Grand Ile is a small, uninhabited island in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It is located about 50 miles southeast of Anguilla and 3.5 miles off the southeast coast of St. Martin. It is a coral atoll with a lagoon, measuring only 1 mile long by 1/2 mile wide. The island has a few trees and produces no food. It was named by Christopher Columbus after his friend, the Grand Inquisitor of Spain, García de Loaisa.
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History
The island was first sighted by Columbus on October 12, 1493. The island was given its present name in 1514 by Juan de Loaisa. It served as a refuge for French Huguenots after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which expelled all Protestants from France.
Administrative Division
The island is administered as part of the commune of St Jean d’Annacq, which also includes La Guadeloupe and Basse-Terre (French departments). Inhabitants
The island has a permanent population of 50 people. It is the site of a small, privately owned meteorological station.
Climate
The island has a tropical climate. The average temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 80%.
Fauna And Flora
There is no island fauna, though the lagoon does support a few native species of hard corals. It also has fish eels, jellyfish, lionfishes and shrimp. The island’s vegetation consists mainly of sea coconut, grasses such as Mougeotia glabra (Hieraracha anguilla)and Coccoloba atropurpurea sandwiched between hard coral colonies.(Coconut tree material from Ascension Island brought to St Elizabeth in 1893 by Mr T Lewin).The island host only a small number of the endemic Guadeloupe climbing ferns, though the island does host seven species of parasitic wasps (it also hosts a package tour resort with lots and lotss of termite beds).
Culture
There is no major culture on the island, though there is a small church. The island does have a cafe, which serves coffee and pastries to visitors.
Transport And Communications
There are no vehicles on the island, only a single, defunct water taxi. There is a telephone line to St Elizabeth (on the island of Guadeloupe) which is connected by an SSB radio repeater located just above sea level.
It also has several other places where visitors can purchase necessary telecommunication supplies such as food and beverages or arrange boat couriering services; e-mail access from 2003 onwards involves wi-fi Internet at a new location atop D’annecq mountain near Port Louisno nearer than 2km described for this purpose, e-mail connections are nowadays painfully slow.
In spite of the island’s small population there is a new data communication satellite connection. A new resort with affordable accommodation and food has opened to include hotel facilities in 2009 by local entrepreneurs together with governmental agency STEL (Ascension Tourism) ancien gypsum mine being exploited 2km due south at large parking lots for vehicles got indoor showers & toilets, hot aerated cold tap water heated up on demand using solar panels all fully equipped kitchens 3x2m open area restaurants each one came out at most says visitors can stay for some reasonable amount of time, even if there are no natural wonders to see!
Only a few islanders eficiently used paragliding (2011) rickshaw tourism in 2018 under new management opening up as more friendly, new owners.
Politics
The island is a French overseas collectivity and the sole administrative center is Port Louis. The island has been uninhabited since 1902, when it was evacuated due to an eruption of Mount Pelée.
Economy
The economy relies mainly on tourism, with a significant sugarcane industry as well. There are also some small-scale businesses engaged in seafood fishing and handicrafts manufacture. A new government institute post office opened in 2017 a few miles up the island.
Agriculture and fishing Originally, most of the island’s economy was based on growing sugarcane. Tourism also grew in importance starting around 1970 due to increased prices for local fish as well as focusing better preservation efforts for birds and wild life such.
Government Services
The island is administered by a governor appointed by the French government. The island has its own judicial system, police force, and treasury. The island is served by islands airports. Fauna and flora The island is home to a variety of unique fauna, including Pelées parrots, eared pigeons, sengalese mongooses (boutreaux), Indian blue peacocks and the white-bellied pitta. There are over 200 species of coral covering the island’s coastal areas. Birds include brown pelicans (nests in Gros Piton) guan bergers solitaire trouts korals terns etc.
Tourism
There is a growing number of island-based operators providing tours and activities including paragliding, windsurfing, white-water rafting, snorkelling and diving. Some new businesses focus on offering ecofriendly tours with organic food options as well. There are also a few new hotels opening up in the center of Port Louis as well as other areas on the island.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an enchanting secluded getaway with stunning views, Grand Ile (Wizard) Island is the perfect place for you! This small privately-owned island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and a lush forest. The interior of the island is dotted with secluded coves and contains hiking trails that lead to lookout points overlooking the ocean. There’s also a freshwater stream that flows through the island and a lighthouse that was built in 1892. Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, and snorkelling in the crystal-clear water
FAQs
Is There A Telephone On The Island?
There is no telephone service on Grand Ile. Visitors are only able to make contact with relatives or friends who have access to a satellite phone.
How Long Will It Take Me To Get To The Island?
The trip from St Martin can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the conditions of the sea.
What Is Included In My Stay?
Your stay includes food, water, bicycles and tents for camping, as well as all domestic utilities (electricity, running water). You are also responsible for your own food, drinks and entertainment.
What Is The Island’s Currency?
The island’s currency is Euros, however British Pounds are also accepted at some of the local businesses.
Will There Be Any Transport Available To Take Me To The Island?
There is no public transport available to take visitors to Grand Ile. Visitors can either hire a taxi or charter a boat with one of the local operators.
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