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Caribbean Horizons Tour and Services is an award winning local organiser based in Grenada, one of the longest standing tour and ground handling companies on the island. Its main work is in island excursions, offering island tours to visitors, and as a ground handler (the on-island representative for foreign companies), but it also offers a more tailored service, an on-island concierge service ideal for individuals and events including weddings and conferences.
Headed up by Anne (McIntyre) Campbell, Caribbean Horizons has been in existence since 1992 and is the holiday services arm of McIntyre Bros Ltd (McIntyre’s), a family owned and run company that was established over a century ago in 1895. Caribbean Horizons’ main base is at their offices in True Blue, but they also have an office at La Source, which will reopen with the hotel in 2006. Caribbean Horizons was awarded the Grenada Board of Tourism’s ‘Ground Tour Operator of the Year’ award in 1997.
A local organiser may be the key to getting the best out of a trip to the Caribbean. They can be retained on an individual basis through their Concierge Service, which enables you to use them as a ‘fixer’ to get the best of what the island can offer for your needs. While you might just want to go on a private island tour, they can also offer a whole range of services such as restaurant reservations or private transfers, even a surprise present for someone.
Caribbean Horizons also have a dedicated wedding department if you would like to get married on the island. They offer some standard packages, but they can also help if you want something more individual. They will work with you, looking after the legal arrangements and then tailoring the day to your exact requirements. They can also help if you would like to stage a special event, say a dinner or a surprise party, possibly in an unusual location. This is similar to their work within the travel trade, in which they act as the on-island link for conferences and incentive groups, organising themed trips and team-building activities as well as meetings.
Caribbean Horizons offer a wide range of island tours. They have a very good variety of them on Grenada itself – varying from spice plantation tours to turtle-watching – but they also have some island hopping trips to the Grenadines. Here the sea and small islands are lovely enough that people come from as far afield as Barbados, St Lucia and Tobago, which are all over a hundred miles away. Most trips are either to Carriacou or to the Tobago Cays, a cluster of perfect small islands. Caribbean Horizons also runs a series of specialist tours. They can help out if you have a serious interest in horticulture, birdwatching and even bee-keeping, which has seen a resurgence of interest in the island recently. See below.
Caribbean Horizons has a relatively large team. Anne Campbell heads up six full-time staff and then they call on others as they need them for specialist skills (for instance for caterers or photographers for weddings). People you may come across include Joanne Charles, the supervisor and vacation services rep, who has been with the company since 1997 and Michael Bowen, who has worked for many years in customer services and vehicle rentals. Christopher McDonald is a tour guide and hiker, who leads many of the more active tours, and Denny John and Donaree Powell are both guides that have over 20 and ten years experience apiece. Caribbean Horizons’ connection with McIntyre Brothers means that they have the back up of 20 staff when needed in administration, customer service and maintenance.
McIntyre Brothers itself, whose main offices are in True Blue on the Point Salines Peninsular, is one of the longest established companies in Grenada. It is family run and has a number of different lines of business including vehicle importation – cars, motorbikes and outboard engines – car repairs, car rentals, real estate and construction (which they have been doing successfully for 80 years). |
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Concierge Service
A concierge service can make a significant difference to the quality of a private holiday for a discerning independent traveller, or to the efficient execution of arrangements for executive groups. It can smooth out the wrinkles of travel even before you get to the island.
Services with which Caribbean Horizons’ concierge service can help include meet and greet at the airport, limousine transfer to your hotel, restaurant bookings, ordering and delivery of cakes, wine or champagne, flowers or fruit baskets. Of course they can make arrangements for a private tour of the island or an island-hopping trip to the Grenadines, but they would also be happy to help to arrange a small event for you, say a birthday party or a surprise dinner. You might settle on an unexpected, romantic location. For ideas of locations, see under weddings below.
