Grenada Travel Guide
Grenada is actually made up of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With the scent of spices and the sound of Calypso in the air, Grenada is a great place to relax and slow life down.
Grenada has one of the most varied Caribbean environments with everything from mountains, volcanoes and crater lakes to rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and white sand beaches. Together, the three islands have more than 40 beautiful beaches, so despite the crowds, there is room for everyone.
Why You Should Go
What’s Cool: Grand Anse and the other 39 beaches, snorkeling, dancing to Calypso under the stars, spicy seafood cuisine, smelling spices in the wind.
What’s Not: Wet season, the crowds, occasional street crime, not being able to find a taxi at night or on a Sunday.
When to Go
The dry season runs from January to May, while the rainy season runs from June to December and features rain about 22 days a month. Although you won’t have to fight the crowds in the wet season, you’ll probably end up sharing the beach with no one else but goats for company.
Getting There & Away
If you are looking to get to Grenada in a hurry, Miami offers the highest number of direct flights to Point Salines International Airport. There are several international ports including St George’s where you can enter Grenada from abroad, and it is easy to rent a yacht or hire a boat to travel between islands once you are here. There are several car rental agencies as well as plenty of taxis; on weekdays, before sundown that is.
Health & Safety
Food & Hospitality
Street crime can be a concern in Grenada, although probably not much more so than in most major American cities. Since tourists are often the targets of petty crime, it is a good idea not to travel alone after dark, especially in tourist areas and near beaches, hotels and large restaurants.
If you are planning on hiking in Grenada, be sure to bring mosquito repellant, as there is a chance of getting dengue fever. Most health concerns among tourists in Grenada however can be easily prevented by wearing hats, sunscreen and drinking lots of water.
Itineraries
You could probably spend the rest of your life lying in the sun on the white sands but for those on a limited vacation:
- One day in St George’s.
- Two days on Grand Anse Beach.
- Three days on Carriacou.
- One day on Petite Martinique.
- One day in Grande Etang National Park.
Highlights
st-georges: the hillside capital surrounds a deep harbor and is full of narrow twisting streets and distinctive Creole houses.
grand-anse-beach: one of the most famous beaches in the region, its white sand is legendary.
carriacou: you won’t have difficulty finding rooms, views or uncrowded beaches on this slow-paced, low-key rural island.
grand-etang-national-park: there are plenty of trails to take you through the rainforest to crater lakes and waterfalls.
spice-country: is accessed by a road that winds through picturesque fishing villages. You can see a modern spice plantation and factory at the Dougaldston Estate.
petite-martinique: most of the accommodation here is small and intimate, making it a good place to get away from the crowds in other parts during the dry season.
Activities
Diving: the island of Carricou is also known as the ‘Island of Coral Reefs’ and has excellent marine life and good diving conditions.
Yachting: where there are islands in the Carribbean, there is good yachting, but when you are in Grenada, the chances are that there will also be some kind of festival or regatta celebrating the sport.
Hiking/walking: there are trails in a few national parks throughout the country, most of which offer excellent opportunities for bird-watching, spotting spectacular flowers and climbing to crater lakes.
Deep sea fishing: marlin, wahoo, tuna and sailfish are to be found relatively close to shore, so go out for a day and bring back a big one.
Festivals & Events
Many of Grenada’s big events involve either music or sailing.
January: Grenada Sailing Festival sees races with both international yachts and traditional boats, and is a great excuse to hang out at the beach and party.
February: Carnivale, the yearly pre-Lent celebration in Carriacou, can add a little Calypso and a lot of spice to you holiday.
April: Tivoli Drum Festival and the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival offer a whole lot of music, dancing and good food thrown in too.
May: Grenada Drum Festival has traditional, modern and international beats served up beside traditional cuisine.
August: if you miss the party in February, or just can’t get enough, celebrate Carnivale all over again.