Introduction
Done with cruises and crowds? Try some classic Caribbean culture. Not only does the 'Spice Island' produce nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, this rugged land of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and secluded beaches has also given birth to an intriguing history and people.
The capital, St George's, is located on Grenada Island and has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean. Carriacou is dotted with traditional East Caribbean towns and friendly locals, while Petit Martinique offers the chance to unwind in a little-known corner of the world.
'We try to bring a lot of live musicianship to the music. A lot of grooves. We're Caribbean; we from the islands. Out of the music industry, I'd say we're the Caribbean producers of the world.' - Wyclef Jean
Geography:
After St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada is the second-smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere, claiming just 891 sq km (344 sq mi) of territory, 100km (60mi) north of the South American mainland. Grenada is so close to St Vincent and the Grenadines that, from certain areas, it is possible to see the other island nation with the bare eye. Although Grenada comprises a handful of volcanic and coral islands, just three of these are inhabited: Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The majority of the population and tourist facilities are on Grenada.
Destination Facts
Capital: Saint George's
Governor General: Daniel Williams (representing Queen Elizabeth II)
Prime Minister: Tillman Thomas
Government: parliamentary democracy
Time zone: GMT -4
Area: 891
Population: 90000
People: African descent 82%, mixed descent 13%, European and East Indian 5%
Languages: Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
Major industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction
Major Trading Partners: Saint Lucia, USA, Antigua and Barbuda, Germany, Netherlands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, France, Trinidad and Tobago, UK
Weight System: Imperial
Country Dialing Code: 473
Getting There
With its warm weather, there really isn't a bad time to visit Grenada - temperatures average 29 ° C (84 ° F). The rainy season is June to November. Even in the driest months it rains a fair amount, though not every day. The second weekend in August is Carnival, the island's biggest and busiest event, so reserve accommodation in advance if you want to enjoy the festivities. Winter is prime fishing season and, accordingly, the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, which draws anglers from around North America and the Caribbean, is held annually in January.
Getting there and away
Flights to Grenada land at Point Salines International Airport on the southwestern tip of the island. There are few direct flights into Grenada from North America or Europe as most connect through Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI), San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS), Tobago (TAB) or Antigua & Barbuda (ANU). Air Jamaica, Delta's affiliate, flies to Grenada from several US cities via Montego Bay. American Airlines serves Grenada from the US via Puerto Rico. British Airways Flies direct from London-Gatwick to Grenada. BWIA International serves Grenada via Barbados, Port of Spain or Tobago. Condor flies to Grenada via Barbados from its Frankfurt hub. Virgin Atlantic serves Grenada via Barbados, Port of Spain or Tobago. The following airlines fly to/from Grenada from within the Caribbean: Air Jamaica, American Eagle, British West Indies Air, Caribbean Star, SVG Air, LIAT. There are two types of boats plying between Grenada and Carriacou. An old-fashioned cargo boat that takes four hours, or the Osprey, an express catamaran that takes half as long and costs twice as much. The Osprey departs from the eastern side of the Carenage. A new boat service runs between Union Island and Carriacou every Tuesday and Friday. A ferry departs Union every Monday and Thursday for Carriacou, returning the same day. You could also hop on a commercial ship that hauls goods between Union Island and Carriacou or Petit Martinique, or take a water taxi for the bumpy 40-minute ride. Grenada is also a port of call for cruise ships, which dock on the southeastern side of St George's harbor, the Carenage, or at the new dock. For yachts, customs and immigration can be cleared on Grenada Island at Spice Island Marine Services on Prickly Bay, or at Grenada Yacht Services in St George's. Most yachts anchor in St George's in the nearby lagoon. On Carriacou, clearance can be made in Hillsborough. The most frequented anchorages are along the southwestern side of Grenada.