Per person US$15
- 4 pax US$25
- 6 pax US$30
- 8 pax US$35
10 pax US$40
The above costs are per transaction. |
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Destination Management
Destination Management is a facility generally provided to travel organisers, but independent travellers may be interested to see the sort of services that are included in a ‘package’ or flight-inclusive holiday booked through a tour operator/travel organiser. In the UK and Europe it is a legal requirement for all companies selling flight-inclusive vacation packages to provide a local representative/ground handler for their clients, together with 24-hour emergency cover.
Caribbean Horizons look after several of the major Caribbean specialist tour operators/wholesalers and their clients. Their service is often tailored to portray the travel company’s image to their clients, while saving the tour companies the expense of supporting their own representative on Grenada.
Representatives (‘reps’) are welcoming, well-trained and faultlessly polite. They are uniformed and their raison d’etre is to make sure that each client’s holiday runs smoothly. If there is a problem or perhaps a medical emergency, the reps will be there to get things back on track.
Services on offer to travel companies, tour operators and wholesalers, and to corporate and incentive travel groups, include:
• Hotel Recommendations
• Contract Recommendations
• Hotel Reservations
• Airport Meet & Greet Service
• Limo, taxi, van and coach transfers
• Welcome Package
• Tours & Excursions
• Reconfirmation of Flights
• Customised Client Services
• 24 hour access and emergency cover
Of course Caribbean Horizons can also handle your clients’ transfer needs by providing limos, executive cars, taxis, vans and coaches. All their vehicles are air-conditioned and guides/escorts are available for vans and coaches. |
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Tours
Caribbean Horizons offers a large number of excellent tours on the island and beyond it in the Grenadines. More information about many of the ‘sights’ and the gardens are available in the Definitive Caribbean guide to Grenada. The island is strong on its natural life, both in its hiking and in its gardens and plantations. Most tours can be adapted to suit individual requirements if you wish to go ‘private’.
Belmont Heritage Tour
A visit to Belmont, a restored traditional plantation estate, one of the last still growing and processing Grenadian cocoa. You will see the pods broken and the beans sweated and then dried by “dancing” and drink traditional cocoa tea. Belmont dates back to the 1700s and has an interesting history, which you will discover through its former Scottish and present Grenadian owners. The estate itself has a museum. There are stops at La Sagesse beach for a swim and at Egmont Point for the views. Tues/Thurs/Sun, 8 hours (1.5 hours hiking), US$75.
Island Tour and Plantation Lunch
A tour of the island in a day, including the picturesque west coast, Concord Falls and Gouyave Nutmeg Station. Lunch is at Belmont Estate. You visit "Caribs’ Leap" in Sauteurs, a 200 year old, water-powered distillery, where you can taste River Antoine Rum, and then the town of Grenville. The return trip cuts across the mountains, through the Grand Etang rainforest and then descends into St George's. Tues/Thurs or by arrangement, 8 hours, US$80.
Market and Falls Tour
Experience country life. You will drive up through the forested mountains in the centre of Grenada and then down to the Atlantic town of Grenville and its colourful market, where there is an amazing array of fruits and vegetables on sale. You will see straw for making hats being prepared in the seaside village of Soubise and at Marquis Village there is an interesting nature walk through the trees to Marquis Falls, one of the highest on the island. There is a stop for a swim on the return journey through the eastern parish of St David's. Fri/Sat, 5 hours, US$75.
Spicy Half Day
A tour of Grenada’s spice plantations and industry along Grenada’s west coast. You will visit a waterfall, a spice plantation and the fishing town of Gouyave, where there is a nutmeg processing station. On the return trip you visit the Grand Etang Forest Reserve1900 feet above sea level, the Crater Lake and Nature Centre in the forested interior. Mon/Wed/Fri, 4-5 hours, US$50.
St George’s Market & Garden
A visit to Market Day in St George's with a Grenadian guide, where you will see the amazing array of fresh fruits, tropical vegetables and spices. Visit historic Fort George and Bay Gardens. This tour gives you a look at the island’s romantic past and lets you experience modern-day culture in the activity of the market place. And the gardens will show you the extraordinary beauty of tropical plants and flowers. Fri/Sat, 3 hours, US$45.
