Country
Grenada
First trip: 5 nights around Grand Anse on the south-west of Grenada, with day trips to the rainforest, waterfalls and spice estates, plus 2–3 on Carriacou by ferry or small plane if you want a quieter island.
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Key facts
- Best months
- Dec–Jun by month →
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar
- Language
- English
- Plugs
- G · 230 V
- Time zone
- UTC−4 all year
Rules in force · 3Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
Understand in one strip
- Capital
- St George's, a horseshoe harbour (the Carenage) under Fort George
- Status
- Independent since 1974; Commonwealth realm with a governor-general
- Language
- English; Grenadian Creole English on the street; a little French Creole in older villages
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at 2.70 per US$
- Plugs
- Type G (UK three-pin); 230 V 50 Hz
- Driving
- Left-hand side; steep, narrow roads
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Time zone
- UTC−4 all year
Grenada is an independent three-island state (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique); the main island is compact and hilly, and most hotels sit on the south-west tip near the airport and St George's. Nutmeg, cocoa and rum estates fill the green interior. It lies at the southern edge of the hurricane belt, but Carriacou and Petite Martinique were badly damaged by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024; ferries run again and most places have reopened, but check your accommodation before booking there. Keep one base on each island you visit.
About Grenada
Grenada was French until 1763 and British until independence in 1974. A 1979 revolution under Maurice Bishop ended in his killing in 1983 and a US-led invasion. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 wrecked the nutmeg crop and most buildings; Beryl in 2024 devastated Carriacou and Petite Martinique. About 115,000 people live on the three islands.
Where's good this month
Wet but easing.
- Grenada, Carriacou and Petite MartiniqueGrand Anse, St George's, Grand Etang, HillsboroughPoorPoorwet: daily rain
Dry season January–May with trade winds; wet season June–December. Once thought to be south of the belt, Grenada was hit by Ivan (2004) and Beryl struck Carriacou in 2024. The interior around Grand Etang is much wetter than the coast.
Holidays and festivals in November
No national holiday that changes transport or opening hours in Grenada this month.
Pick a route
Grenada and Carriacou
- Grand Anse, 5 nightsBasic guide
- Carriacou (Hillsborough or L'Esterre), 2 nightsNo guide yet
Return a day before your flight home.
Slow spice island
- Grand Anse, 5 nightsBasic guide
- St George's, 2 nightsArrival + day plans
- Carriacou, 3 nightsNo guide yet
Spice tour and waterfall day from Grand Anse.
Grenada and the Grenadines
- Grand Anse, 5 nightsBasic guide
- Carriacou, 3 nightsNo guide yet
- Union Island, 2 nightsNo guide yet
- Bequia, 4 nightsNo guide yet
Clear out in Hillsborough; fly home from St Vincent (check connections).
Top destinations in Grenada, ranked
Ranked for a first week.
Grand Anse
Basic guideBeach base near everything.
4–6 nights in Grand Anse · Best Jan–May
St George's
Arrival + day plansCarenage, forts and market.
0–2 nights in St George's · Best Jan–May
Carriacou
No guide yetQuiet island, diving, Sandy Island.
2–3 nights in Carriacou · Best Jan–May
Grand Etang and the north
No guide yetRainforest, falls and estates.
Day trips nights in Grand Etang and the north · Best Jan–May
Decide the trip
What the country is like, who it suits and how long to give it
Open Decide the tripClose Decide the trip7 partsUnderstand in one strip · At a glance · Understand · First vs second trip · Good for · Time math · Fit my nights
Understand in one stripCapital · Status · Language · Currency · Plugs · Driving · Emergency · Time zone
- Capital
- St George's, a horseshoe harbour (the Carenage) under Fort George
- Status
- Independent since 1974; Commonwealth realm with a governor-general
- Language
- English; Grenadian Creole English on the street; a little French Creole in older villages
- Currency
- Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at 2.70 per US$
- Plugs
- Type G (UK three-pin); 230 V 50 Hz
- Driving
- Left-hand side; steep, narrow roads
- Emergency
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
- Time zone
- UTC−4 all year
Grenada: open now, and what is next
2 regions planned
On this page
- 1 of 3 regions open, with where to sleep and for how long
- 1 trip line with arrival paths and day plans
- 2 basic city guides
- How to split 4, 7, 10 days
- Money: cash, cards and ATMs
- Safety notes and the rules that apply on every page below
Coming as the guide grows
- Interior and east coast — Grand Etang rainforest, waterfalls, spice and cocoa estates · day trips nights
- Carriacou and Petite Martinique — Small, quiet islands; diving and sailing · 2–3 nights
At a glance
Each bar is 1 to 5. Green means the score makes the trip easier, amber is middling, red is harder; the words next to each score say what that end of the scale means, so colour is never the only signal.
Mid-priced for the Caribbean; local food is cheap.
