Set in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada may not have the status of Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, but Grenada tourism presents some distinctive qualities that make it the go-to destination for tourists in the Caribbean. With one-of-a-kind attractions like the Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park and direct flights from major cities, knowing the ins and outs of tourism in the Spice Island industry will transform your travel experience. From attractions to visa requirements, this guide breaks down tourism in Grenada and offers tips on maximizing your time on the island.
- Grenada is a sought-after destination for unique experiences, which includes its Underwater Sculpture Park
- Grenada’s peak season runs from mid-December to mid-April
- Proper planning for Grenada helps travelers choose the right place to stay, the best time to visit, and ideal activities
- According to current travel advisory levels, Grenada is generally a safe place to visit
Top Tourist Attractions in Grenada
01/ Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
Officially known as Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park is heavily endorsed by the Grenada Tourism Authority as one of Grenada’s main attractions due to its uniqueness. The park features an underwater art gallery produced by Jason deCaires Taylor and is listed as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, according to National Geographic.
02/ Pearls Airport
Grenada’s Pearls Airport is another unique feature in the Caribbean. Operating until the mid-1980s, the airport is home to two abandoned Cuban planes. It is located by Lake Antoine and is a hidden gem for history buffs and travel photographers.
03/ Fort George
The Fort George UNESCO World Heritage Site in Grenada’s capital city, St George’s, is one of the country’s most fundamental historical structures and forms the center of the St George Fortified System. Built between 1706 and 1710, Fort Royal—as it was known originally—was renamed Fort George in 1763.
04/ Grand Etang National Park
Grand Etang National Park in Constantine is a paradise for nature lovers. The park is layered with lush vegetation, mountainous terrain, and various ecological subsystems. Surrounding the Grand Etang Lake are tropical birds like the mongoose, broad-winged hawk, Mona monkey, and Lesser Antillean tanager.
05/ Carriacou Underwater Sculpture Park
Grenada doubled down on its standout feature by building a new underwater sculpture park off the coast of its sister island, Carriacou. Introduced as A World Adrift Underwater Sculpture Park, the new park opened to visitors in 2024 and features another collection of sculptures carved by Jason deCaires Taylor.
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When to Visit Grenada: Weather and Peak Seasons
Weather
Grenada’s Eastern Caribbean location generates warm tropical weather all year long. The temperature generally stays above 70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Though you can expect sunshine regardless of when you visit, a tropical climate comes with heavy rains and sudden downpours. Grenada’s tropical marine climate means the weather swings between dry and rainy periods.
Located near the equator, locals and foreigners living in Grenada experience the same trade winds and ocean currents as other Caribbean inhabitants. June to November is the wet season, which is consistent across all Caribbean countries.
Peak season
Aligning with the dry season, Grenada’s peak season is generally mid-December to mid-April. Most United States, Canadian, and European travelers choose this period to escape the harsh winters.
Spicemas: Though it falls outside the peak travel season, tourist arrivals in the Spice Isle spike during Spicemas in August. As the country’s main cultural event, Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport saw a 40 percent increase in arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year, demonstrating the event’s growing popularity.
Carriacou Maroon and Stringband Music Festival: The Carriacou Maroon and Stringband Music Festival is one of Grenada’s purest cultural experiences. Held on Carriacou island in April, it merges maroon celebrations with string band music. The festival celebrates the Maroons who escaped slavery and preserves the country’s African heritage and traditions.
How to Plan Your Grenada Trip
Entry requirements
The Grenada immigration requirements for citizens of the USA, the UK, EU countries, and most Caribbean countries allow them to visit Grenada without a visa for short trips. They must have a passport with at least six months’ validity and an onward ticket. Grenada passport holders and citizens of other Eastern Caribbean states, including those with Caribbean citizenship by investment, can enter Grenada with a national ID card.
Getting there
American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and Air Canada offer direct flights to Grenada from New York, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Toronto. Caribbean Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, InterCaribbean Airways, and SVG Air offer nonstop regional flights from other Caribbean countries and territories to Grenada.
Cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises are major draws of Caribbean tourism. They offer closed-loop cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to southern Caribbean islands, including Grenada.
Where to Stay in Grenada
Silversands Grand Anse: The award-winning Silversands Collection established Silversands Grand Anse, a Grenada real estate development on Grand Anse Beach. As one of the country’s top high-end resorts, it is ideal for luxury and relaxation and offers suites, private villas, and spa facilities.
Sandals Grenada: The Sandals name rings throughout the Caribbean and has a solidified reputation for luxury accommodation. The resort on Pink Gin Beach sits among cliffs and coves, featuring a secluded beach, infinity pool, and private cottages and suites.
Melodies Guesthouse: Melodies Guesthouse is the best option for solo travelers or families who wish to spend time on Petite Martinique, the smallest of Grenada’s three islands. The guesthouse is in the Sanchez neighborhood and features a beachfront restaurant and bar with panoramic views of its sister islands.
Point At Petite Calivigny: Developed under the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program, the Point at Petite Calivigny is a luxury boutique resort on the waterfront of Woburn Bay. The resort is Grenada’s first and sole luxury residence club, with every detail designed to ensure the ultimate luxury experience.
Grenada’s Local Cuisine: Must-Try Food and Drinks
- Oil Down: Oil Down is Grenada’s national dish, a one-pot stew with breadfruit, meat, chicken, dumplings, callaloo, and a coconut milk base. Trying it is on many visitors’ lists of things to do in Grenada.
- Roti: Owing to the island’s Indian heritage, Grenada’s version of roti is filled with curried chicken, goat, chickpeas, or vegetables.
- Clarke’s Court Rum: Clarke’s Court is arguably Grenada’s largest and most popular rum brand, infused with locally produced spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Sorrel: A staple throughout the Caribbean, the Grenadian sorrel drink is a festive beverage made from hibiscus flowers and spiced with cloves, orange peel, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Chocolate: Chocolate from the Grenada Chocolate Company is more than just chocolate. Established in 1999, the small company produces some of the richest organic and sustainably produced chocolate in the Caribbean.
Travel Tips and Safety Advice for Grenada
Getting around Grenada
Renting a vehicle is the best way to travel around the island and offers the best value for more extended stays in Grenada. Local rental agencies like A1 Auto Rental, On Point Auto Rentals, and CicAuto CAR Rentals offer rental cars by the airport and in St George’s from $60 to $70 per day, excluding taxes and insurance.
Private taxis from Caribbean hotels on the island are another suitable option if you’d prefer not to drive. According to the Grenada Airport Authority, an airport transfer to Happy Hill, close to the Underwater Sculpture Park, costs about $30. Transfers to parishes in the north cost $50 to $65.
Daily air travel between Grenada and Carriacou is provided SVG Air for $70 per person. Osprey Lines Ltd offers regular ferry services between Grenada’s islands. One-way fares for adults are $31 between Grenada and Carriacou and $8 between Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Safety
Concerning safety in Grenada, the island has a low crime rate overall, with a travel advisory “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” from the US Department of State. That said, petty theft and targeted robberies do occur. Awareness of your surroundings and maintaining common sense, such as leaving valuables in a hotel safe and avoiding isolated streets at night, can ensure a trouble-free journey.
Health precautions
Recommended vaccinations for travelers to Grenada include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, and rabies. If you’ve visited a country with a yellow fever risk six weeks before visiting Grenada, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination. Visitors should have travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage, as the Grenada healthcare system is mostly equipped to provide basic services.
Cultural Etiquette
Grenada’s culture is rooted in African and British heritage. More Grenada citizens are descendants of enslaved Africans than any other demographic, so the remnants of British colonialism are visible in the island’s religious practices, musical expression, and sporting tradition. The country also has a strong Indian cultural presence through the introduction of Indian indentured laborers in the 19th and 20th centuries.
LGBTQ travelers should be cautious when visiting Grenada, as the country’s Criminal Code criminalizes same-sex activity, and social attitudes among the population are still conservative. Public displays of same-sex affection may attract unwanted attention.
Saving Money in Grenada
- Choose the off-peak season: Resorts and short-term rentals charge lower daily rates in the off-peak season and dates outside popular culture events. Flight prices are also generally lower.
- Eat local: local eateries and restaurants are known as cook shops in Grenada and are a cheap alternative to restaurants in tourist locations and hotels in Grenada.
- Buy a local SIM: Local telecom companies like Flow and Digicel offer cheap seven-day data packages from $13.