Getting around
Buses on Grenada Island are privately operated minivans and are a good way to rub shoulders with locals. Depending on passengers, it takes about 45 minutes from St George's to Grenville and 1.5 hours to Sauteurs. Buses run frequently all day. A few buses run on Sunday, though they are infrequent. To be let off, knock on the metal interior a few times just before your destination. To drive a vehicle, you need a Grenadian driving license. They cost around 30.00 and can be purchased from most car-rental companies, police stations or the Traffic Department booth at the fire station on the eastern side of the Carenage in St George's. There are many rental agencies on Grenada Island: local agencies can offer you a better deal, but the international chains have better insurance deals. Drive on the left side of the road. The roads are narrow and curvy, and bus drivers are daring - slow down when approaching blind curves and use your horn liberally. There are few road signs, so a map and a measure of caution are useful. Taxi fares are regulated by the government, although sometimes you have to negotiate. On Carriacou, it's best to get to/from the airport by taxi. The two main bus routes run from Hillsborough - south to Tyrrel Bay and north to Windward. They operate during daylight hours and some double as taxis. There are a few places to rent vehicles on Carriacou. Quality Jeep Rental in L'Esterre, southwest of the airport, has good prices. You can hire a taxi for an island tour (2.5hr) for up to five people.
Visa:
Citizens of Canada and the US do not require a visa to visit Grenada provided they have proof of citizenship and a return ticket or a ticket to their onward destination. Citizens of Commonwealth countries are also visa exempt, provided they have a valid passport and a return ticket or a ticket to their onward destination. Several other countries are also visa exempt. See www.grenadaconsulate.com for more information. Visitors to Grenada are permitted to stay for up to three months.
Weather
Although Grenada's climate is tropical and generally hot, it's also tempered by northeastern trade winds. Temperatures in Grenada are delightfully balmy year-round, with daily highs averaging 29 ° C (84 ° F). The rainy season lasts from June to November. On average, rain falls 22 days per month during this period. Even in the driest months, between January and April, it rains 12 days a month, which accounts for the island's lush vegetation. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Done with cruises and crowds? Try some classic Caribbean culture. Not only does the 'Spice Island' produce nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, this rugged land of mountains, rainforests, waterfalls and secluded beaches has also given birth to an intriguing history and people.
The capital, St George's, is located on Grenada Island and has one of the prettiest harbor settings in the Caribbean. Carriacou is dotted with traditional East Caribbean towns and friendly locals, while Petit Martinique offers the chance to unwind in a little-known corner of the world.
'We try to bring a lot of live musicianship to the music. A lot of grooves. We're Caribbean; we from the islands. Out of the music industry, I'd say we're the Caribbean producers of the world.' - Wyclef Jean
Geography:
After St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada is the second-smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere, claiming just 891 sq km (344 sq mi) of territory, 100km (60mi) north of the South American mainland. Grenada is so close to St Vincent and the Grenadines that, from certain areas, it is possible to see the other island nation with the bare eye. Although Grenada comprises a handful of volcanic and coral islands, just three of these are inhabited: Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The majority of the population and tourist facilities are on Grenada.
Destination Facts
Capital: Saint George's
Governor General: Daniel Williams (representing Queen Elizabeth II)
Prime Minister: Tillman Thomas
Government: parliamentary democracy
Time zone: GMT -4
Area: 891
Population: 90000
People: African descent 82%, mixed descent 13%, European and East Indian 5%
Languages: Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
Major industries: food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction
Major Trading Partners: Saint Lucia, USA, Antigua and Barbuda, Germany, Netherlands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, France, Trinidad and Tobago, UK
Weight System: Imperial
Country Dialing Code: 473
Getting There
With its warm weather, there really isn't a bad time to visit Grenada - temperatures average 29 ° C (84 ° F). The rainy season is June to November. Even in the driest months it rains a fair amount, though not every day. The second weekend in August is Carnival, the island's biggest and busiest event, so reserve accommodation in advance if you want to enjoy the festivities. Winter is prime fishing season and, accordingly, the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, which draws anglers from around North America and the Caribbean, is held annually in January.