Cards in hotels; cash for minibuses, markets and Carriacou.
English-speaking.
Flow and Digicel 4G; patchy in the hills.
Minibuses by day; tours or a car for the interior.
Low crime for visitors; petty theft.
Hot, breezy on the coast.
Understand
Grenada was French until 1763 and British until independence in 1974. A 1979 revolution under Maurice Bishop ended in his killing in 1983 and a US-led invasion. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 wrecked the nutmeg crop and most buildings; Beryl in 2024 devastated Carriacou and Petite Martinique. About 115,000 people live on the three islands.
- People
- Mostly of African descent, with mixed, Indian and European minorities.
- Economy
- Tourism, a medical university (St George's University), nutmeg, cocoa and mace.
- Land
- About 344 km² (133 sq mi); Mount St Catherine 840 m.About 133 sq mi (344 km²); Mount St Catherine 840 m.
History that still shows on the ground · 6 dates
| When | What happened | Where you meet it today |
|---|---|---|
| 1650 | French settlement | French place names. |
| 1763 | Ceded to Britain | English language and law. |
| 1974 | Independence | 7 February. |
| 1979–83 | Revolution and US-led invasion | Airport named after Maurice Bishop. |
| 2004 | Hurricane Ivan | Nutmeg trees destroyed; slow recovery. |
| 2024 | Hurricane Beryl | Carriacou and Petite Martinique devastated. |
Read or watch before you go
- Merle Collins — Angel.
First trip vs second trip
| Trip | Go to | Why | Leave for later |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach week | Grand Anse 5 + Carriacou 2 | Beach, spice tour, small island. | Driving the interior yourself after rain. |
| Grenadines hop | Grenada 4 + Carriacou 3 + Union Island and Bequia 4 | Ferry and water taxi north. | Tight connections on small boats. |
| Spicemas | Grand Anse 5 over mid-August | J'ouvert and the road march. | Booking late. |
Good for…
Verdict is how well Grenada works for that traveller.
- 1Grand Anse — easy beach base.
- 1Gouyave — Fish Friday and nutmeg.
- 1Carriacou — guesthouses.
- 1Grand Anse — calm water.
- 1Carriacou — quiet bays.
- 1St George's — minibuses and hash runs.
- 1Grand Anse — flat beach.
- 1South coast — boutique resorts.
Steep terrain, few adapted places.
- 1Grand Anse — flat hotel strip.
Time math
- 4 days in total
- Grand Anse 4 with one island tour
- 7 days in total
- Grand Anse 5 + Carriacou 2
- 10 days in total
- Grand Anse 6 + Carriacou 3 + one buffer night before flying home
Which regions fit my nights?
Tick the regions you are weighing up. The nights are the ranges this guide gives for each region.
Tick the regions you are considering.
Cities
Regions, cities and the places between them
Open CitiesClose Cities5 partsRegions · Cities · Other destinations · See · Do
Regions
Main beach, hotels and the harbour capital
4–6 nights in this region
Grand Etang rainforest, waterfalls, spice and cocoa estates
day trips nights in this region
Small, quiet islands; diving and sailing
2–3 nights in this region
Cities
Capital: Carenage harbour, Fort George and the market.
Main beach and hotel strip.
West-coast fishing town; nutmeg station and Fish Friday.
East-coast market town.
Carriacou's main town and ferry jetty.
Other destinations
| Place | What | Getting there | Why go / verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Anse Beach | Beach | South-west | Long calm bay with views of St George's. |
| Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park | Snorkel and dive site | Boat from Grand Anse or St George's | Sculptures on the seabed. |
| Grand Etang | Rainforest and crater lake | Centre of the island | Trails, mona monkeys, Seven Sisters falls nearby. |
| Belmont Estate | Cocoa plantation | North-east | Tree-to-bar chocolate and lunch. |
| Gouyave Nutmeg Station | Processing station | West coast | See nutmeg sorted by hand (check opening). |
| River Antoine Rum Distillery | Distillery | North-east | Water-wheel-driven mill, rum since the 1700s. |
| Sandy Island and Paradise Beach | Beaches | Carriacou | Sand spit and calm water; check post-Beryl conditions. |
See
St George's
- Fort George · St George's
- Grenada National Museum · St George's
- The Carenage · St George's
Walk the Carenage in the morning; avoid midday heat on the hills.
Spice island
- Belmont Estate · St Patrick
- Gouyave Nutmeg Station · St John
- Grenada Chocolate Company · Hermitage
Combine on a north-coast tour.
