Grenada
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC−4 year-round
No daylight saving time observed
Sunrise ~05:45–06:15, sunset ~17:45–18:15
Same as Barbados and Puerto Rico
East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), symbol “EC$”
Fixed rate: 1 USD = 2.70 XCD
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 cents; banknotes: 5–100 dollars
ATMs in St. George’s and Grenville; credit cards accepted at resorts
Customary tip: 10–15% in restaurants
February 7 – Independence Day (1974)
“Spice Mas” carnival in August showcases calypso and soca
Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival in October
Culture
Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada’s culture is rich with African, French and British influences, reflected in its festivals, cuisine and craftsmanship. Music pulsates through village squares: calypso and soca at street parties, steelpan at school limes, and traditional Quadrille dance at community fetes.
- Spice Heritage: Nutmeg and mace define local identity—plantations date to the 18th century and world’s largest nutmeg exhibition occurs each July.
- Festivals: Carnival (“Spice Mas”) features colorful parades and jouvert; Carriacou Maroon & String Band celebrates African roots with centuries-old percussion music.
- Cuisine: Oil down (breadfruit, salted meat and callaloo simmered in coconut milk) is national dish; fresh seafood and rum punch abound at beach shacks.
- Artisan Crafts: Carved wooden masks, hand-woven hammocks and spice-infused soaps sold at St. George’s Market.
- Language & Religion: English is official; Grenadian Creole English and Patois persist; majority Christian with Anglican, Catholic and Pentecostal congregations.
Tourism & Best Sites to Visit
From lush rainforests and crater lakes to pristine beaches and underwater sculptures, Grenada invites travellers to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Each site offers guided experiences that highlight the island’s volcanic geology, rich biodiversity and storied history.








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Grand Étang National Park Nestled within an ancient volcanic crater, Grand Étang National Park features a 300-m-deep lake ringed by montane rainforest. Trails wind through mahogany and fern-clad slopes where purple-faced monkeys and agoutis forage beneath towering trees. Birdwatchers spot hummingbirds and owls among bromeliads. Guided hikes include geology talks on the crater’s formation and cultural lore of Maroon communities who once sought refuge here. The park’s edible fruits—breadfruit and guava—line paths, and rustic cabins near the shore allow overnight stays under star-filled skies, accompanied by frogs and crickets in the tropical night chorus.
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Prospect Plantation At Prospect Plantation, visitors explore 18 hectares of organic nutmeg, cocoa and banana groves on a former sugar estate. Tours showcase traditional spice-cleaning mills powered by waterfalls, where mace, cinnamon and allspice are processed by hand. A botanical walk leads to a freshwater pool ideal for cooling off, while a chef-led cooking demo uses farm-fresh produce to prepare oil down and spice-infused sauces. The vintage Great House, restored to colonial elegance, houses a café serving homemade cake and coffee grown on the slopes. On-site spa treatments employ essential oils distilled from local spices.
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Annandale Falls Just a 10-minute drive from St. George’s, Annandale Falls cascades 15 meters into a jade pool surrounded by tropical blooms. A paved path and viewing platform offer easy access for families. Local vendors sell grilled corn and coconut water at the entrance, while picnic tables beneath giant mahogany trees invite relaxation. For the adventurous, cliff-jump points and rope swings provide thrills. Guides explain medicinal uses of guava leaves and noni berries growing along the banks. Weekly yoga sessions by the waterfall combine the sound of rushing water with gentle stretches in the open air.
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Grand Anse Beach Voted among the Caribbean’s finest, Grand Anse Beach stretches 2 km of golden sand lapped by clear, warm waters. Beach chairs and umbrellas line the shore in front of boutique resorts, while local vendors sell jerk chicken and rum punch. Snorkelers explore shallow reef patches teeming with parrotfish and sea urchins. Sunset catamaran cruises depart daily, offering panoramic views of the isthmus connecting Grenada to Petite Martinique. Evening drum circles on the sand invite visitors to join in calypso rhythms under swaying palms, with fire dancers adding dazzling flair.
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Underwater Sculpture Park Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, this pioneering marine park features 80 life-sized statues on the seabed at 8–12 m depth. Over time, coral and sponges colonize the concrete figures, fostering artificial reef growth. Guided snorkeling and dive tours highlight the interplay of art and ecology—sculptures of families, children and mythical creatures appear enveloped by schools of fish. Environmental briefings explain how the park reduces pressure on natural reefs. Underwater photography workshops team up with marine biologists to document reef regeneration and species diversity over seasons.
