Grenada Travel Guide: Everything to Know About Visiting Grenada

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful island of Grenada, then you’ll want to save this guide for your trip. Grenada is still much more untouched than some of the other Caribbean islands, but is a perfect paradise for a Caribbean escape! Here are all the things to know about the island of Grenada before your trip.

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The Best Time to Visit Grenada

The busy season is mid-December to mid-April. There may be higher crowds, but better weather (less rain). Rainy season is typically June to December, so you may have slower crowds, but the likelihood for rain is higher, as well as higher temps over the summer. Cruises do stop over in Grenada, but they aren’t as common or busy as some Caribbean destinations like Grand Cayman, that may have numerous ships in every day.

How to Get to Grenada

Unless you are sailing into the country or on a cruise, you’ll likely arrive at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines all offer direct flights out of New York, Atlanta, and Miami respectively.

Accepted Currencies in Grenada

The Currency used in Grenada is the XCD, or Eastern Caribbean Dollar. You may see it written as Just “EC” in some places, but they also use the dollar sign on pricing. Unless you are at your resort, prices will most likely be in EC, so be sure to exchange cash beforehand.

Cards may be accepted at larger establishments, but some places may only take cash.

Even though US Dollars are often accepted, be mindful of the conversions that happen in cash-only establishments. Usually, $2.60-2.67 EC is exchanged for $1.00 USD, but be mindful of changing/current exchange rates.

Where to Stay in Grenada

There are a multitude of options to stay at for a trip to Grenada. If home stays are your preferred accommodation, Grenada does have many available online. Note that homestays may be less accessible, or even difficult to drive to if you’ve never navigated windy and steep island roads.

If you’re looking for resorts, Grenada has plenty of options for all kinds of travelers, from eco stays, to all inclusives, ultra luxury and a little more bohemian. These are my top 3 resort recommendations:

The True Blue Bay Resort

Want to know everything about staying at True Blue Bay Resort? Click here to read all about Grenada’s best eco-friendly resort!

Grenada’s Eco Friendly, oceanfront resort, complete with dive shop and sustainable practices. This boutique resort has so much to offer, from unique rooms, stunning views, and a plethora of activities and amenities. If you’re a diver, this is the resort you want to stay at and is also perfect for the eco conscious travelers! Book your stay at True Blue Bay Resort here.

How to Get Around Grenada

Grenada is one of the Caribbean Islands that you want a way to get around to see more than just the resort you stay at. There are three ways to get around that I recommend; driving, taxis, or the public bus system. Renting a car is going to be the most expensive and involved of the options, but provides you with the most freedom. If you are uncomfortable driving on the left, or on narrow and winding roads, I would opt for one of the other transportation methods. Taxis are plentiful in Grenada, you’ll likely meet a taxi driver when you get to the airport. Many of them will offer you their business card, and you can call them for different rides, or even tours. The most cost effective is using the public bus system. The buses are small, and often crowded with locals and travelers. There will be a “conductor” that is hailing guests and helping shuffle people in and out of the crowded buses. This can be a little confusing to navigate if you’ve never done it, but you can tell the conductor which stop you’re looking for and they can help you out.

Communicating with Taxi Drivers:

THE BEST METHOD OF COMMUNICATION ON THE ISLAND IS THROUGH WHATSAPP, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A GRENADIAN SIM CARD FOR YOUR CELL PHONE. MOST TAXI DRIVERS USE WHATSAPP READILY, JUST NOTE THAT SOME OF YOUR DESTINATIONS MAY NOT HAVE WIFI, SO PRE-ARRANGE A PICK UP TIME WITH THE DRIVER IF YOU DON’T HAVE SERVICE.

The Best Things to do in Grenada

Grenada is one of the Caribbean islands that offers so much, from waterfalls to white sandy beaches, and everything in between. I lived on the island for two years, and still haven’t done everything that there is to offer. Even through Grenada is small, it has so much to do and explore, here are some of the best things to do when you visit Grenada:

• Visit the beaches – Grenada has some of the best beaches in the world to visit
• Go scuba diving with EcoDive or Aquanauts – There are many reef, shipwreck, and ocean dives to experience if you are scuba certified. If you are not, consider getting scuba certified in Grenada
• Visit the Waterfalls – Grenada has incredible waterfalls, check out the best waterfalls to add to your trip
• Ride horses on the beach or through the jungle – Bonanza Stables is the only way to hop on a horse if you enjoy riding on your vacations. Royan has a small group of horses that can either be ridden on a jungle trail near the stables, or right on the beautiful beaches!
• Take an Island tour – there are many island tours offered that will bring you around to different waterfalls, distilleries, springs, the welcome stone, and more, you can book a private tour here
• Visit a distillery – like other Caribbean islands, Grenada is known for it’s rum, and has a few distilleries to try. Be warned, the rum is strong on the islands!
• Explore the Chocolate factories – if you don’t visit one on your island tour, consider making your own chocolate at the House of Chocolate, or see the step by step process on a larger scale at the Belmont Estate
• Take a snorkel sail with Savvy sailing – My favorite thing to do on the island is spend time in the ocean, and Savvy Sailing offers the best sailing and snorkel experience on a traditionally built Carriacou sloop.

How long should I go to Grenada

Since the flights from the US generally take 4 hours or more, and your arrival flight generally lands in the afternoon, I’d recommend visiting Grenada for at least 5 days, but longer trips are better if you want to see and do as much as possible. Check out this 5 day itinerary if you want to plan an adventure packed trip to Grenada!

Places to Eat and Drink in Grenada

Grenada is full of incredible dining options, from quick grab-and-go places like Container Park, to sit down and upscale dining like La Luna Restaurant, and even cultural experiences like the Street Food Fair at True Blue Bay Resort held weekly. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Grenada, you’ll have to check out the ultimate guide, but here are some highlights to get your trip planned:

• Esther’s Bar – beachside cocktails, try their mango mojito!
• Dodgy Dock – the restaurant at True Blue Bay Resort, with themed nights and street food Wednesday
• Container Park – close to the university and a melting pot of to-go dining
• La Luna Restaurant – more upscale, Italian dining, perfect for date night
• Secret Harbor Marina – perfect for a waterfront breakfast!

This is not even half of the dining options that I recommend in Grenada, so be sure to read about Grenada’s best restaurants and even try some local spots not listed here. Grenada’s cuisine is really special, and trying the local dishes will make your Grenada trip that much more special!

Save this for your trip to Grenada!