Advanced Hikes
One of the more challenging hikes is the walk into Grenada’s lush rainforest to Mt St Catherine (2767 ft) and historic Fedon's Camp. Or you can make the beautiful crossing from Grand Etang to Concord. There are several other hikes, which will take you to rust-coloured rocks and waterfalls in the foothills of Victoria and into the scrubland of Grenada’s southern peninsulars. Hikes on request. Mornings, 4-5 hours of hiking for one or two people, US$120.
Rainforest Hike & Spa
Hike along Grand Etang's fern-covered trails, down a 60 ft descent to two of St Margaret's pristine waterfalls. A chance meeting with mischievous Mona monkeys, before returning to St. George's. Tues/Thurs/Sun, 4-5 hours (1.5 hours hiking), US$45.
Beekeepers Special
A custom tour that enables you to combine a visit to beekeeper with stops at local gardens between St Paul’s, St David’s Harbour and Grenville. Arrangements are made individually so that you can spend an afternoon chatting with beekeepers. Beekeeping was introduced into the Caribbean in late 1600s and after low times it has experienced a revival in Grenada recently. There are about thirty-five established beekeepers on the island, located mainly located in the eastern and northeastern parts of the island. The number of managed colonies is estimated to be 600-700. Custom tour, 3-5 hours as requested.
Community Tourism
If you would like a community experience in Grenada, to meet Grenadians from the rural communities and learn about their daily lives, Caribbean Horizons can help you discover the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the island. Jemma’s Garden, set on a former spice plantation, has an open-kitchen in which you can make local fruit juices. By arrangement, price on request.
Bird Watching Tour
A guided tour Grenada’s different habitats, where 150 species of coastal, inland and migratory birds roost and feed, including Mt Gozo, Mt Hartman, Grand Etang and Levera. Of special interest are the endangered, endemic Grenada dove and the hook billed kite, whose natural habitat is the scrublands of the southern peninsulas. Custom tour, 3 hours, price on request.
Deep Sea Fishing
The waters around Grenada are well known for fishing and the island holds an annual tournament, the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, in January. You can trawl for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, tuna and dolphin in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Trips on request, half day US$440, or whole day US$660.
Floral Delight
A tour of the finest gardens in Grenada conducted by Anne, a member of Grenadian Gold Medal Award team at Chelsea Flower Show 2002. See exotic ornamental bananas and giant heliconias in their natural setting as Anne takes you to her selection, which may include: Sunnyside, Balthazar Estate, St Rose Nurseries, Bay Gardens, Tower House and Hyde Park. Each garden is chosen for a specific highlight. Tour participants are advised to wear hiking or walking shoes. Tues/Thurs, US$55.
Historic St George's
This tour will reveal the historic delights of Grenada’s extremely pretty capital, St George’s, starting with the Kalinago, the Indians of South America, who arrived over 1500 years ago, long before Columbus sighted Grenada. See Georgian architecture, French fountains and cobbled walkways left by the European settlers. Learn about Julien Fedon, a French revolutionary of the 1700s, and then about the Grenadian revolution in 1979 and the subsequent American intervention in 1983. Fri/Sat, 3 hours, US$35.
Sports Tourism
Caribbean Horizons is happy to arrange an itinerary for visiting sports teams, which will include both matches or meets and activities around the island, such as a hike in the rain forest, an island spice and chocolate tour. If you would like a bit of pre-season training, Grenada can offer a welcoming and warm environment with some good facilities for athletics, cricket, netball, football, triathlons and other sports, all within a few minutes of suitable hotels.
The arrangements will be co-ordinated by Anne, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport and the various sporting associations. Caribbean Horizons also provides transport, hikes, cross-country walks, barbecues, turtle-watching tours, snorkelling trips, visits to the museum, chocolate factory etc. Tour on request, minimum one week.