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Levera National Park On Grenada’s northeastern tip, Levera National Park protects mangrove lagoons, sandy spits and sea turtle nesting sites. Birders track rare frigatebirds and herons among grey mangroves, while boat tours reveal leatherback turtles nesting offshore (May–September). A coastal trail along the cliff offers sweeping views of Carriacou and Petite Martinique at dawn. Guided nature walks emphasize dune stabilization and local folklore of mermaids said to haunt the rocky shoreline. Nearby ruins of an 18th-century sugar windmill attest to the island’s plantation past.
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Concord Falls Hidden in a rainforest gorge near Victoria, Concord Falls features three tiers cascading into emerald pools perfect for swimming. A 45-minute hike crosses wooden bridges and slippery roots—guides provide walking sticks and point out medicinal plants. At the top tier, a natural rock slide sends thrill-seekers into the plunge pool below. Families picnic on flat stones under a canopy of bamboo and almond trees. Conservation volunteers patrol the area, educating visitors on river cleanliness and the critically endangered Grenada dove found in nearby woodlands.
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River Antoine Rum Distillery Established in 1785, River Antoine is the Caribbean’s oldest functioning water-powered rum distillery. Visitors watch the original millstones crush sugar cane, then see fermentation vats and a wooden pot still in action. Unfiltered distillate flows directly into bottles for the potent “one-pot” rum—overproof and richly flavored. A small museum displays antique tools and explains estate life during colonial plantation era. Tasting sessions pair dark rum with local bitters and fresh lime. Souvenir bottles hand-sealed by staff bear the distillery’s iconic horse-powered wheel logo.
Transportation
Grenada’s winding roads climb volcanic peaks and follow coastal bays, serviced by minibuses (“route taxis”), private charters and rental vehicles. For island-hopping to Carriacou and Petite Martinique, fast ferries and small planes provide regular connections. Inland excursions to waterfalls and plantations often require 4×4 vehicles during the rainy season.
- Route Taxis: Shared red vans run fixed routes between parishes; fares paid in EC$ onboard; frequent but no fixed timetable.
- Private Taxis & Shuttles: Metered in St. George’s; pre-book day tours in air-conditioned vans to Grand Étang and beaches.
- Car & 4×4 Rentals: Available at airport and city agencies; GPS and local SIM recommended for rural navigation.
- Ferries: High-speed NNV ferries link Grenada to Carriacou (1 hr) and Petite Martinique (1.5 hrs); book ahead in high season.
- Domestic Flights: SVG Air and Mustique Airways operate small-craft services from Maurice Bishop Intl. to Argyle Intl. (SVG) and St. Vincent.
Airports
Two airports connect Grenada to the region and beyond. Maurice Bishop Intl. handles jetliners, while Lauriston in Carriacou serves charter planes and small aircraft.
- Maurice Bishop Intl. (GND): 6 km southwest of St. George’s; served by American, JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines and charter carriers; customs, duty-free, car rentals.
- Lauriston Airport (CRU): On Carriacou; short runway for Twin Otter and small charters; transfers by taxi or ferry from Grenada.
- Facilities: Cafés, car rental desks, tourist information and ATMs at GND; limited services at CRU.
Visa & Travel
Nationality/Region | Entry Status | Max Stay | Key Requirements |
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USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia | Visa Free | Up to 6 months | Passport valid ≥6 months, return/onward ticket |
CARICOM member states | Visa Free | Up to 6 months | Valid national ID or passport |
China, India, Russia | Visa Required | Varies by bilateral agreement | Apply at Grenada embassy; proof of funds; itinerary |
Transit (all nationalities) | Transit Allowed | ≤24 hours | Confirmed onward ticket |
Health: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic areas; recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A, typhoid.
Customs: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; 1 L alcohol; US$200 of other goods duty-free.
Money Matters: Banks open Mon–Fri 08:30–15:00; ATMs dispense XCD; credit cards accepted at hotels.
Safety Tips: Generally safe; watch for strong currents at beaches; secure valuables.
Etiquette: Greet with “Hello” or “Good day”; respect fishing schedules; request permission before photographing local ceremonies.
- Asia
- Singapore
- Japan
- South Korea
- Africa
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- South Africa
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