Do
| Activity | Where | Best months | Cost (2026 estimate) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling and diving | Sculpture park, Bianca C, Carriacou | All year | US$50–120 | Bianca C is for advanced divers. |
| Waterfall hikes | Seven Sisters, Annandale, Concord | Dry season | Guide US$30–60 | Seven Sisters is muddy: go with a guide. |
| Spice and chocolate tours | Interior and north | All year | US$60–120 with driver | The best way to see the island. |
| Hash runs | Rotating villages, Saturdays | All year | Small fee | Walk or run with locals — check schedule. |
| Turtle watching | Levera Beach | Apr–Jul | Guide fee — check | Leatherbacks; night tours only with guides. |
Connect the cities
Ready-made routes, the route builder and the legs between cities
Open Connect the citiesClose Connect the cities3 partsItineraries · Route builder · Between cities
Itineraries by length
One base on each island.
7 days
Grenada and Carriacou
Grand Anse → ferry → Carriacou
- Grand Anse5n
- Carriacou (Hillsborough or L'Esterre)2n
Return a day before your flight home.
10 days
Slow spice island
Grand Anse → St George's → Carriacou
- Grand Anse5n
- St George's2n
- Carriacou3n
Spice tour and waterfall day from Grand Anse.
14 days
Grenada and the Grenadines
Grand Anse → Carriacou → Union Island → Bequia
- Grand Anse5n
- Carriacou3n
- Union Island2n
- Bequia4n
Clear out in Hillsborough; fly home from St Vincent (check connections).
Build a route
Based on: Slow spice island (10 days, itineraries by length)
- Grand Anse5 nights
- St George's2 nightsTransfer not on file yet: check the A-to-B tool.
- Carriacou3 nights
Spice tour and waterfall day from Grand Anse.
What this route costs
- Grand Anse5 nightsXCD 6,000
- St George's2 nights · city pricesXCD 2,500
- Carriacou3 nightsXCD 3,500
Total, 2 travelers
XCD 12,000
Per person per day: XCD 600
2026 estimate (check): rooms for two, food, local transport and sights; international flights, visas and insurance excluded. Tweak it in the budget calculator.
Getting between cities
| Between | Fastest | Other ways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Anse to St George's | Bus / van · about 10 minEC$2.50–10 depending on zone — checkMinibus | — | All options → |
How each mode works hereAny two places: A-to-BIs a rail pass worth it?
This month
Weather and crowds by month
Open This monthClose This month2 partsYear at a glance · Climate
Year at a glance
Every month in one list: how it rates, how busy and pricey it is, and which holidays land in it.
- Good value and quiet
- Jun
- Busiest or big holidays
- Jan, Feb, Aug, Dec
- Rated avoid
- Sep
Jan
GoodCrowds: highPrices: high- New Year's Day (low impact)
Feb
GoodCrowds: highPrices: high- Independence Day (medium impact)
- Carriacou Carnival (medium impact)
Mar
GoodCrowds: mediumPrices: high- Carriacou Carnival (medium impact)
- Easter (medium impact)
Apr
GoodCrowds: mediumPrices: high- Easter (medium impact)
May
GoodCrowds: lowPrices: medium- Whit Monday and Corpus Christi (low impact)
Jun
GoodCrowds: lowPrices: low- Whit Monday and Corpus Christi (low impact)
Jul
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: lowAug
CautionCrowds: highPrices: high- Spicemas (high impact)
- Carriacou Regatta (medium impact)
- Emancipation Day (low impact)
Sep
AvoidCrowds: lowPrices: lowOct
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: low- Thanksgiving Day (low impact)
Nov
CautionCrowds: lowPrices: mediumDec
GoodCrowds: highPrices: high- Christmas and Boxing Day (high impact)
Climate by region and month
| Zone | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grenada, Carriacou and Petite MartiniqueGrand Anse, St George's, Grand Etang, Hillsborough | best | best | best | best | ok | wet | wet | storm | storm | storm | wet | best |
- Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique
- Dry season January–May with trade winds; wet season June–December. Once thought to be south of the belt, Grenada was hit by Ivan (2004) and Beryl struck Carriacou in 2024. The interior around Grand Etang is much wetter than the coast.
January to May is the best time; August brings Spicemas and a real storm risk.
Cost
What a day costs, and how to pay
Open CostClose Cost4 partsMoney at a glance · Daily budget · Costs · Money & passes
Money at a glance
Currency and cash
Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), fixed at 2.70 per US$
Card-friendly; small cash for markets
Cash or card
ATMs
On landing: Withdraw EC$ at the airport.
A day, per person
- BudgetEC$160–355
- Mid-rangeEC$480–1,000
- ComfortEC$1,280–2,950
Per person per day, bed included
What that covers ↓Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% service often included; 5–10% extra if not.
- Tour drivers: 10%.
Also
Money & passesCard, cash or ATM: the cheapest way to payTipping calculator
Budget per day, per person
Per person per day, sharing a room at mid and comfort. Flights excluded. 2026 estimate.
| Tier | Bed | Food | Transport | Sights | Extras | Total, bed included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BudgetGuesthouse, local food, minibuses | EC$80–150 | EC$50–90 | EC$10–25 | EC$0–50 | EC$20–40 | EC$160–355 |
| Mid-rangeHotel, restaurants, a tour | EC$200–400 | EC$120–220 | EC$40–100 | EC$80–200 | EC$40–80 | EC$480–1,000 |
| ComfortResort, drivers, sailing | EC$600–1,500 | EC$250–450 | EC$150–300 | EC$200–500 | EC$80–200 | EC$1,280–2,950 |
Costs per day
Budget
EC$220–330
Guesthouse, roti and local food, minibuses.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
Mid-range
EC$500–800
Grand Anse hotel, restaurant meals, a tour or dive.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
Comfort
EC$1,400+
Resort, private drivers, sailing day.
Per person per day · Includes a bed
| Typical price | Amount |
|---|---|
| Roti | EC$12–20 |
| Oil down plate | EC$25–40 |
| Carib beer | EC$6–10 |
| Minibus ride | EC$2.50–10 |
| Underwater sculpture snorkel trip | EC$130–200 |
| Belmont Estate tour | About US$10–15 — check |
2026 estimate, per person. Carriacou costs a little less for rooms, more for groceries.
Budget calculator
- Beds1 room × 10 nightsXCD 4,000
- Food and drink2 × 10 daysXCD 4,000
- Local transport2 × 10 daysXCD 1,400
- Sights and tours2 × 10 daysXCD 2,500
- Flight to Carriacou (one way)2 × 1XCD 700
Trip total, 2 travellers
XCD 12,000
Per person per day: XCD 600
2026 estimate. Beds priced per room for two; international flights, insurance and visas excluded. The Osprey ferry is cheaper (about EC$80–90 one way — check).
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 2/5 (5 means cash for most things)
- Currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), pegged at 2.70 to the US dollar; US dollars are widely accepted.
- Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for minibuses, markets and Carriacou.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Getting in
Before you go, entry rules and the first day
Open Getting inClose Getting in5 partsBefore you go · Arrive · Entry · Documents · First 24 hours
Before you go
What to sort, and by when, before a trip to Grenada. Pick your passport and flight date; everything else follows.
Add your flight date to turn “weeks before” into dates.
No visa needed: 90 days
Visa-free for up to 90 days; the officer sets the days. Return or onward ticket and accommodation address required.
Entry rulesGrenada Tourism Authority — travel requirements ↗
Passport valid long enough
90 days beforeValid for the length of your stay; 6 months is safer with airlines.
Travel insurance
30 days beforeBuy cover that includes medical evacuation and your activities; save the policy number and the 24-hour line offline.
Vaccines and medicines
30 days beforeSome vaccines need weeks or two doses; carry prescriptions in their boxes.
Driving permit (only if you drive)(optional)
30 days beforeIssued by the rental firm or police — check the fee.
eSIM or roaming
2 weeks beforeFlow and Digicel SIMs at the airport and in St George's; bring your passport.
Cards and cash
2 weeks beforeCard-friendly; small cash for markets (cash need 2/5). Tell your bank you are travelling, check foreign-fee-free cards and ATM limits, and carry a backup card kept apart.
Pack a plug adapter (type G)
7 days beforeSockets here: type G. US plugs need an adapter. Mains is 230 V against 120 V at home: phone and laptop chargers cope (check the label says 100–240 V); hair dryers and straighteners usually do not.
Arrival card or e-arrival form
3 days beforeImmigration and customs forms on arrival or online before travel (check the current system).
Lead times are Voykit's safe margins, not official deadlines (check the official portal). The full countdown with calendar reminders: Before-you-go countdown · Passport check.
Arrive
Entry: visas and borders
US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian, Mexican and many other passports are visa-free for up to 90 days; the officer sets the days. Some nationalities, including Colombia, the Philippines and Nigeria, need a visa in advance. You need a return ticket and an address. Leaving by boat to Union Island (St Vincent) from Carriacou needs exit clearance in Hillsborough. The departure tax is in air tickets.
Visa-free for up to 90 days; the officer sets the days.
- Cost
- Free
- Form to fill
- Passport, return ticket, address.
- Arrival card
- Immigration and customs forms on arrival or online before travel (check the current system).
- Passport
- Valid for the length of your stay; 6 months is safer with airlines.
- Onward ticket
- Return or onward ticket and accommodation address required.
| Who | Rule | Stay | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, most of Latin America | Visa-free | Up to 90 days | Extensions at the Immigration Department in St George's. |
| Colombia, Philippines, Nigeria and some others | Visa in advance | As granted | Apply weeks ahead — check. |
| CARICOM and OECS nationals | Visa-free | Up to 6 months | OECS citizens can use ID in some cases — check. |
By land and river
| Crossing | To / from | Mode | Visa there | Trap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough (Carriacou) – Ashton or Clifton (Union Island) | St Vincent and the Grenadines | Small ferry or water taxi, about 45–60 min | Exit stamp in Hillsborough, entry on Union Island | Schedules change; clear customs on both sides. |
- Yachts clear in at St George's, Prickly Bay, Port Louis or Hillsborough.
