A Beginner’s Guide to Grenada

For those yet to venture into the Caribbean, choosing a destination can feel overwhelming. Let me introduce you to Grenada – a stunning island located about 100 miles north of South America, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Known as the 'Spice Isle' for its rich variety of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, clove, bay leaf, turmeric, and ginger, Grenada is also celebrated for its fertile volcanic soil, rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Begin planning your adventure with this comprehensive guide designed for first-time visitors.

When is the best time to visit Grenada?

Grenada officially covers 133 square miles and includes three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (13 sq mi), and Petite Martinique (0.92 sq mi). Accessing these islands requires a 90-minute boat ride or a swift 20-minute flight from the mainland.

The ideal time to visit Grenada hinges on your travel style and interests. In recent years, the island has emerged as a favored destination for yacht enthusiasts in search of nautical adventures and tropical escapes.

For the ultimate sailing experience, plan your visit between October and June, the peak sailing season. During this time, you'll benefit from consistent breezes, comfortable temperatures, and calm waters—ideal for the renowned Pure Grenada Sailing Week that kicks off in January.

Grenada experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from October to June, marked by reduced rainfall, and a wet season from June to November. Be sure to bring an umbrella, just in case. Additionally, June through November coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean.

If you love festivities, the best time to visit is during the carnival season known as Spicemas. This vibrant celebration begins in May and includes concerts, parties, and pageants, culminating in August with grand parades featuring masqueraders in stunning costumes.

Stroll along the stunning Grand Anse Beach in Grenada and take your time discovering the island. Peter Krocka/Shutterstock

How long should I stay in Grenada?

Travelers are advised to spend at least a week on the island to truly experience everything it has to offer. Embrace the relaxed rhythm of island life and resist the urge to rush through your visit—after all, you’re now on Grenada time.

Is it convenient to get around the island?

With numerous airlines providing direct flights from major cities across the globe, reaching Grenada is quite simple.

Once you've cleared immigration, I highly suggest using the local ride-share app Haylup to book a taxi. Alternatively, you can find taxis waiting just outside the airport. Fares usually range from EC$60 to EC$100 (US$22-$37) for a one-way ride, depending on your destination.

For a more personalized experience, reach out to Delon Charles, Owner of Real Grenadian Taxi and Tours, which offers customized guided island tours. While public transportation is available and costs EC$2.50, it's often limited and unreliable, especially on weekends.

Must-see attractions in Grenada

During your initial visit to the island, immerse yourself in the culturally rich and unique experiences that Grenada has to offer. Our top suggestions focus on uncovering what truly makes Grenada special, rather than just skimming the surface as a tourist.

Embark on an adventure to the smaller islands to delve into the rich culture and history of Grenada. CaraMaria/Getty Images

Make sure to set aside time to explore Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Let’s begin our journey by hopping on the Osprey ferry service, which offers a return trip for EC$160. The ferry departs from the harbor at Carenage and will whisk you away to the sister isle of Carriacou.

Carriacou is a quaint island home to just over 9,000 residents. One unique tradition here is the Shakespeare Mas, celebrated around Carnival Tuesday in February, distinct from the mainland Carnival festivities in August.

The Shakespeare Mas is a vibrant celebration that blends African, French, and British traditions. Participants dress in beautifully hand-crafted outfits, typically featuring a petticoat, a colorful shirt, a kata, a crown, a bullwhip, and a face mask.

The colors of the attire can vary—red, green, yellow, blue, or black—featuring triangular strips of overlapping fabric and glass mirrors for decoration.

Headpieces crafted from cement bags offer protection against the whip, while masks display abstract facial expressions. During these masquerades, participants quote lines from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.

Anyone who misquotes a line faces a light whipping on the head with wires wrapped in plastic. It’s advisable for visitors to observe from a distance during this festival.

Looking for a vacation off the typical tourist trail? Consider visiting Petite Martinique, a charming island with a few delightful accommodations like the Millennium Guest House. This guest house also houses a quaint museum downstairs that showcases traditional artifacts reflecting the island's cultural heritage—make sure to check it out.

Editor’s note: In July, Category 5 Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to Carriacou and Petite Martinique. If you wish to assist in recovery efforts, please visit the Grenadian government’s website for more information.

Discover Grenada's tumultuous past

Grenada was the battleground for conflict between the French and British until the British finally took control in 1783. Attractions such as Fort George, Fort Matthew, and Fort Frederick, complete with cannons still aimed at the sea, highlight this historical struggle.

