Grenada
Located in the Southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt, Grenada is safe, friendly, less crowded and a year-round tropical escape.
The country is recognised as the Isle of Spice, producing more nutmeg and cinnamon than any other destination. In addition, it produces organic cocoa and world-famous chocolate.
Grenada's cruise port is located in St. George (the capital of this small island) and is one of the most off-the-beaten-track cruise destinations in the Caribbean.
As soon as you exit the Terminal building, you'll find yourself on the main street of St. George's historical downtown. There are plenty of shops, markets, and places for food and drinks along the street. There is also a sightseeing train ride stop - an excellent way to explore this charming, small city and its landmarks.
You can also find the Water Taxi that offers transportation to Grande Anse Beach and Mount Rouge Beach.
Although it doesn't happen often, cruise ships may anchor in the bay close to St. George. Cruise passengers will then be tendered to the Carenage harbour. This harbour is connected to the historical town of St. George through a tunnel.
Carriacou, the second largest island of Grenada, is an ideal destination for diving and snorkelling with clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and magical drifts. You can get to this island by ferry from mainland Grenada in about 90 minutes.
Petite Martinique, which completes the tri-island destination, is situated east off the northern half of Carriacou and is about a 15-minute ferry ride away.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada's most popular beach, features a two-mile stretch of white sand lined with sea grape, almond, and palm trees. It offers easy access, beach bars, water sports, an arts and crafts market, and is home to some of the island's top hotels.
La Sagesse Beach, situated on Grenada's east coast, is more secluded and serene.
Anse La Roche Beach in Carriacou is a secluded and unspoiled beach, famous for its appearance in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Accessible by a half-mile hike, it features beautiful coral reefs just offshore and is located at the foot of the High North Range.
Paradise Beach in Carriacou is in a serene location ideal for leisure travellers seeking relaxation.
Levera National Park boasts stunning coastal scenery, a mangrove swamp lagoon, and remarkable coral reefs. It offers a crucial wildlife habitat for exotic birds and is home to critically endangered leatherback turtles that lay eggs from March to August. Guided tours are available to witness the turtles' remarkable journey from the sea to laying eggs and hatching.
The best hiking and trekking spot in Grenada is the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, which boasts diverse elevations and terrains, resulting in several ecological subsystems and an array of flora and fauna. The reserve provides shelter for various animals, especially birds, and is the only place, outside of West Africa, where the playful Mona Monkey can be found.
Sulphur springs offer unique geology, flora, and fauna, as well as health and wellness benefits. A bath in the spring and a sulphur scrub can leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and renewed.
Lake Antoine is a shallow crater lake that boasts a wide variety of wildlife. Bird-watchers can enjoy a scenic walk on the lake's perimeter trail, where they may spot species such as the snail kite, fulvous whistling duck, large billed seed-finch, gray kingbird, and limpkin.
Grenada is known as the 'Chocolate Island' of the world, with many organic chocolate factories and a chocolate museum called the House of Chocolate. The Grenada Chocolate Company, Diamond Chocolate Factory, Belmont Estate, Crayfish Bay Estate, and Tri-Island Chocolate Factory all make up the main production sites.
Explore Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park, featuring unique installations that showcase the island's history, culture, and folklore, including a mermaid, Christ of the Deep, Nutmeg Princess, and Ring of Children. Created by renowned sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the sculptures have become a home for marine life. Enjoy diving, kayaking, or snorkelling to experience this quirky and memorable attraction. Alternatively, take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the sculptures without getting wet.
English is the official language in Grenada, but it is not uncommon to hear nationals speak French-African Patois.
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC), but the US Dollar is also accepted. Major credit and debit cards are accepted as well.
Grenada’s area code is 473.
The voltage on the island is 220 volts – 50 cycles. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US Standard) normally work with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units, but an adaptor plug is necessary for small appliances.