- Carriacou has its own immigration and customs at Hillsborough jetty and Lauriston airport.
Documents checklist
0/3 ready
First 24 hours
Do these on arrival.
Cash: Withdraw EC$ at the airport.
Minibuses and markets.
Ride: Taxi rank; agree the fare.
No meters.
Data: Flow or Digicel SIM.
WhatsApp bookings.
Carriacou: Confirm the ferry or flight.
Schedules change.
Getting around
Modes, times and the clock
Open Getting aroundClose Getting around2 partsGet around · Local time
Get around
| Mode | Grand Anse → Carriacou | Cost | Use it when | What breaks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus | Grand Anse – St George's about 10–15 min | EC$2.50–10 depending on zone — check | Cheap and frequent by day on numbered routes. | Fast driving and loud music; few after dark. |
| Taxi and island tours | Airport – Grand Anse 10–15 min | About US$20–25 from the airport; island tour US$100–150 — check | Easiest for the interior. | Agree price and currency first. |
| Rental car | Island loop in a day | US$50–70 a day plus local permit (about EC$60 — check) | Freedom for the east coast and estates. | Left-hand driving on steep hairpins. |
| Osprey ferry to Carriacou | About 2 h; Petite Martinique 30 min more | About EC$80–90 one way — check | Runs most days again after Beryl. | Rough in winter swell; confirm the day's timetable. |
| Small plane to Carriacou | About 20 min GND – CRU | About US$100–150 one way — check | Quick; views of the Grenadines. | Luggage limits. |
Local time
What time it is there now, compared with the clock on your device.
St George's
…
Checking your clock…America/Grenada
Practical
Money rules, safety, holidays, health, phones and phrases
Open PracticalClose Practical13 partsNext 90 days · Holidays · Safety & health · Safety · Safety by region · Health · Scams · Emergency card · Practical · Connect · Talk · Cope · Who travels
Holidays in the next 90 days
Dec 25
in 54 days
Christmas and Boxing DayBig impact
Dec 25–Dec 26
Peak season.
Jan 1
in 61 days
New Year's DayMinor
Jan 1
Public holiday.
The full holiday listHolidays on your datesFestivals by month
Holidays and festivals
| When | What | Impact | What it does to a trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year's Day | low | Public holiday. |
| 7 Feb | Independence Day | medium | Parade at the national stadium. |
| Feb–Mar (check) | Carriacou Carnival | medium | Pre-Lent carnival on Carriacou. |
| Mar–Apr (check) | Easter | medium | Good Friday to Easter Monday; Carriacou festivals follow. |
| May–Jun (check) | Whit Monday and Corpus Christi | low | Public holidays. |
| First Monday of Aug | Emancipation Day | low | Public holiday. |
| Mid-Aug (check) | Spicemas | high | J'ouvert with jab jabs in oil, pageant and road march; St George's jams. |
| Early Aug (check) | Carriacou Regatta | medium | Wooden sloop races. |
| 25 Oct | Thanksgiving Day | low | Marks the 1983 US-led intervention. |
| 25–26 Dec | Christmas and Boxing Day | high | Peak season. |
Safety and health at a glance
Emergency numbers
Where to take care
4/5 for a careful visitor · Low crime for visitors; petty theft.
Tap water
Health
Main risks: Dengue and chikungunya, Sun and dehydration, Slippery trails, Medical care.
Top scams
- 1. Taxi price in the wrong currency · Confirm EC$ or US$ before you ride.
- 2. Beach vendors and unlicensed guides · A polite no; book through hotels or known operators.
- 3. Overpriced spice baskets · Buy at the market or at estates.
Safety
- Emergency: 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
- Traffic drives on the left; minibuses are fast and roads are steep with sharp bends.
- Keep valuables out of sight on beaches and in cars.
- Sun and sea: the sun is strong all year; watch for currents and rip tides on unpatrolled beaches, and swim where locals swim.
- Hurricane season (Jun–Nov): follow local warnings and your airline; if a storm is forecast, leave early or shelter where your accommodation tells you.
Grenada is the southern end of the Grenadines chain; St Vincent and the Grenadines lies to the north, reached by small plane or by ferry via Carriacou and Union Island.
What four governments say
Comparison not available yet for this country
Strikes and disruptions
Official notices for the next 90 days. Open the full calendar.
