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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.

Where to Go in Grenada

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Grenada
Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Country: Grenada
Area: 348.5 km² (134.6 mi²)
Population: ~126,000 (2025 est.)
Density: ~360/km²
Capital: St. George’s
Regions/Subregions: Grenada (main island), Carriacou, Petite Martinique, smaller islets
Official Language: English
Regional Languages: Grenadian Creole English, Grenadian Creole French (Patois)
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Time Zone: AST (UTC-4), no DST
Airports (Main): Maurice Bishop International (GND), Lauriston Airport (CRU, Carriacou)
Climate: Tropical — hot and humid year-round, wet season Jun–Dec
Known For: Spice production (nutmeg, cinnamon), Grand Anse Beach, underwater sculpture park, sailing, Carnival, waterfalls, rainforests

🛂Arrival Info:
Visa-Free Countries: US, Canada, UK, EU, and many others (stay up to 90 days).
Visa on Arrival: Available for select nationalities.
Stay Limits: Up to 90 days without visa; extensions possible.
Cruise Arrivals: Frequent stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Visa Info: Government of Grenada Immigration

🏥Health Info:
Recommended Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
Mosquito Risks: Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya present; use repellents.
Healthcare Access: General Hospital in St. George’s; clinics on Carriacou.
Emergency Number: 911
Insurance: Strongly recommended, especially for evacuation coverage.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
General Safety: Relatively safe; petty theft possible near beaches/ports.
Risks: Hurricane season Jun–Nov; flooding/heavy rains can occur.
Crime Level: Low, but caution advised in isolated areas.
Civil Unrest: Rare; stable democratic governance.
LGBTQ+ Safety: Same-sex activity criminalized (not enforced), but discretion advised.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
January 1: New Year’s Day
February 7: Independence Day
May 1: Labour Day
August (varies): Carnival Monday & Tuesday
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Good Friday & Easter Monday: (variable dates, Mar–Apr)

💰Visitor Info:
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
Payment: US dollars widely accepted; credit cards common in hotels/tourist zones.
ATMs: Available in major towns.
Tipping: 10% standard in restaurants if not included.
Departure Tax: Usually included in airfare.
Average Daily Budget:
Budget: $60–90
Mid-Range: $120–180
Luxury: $250+

🛫Airports:
Maurice Bishop International (GND): Main international gateway near St. George’s.
Lauriston Airport (CRU): Regional flights to/from Carriacou.
Carriers: American Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, LIAT.
Connections: Direct to US (Miami, New York), UK (London), and regional Caribbean hubs.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Local Transport: Minibuses are cheap and widely used; taxis available.
Car Rentals: Common, driving on the left; temporary permit required.
Ferries: Osprey Lines ferry links Grenada, Carriacou, Petite Martinique.
Domestic Flights: SVG Air provides short inter-island flights.
Scenic Travel: Hiking trails, island drives, boat charters popular.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM Providers: Digicel, Flow.
Costs: Prepaid SIMs from $10–20.
Coverage: Good on main island; weaker on Petite Martinique.
Wi-Fi: Found in hotels, restaurants, cafes; variable speeds.
Roaming: Works but expensive; SIMs more economical.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Drinking Age: 16 (lightly enforced).
Smoking: Prohibited in public places.
Dress Code: Casual; beachwear only for beaches/pools.
Cultural Respect: Grenada is conservative; modesty expected in rural areas.
Photography: Ask permission in villages/markets.
LGBTQ+: Discretion advised due to outdated laws.

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency (All Services): 911
Police Headquarters (St. George’s): +1 473 440 3999
US Embassy (Bridgetown, Barbados): +1 246 227 4000 (covers Grenada)
UK High Commission (St. George’s): +1 473 405 5270
🏛️ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Dry Season (Jan–May): 24–30°C, sunny, best travel period.
Wet Season (Jun–Dec): 26–32°C, humid, daily showers.
Hurricane Season: June–November (peak Aug–Oct).
Best Seasons: December–April for dry weather and festivals.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — 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: