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Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice — and with its golden beaches, lush hillsides, and friendly people, most travellers come for the classics: Grand Anse Beach, Annandale Falls, or a sunset rum punch.
But look a little closer, and you’ll find another side of Grenada. A side that’s quieter, quirkier, and full of character. From tiny police stations to legendary market figures, these are the 10 most unusual things to do in Grenada — the experiences that reveal the island’s true personality.
1. Visit the Hermitage Police Station – Grenada’s tiniest outpost
Tucked away in St Patrick’s, the Hermitage Police Station is said to be one of the smallest in the Caribbean. With its pastel exterior and historic charm, it feels like something from a storybook — and it still functions today.
It’s not a polished attraction, and that’s exactly what makes it so unusual. You won’t find guided tours here — just a glimpse into island life, past and present. If you love the BBC Caribbean detective show ‘Death in Paradise’ and the tiny police station that is a star scene of the show, then you’ll love to see Hermitage Police Station.
2. Meet the Pumpkin Man in Sauteurs
Markets in Grenada are always lively, but the Sauteurs Saturday market has its own claim to fame: the Pumpkin Man. A beloved character, he piles his stall high with the brightest orange pumpkins, flashing a grin as wide as the Caribbean.
Visitors are often surprised to find that he’s almost as photographed as the produce. Meeting Pumpkin Man is one of those unusual, only-in-Grenada moments. He’s super friendly and happy to pose. Make the most and do pick up a pumpkin at the same time.
3. Soak in the River Sallee Hot Springs
Hidden near Sauteurs are the River Sallee Hot Springs — natural pools of mineral water that bubble up warm from the earth. Locals say the springs have healing powers, and whether you believe it or not, sinking into the water is pure relaxation.
Few visitors ever find their way here, making it one of the island’s true hidden gems. There’s a great little rum shop there with a TV for catching up on West Indies cricket scores too.
4. Watch Rum Being Made at River Antoine Distillery
River Antoine is the oldest working water-powered distillery in the Caribbean. The machinery is still driven by a giant waterwheel, and tours take you behind the scenes where rum has been made the same way for centuries.
It’s a raw, authentic experience — dusty floors, clanking machinery, and the unmistakable smell of strong white rum. Definitely one of the most unusual tours in Grenada. It’s still working and you get a taste of the rum after. Surprisingly the stronger one tastes smoother than the less potent rum.
5. Take the Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tour at Belmont Estate
Grenada is famous for its cocoa, and Belmont Estate offers one of the most fascinating (and unusual) experiences: the tree-to-bar chocolate tour. From cracking open fresh pods to tasting hand-crafted bars, it’s a sensory journey that connects you directly to Grenada’s farming heritage.
Be sure to take a look around. The chocolate factory reminds visitors of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and there’s a great shop to stock up on a variety of chocolate products. Everybody is friendly, you’ll get to see the way chocolate is made and discover more about island life. Look out for the goats and the cocoa trees.
6. Go Turtle Watching at Levera Beach
Between April and July, Levera Beach becomes the stage for a rare natural event: giant leatherback turtles nesting. Under the cover of night, these enormous creatures haul themselves ashore to lay eggs.
Joining a turtle-watching tour is unforgettable, and far more unusual than a typical beach day. It’s also a reminder of the importance of conservation in Grenada.
We can arrange this for you, just pop into reception and we’ll arrange a ride over there (not far) and book your place on the tour. Find out more about turtle watching as one of the most unusual things to do in Grenada.
7. Try Grenada’s National Dish: Oil Down
Oil Down isn’t served at resort buffets — it’s cooked outdoors in big iron pots, with breadfruit, coconut milk, meat or fish, and plenty of spice. It’s a communal dish, usually eaten at gatherings, where everyone shares from the same pot.
Finding an authentic oil down is one of the most unusual food experiences you can have in Grenada. The island’s Independence Day on February 7th is the best time to guarantee that you’ll come across oil down to experience it as the national dish of Grenada.
8. Join a Domino Game in a Local Rum Shop
Step into a rum shop in St Patrick’s or Sauteurs and you’ll likely hear the sharp clack of dominoes on wood. Games are fast, noisy, and often accompanied by laughter and a glass of strong rum.
As a visitor, being welcomed into a game is both unusual and memorable — a true slice of Grenadian culture. Get ready to slap them down on the table as you enjoy taking part in one of the most unusual things to do in Grenada.
9. Hike Off-the-Map Trails in the North
Grenada has many well-known hiking trails, but the north hides wilder paths that don’t appear on tourist maps. With a local guide (like Tanya from Petite Anse), you might stumble across hidden waterfalls, farmland, and coastal cliffs few visitors ever see.
This is Grenada at its most unusual — raw, untamed, and deeply rewarding. To truly appreciate the island and the Caribbean island life, going beyond the beaches is the only way. Find out more about hiking with Tanya.
10. Take a Fishing Boat to Sandy Island
Cardy, a fisherman from nearby, takes guests out by boat to Sandy Island — a tiny, pristine patch of sand surrounded by turquoise water. With no facilities and no crowds, it feels like your own private Caribbean.
It’s one of the simplest yet most unusual things to do in Grenada — and one of the most unforgettable. He’ll show you the best places to snorkel, point out the abandoned hotel and then cook you a BBQ fish lunch. The island is romance and adventure in one. Find out more about visiting Sandy Island in Grenada.
Conclusion
Grenada has no shortage of classic attractions — but if you’re searching for something different, these unusual things to do in Grenada will take you far beyond the guidebooks.
From the Pumpkin Man’s market stall to turtle watching under the stars, each of these experiences shows a side of Grenada most visitors never see.
At Petite Anse Hotel, we’re lucky to be right in the heart of the island’s north, close to many of these unusual attractions. Stay with us, and we’ll help you discover the Grenada that locals love — authentic, surprising, and full of character.
Ready to plan your trip? Book direct with us for the best rates and exclusive offers.