No official-source strike or disruption notices for the next 90 days
Safety by region
Grenada is low risk for visitors.
| Region | Risk | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Anse and St George's | low | Beach theft, night walks in quiet streets. |
| Interior and east | low | Steep roads and slippery trails. |
| Carriacou and Petite Martinique | low | Services still rebuilding after Beryl; limited medical care. |
Stay healthy
| Risk | Where / when | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue and chikungunya | Island-wide | Repellent at dawn and dusk. |
| Sun and dehydration | Beaches and hikes | Water, shade, reef-safe sunscreen. |
| Slippery trails | Grand Etang, Seven Sisters falls | Good shoes; guide after rain. |
| Medical care | General Hospital St George's; limited on Carriacou | Insurance with evacuation cover. |
Scams and overcharges
| Trap | Where | Defence |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi price in the wrong currency | Airport, cruise port | Confirm EC$ or US$ before you ride. |
| Beach vendors and unlicensed guides | Grand Anse | A polite no; book through hotels or known operators. |
| Overpriced spice baskets | Cruise days in St George's | Buy at the market or at estates. |
Emergency card
Grenada emergency numbers — screenshot this card
Natural and on-the-ground hazards
| Hazard | When / where | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes | Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct | Follow NaDMA alerts; ferries stop first. |
| Underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny | Monitored north of Grenada | Boats keep out of the exclusion zone when the alert is raised. |
Alerts and apps
- Grenada Meteorological Service updates (check).
Police, embassies, paperwork
- Serious cases are flown to Barbados, Trinidad or the US; carry evacuation insurance.
Emergency card · Grenada
- My passport
- — · find my embassy
- Insurance
- —
- Staying at
- —
Hospitals with emergency care
- St George's General Hospital · Above the town, on the ridge road, St George's
- Private clinics and pharmacies · St George's and Grand Anse, St George's
Practical
230 V · 50 Hz
UK plugs fit; bring an adapter for US devices.
- Tap water
- Tap water is treated in most areas; many visitors prefer bottled, especially on Carriacou (cistern water).
- Toilets
- In restaurants and beach bars.
- Weekly closing days
- Sundays are quiet; some hotels close in September–October.
Tipping by situation
| Situation | What locals do |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% service often included; 5–10% extra if not. |
| Tour drivers | 10%. |
Opening hours
| What | Typical hours | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Market Square, St George's | Mon–Sat mornings, busiest Saturday | Cruise days are crowded. |
| Gouyave Fish Friday | Friday evenings | Busy from 18:00.Busy from 6:00 PM. |
Connect
- Flow and Digicel SIMs at the airport and in St George's; bring your passport.
- Numbers
- Country code +1 473; seven-digit local numbers.
- Payments
- Cards in hotels and supermarkets; cash elsewhere.
Talk
English is official; locals speak Grenadian Creole English, and a few older people in the countryside still use French Creole words.
| Where | Lingua franca | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| All islands | English and Grenadian Creole | Native | 'Wha' happenin'?' is a greeting. |
- Place names like Grand Etang, Gouyave and Sauteurs are French; the island changed hands between France and Britain.
Cope
- Supermarkets
- IGA and Real Value near Grand Anse; small shops on Carriacou.
- Embassies
- US embassy near Grand Anse; UK and Canada via Barbados — check.
Travellers with specific needs
| Traveller | On the ground | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Calm Grand Anse and Morne Rouge beaches. | Snorkel at the sculpture park by boat. |
| Divers | Bianca C wreck, sculpture park, Carriacou reefs. | Book with PADI shops at Grand Anse or Carriacou. |
| Wheelchair users | Few adapted places; steep towns. | Ask resorts in advance. |
Culture and food
Rules, manners, what to eat, where to sleep and what to buy
Open Culture and foodClose Culture and food6 partsRules · Respect & laws · Eat · Drink · Sleep · Buy
Country rules
- Check entry rules for your passport on official Grenada government sources before you fly.
- Camouflage-pattern clothing is illegal for civilians: leave it at home.
- Carriacou and Petite Martinique are still rebuilding after Hurricane Beryl (2024): confirm your accommodation and the ferry before you go.
Etiquette
- Beachwear is for the beach: cover up in St George's and shops.
- Greet people before asking for anything.
- Sunday is a quiet day; many shops close.
- Spicemas carnival (August)
- Grenada's carnival fills St George's and hotels.
- Christmas–New Year and Easter
- Peak season: flights and hotels fill.
- Hurricane season (Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct)
- Storms can close airports and ports for days; ferries and small flights are cancelled first.
Respect and laws that surprise
| Topic | The rule | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Camouflage | Illegal for civilians. | Confiscation and fines. |
| Beachwear | Cover up in town; nude and topless bathing not allowed. | Fines. |
| Drugs | Illegal, though small cannabis amounts were decriminalised in 2023 — check. | Arrest. |
| LGBTQ+ | Same-sex relations remain illegal on the books; rarely enforced — check. | Discretion in public. |
Everyday manners
| Situation | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Good morning to everyone | Starting with a demand |
| Dress | Cover up in town | Swimwear in shops |
| Photos | Ask before photographing people | Snapping market vendors without asking |
Eat
Grenadian food is Creole home cooking built on breadfruit, coconut, salt fish and spices: oil down is the national dish, and nutmeg turns up in drinks, desserts and sauces.
| Region | Style | Order this |
|---|---|---|
| St George's and Grand Anse | Local restaurants and rum shops | Oil down, roti, callaloo soup |
| West coast | Fish Friday in Gouyave | Grilled fish, lambi |
| Carriacou | Seafood and Big Drum feasts | Lobster, conch |
Dish finder
Region
Diet
11 of 11 dishes
- Oil downIsland-wide
Oil down
Breadfruit, dumplings and salted meat stewed in coconut milk and turmeric until the liquid is absorbed.
