Caribbean
Map
General
Information
 This small nation consists
of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (pronounced
Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced
Pitty Mar-ti-NEEK). Grenada is by far the largest
of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km)
and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133
square miles are mountainous, volcanic terrain,
reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St.
Catherine.
Grenada, known as "The Spice of the Caribbean"
is a beautiful rolling and mountainous island abounding
in tropical flowers and spices. Friendly people
populate the picturesque tows that dot the island.
Dozens of sandy beaches and quiet, secluded coves
border the island providing a getaway from the hustle
of the real world.
Grenada - Caribbean Islands Vacation Information,
Services and AccommodationsGrenada’s smaller sister
island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous.
With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination
for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and
natural harbours, as well as excellent views of
the northern Grenadine islands.
Petite Martinique, the third and smallest island
in the state, consists of little more than the tip
of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It
lies 2.5 miles off the northeast coast of Carriacou.
It is only now being developed for visitors.
Activities abound on Grenada. From hiking to horseback
riding, golf to tennis, and of course diving and
snorkeling.
 The underwater scenery in Grenada
is every bit as breathtaking as it is above the
waves, and just as accessable. Most of the diving
facilities in Grenada are located in the south of
the island, and most of the dives sites are within
15 minutes of the Grand Anse Beach.
The diving in Grenada is some of the best in the
Caribbean, and boasts the largest shipwreck in the
Caribbean as well as an underwater volcano!
From lazy drift dives over coral gardens to an eerie
and challenging exploration of the wrecks of the
Bianca C, these waters are captivating more and
more visitors each year.
Grenada has at least 30 dive sites including, reefs,
wrecks and walls most within 15-20 minutes from
the dive shops. Sites vary from 20 feet/ 8 meters
to 120 feet/ 40 meters.
Climate Annual Average 80F 26C
Water Temp 80 - 84F 27 -29C
Visibility 60 - 100 ft 18 -30 m
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
New
Travel Regulations
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two
phases:
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the
United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and
South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will
be required to present a valid passport, Air
NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner
Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form
I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including
U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid
passport or other documents as determined by
the Department of Homeland Security. While recent
legislative changes permit a later deadline,
the Departments of State and Homeland Security
are working to meet all requirements as soon
as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided
to enable the public to obtain passports or
passport cards for land/sea entries.
The passport requirement
does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to
or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S.
territory are not considered to have left the
United States and do not need to present a passport.
U.S. territories include the following: Guam,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands. More
Details... |
Getting
There
Airlines serving Point Salines Internatinal Airport
Air
Canada
Air
Jamaica
Air
Transat
American
Eagle
Avior
Airlines
British
Airways
BWIA
West Indian Airways
Caribbean
Star
Golden Caribbean
- Monarch
LIAT
Thomas
Cook Airlines - Condor
US
Airways
Virgin
Atlantic
Entry Requirements
A valid passport and return or onward ticket is required
for all visitors. A visa is not required from citizens
of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean
countries (except Cuba), most European countries,
South Korea, and Japan.
Departure Tax
Persons 13 years of age and older are required to
pay EC$50 (approximately US$19.) Departure tax for
persons from 2 to 12 years of age is EC$25 (approximately
US$9.50.) Children under 5 years are exempted.
Travel Tips
Getting Around
Once you've arrived, travelling around is just as
easy, with a variety of car rental companies, taxis
and buses. In the capital town of St. George's, there
are even water taxis who will take you across the
Carenage, to the Esplande or even as far as Grand
Anse Beach.
Spend some time in Grenada's beautiful sister islands
of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Daily Ferry services
will carry you from Grenada to Carriacou and Petite
Martinique and back all in one day. If you're in a
hurry travel by air and get there within half an hour,
or you can try out your sea legs on the ferry and
enjoy the one and a half hour ride up the coast.
Driving
To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's
license must be presented at the traffic department
at the Central Police Station on the Carenage. The
cost is EC$30.00. Most car rental firms also issue
local permits. There is a network of approximately
650 miles of paved roads and most of the main roads
are in good condition. Please note that driving is
on the LEFT.
Activities
With its lush and mountainous interior, Grenada, "The
Spice of the Caribbean", is being steadily discovered
by nature lovers of all types including hikers, mountain
bikers, birdwatchers and waterfall buffs. Recreational
sports enthusiasts will find the island offers an
abundance of activities and facilities to keep them
entertained - scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing,
kayaking, sailing and cruising. And for those looking
to experience the true essence and character of Grenada,
sightseeing and historical sites abound as well as
unique shops and outstanding cuisine.
Shopping
From exotic spices to duty-free bargains, shopping
in Grenada offers something of interest for everyone.
Offering a wide assortment of fresh produce, spices
and handicrafts, St. George’s market is the center
of island life. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops
are also prevalent in the St. George’s district, especially
on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in
Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally
made handicraft, leather craft, and wood carvings.
If you like the larger shopping centers, the Grand
Anse Shopping Centre and LeMarquis Complex offer shops,
clothing stores, restaurants and art galleries. The
new Spiceland Mall also has a wide variety of shops
and boutiques.
Tax & Tipping
There is an 8% Government Tax at hotels and restaurants.
Most also add a 10% service charge. Additional gratuities
are at your discretion.
Credit Cards & Currency
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car
rental companies, and shops. Travellers cheques are
accepted everywhere. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar,
linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks
will exchange EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash, and EC$2.68
for US$1.00 in travellers cheques. It is advisable
to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favourable
exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.
Business Hours
Banking hours in Grenada are usually Monday to Thursday
from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.,
Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open
from 9:00 am. - 7 pm. And there are one or two who
are even open on Sundays.
Often when cruise ships are in port, the craft and
souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday.
Government offices are generally open from 8:00 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, but closed from 12:00
to 1:00 pm for lunch.
Churches
There is a good representation of many of the major
religious denominations in most towns and villages
including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and
Methodists.
Dress
Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in
the evenings, elegantly casual attire is appropriate.
Bathing suits or mini shorts should not be worn in
the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes
are recommended for hiking.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 volts - 50 cycles. Appliances rated
at 110 volts (US standard) normally work satisfactorily
with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage
shaver units, but an adaptor plug is necessary for
small appliances.
Language
English is the official language but it is not uncommon
to hear a French-African patois spoken.
Medical Facilities
There is a General Hospital in St. George's, a smaller
hospital in Mirabeau on the east coast, and one in
Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout
the islands.
Postal Information
The General Post Office is on Lagoon Road by the Port
in St. George's. There are sub-post offices in all
towns and villages. Post Offices are open 8:00 a.m.-
4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday; Fridays until 4:30
p.m. Efficient local, regional and international mailing
is enhanced by international couriers, Federal Express,
DHL and UPS; and the General Post Office has an Express
Mail service.
Preservation
The barking of trees and taking of wildlife from the
forest and rivers, and corals from the sea is strictly
forbidden.
Radio & Television
There are currently four radio stations (AM 535 kHz;
AM 1400 kHz / FM90 kHz / FM96.3 kHz; FM 101.7 kHz;
FM105.5 kHz) and three television stations. Many hotels
have satellite/cable television.
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