Levera Bay

Overview

Levera Bay, located at Grenada’s northeastern tip, is one of the island’s most ecologically and culturally significant coastal wetlands. The site combines lagoon, mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and sandy beaches into a single interconnected system. Levera is also Grenada’s only Ramsar site, recognized internationally since 2012 for its importance to wetland conservation.

The beach at Levera is one of the country’s most important sea turtle nesting sites, with hawksbill, leatherback, and green turtles all recorded. Ocean Spirits has monitored nesting activity here for years, providing critical data on population trends, while SPECTO (St. Patrick’s Environmental and Community Tourism Organization) has run community-led turtle tours that connect conservation with local livelihoods.

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Ecological Monitoring
Surveys conducted in 2020 documented the presence of all three mangrove species—red (Rhizophora mangle), black (Avicennia germinans), and white (Laguncularia racemosa). Structural measurements showed that red mangroves dominate the lagoon margins with the highest basal area, canopy width, and tree height values, while black and white mangroves occur in smaller patches. Stable isotope analysis of mangrove tissues and lagoon waters confirmed that the hydrology is driven by both freshwater runoff and tidal exchange, reinforcing its role as a dynamic and productive system.

Between January and May 2020, systematic bird surveys recorded a high diversity of species. Resident forest and wetland birds included the Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Bananaquit, Grenada Flycatcher, Grenada Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, Carib Grackle, and Lesser Antillean Tanager, alongside wetland specialists such as Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Common Gallinule, and Laughing Gull. Migratory species included Barn Swallow, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Wilson’s Plover, and Whimbrel, underscoring Levera’s role as both a resident stronghold and a critical stopover for migratory birds.

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Archaeological & Geological Context

Levera also holds archaeological interest, though much of the main area was damaged by past development. When Dr. Jonathan Hanna tested the site, he found only a small piece of pottery on the surface, suggesting that the original settlement traces had already been disturbed. Fortunately, many artifacts had been collected earlier and are safely stored for future study.

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Geological research shows that Levera Pond was once an open bay, later cut off from the sea by a natural sand ridge. Over time, it transformed into a lagoon and eventually into today’s mangrove wetland.

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Nearby sites provide additional cultural context: to the south lies Pearls, one of Grenada’s best-known Amerindian settlements, while to the north, La Poterie also shows evidence of long-term occupation. These surrounding sites highlight how Levera fit into a broader network of coastal settlements and resource areas.

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For more detail, see: grenadaarchaeology.com.

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Conservation Significance

Levera Bay represents a unique convergence of natural and cultural heritage. Its Ramsar designation highlights its biodiversity value, while its archaeological record underscores its deep human history. The lagoon, mangroves, and reefs provide coastal protection and fisheries support, while the nesting beaches link local conservation groups with global efforts to protect endangered turtles. Safeguarding Levera ensures both biodiversity and cultural legacy remain part of Grenada’s future.