Exploring these historical sites will provide a deeper understanding of the hardships endured by Grenada's people and their path to independence in 1974.

Indulge your palate with a culinary tour. Justin Foulkes/Dinogo Planet

Embark on a culinary adventure across the island

Grenada is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance, especially in its culinary heritage, emphasizing farm-to-table initiatives.

Immerse yourself in Grenadian flavors by joining the Spice Foodie Tour. Guided by Rosana John-Mitchell, a dedicated food lover and blogger known as Radikalrose, this tour showcases the island's finest cuisine and cultural experiences.

You'll explore local gems like Mt Moritz for a classic Grenadian breakfast, Boogie B 'D Buss Up Shot Joint' in Grenville St Andrew for a traditional curry known as 'Buss up shut,' and the Soubise Seafood Festival, held every last Saturday of the month.

Don't miss out on trying boiled or roasted corn from Susan's Corn Shack in Paradise St Andrew. And before you depart, sample our signature dish, Oil Down—a savory stew made with well-seasoned meats, breadfruit, green bananas, callaloo, turmeric, coconut milk, and more.

Indulge in a delightful experience at Belmont Estate

Located in St Patrick, about an hour from bustling St George's, Belmont Estate is a historic 300-year-old agricultural estate dating back to the 17th century. If you adore organic chocolate, this should definitely be on your itinerary.

The tour explores the estate's rich history, revealing its troubling past of enslavement and indentureship, the shifts in ownership, and its present commitment to sustainable farming and manufacturing practices.

A highlight is the Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tour, which fully engages visitors in the estate’s daily operations.

With a knowledgeable guide, guests can witness the cultivation of cocoa seedlings, partake in the harvesting process by cracking open pods, collecting beans, and tasting fresh cocoa. They'll also observe the fermentation and drying processes, experiencing every step in creating chocolate bars.

Create your own chocolate at Tri Island

Situated in St George's, the Tri Island Chocolate Factory offers visitors a unique chocolate-making experience where you can craft your own personalized chocolate bar. Discover the entire process from cacao tree to finished product—all in one visit, with rates starting at EC$124.50.

Embark on a tour of the River Antoine Rum Distillery and enjoy some tastings. Justin Foulkes/Dinogo Planet

Celebrate your first visit at River Antoine Estate

Situated on the northeast coast in St Patrick parish, River Antoine Estate is Grenada's oldest rum distillery, operating on hydropower since 1785. This distillery uses pure cane juice for rum production, unlike others on the island that import extracts.

Among the island's variety of local rums, the Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum from River Antoine Estate is one of the best-kept secrets. Consider bringing a bottle home to preserve the holiday spirit.

Explore the island's wildlife and natural beauty

For adventurous backpackers eager to connect with nature, Grand Etang National Park is an ideal destination. Here, you can experience unspoiled nature, admire the 36-acre Grand Etang Lake, snap selfies, and watch the famous Mona Monkeys at play.

If you're on the hunt for waterfalls, don't miss Annandale Waterfall, Seven Sisters, and Mt Carmel Waterfalls. While exploring, seize the chance to visit Mount Saint Catherine, the island's highest peak at around 2756 feet.

For those seeking a physical challenge, make your way to Welcome Stone in the northern part of the island, renowned as Grenada's premier lookout point.

Getting there requires a steep hike and a journey through a dry forest, but the breathtaking panoramic views of Bathway and Levera Beach will make it all worthwhile.

The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is a stunning exhibition of art submerged beneath the sea. R Gombarik/Shutterstock

Explore the wonders of the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park

The Underwater Sculpture Park in Molinere Bay is an essential stop for ocean enthusiasts. Guests can admire nearly 100 artistic pieces, including 'Coral Carnival,' which showcases the beautiful relationship between art, culture, and marine conservation. These sculptures were crafted by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor alongside local talents.

No diving experience is required to explore the park; snorkeling is sufficient due to the clear waters of the bay. Be sure to arrange your visit through a local PADI dive shop such as Eco Dive, Aquanauts Grenada, or Dive Grenada.

What’s the budget for visiting Grenada?

Travelers from the U.S., Canada, the UK, or Europe can take advantage of a favorable exchange rate when converting their currency into Eastern Caribbean dollars.

• Accommodation: EC$540

• Dining: EC$45-135

• Public transport: EC$2.70-5.70

• Private taxi service: EC$173

• Rum punch: EC$10-19

• Cup of coffee or cocoa tea: EC$5.40-10