Getting there and away
Flights to Grenada land at Point Salines International Airport on the southwestern tip of the island. There are few direct flights into Grenada from North America or Europe as most connect through Bridgetown, Barbados (BGI), San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS), Tobago (TAB) or Antigua & Barbuda (ANU). Air Jamaica, Delta's affiliate, flies to Grenada from several US cities via Montego Bay. American Airlines serves Grenada from the US via Puerto Rico. British Airways Flies direct from London-Gatwick to Grenada. BWIA International serves Grenada via Barbados, Port of Spain or Tobago. Condor flies to Grenada via Barbados from its Frankfurt hub. Virgin Atlantic serves Grenada via Barbados, Port of Spain or Tobago. The following airlines fly to/from Grenada from within the Caribbean: Air Jamaica, American Eagle, British West Indies Air, Caribbean Star, SVG Air, LIAT. There are two types of boats plying between Grenada and Carriacou. An old-fashioned cargo boat that takes four hours, or the Osprey, an express catamaran that takes half as long and costs twice as much. The Osprey departs from the eastern side of the Carenage. A new boat service runs between Union Island and Carriacou every Tuesday and Friday. A ferry departs Union every Monday and Thursday for Carriacou, returning the same day. You could also hop on a commercial ship that hauls goods between Union Island and Carriacou or Petit Martinique, or take a water taxi for the bumpy 40-minute ride. Grenada is also a port of call for cruise ships, which dock on the southeastern side of St George's harbor, the Carenage, or at the new dock. For yachts, customs and immigration can be cleared on Grenada Island at Spice Island Marine Services on Prickly Bay, or at Grenada Yacht Services in St George's. Most yachts anchor in St George's in the nearby lagoon. On Carriacou, clearance can be made in Hillsborough. The most frequented anchorages are along the southwestern side of Grenada.
Getting around
Buses on Grenada Island are privately operated minivans and are a good way to rub shoulders with locals. Depending on passengers, it takes about 45 minutes from St George's to Grenville and 1.5 hours to Sauteurs. Buses run frequently all day. A few buses run on Sunday, though they are infrequent. To be let off, knock on the metal interior a few times just before your destination. To drive a vehicle, you need a Grenadian driving license. They cost around 30.00 and can be purchased from most car-rental companies, police stations or the Traffic Department booth at the fire station on the eastern side of the Carenage in St George's. There are many rental agencies on Grenada Island: local agencies can offer you a better deal, but the international chains have better insurance deals. Drive on the left side of the road. The roads are narrow and curvy, and bus drivers are daring - slow down when approaching blind curves and use your horn liberally. There are few road signs, so a map and a measure of caution are useful. Taxi fares are regulated by the government, although sometimes you have to negotiate. On Carriacou, it's best to get to/from the airport by taxi. The two main bus routes run from Hillsborough - south to Tyrrel Bay and north to Windward. They operate during daylight hours and some double as taxis. There are a few places to rent vehicles on Carriacou. Quality Jeep Rental in L'Esterre, southwest of the airport, has good prices. You can hire a taxi for an island tour (2.5hr) for up to five people.
Visa:
Citizens of Canada and the US do not require a visa to visit Grenada provided they have proof of citizenship and a return ticket or a ticket to their onward destination. Citizens of Commonwealth countries are also visa exempt, provided they have a valid passport and a return ticket or a ticket to their onward destination. Several other countries are also visa exempt. See www.grenadaconsulate.com for more information. Visitors to Grenada are permitted to stay for up to three months.
Weather
Although Grenada's climate is tropical and generally hot, it's also tempered by northeastern trade winds. Temperatures in Grenada are delightfully balmy year-round, with daily highs averaging 29 ° C (84 ° F). The rainy season lasts from June to November. On average, rain falls 22 days per month during this period. Even in the driest months, between January and April, it rains 12 days a month, which accounts for the island's lush vegetation. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
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