Turtle Watching Tour
Levera National Park in the north of the island is the nesting place of four species of turtle that come to Grenada, including the endangered leatherback, which can be as much as seven feet long. Nesting starts in March and the last hatchlings make their way into the sea in late July. Tour participants are advised to wear hiking or walking shoes. A jacket is also recommended. No flashlights allowed. Signed disclaimer required. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but are generally at least one per night. Seasonal, April-July, 6pm – midnight, US$65.
Fish Friday Food Festival
A weekly street party in Gouyave, the island’s main fishing town. Three streets are cordoned off, music is played and food is sold from stalls, to be eaten at picnic tables. It is also possible to visit a ‘panyard’ and practice playing steel pans. Live bands and folk groups once a month. Lots of fresh fish, lobster kebabs, fish cakes. Fri, departs 5.45pm, US$25.
Carriacou & Sandy Island
A trip to Grenada’s Grenadines. After a tour of Carriacou, you will have lunch at Silver Beach Hotel and then take the short boat-ride across the bay to the Caribbean classic Sandy Island, where you can swim in crystal clear among fish and colourful coral reefs. The tours can be extended to learn about the unique culture of Carriacou, the Drum Dance, August Regatta, the Maroon Festival and the Carib Indians. The ferry to Carriacou leaves daily (or you can fly, 20 mins). Tour daily, $165 (or $195 to fly to Carriacou, $215 return).
Carriacou Eco-Adventure
A ‘design your own’ eco-adventure to Carriacou, the ‘Island of Reefs’ in the Grenadines. You can explore the undersea world or just laze around on Sandy Island and White Island. Expect fresh seafood by moonlight at dinner at a local restaurant in Tyrell Bay. You can spend nights ashore in a comfortable guest house, then set sail for the other Grenadine islands including the Tobago Cays, Petit St Vincent or Petite Martinique.
You can return to Carriacou and Grenada the same day or spend another night or two in the Grenadines. The length of this tour is yours to decide.
Customised Tour on request, 24-36 hours, US$300-400 approx.
Carriacou Triple Treat
A trip to the Grenadines. After a short tour of Carriacou you join the yacht Cinderella, on the island’s east coast as it carves through water with infinite shades of blue. You will anchor off the luxurious Petit St Vincent. Here you will snorkel and have a typical home-cooked Grenadian lunch. The return ferry ride starts at Petite Martinique, with a short stop in Carriacou before docking to the setting sun in St George’s. The ferry to Carriacou leaves daily (or you can fly, 20 mins). On request, all-inclusive, 9 hours, US$165 (or US$195 to if you fly to Carriacou, $215 return).
Grenadine Fly/Sail Cruise
You will see the fantastically beautiful Grenadines form above on a 25 minute panoramic flight. Then you join a schooner or a sleek catamaran in Union Island and sail to the fabulous Tobago Cays, Mayreau and Palm Island, where the snorkelling is fantastic. Lunch and drinks are included in the package. On request, all-inclusive, 9 hours, US$320/US$350 per person (price dependent on numbers-minimum 6 pax). |
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Cruise Ships
Although Grenada sees a number of cruise ships on their voyages around the islands, only a couple start sand finish their itineraries in of the island. These are the Yankee Clipper and the Mandalay, which are part of the Windjammer fleet. They leave Grenada on a Monday, so you can spend the weekend on the island before departure if you wish. If you require on-shore services or Grenada island tours, Caribbean Horizons will help. |
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Island Hopping
The logical place to go from Grenada is along the chain of the Grenadines, which leads north from the island towards St Vincent. Caribbean Horizons offers a number of day tours to Carriacou and one based out of Union Island, the first port of call in the St Vincent Grenadines, the main dropping off point for the Tobago Cays.
If you like travelling independently then local ferries run all the way up from Carriacou and Union Island to St Vincent and this makes a great trip. Further afield, there are other islands that can be twinned with Grenada. Barbados makes a very good foil. It is much more developed, but it has an exciting buzz, some excellent hotels and several good restaurants. St Lucia and Tobago are less different, but have their own strong character, a variation on the same West Indian theme.