Weekends, limes · Usually has pork, chicken
- Callaloo soupIsland-wide
Callaloo soup
Dasheen leaves with coconut milk, sometimes crab.
Lunch · Usually has fish/seafood · vegetarian version exists — ask
- LambiCoast
Lambi
Conch stewed in Creole sauce.
Lunch · Usually has fish/seafood
- RotiIsland-wide
Roti
Flatbread wrap with curry chicken, goat or potato.
Lunch · Usually has chicken · vegetarian version exists — ask
- Bakes and saltfishIsland-wide
Bakes and saltfish
Fried dough with sautéed salt cod.
Breakfast · Usually has fish/seafood
- Fish brothIsland-wide
Fish broth
Fish, dumplings and ground provisions in a lime broth.
Morning after a fête · Usually has fish/seafood, fish stock or sauce
- Curry goatIsland-wide
Curry goat
Goat curry with rice.
Lunch · Usually has lamb
- PelauIsland-wide
Pelau
Rice, pigeon peas and chicken.
Lunch · Usually has chicken
- Grilled fishGouyave
Fish Friday plate
Grilled or fried fish, lobster and fish cakes at street stalls.
Friday night · Usually has fish/seafood, egg
- Nutmeg ice creamIsland-wide
Nutmeg ice cream
Ice cream spiced with nutmeg.
Dessert · Usually has milk, egg · vegetarian version common
- Cocoa teaIsland-wide
Cocoa tea
Hot drink from local cocoa balls, milk and spice.
Breakfast · Usually has milk · vegetarian version common
Tags describe the usual recipe, not every kitchen. Stocks and sauces hide animal products: ask, or show the allergy card below.
Allergy / diet card — show it, do not say it
I have a serious allergy to ___. Does this food have any ___ in it?
“English is the local language; show this line and point to the word.”
- Peanuts
- peanuts
- Tree nuts
- nuts (note: nutmeg is a seed spice)
- Shellfish
- shrimp, lobster, crab, lambi (conch)
- Fish
- fish, saltfish
- Egg
- egg
- Milk
- milk, butter
- Wheat / gluten
- flour (dumplings, bakes)
Diets: the reality
| Diet | On the ground | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Roti with potato and channa, callaloo without crab; oil down is meat-based. | Ask for no meat or fish stock. |
| Gluten-free | Breadfruit and rice are safe; dumplings and bakes are wheat. | Ask about flour. |
Drink
- Legal age
- 18.
- Drink-driving
- Illegal; checks at holidays.
| Drink | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Rum punchRum punch | Rum, lime, syrup and grated nutmeg on top. | EC$12–25 |
| CaribCarib | Lager brewed in Grenada. | EC$6–10 |
| Sea mossSea moss | Seaweed milkshake with nutmeg. | EC$8–15 |
| SorrelSorrel | Hibiscus drink at Christmas. | EC$5–10 |
| MaubyMauby | Bitter bark drink. | EC$4–8 |
- River Antoine's white rum is often about 69–75% ABV: sip, and don't pack it for flights.
Sleep
| Type | Price (2026 estimate) | Use it for | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse or apartment | EC$150–300 | Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, Carriacou | Check hot water and air conditioning. |
| Hotel | EC$400–800 | Grand Anse, True Blue, Lance aux Épines | Service charge and VAT on top. |
| Resort | EC$1,000+ | Grand Anse, south coast | Minimum stays in winter. |
Registration and the law
- VAT and a 10% service charge are often added — check.
Booking reality
- Book Spicemas and Christmas early; confirm Carriacou lodgings directly after Beryl.
Buy
Nutmeg, mace, cocoa, chocolate bars, rum and spice baskets.
Prices and bargaining
- Light haggling at craft stalls; fixed prices elsewhere.
What to bring home
| Item | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Nutmeg and mace | Market Square, Gouyave | Whole nutmeg keeps longest. |
| Grenada chocolate | Belmont, supermarkets | Organic, tree-to-bar. |
| Rum | Clarke's Court, Westerhall | River Antoine's strongest rum is too strong to fly with. |
Customs allowances on arrival
| What | Limit or rule |
|---|---|
| Camouflage | Prohibited |
Deep dive
Questions, where next, photos, reading and every source
Open Deep diveClose Deep dive3 partsGo next · Deep dive · Sources
Go next
Sources compared: Wikivoyage — Grenada · Wikivoyage — Carriacou. Section coverage was checked against these community guides (CC BY-SA) as secondary sources; the text on this page is Voykit's own, with facts cross-checked against the official sources above.
