Grenada
Phone Code
+1
Capital
St. George's
Population
125,000
Native Name
Grenada
Region
Americas
Caribbean
Timezone
Atlantic Standard Time
UTC-04:00
On This Page
Grenada emerges from turquoise Caribbean waters as the tri-island nation known worldwide as the 'Spice Island'—an aromatic paradise where nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices perfume tropical breezes, where the volcanic interior rises in lush rainforested mountains cascading with waterfalls, where pristine white-sand beaches rival anywhere in the Caribbean, and where the capital St. George's curves around one of the hemisphere's most beautiful natural harbors with pastel-painted colonial buildings climbing steep hillsides. This small nation (344 square kilometers—about twice the size of Washington DC) comprises three islands: Grenada itself (the largest at 34 km long), Carriacou (peaceful sister island 37 km to the northeast), and tiny Petite Martinique (fishing community on 586-acre islet). The 125,000 Grenadians maintain warm, laid-back culture blending African, French, British, and Caribbean influences creating distinct identity separate from more commercialized neighboring islands. The landscape delivers concentrated beauty: Grand Anse Beach's three-kilometer sweep of powdery white sand and calm turquoise water regularly ranking among world's best beaches, the Carenage waterfront in St. George's with yacht-filled harbor and colorful buildings providing postcard-perfect scenes, rainforest interior concealing Annandale Falls and Seven Sisters Falls plunging through jungle, nutmeg processing stations where workers crack seeds revealing aromatic spice exported globally, crater lakes hidden in dormant volcanic calderas, and underwater sculpture park creating eerie art gallery beneath Caribbean Sea. Grenada recovered remarkably from devastating 2004 Hurricane Ivan (which destroyed 90% of structures) to rebuild tourism infrastructure while maintaining authentic Caribbean character resistant to mass-market overdevelopment. Visitors discover island offering classic Caribbean beaches alongside unique attractions (underwater sculptures, spice tours, chocolate-making), accessible size allowing exploration of entire main island in single day, genuine friendliness from locals greeting strangers like neighbors, and costs significantly below nearby islands making Grenada exceptional value in region where luxury prices dominate.
Grenada Visa & Entry Requirements
Grenada offers visa-free entry to citizens of most countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union nations, Australia, New Zealand, and many others for tourist stays. Visa-free periods vary: US, UK, and Canadian citizens receive 90 days, while most other eligible nationalities get 30 days extendable to 90 days through immigration office. Entry requirements include passport valid for duration of stay (6 months validity recommended), return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for stay. Some nationalities require visas obtained in advance through Grenadian embassy/consulate—check current requirements as policies change. Entry typically occurs through Maurice Bishop International Airport (main airport near capital) with flights from North America, UK, and regional Caribbean connections, or via yacht/cruise ship arriving at St. George's port. Immigration formalities are generally quick and friendly. The islands use Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) pegged at EC$2.70 = US$1, though US dollars are widely accepted (change given in EC$). No vaccinations are legally required unless arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (then yellow fever certificate mandatory). Tourist visa extensions beyond initial period can be requested at immigration office in St. George's. Grenada participates in CARICOM (Caribbean Community) providing special arrangements for citizens of member states. The country has Citizenship by Investment program allowing foreign nationals to obtain Grenadian citizenship through qualifying investments, separate from tourist visa policies.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry
Tourism and leisure for eligible nationalities
Tourist Visa
Tourism for nationals requiring advance visa
Essential Grenada Travel Information
Grenada packs remarkable diversity into compact island nation where day trips encompass waterfalls, spice plantations, pristine beaches, historic forts, and world's first underwater sculpture park. The southwestern coast hosts most tourism infrastructure: Grand Anse Beach (iconic three-kilometer stretch consistently rated among world's top beaches) provides classic Caribbean beach experience with calm turquoise water, powdery white sand, beachside restaurants, and spectacular sunsets; nearby Morne Rouge Bay offers more secluded swimming in protected cove; and Magazine Beach attracts cruise ship visitors. St. George's—the capital climbing steep hills around horseshoe-shaped harbor—delivers Caribbean colonial charm through pastel-painted buildings (many dating to 18th-19th centuries), the Carenage waterfront with traditional wooden boats and luxury yachts, busy Saturday market selling spices and produce, and Fort George providing panoramic harbor views. The interior mountains offer nature experiences: Grand Etang National Park centers on crater lake filling dormant volcano's caldera surrounded by rainforest hiking trails leading to Seven Sisters Falls (series of cascades in pristine jungle setting); Annandale Falls provides easily accessible waterfall with swimming pool; and Concord Falls combines three tiers of waterfalls with nutmeg and cocoa plantations. The underwater sculpture park in Molinere Bay revolutionized dive tourism—British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor created 65+ life-sized cement sculptures submerged in shallow water attracting marine life and creating eerie art experience. Spice tours visit nutmeg processing stations (Grenada produces 20% of world's nutmeg supply), cocoa estates demonstrating bean-to-bar chocolate production, and plantations cultivating cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. Sister island Carriacou (45-minute catamaran from Grenada) offers slower pace, pristine beaches, traditional boat-building culture, and excellent diving. Activities span snorkeling and diving (coral reefs, shipwrecks, underwater sculptures), hiking rainforest trails, touring historic forts and estates, sailing and sportfishing, experiencing local culture through island tours, and simply relaxing on exceptional beaches. Grenada delivers authentic Caribbean experience without over-commercialization dominating other islands, with accessible size, friendly locals, unique attractions, and remarkable natural beauty creating memorable visit.
