High up in the mountains, in the middle of a grotto of greenery, rope-like knots of vines and bursts of colourful flowers, is the stunning Annandale Falls. Grenada has no shortage of breathtaking waterfalls, but Annandale Falls is possibly the most easily accessible one on the island.
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All about the waterfalls
Annandale Waterfall & Forest Park is about a 20 minute drive inland from St George’s, Grenada’s colourful capital city and home to its port. The drive through rainforested mountains and in and out of tiny communities is beautiful (if a little hair-raising; there are a few steep drops).
The thing that makes these Grenada waterfalls so easy to access, is that there is a very minimal amount of walking required in order to reach them. You can simply park outside on the road, and then follow the footpath down to the natural pool at the foot of the cascade of water, which takes all of 5 minutes to do.
So while Annandale Falls might not be the go-to destination for the adrenaline junkies or the extreme hardcore hikers, it does make a great stopping point for those wanting to experience the beauty of Grenada away from the beaches, but are nervous about hours of trekking through the jungle. There’s also no denying the beauty of Annandale.
The 30ft high waterfall tumbles into a perfectly turquoise pool, and you can climb up and around the waterfalls as well as hopscotch your way across the natural stepping stones to explore the other side of the river.
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica
Can you swim in Annandale Falls?
Yes indeed you can, folks! It is definitely possible, and recommended, to swim at Annandale Falls. Grenada is a super-hot tropical island, so it makes sense that you might need to cool down in the refreshing (icy) pool beneath the falls.
Annandale Falls is perfectly safe to swim in, the water is very clean, and on the day we visited there was also a local guide pointing out the best spot to jump from. It was downright marvellous. I would definitely suggest wearing water shoes, as the rocks can get slippery.
Swimming Through Titou Gorge, Dominica
How to get to Annandale Falls
There are several options for visiting Annandale Falls. The cheapest is to get a public bus, which costs only a couple of dollars (cash only, and drivers normally accept USD as well as the Eastern Caribbean Dollar). These buses are more like minivans, and all leave from the bus station in St George’s, which is on Melville Street only a few minutes walk from the cruise terminal. To get to Annandale, you’ll need the number 7. Tell the driver where you’re heading as you board, and pay as you leave the bus, not when you get on.
The next option to get from St Georges to Annandale Falls, is to go with a taxi. There are plenty of taxi drivers waiting at the cruise terminal who will negotiate a price with you and also may try to add in a stop or two depending on whether you have time. Our own taxi driver made a surprise stop at a spice garden which we actually found really interesting; Grenada is the Spice Island after all, and I’m glad we got to spend some time seeing what some of these spices are.
And of course the option requiring the least amount of planning is to go with a pre-booked tour. This tour is the best option if you’re low on time, as the tour cuts out the stress of negotiating with a driver, and includes transport to and from the falls, plus a stop at Fort Frederick.
For anyone who wants to visit the waterfalls but also experience a bit more adrenaline than just a simple jump into the pool, this tour is a great option. You’ll make a stop at Annandale Falls for a swim, then carry on to Grand Etang National Park to go tubing down the river.
If you want a more challenging waterfall hike in Grenada, check out Seven Sisters Falls.
Do you have to pay to visit Annandale Falls?
You do have to pay to visit Annandale Falls, and to be perfectly honest the price seems to fluctuate regularly. We paid about $4USD each to visit, although we were told that was with a discount for cruise ship crew. However, at various spots across the internet, I’ve seen different prices given. Some as low as $2, some as high as $10. In any case, bring cash!
What else is there in the park?
If you fancy a bite to eat or drink while you’re there, head to the Wild Orchid Restaurant (which also looks like a beaut place to visit in the evening.) And there are basic toilet facilities on site as well.
What should you bring to Annandale Falls?
The top of my list, above all else, is insect repellent! You’ll be needing it here for sure. Other than that, don’t forget your towel, swimwear, and water shoes, plus a small amount of cash, and you’re good to go.
Annandale Falls may be one of Grenada’s tamer of waterfall experiences- which is partly why it’s a popular destination for cruise ship passengers- but that shouldn’t detract from its beauty. These waterfalls are extremely pretty, the perfect place for a dip, and are the ideal pitstop- particularly if you’re tight for time.