundings.

In recent years, Grenadian government has shown a great concern for the environment by establishing a number of national parks and protected areas, preventing the destruction of forests and the island's exotic animal life. One of the most popular natural sites is the rainforest around the Great Etang Forest reserve where tourists can visit the Grand Etang Lake, which fills the crater of one of the island's extinct volcanoes. Many visitors embark on hiking and trekking trips in this wondrous forest reserve. You may choose a slower-paced 15-minute jog or an all-day excursion. Hiking trails such as the Seven Sisters can accommodate more experienced hikers, and the Morne LeBaye trails are perfect for a short and easy walk. The reserve can provide tourists with guides for exploring the forests.

Breathtaking water falls cascade over hilly areas of Grenada, and the island is full of colorful birds, lizards, and frogs. More than 150 species of birds have been identified on Grenada, and you can visit the island's estuary to spy many species of tropical birds, such as the broad-winged hawk, known by the locals as the gree-gree, or the Antillean crested hummingbird. Other animal life that is easily spotted includes opossums, armadillos, mongoose, and the mona monkey. Grenada also boasts an intriguing underwater ecosystem complete with colorful coral reefs, lobsters, and a multitude of brightly colored fish.

You can complete your outdoor adventure by sleeping under the stars. There are about 300 campsites on Grenada. Vacationers are permitted to camp in the Great Etang National Park, and while you're visiting the sister island of Carriacou, you can pitch a tent on church or school property.