Caribbean Horizons can help with the travel arrangements if you would like to visit these islands. |
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Weddings & Event Planning
Caribbean Horizons’ Wedding Planning department will work with you to create your perfect wedding day. They can arrange anything from a simple wedding on the beach to a formal affair in a hotel, but they can also help if you would like a ceremony in a spectacular island location. These can include Annandale Waterfall, a fortress, a clifftop or an isolated bay, even on a sandbar in the Grenadines. The great thing is that they can take all the effort and stress out of it for you and leave you to enjoy your day.
Caribbean Horizons has a number of ‘standard weddings’, which can be arranged in a hotel or a villa, but they are also happy to help you arrange something entirely your own, custom-designing it to your requirements. They will liaise with you before you arrive on island, making suggestions to fit your ideas and putting it all in place. When you reach Grenada they will take you through the documentation to fulfil government regulations and then enact everything you have planned together, providing cakes, photographers, a dinner, band and a going away vehicle, which might be anything from a donkey to a superyacht. |
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Grenada Wedding Facts
State Requirements
Couples must reside in Grenada for a minimum of three working days
Valid passports
Both birth certificates
A notarised lawyer’s letter confirming both parties have single status
Absolute divorce papers, if applicable
If previous partner is deceased, then the death certificate is required
Minimum age eighteen
A deed poll certificate is needed to prove any name change
Wedding Package Sample
A sample wedding from Caribbean Horizons includes: Two witnesses if required
Wedding Cake
Bottle of champagne
Bridal bouquet of tropical flowers
Groom’s buttonhole
Photographer to take 24 prints
Minister’s fees, marriage license, certificate and ceremony
Transport to and from Government Ministries
Transport to and from Wedding location - if necessary Caribbean Horizons’ wedding coordinator, Anne, will meet with you the day after your arrival to set up your arrangements for your wedding. These discussions and Anne’s suggestions will bring the ceremony into focus. Flowers
Flowers are locally grown and your choice of blooms is therefore dictated by the flowers in season. Anne will translate your requests into tropical bridal bouquets, which might feature orchids or anthuriums accented with soft fern for example. Flower arrangements can be prepared for the reception as well. Documentation
Your documents must be presented to the different government ministries. Caribbean Horizons will assist you in this, which will take about one and a half hours. Transportation costs are included in the wedding package. If you wish to be married by a minister, he will need to interview you prior to the wedding day. It is always helpful if documentation is sent in advance. If there are any concerns, these can be handled prior to your arrival which helps to eliminate delays.
Additional Options:
Wedding Cake
Bottle of champagne
Photographer to take 24 prints
Decorated Location
Live Steel Band Entertainment
Choir
Video Tape with Grenadian Music
Romantic Sunset Yacht Cruise, after ceremony - for two
Catered Wedding Party
Open Bar
Wedding Breakfast
Overnight yacht charter
Horseback riding |
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Corporate Travel / Incentives
Grenada sees some conferences. It has one large venue (maximum 900) and a couple of smaller ones (200 people), but its character is probably better suited to smaller events. For this it offers some charming accommodation with appropriate services for a corporate retreat. There are also excellent leisure activities on the island.
Caribbean Horizons have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the groups and incentives market. They will help to locate the right venue for your needs and can offer the following services: themed events, team-building activities, tours and excursions, cruises, sports and games, gifts, banquets and spouses programmes.
They can also arrange Customs Brokerage, Audio-visual equipment and press coverage. |
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Contact
If you wish to make further enquiries or a reservation, please use the WEB LINK or DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES facility at the top of this page to make contact with Caribbean Horizons, or if you wish to telephone them, please click on TELEPHONE CONTACT to reveal the number. |
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All the information on this page comes to you free of charge and we do not make money from your business. Please don’t forget to mention DefinitiveCaribbean to your friends and when you contact CARIBBEAN HORIZONS to organise your ground arrangements, Grenada weddings, Grenada tours and Grenada shore excursions as our service to you may depend on how frequently our name comes up as a point of reference. |
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