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Grenada Travel Guide: Spices, Sunshine & Secluded Beauty

Intro to Grenada Travel Guide

Known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean, Grenada stuns with lush rainforests, volcanic beaches, and warm island culture. Beyond the postcard shores of Grand Anse, you’ll discover waterfalls tucked into the jungle, chocolate estates in the highlands, and an underwater sculpture park beneath turquoise waters.

Start planning your journey with our complete Grenada Travel Guide — including the best time to visit, travel cost in Grenada, top places to visit, and unforgettable Grenada tours to elevate your island adventure.

Looking for immersive Grenada tours? From spice plantations and crater hikes to sailing trips and coral reef dives, discover the best things to do in Grenada with local experts in our Grenada Tours guide.

Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Country: Grenada
Area: 344 km² (133 mi²)
Population: ~125,000 (2024 est.)
Density: ~363 people/km²
Capital: St. George’s
Regions/Subregions: Grenada (main island), Carriacou, Petite Martinique
Language(s): English (official), Grenadian Creole English, Grenadian Creole French
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Time Zone(s): GMT-4
Airports: Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND), Lauriston Airport (CRU, Carriacou)
Climate: Tropical; wet season (Jun–Dec), dry season (Jan–May), occasional hurricanes
Known For: Spice plantations, white-sand beaches, waterfalls, scuba diving, Grand Anse Beach, chocolate and nutmeg

Visa-free access for up to 90 days for U.S., Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many Commonwealth countries
Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months
Extensions possible at local immigration office
Visa Info – Government of Grenada

Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (if exploring rural areas), routine vaccines
Healthcare: Good facilities in St. George’s; limited services in rural and outer islands
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Generally safe and welcoming
Exercise standard precautions against petty theft
Hurricane season runs June to November — monitor weather alerts
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Feb 7: Independence Day
Aug 1: Emancipation Day
Aug (first Monday): Carnival
Oct 25: Thanksgiving Day (Grenada’s version)
Dec 25: Christmas Day

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) — USD also widely accepted
Cards: Accepted in most hotels and shops, but cash recommended for smaller vendors
Tipping: 10–15% expected in restaurants unless service charge is included
Duty-Free: Common at airports; 200 cigarettes or 1L spirits allowed duty-free

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND): Main international hub
Direct flights from USA, Canada, UK, Caribbean
Lauriston Airport (CRU): Regional flights to Carriacou
Grenada Airports Authority

Local minibuses are cheap and frequent on the main island
Car rentals available; drive on the left
Taxis are unmetered — agree on fare in advance
Ferries and small planes connect Grenada with Carriacou and Petite Martinique

SIM cards: Digicel, Flow — widely available
Coverage: Good in urban and beach areas
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels, cafes, and public spots; speeds vary

Drinking age: 18
Dress modestly in towns (beachwear only at the beach)
LGBTQ+ travelers: No specific legal protections, but generally safe with discretion
Cultural note: Greetings and respect are important — say “Good morning/afternoon”

Emergency Numbers: 911 (police), 434 (fire), 434 (ambulance)
U.S. Consular Services: Via Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
Wet season: June to November — risk of tropical storms
Temperatures: 24–31°C (75–88°F) year-round
Weather Forecast

Grenada by Region – Where to Go

Grenada is the largest of a three-island nation that includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique — each offering its own rhythm and landscape.

Southwest Grenada – Capital, Beaches & Culture

The heart of the island, home to St. George’s, Grenada’s charming capital with its colorful waterfront, historic forts, and busy market. Nearby, Grand Anse Beach offers two miles of white sand, while Morne Rouge provides a quieter cove.

Central Highlands – Waterfalls & Plantations

Cooler, forested terrain leads to eco-adventures in Grand Etang National Park, including hikes to Annandale and Seven Sisters Waterfalls, and visits to nutmeg and chocolate estates.

Southeast Grenada – Bays & Villages

Wander through sleepy villages like Woburn and Calivigny, explore La Sagesse Beach, or kayak the mangroves of Westerhall Bay. A quieter coastline perfect for nature lovers.

Northern Grenada – History & Rum

Explore the colonial ruins and dramatic coastlines of Sauteurs, visit River Antoine Rum Distillery (the oldest functioning water-powered rum distillery), and take in coastal viewpoints at Levera National Park.

Carriacou & Petite Martinique – Island Time

Accessible by ferry or short flight, these sister islands are peaceful havens with clear waters, coral reefs, and traditional boat-building villages. Don’t miss Sandy Island for snorkeling and pure escape.

