Exploring Grenada: Chocolate, Rum, Waterfalls & Monkeys – A Caribbean Adventure

Exploring Grenada with Family: Rum, Chocolate & Monkeys—Oh My!

After surviving the ARC+ welcome party (and my fair share of lethal rum punch), it was time to swap out the dance floor for some island exploring with the family. Because what better way to recover from a hangover than by throwing yourself into an action-packed day of chocolate, monkeys, waterfalls, and more rum?

Rise and Carb!

The day began with the only logical cure for last night’s festivities—pastries. We strolled over to the bakery for some life-saving ham and cheese rolls, plus cinnamon swirls because, well, why not? Breakfast of champions, my friends. This is the bakery: The Merry Bakery

Shortly after, our family arrived at the marina, looking far too well-rested for my liking, and we met up with our tour guide for the day.

A Chocolate Lover’s Dream 

First stop: Belmont Estate, one of Grenada’s oldest and most renowned chocolate factories. And let me tell you, if Willy Wonka had a tropical cousin, this would be it. Belmont produces certified organic and kosher chocolates, cocoa powder, cocoa balls. We got a full rundown on how cocoa is grown and transformed into the chocolatey goodness we all know and love. And yes, we sampled everything. It would have been rude not to.

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Rum O’Clock (Too Early? Never.) 

Next, we made our way to River Antoine Estate, the oldest functioning rum distillery in the Caribbean, dating back to 1785. These legends still use a centuries-old waterwheel to power their production, meaning this rum is basically history in a bottle.

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Now, was it technically too early in the day for a rum tasting? Probably. Did that stop us? Absolutely not. Some of us were fully committed to the tasting, while others (naming no names) may or may not have dozed off in the car. Hangover or post-rum nap? The world may never know.

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Monkey Business in the Jungle 

Fully fuelled with chocolate and rum (what a combo), we ventured off to see Grenada’s famous mona monkeys. These little rascals looked like they had just walked out of a fancy hair salon—perfectly groomed, mischievous, and very interested in anything we might be eating. With their sharp little fingers and sneaky expressions, I half expected them to demand a ransom for our snacks. Dick Turpin in monkey form.

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Waterfalls & Weather Woes 

Our last official stop of the day was Annandale Falls, a breathtaking 30-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The plan? A scenic swim and a peaceful lunch. The reality? A tropical downpour. While Ian did the sensible thing and grabbed a large drink, the rest of us embraced the chaos, getting absolutely drenched while posing for photos near the waterfall. At least we got our ‘refreshing dip,’ just not in the way we’d imagined!

Street Food & Surprise Reunions 

After a full day of adventure, we made our way back to the marina for a much-needed reset. Later that evening, we all gathered for Wednesday Street Food Night at Dodgy Dock, one of the best (and busiest) nights of the week in Grenada. Think mouthwatering local cuisine, live music, and drink specials—aka, the perfect Caribbean welcome.

Ian’s old friend, a fellow pilot from Grenada who Ian meet years ago in England while both were learning to fly, joined us with his lovely wife, making the night even more special. It was a fantastic way to soak up the local culture and celebrate our first full day in the Caribbean.

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The Days That Followed…

The next few days were a mix of recovery, provisioning, family time, and farewells. We stocked up for our upcoming Caribbean cruising season, said emotional goodbyes to friends, and prepared for the next leg of our adventure.

 Next stop: Carriacou!