- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Grenada
Grenada
Born from the seafloor in a sequence of violent volcanic
eruptions, Grenada is a tropical, three-island state, 90 miles
(145km) north of Venezuela. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the
country consists of the main island of Grenada and its neighbouring
constituencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Boasting lush soils and a rolling mountainous interior,
breathtaking waterfalls gush down from the centre to meet the sea
and hikes through verdant jungle make for a truly memorable Grenada
nature experience. Couple that with unblemished beaches reminiscent
of those found in glossy travel magazines, billowing sails
criss-crossing an azure coastline, a low-key lifestyle and
unrivalled diving sites such as 'Bianca C' and you've got one of
the most overlooked tropical havens in the Caribbean.
Heady fragrances of nutmeg and clove and a warm-hearted
reception greet visitors to the friendly capital of the 'Spice
Island', St. George's. The red tiled roofs, Georgian architecture
and central spice market make it one of the Caribbean's most
charming centres, complimented by a picturesque natural harbour.
Sun-worshippers can choose from 45 beautiful beaches, the most
popular being the two-mile (3km) long Grand Anse Beach, or seek out
one of the many secluded beaches a little further afield.
Initially inhabited by Kalinago settlers from the Amazonian
basin in South America, Grenada became an unwilling station of
European expansion, its effects evident in the people, architecture
and cuisine of today. First invaded by the Spanish in violent slave
raids, the resident Kalinago were then largely wiped out by French
colonialists who exploited the land for large-scale sugar cane
plantations and brought slaves in from West Africa to work them.
Britain succeeded France and only in 1974 did Grenada gain
independence from the English.
Grenada was crippled by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but has
recovered at an astonishing rate, jointly hosting the 2007 Cricket
World Cup. Although an impoverished nation, the Grenadian's
friendly disposition along with a vibrant culture of afro-carib and
calypso music, dancing and food as well as its picturesque tropical
location more than make up for the lack of infrastructure. Grenada
has long been a favourite port of call for yachties, divers and
holidaymakers alike, offering some of the best scuba diving in the
Caribbean, with coral gardens, an underwater volcano and the
largest underwater shipwreck in the region, not to mention the
alluring homemade Caribbean cuisine and lip smacking seafood.
Information & Facts
Business
When conducting business in Grenada, dress should be formal and
meetings should be arranged in advance. Business cards are usually
exchanged at meetings and English is widely spoken in business
circles. Business hours are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Many
offices are closed between 12pm and 1pm for lunch.
Climate
Grenada enjoys a tropical climate with an average year-round
temperature of 80ºF (26ºC). Grenada's weather is divided across two
main seasons, determined by rainfall rather than temperature. The
dry season falls between January and May, when showers are few and
sporadic and the land is cooled by northeast trade winds. This is
the ideal weather for visitors. The rainy season is June to
December when conditions are hot and humid and short bursts of
heavy rainfall frequently occur. Conditions are humid around the
coast but become considerably cooler and wetter toward the
mountainous interior. Grenada lies on the edge of the hurricane
belt and hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
Communications
The international dialling code for Grenada is +1 473. The
outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
01144 for the UK). No area codes are in use. Roaming services are
available to all AMPS compatible cellular phones. Coin operated
public phones and card phones for international calls are widely
available. Prepaid cards can be bought at Cable & Wireless
offices and agents or at the Board of Tourism office in St.
George's. Internet cafés are common, especially in the main
centres.
Customs
Homosexuality is discreet in Grenada and generally it is a good
idea to avoid displays of public affection. It is also an offence
to wear camouflage clothing and there are severe penalties for all
drug offences.
Duty Free
Travellers are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or
225g of tobacco, 1 litre of wine or spirits and perfume for
personal use without paying customs duty. Illegal drugs, arms and
ammunition are prohibited.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. British
three-prong plugs are in use.
Health
Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and
cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination
certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming
from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Good medical
care is available in Grenada and Carriacou but most doctors and
hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health
insurance. Grenada doesn't have a decompression chamber for divers;
the nearest decompression chambers are in Tobago and Barbados, 30
minutes away by air ambulance. The water in Grenada is clean and
safe to drink.
Language
English is the official language and is widely spoken,
but Grenadian Creole is considered the language of the
island.
Money
The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar
(XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Eastern Caribbean
dollar is tied to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.7. ATM machines are
available at most banks and major credit cards are accepted at most
hotels, car rental companies and shops. Many establishments will
accept payment in US dollars, giving change in the local currency.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US
dollars are recommended. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from
8am to 3pm.
Passport Visa
All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return
tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next
destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at
the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. As part of the
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going
between the United States, and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the
Caribbean region, are required to present a passport or other valid
travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. Note that
if departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by
immigration authorities. Also note that a yellow fever vaccination
certificate is required to enter Grenada, if arriving in the
country within six days of leaving or transiting through an
infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport
has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date
of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Safety
Most visits to Grenada are trouble-free. Petty crime is
prevalent so travellers should be vigilant and not carry their
travel documents or large amounts of cash or jewellery on them and
avoid isolated areas after dark.
Time
Tipping
Tipping is common in Grenada and hospitality industry
professionals rely on tips for a living. Crew of sailing charters
should be tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total cost. If a service
charge is not included on a restaurant bill a 10 percent tip is
customary. Bellhops usually receive US$1 per bag and taxi drivers
usually receive 10 to 15 percent of the fare.