Deep dive
Grenada is a small green island that has been French and British, lived through a revolution and an invasion, and built its identity around a spice. The five chapters cover that history, nutmeg and cocoa, the island's volcanic land and reefs, Carriacou and its recovery after Hurricane Beryl, and Grenada today.
1From French colony to revolution1 min
Kalinago people held Grenada against Europeans until French settlers took it in 1650; the cliff at Sauteurs is named for the Kalinago who are said to have leapt to their deaths rather than surrender. Britain gained the island in 1763, and sugar, then cocoa and nutmeg, were grown by enslaved Africans until emancipation in 1834.
Independence came on 7 February 1974. In 1979 Maurice Bishop's New Jewel Movement seized power in a nearly bloodless revolution. A split within the party led to Bishop's arrest and execution at Fort George in October 1983; days later a US-led force invaded. 25 October is still a public holiday, and the international airport, built during the revolution, now bears Bishop's name.
- British rule
- 1763–1974
- Independence
- 7 February 1974
- US-led intervention
- 25 October 1983
2The spice island1 min
Nutmeg was brought from the East Indies in the 19th century and thrived in Grenada's wet volcanic soil. The island became one of the world's leading producers, and a nutmeg appears on the national flag. The red lace around the seed is sold separately as mace.
Hurricane Ivan in 2004 flattened most nutmeg trees, which take years to bear fruit, and output has never fully recovered. Farmers turned to cocoa as well: Grenada's fine-flavour cocoa goes into tree-to-bar chocolate made on the island at Belmont Estate and the Grenada Chocolate Company.
Cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf and turmeric grow in the same gardens, and visitors can follow the process at the Gouyave nutmeg station and on estate tours.
- Flag
- Nutmeg in the hoist triangle
- Hurricane Ivan
- 7 September 2004
3Volcanic hills, rainforest and reefs1 min
Grenada is the southern end of the volcanic Grenadines arc. The central ridge rises to Mount St Catherine and holds Grand Etang, a crater lake in rainforest where mona monkeys, brought from Africa centuries ago, live.
Just north of the island lies Kick 'em Jenny, an active underwater volcano with a marine exclusion zone. Reefs, wrecks such as the cruise liner Bianca C, and an underwater sculpture park off Molinere make Grenada a diving centre.
- Highest point
- Mount St Catherine, 840 m
- Bianca C sank
- 1961
4Carriacou and Petite Martinique after Beryl1 min
Carriacou is a small, dry island of boat-builders and sailors, known for its Big Drum dances, a wooden-sloop regatta in August, and quiet beaches such as Paradise and Anse La Roche. Petite Martinique, next door, is a village island of fishermen and traders.
On 1 July 2024 Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou as a Category 4 storm, the earliest on record at that strength in the Atlantic. More than 90% of homes on Carriacou and Petite Martinique were damaged or destroyed, and power, water and phone networks failed.
Rebuilding has moved steadily: the Osprey ferry and flights run again, most guesthouses and restaurants reopened through 2025, and the islands are green again. Some buildings, roads and services are still under repair in 2026, so confirm bookings directly (check).
- Beryl landfall
- 1 July 2024, Category 4
- Homes damaged
- More than 90%
5Grenada today1 min
About 115,000 people live on the three islands. Tourism, St George's University (a large medical school) and spice and cocoa exports drive the economy; a citizenship-by-investment programme brings in money and debate.
For visitors, Grenada is compact and friendly: stay near Grand Anse, take minibuses or a driver, time the trip for the dry season, and treat August's Spicemas and the hurricane peak as the two things to plan around.
Read, watch, wordsReading · Glossary · Sources
Reading
- Angel — Merle CollinsA family through the revolution years.
Glossary
| Term | Local | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| oil down | National one-pot dish of breadfruit and salted meat in coconut milk. | |
| jab jab | Carnival character covered in oil or tar. | |
| mace | Red aril around the nutmeg seed. | |
| Big Drum | Carriacou dance tradition of African origin. |
Read for this deep dive
- Wikivoyage — Grenada ↗
- Wikipedia — History of Grenada ↗
- Pure Grenada — Carriacou ↗
- Caribbean Compass — Beryl recovery ↗
Background reading only: the text above is written by Voykit, not copied from these pages.
Sources
- officialPure Grenada (official tourism board)
- officialPure Grenada — Plan your trip to Carriacou
- officialUK FCDO travel advice: Grenada
- officialUS State Department: Grenada
- officialOsprey Lines (Carriacou ferry)
- secondaryWikivoyage — Grenada
Ask about Grenada
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