Discover Grenada
Ways to Experience This Destination
Soak up sun on Grand Anse Beach and other pristine Caribbean beaches—white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, and spectacular sunsets creating classic tropical beach vacation with world-class setting at reasonable prices.
Explore underwater sculpture park, coral reefs, dramatic wall dives, and wreck sites—diverse marine life including sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in clear Caribbean waters suitable for all experience levels.
Visit nutmeg processing stations, cocoa estates, cinnamon plantations, and rum distilleries—learn agricultural heritage earning 'Spice Island' nickname while tasting fresh chocolate, rum, and aromatic spices.
Hike rainforest trails to Seven Sisters Falls, Annandale Falls, and Concord Falls—swim in natural pools, observe tropical wildlife, explore Grand Etang crater lake in lush volcanic interior.
Experience authentic Caribbean culture through local markets, festivals, traditional cuisine, rum shops, and friendly interactions with Grenadians maintaining genuine island hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
Visit Carriacou and Petite Martinique sister islands, sail to Sandy Island sandbar, or day-trip to nearby Tobago Cays—explore pristine beaches, traditional boat-building culture, and slower-paced island life.
Money & Currency
Eastern Caribbean dollar
Currency code: XCD
Practical Money Tips
Currency Exchange in Grenada
Grenada uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$, XCD), pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of EC$2.70 = US$1. US dollars are widely accepted across the island — hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and many shops quote prices in both currencies. However, change is always given in EC$, so you'll accumulate local currency naturally. There's no need to exchange money before arrival. ATMs at Maurice Bishop International Airport and in St. George's dispense EC$. Currency exchange is available at banks in St. George's (Republic Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean) and at some hotels, though bank rates are better. Avoid exchanging at the airport if possible — rates are less favorable. When paying in USD, verify the exchange rate being applied — the official rate is 2.70, but some businesses round to 2.50 or 2.60, effectively charging a premium.
ATM Availability
ATMs are available in St. George's (Grand Anse commercial area, the Carenage, and Spiceland Mall), at Maurice Bishop International Airport, and in Grenville on the east coast. Republic Bank and CIBC FirstCaribbean are the main banks with ATM networks. ATMs dispense Eastern Caribbean Dollars only. On Carriacou, ATM availability is limited — typically one or two machines in Hillsborough, the main town. On Petite Martinique, there are no ATMs. Withdrawal limits are typically EC$1,000-1,500 per transaction. International transaction fees from your home bank will apply (typically $3-5 per withdrawal). Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted networks. Plan ahead if heading to Carriacou or the more rural parts of Grenada — withdraw enough cash in St. George's or Grand Anse before departing.
Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, dive operators, car rental agencies, and tourist-oriented shops in Grand Anse and St. George's. American Express acceptance is limited. Outside the main tourist areas — particularly in local restaurants, market stalls, rum shops, smaller guesthouses, and on Carriacou and Petite Martinique — cash is king. Beach vendors, water taxi operators, and spice tour guides in the rural interior generally expect cash payment. Some businesses add a 3-5% surcharge for credit card payments. Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is not widely supported. Bottom line: carry EC$200-300 in cash alongside your cards, especially when exploring beyond Grand Anse and St. George's.
Tipping Customs
Many hotels and restaurants in Grenada add a 10% service charge to bills — check before adding a tip. If no service charge is included, 10-15% is appropriate for restaurant meals. At casual beachfront bars and rum shops, rounding up or leaving EC$5-10 is common. Hotel housekeeping: EC$5-10 per day. Taxi drivers: tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Tour guides and boat captains: EC$20-30 per person for half-day tours, more for full-day excursions. Dive instructors: US$5-10 per dive is customary. Spa therapists: 10-15% if no service charge. Grenadians are warm and genuinely hospitable — a sincere thank-you matters as much as the tip. Always tip in local currency (EC$) or US dollars; avoid coins from other currencies.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
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Grenada delivers authentic Caribbean experience combining world-class Grand Anse Beach, unique underwater sculpture park, aromatic spice heritage, pristine waterfalls, and warm island culture—all at reasonable costs without mass-market overdevelopment. Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for 30-90 days.
Check Grenada Visa Requirements