Grenada Travel Guide

Grenada — Travel Tips

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Social Conventions

Local culture reflects the island's history of British and French colonial rule and, of course, the African cultures imported with the slaves - African influence is especially noticeable on the island of Carriacou in the Big Drum and in Grenada with the Shango dance. The Roman Catholic Church also exerts a strong influence on the way of life. Local people are generally friendly and courteous. Dress is casual and informal but beachwear is not welcome in town.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The main airlines serving Grenada are British Airways (BA) (www.britishairways.com) and Virgin Atlantic (VS) (www.virgin-atlantic.com), which offers a direct flight from London; and American Airlines (AA) (www.aa.com), flying via the US.

Departure Tax

EC$50 per adult, payable in cash (local currency only). EC$25 for children five to 12 years of age. Children under five are exempt.

Main Airports

Point Saline International Airport (GND) on Grenada is 11km (8 miles) south of St George's. To/from the airport: Taxis are available. Journey time = 10 minutes. Facilities: Duty-free shops, bureau de change, car hire, newsagent/tobacconist, bar, cafe, restaurants, tourist information and VIP lounge.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: St George's, considered the most picturesque port in the Caribbean, is a port of call for many cruise lines. Around 60% of tourist arrivals are cruise-ship passengers. There is a daily shuttle boat service to Carriacou and Petite Martinique; boats can be hired for access to Isle de Ronde. Check at a local tourist office for times and fares.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Grenada without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of wine or spirits.

Note: Licensed firearms must be declared. A local license can be obtained from the police.

Prohibited Imports

Narcotics; arms and ammunition; fruit, vegetables, meat and soil.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Lauriston Airport (CRU) in Carriacou is serviced daily by the main regional carrier St Vincent Grenadines Air (SVD) (www.svgair.com). Flights are from Grenada and St Vincent. The airport accommodates light aircraft only. To/from the airport: There are no buses; taxis can be called. Facilities: Washroom and waiting room only.

Getting Around By Water

Main ports: Colorful motor boats operate a water-taxi service between Grand Anse Beac and St George's. There is a high-speed ferry service from the Carenage, Grenada to Carriacou. There is also a daily ferry service from Grenada to Carriacou, Petite Martinique and back. A large number of yachts and boats are available to charter. Arrangements can be made via the Grenada Board of Tourism.

Getting Around By Road

Most main roads are in good condition but they are narrow and winding. Traveling anywhere by car takes a long time. Traffic drives on the left. Drivers constantly use their horns.

Bus: These are cheap but slow. They operate a regular schedule from 0700-1900, Monday to Saturday. There is no bus service on Sundays. The main bus terminal is located at the west end of Granby Street. On Grenada, buses run to Annadale, Concorde, Grand Anse, Grand Etang, Grenville, Gouyave, La Sagesse, Sauters, Victoria and Westernhall. On Carriacou, buses run from Hillsborough to Harvey Vale and Windward. Minibuses run between Hillsborough, Windward and Tyrell Bay.

Taxi: Taxis are the most efficient means of transport. They are available from the airport, the Carenage and most hotels. Mandoo's Taxi Service is a fully insured sightseeing and taxi service, recommended by the Board of Tourism.

Car hire: Vehicles are available to hire in St George's, Grand Anse or St Andrew's from local car rental firms. Credit cards are not always accepted by car hire companies. Some rental companies impose a minimum age of 21. Speed limits are not posted; speed is dictated by the state of the road - most are narrow and winding. Car hire firms will provide details of what to do if you break down. Some firms have a minimum rental period of three days during peak periods.

Documentation: A temporary local driving license is required and available for a fee from the traffic department at the central police station on Carenage or from most car hire companies, on presentation of a valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required.