Top Places to Visit in Grenada

Beaches & Bays

Grand Anse Beach: Iconic stretch near St. George’s
La Sagesse Beach: Serene hideaway for birdwatching and sunbathing
Bathway Beach: Untamed northern coast beauty
Magazine Beach: Secluded and great for sunset

Nature & Adventure

Grand Etang Lake: A crater lake in the rainforest
Seven Sisters Waterfalls: Hike through tropical jungle to swim in pools
Levera National Park: Mangroves, sea turtles, and striking headlands

Culture & Heritage

St. George’s Market Square: Try spices, crafts, and street food
Fort George & Fort Frederick: Colonial forts with harbor views
River Antoine Rum Distillery: Watch rum being made the old-fashioned way
Grenada National Museum: Small but informative on colonial and Amerindian history

Unique Attractions

Underwater Sculpture Park: Snorkel or dive through hauntingly beautiful marine art
Belmont Estate: Tour a working cocoa plantation with tastings and cultural experiences
Nutmeg Processing Station: Discover how Grenada earned its spice island title

How to Choose Where to Go in Grenada

If you want easy access to beaches, dining, and tours, stay near Grand Anse or St. George’s.
Nature lovers should base near the Central Highlands for rainforest hikes.
To escape the crowds, explore the east and north coasts, where Grenada feels untouched.
For a slower pace and reef diving, Carriacou offers a slice of pure island life.

Pair your stay:

Grand Anse + Central Highlands (for beach and jungle)
St. George’s + Carriacou (culture and escape)
South Coast + Levera (mangroves and turtles)

How to Get Around Grenada

Car Rental: Ideal for full exploration — note left-side driving.
Taxis & Minibuses: Fixed fares near towns; minibuses are cheap and lively.
Tours & Drivers: Common for day trips and island loops.
Water Taxis: Great for short beach hops along the south coast.
Ferry to Carriacou: Daily service via Osprey Lines (approx. 1.5–2 hrs).
Flights: SVG Air operates quick hops to Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Roads are hilly and winding — plan extra time for travel between regions.

Travel Budget & Costs in Grenada

The cost to travel in Grenada is moderate for the Caribbean, with excellent value in food and guesthouses.

Budget travelers: $60–$100/day (guesthouses, street food, local buses)
Mid-range: $120–$250/day (resorts, car rental, guided tours)
Luxury: $300+/day (boutique hotels, private excursions)

Sample prices:

Local meal: $5–$12
Beer or rum punch: $2–$4
Car rental: ~$50–$70/day
Waterfall tour: $25–$40
Underwater sculpture snorkel tour: $50–$100

Best Time to Visit Grenada

Best time to visit Grenada: January to May (dry season)

January–May: Sunny, dry, and ideal for beaches, hikes, and sailing
June–November: Wet season with lush greenery and fewer tourists; hurricane risk is low but possible
August: Carnival season — vibrant celebrations in St. George’s
November–December: Shoulder season bargains with good weather

Turtle nesting (Levera Beach) occurs March–July, especially under the full moon.

Must-See Experiences in Grenada

Snorkel the Underwater Sculpture Park — a haunting marine art experience
Swim beneath Seven Sisters Waterfalls after a rainforest hike
Savor nutmeg ice cream or chocolate at Belmont Estate
Kayak through Woburn’s mangrove estuaries and hidden coves
Join a beach BBQ on Carriacou’s Paradise Beach
Cruise to Sandy Island for perfect white sand and coral reefs
Walk Fort Frederick at sunset for 360° island views
Taste high-proof rum from wooden vats at River Antoine

Book immersive Grenada tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Grenada — from sacred cocoa rituals and crater lake hikes to coral reef dives and village spice walks.

Best Travel Itineraries in Grenada

7-Day Grenada Highlights
Day 1–2: St. George’s & Grand Anse – beach time and local dining
Day 3: Central Grenada – waterfall hike and spice estate
Day 4: Island tour – Levera, Sauteurs, River Antoine
Day 5–6: Carriacou – ferry, beach day, Sandy Island tour
Day 7: Return to Grand Anse or explore Fort George before departure

10-Day Immersive Experience
Add: Sailing charter or dive package, Uunartoq hot springs, guided chocolate-making workshop

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Grenada’s cuisine is rich with spice and soul:

Oil Down: The national dish — breadfruit, meat, dumplings, and coconut milk slow-cooked in a pot
Lambi (conch) stew: Savory and spiced with local seasonings
Roti: Curried meat or veggie wrap with Indian-Caribbean flair
Nutmeg ice cream & rum cake: Must-try desserts
Cocoa tea: A spiced local version of hot chocolate
River-cooked crayfish or jacks: Found near mountain villages
Street BBQs: Look for grilled jerk pork and fish near beaches

Join a culinary tour or cooking class in St. George’s or Belmont to experience flavors from farm to plate.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Grenada

Safety: Very safe; just use standard precautions after dark
Health: No vaccines required; bring repellent for mosquito season
Etiquette: Greet with a smile; say “good morning” or “good night” when entering shops or buses
Beachwear: Wear modest clothing in towns (not just swimwear)
Local laws: Avoid camouflage clothing — it’s illegal
Cash vs Card: EC Dollars preferred; USD accepted; bring cash for remote areas

Where to Go Next – Pair Grenada with These Destinations

St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Easy ferry or flight access for yacht culture and quiet islands
Barbados: Direct flights make it a great pair for beach-lovers and culture
Trinidad & Tobago: Cultural contrast and food adventure
Dominica: Combine Grenada’s spice with Dominica’s rainforests and rivers

Explore more: