St. George's
St. George's, the capital of Grenada, is widely regarded as the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Its distinctive horseshoe-shaped harbor is framed by vibrant, pastel-colored buildings and traditional red-tiled roofs, reflecting a rich blend of English, French, and West Indian history. The island itself, known as "The Spice of the Caribbean," boasts a lush, mountainous interior, attracting nature lovers, hikers, and those keen to explore its waterfalls and diverse landscapes.
Cruise passengers typically disembark at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal, which leads directly through the Esplanade Shopping Mall and into downtown St. George's. Smaller vessels often dock at the Inner Harbor, allowing direct access to the charming Carenage waterfront, lined with traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants. Be aware that tenders may be used if the port is particularly busy. The town of St. George's is quite hilly, which is good to keep in mind when planning your explorations.
Getting Around from the Port
From both docking locations, downtown St. George's is easily walkable, though be prepared for hills. For getting around the city or to nearby attractions, taxis are readily available, with rides costing approximately $4 within the city. Water taxis offer a scenic way to travel; you can cross the Carenage for $4 or take a longer ride to Grand Anse Beach for $10. If you plan to rent a car, note that a temporary driving permit costing $12 is required in addition to the rental fees. Public buses are also an option for local transport.
Attractions and Activities
- Fort George: Explore Grenada's oldest fort, established in 1705. Climb to the top for excellent panoramic views of the city and harbor, and venture into the dark defensive tunnels. While much of the fort is intact and open, be aware that some buildings are dilapidated due to hurricane damage and neglect.
- Grand Anse Beach: Often celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Grand Anse is perfect for relaxation. You can reach it easily by water taxi for $10. Once there, expect to pay around $25 for two lounge chairs and an umbrella.
- Spice Factory Tours: Given Grenada's nickname, a visit to a spice factory is a popular choice. These tours can be arranged independently or through your cruise line, offering insight into the island's famous nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices.
- St. George's Market: Immerse yourself in local life at St. George's market, a bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. While open weekday mornings, the best day to experience the market's full vibrancy is Saturday, from 8 AM to 12 PM.
- Nature Exploration: With a lush, mountainous interior, Grenada offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and visiting waterfalls.
Dining & Shopping
The Esplanade Shopping Mall is conveniently located right at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal exit. For a true taste of local life and excellent souvenir hunting, head to St. George's market, which is particularly lively on Saturday mornings (8 AM - 12 PM) and also open on weekday mornings. Young Street and the Carenage also feature a variety of souvenir, gift, and handicraft shops. Look for locally made batik and screen-printed textiles, leather crafts, and wood carvings. When buying spices, be advised that "essence" is generally cheaper than "extract" but contains other ingredients besides the pure spice, so always read labels carefully. Inside the terminal, there's a cafe where you can get free internet access by purchasing at least a $3.50 drink for the Wi-Fi password. Shops generally operate Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM. Supermarkets are typically open longer, from 9 AM to 7 PM, and some may be open on Sundays. Craft and souvenir shops often open on Sundays or public holidays, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Safety
Grenada is generally safe for tourists. As with any travel destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets, and secure your valuables.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is pegged to the US Dollar. Banks offer the most favorable exchange rates, typically EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 in travelers cheques. Major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, car rental companies, and shops, and travelers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. English is the official language, though you may also hear a French-African patois spoken.