The Ultimate Guide to Your Dream Grenada Vacation
GRENADA QUICK GUIDE
Grenada is calm, green, and full of natural beauty. Known as the Spice Isle, it offers a mix of beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and colorful towns. The island feels relaxed and far less crowded than many Caribbean destinations.
Best time to visit December to April has the driest weather and warm temperatures. May and June are also great if you prefer fewer crowds and better value.
Getting around Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore the island. Taxis are easy to find but can be expensive. Local minibuses are cheap and frequent, though less flexible.
Budget and costs Expect to spend around $10–$20 USD per person for local meals, $2–$5 USD for minibus rides, and roughly $20–$50 USD for tours or attractions. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts.
Where to stay
Bougainvillea Apartments, great location near the beach
Villa Adina, a luxury villa with pool, perfect for a quiet hideaway or an exotic escape
Marks Reef, a comfortable stay with a relaxed island feel
Good to know Grenada is safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. Life moves at a slower pace, so plan with flexibility and enjoy the relaxed island rhythm.
Grenada captured our hearts the moment we stepped off the plane. The warm air, filled with the scent of spices, instantly made us feel connected to the island and its culture. From the very first day, Grenada felt welcoming, relaxed, and full of character.
This beautiful island offers so much to explore. You can wander the colorful streets of St. George’s, relax on stunning beaches, enjoy sweeping views from Fort George, and experience powerful waterfalls hidden in the lush interior. Every corner feels natural and unspoiled.
To make planning easier, we recommend following our map as you explore the island. It highlights key places to visit and helps you plan your days with less stress. Grenada is easy to fall in love with, and this guide is here to help you experience it your way.
Known as the Spice Island
Known as the Spice Island for its rich harvest of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, bay leaves, and turmeric, Grenada is full of color, culture, and warmth. The island blends beautiful landscapes with a relaxed Caribbean spirit and genuine hospitality. Everywhere you go, you can feel its deep connection to nature and tradition, making Grenada a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Best Time to Visit Grenada
The best time to visit Grenada is from January to May, when the weather is at its driest. December to April is the peak season and offers the best conditions, but prices for flights and accommodation are usually higher. September and October are best avoided due to hurricane season. We visited Grenada in June and had great weather, with only one rainy day and plenty of sunshine the rest of the time.
How To Get To Grenada
Grenada is a pretty island located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s at the bottom of the Grenadines chain of islands. If you look at a map, it’s in the top left corner. The best way to reach Grenada is by flying into the Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND), located near the capital city of St. George’s.
Additionally, Grenada is a popular port of call for many cruise lines operating in the Caribbean, so you can also arrive by cruise ship. Ferries are also available from Carriacou and Martinique, and you can check the schedule here.
One of the coolest things about Grenada is that it hardly ever gets hurricanes, making it a great destination year-round. Even when we visited during hurricane season, the weather was awesome! So, you can plan your trip without worrying about bad weather.
Mapping Our Grenada Adventures
The map above shows the top activities we explored in Grenada. To view a larger version, click here .
Where to Stay in Grenada
Grenada offers plenty of beautiful resorts and hotels, from luxury all-inclusive stays to relaxed beachfront properties. You can find upscale options like Royalton Grenada, as well as smaller resorts right on the beach, such as Kalinago Beach Resort.
During our stay at Kalinago Beach Resort, we enjoyed stunning sunsets every evening. The pool area was calm and peaceful, with lovely views of the beach. Kayaks were available to rent, making it easy to explore the water right from the hotel. The on-site restaurant was another highlight and added to the overall experience.
Our Grenada Travel Vlog
Top 10 Must Do Activities for Your Grenada Vacation
1. Grenada Chocolate Company
The Grenada Chocolate Company began in 1999 with a focus on organic cocoa and chocolate. They produce award-winning dark chocolate using some of Grenada’s best cocoa beans. Their factory sits in the rainforest, surrounded by cocoa trees, which makes the experience feel truly local.
The company has earned recognition from the Academy of Chocolate Awards, including a Silver Medal for one of their dark chocolate bars. Located at Belmont Estate, the island’s largest organic cocoa farm, Bonbon Chocolates offers handcrafted bonbons made with Grenada’s fruits, nuts, and spices.
Short on time?
Our Visit to the Chocolate Company
We arrived on a sunny day and were welcomed by a friendly four-legged guide who led us to the start of the tour. We usually avoid guided tours, but this one came highly recommended by a local friend, so we decided to give it a try.
The Chocolate-Making Process
Our guide walked us through the entire chocolate-making process, from the fruit to the finished bar. He explained how the beans are fermented and dried, while sharing lighthearted stories and bits of Grenada’s history along the way.
Book Your Dream Tour in Grenada
Free Tour and Chocolate Tasting
The tour is completely free, with an optional donation at the end. Before you leave, be sure to sample the chocolates and find your favorite. Their banana smoothie is also worth trying and was a highlight for us.
Cocoa Facts and Visiting Hours
Cocoa, also known as Theobroma cacao, is used to make chocolate, drinks, ice cream, and many desserts.
The Grenada Chocolate Company is open from 8 am to 4 pm and is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Plan your visit ahead of time so you do not miss the experience.
2. Exploring River Antoine Estate
Visiting River Antoine Estate, Grenada’s oldest rum distillery dating back to 1785, felt like stepping into the past. We watched traditional rum-making methods that have remained unchanged for centuries. The smell of sugar cane and the surrounding scenery made the history feel real and alive.
Inside the River Antoine Distillery
During our tour of the River Antoine Estate, we saw the historic waterwheel still in use, powering the entire distillery. We watched sugar cane being ground and the juice fermenting in large containers. Outside, we learned about the large boilers and saw workers carefully bottling the rum by hand. Surrounded by quiet sugar fields, the visit felt deeply connected to the estate’s long history.
Why You Should Visit River Antoine Estate
This visit is a must for anyone interested in history and traditional craftsmanship. Our guide clearly explained the full process, from growing sugar cane to bottling the rum. With more than 200 years of rum-making tradition, River Antoine Estate offers a rare look at a time-honored craft. The distillery is open from 9 am to 5 pm and is closed on weekends, so plan ahead. You can also see our full experience in our YouTube vlog for a closer look.
3. Exploring St. George’s Town
One of our favorite activities was walking around St. George’s town. It felt like stepping into a living postcard, with bright colors and beauty everywhere you looked. The buildings, boats in the harbor, and inviting cafes and restaurants created a warm and charming atmosphere. We loved stopping for banana bread at local coffee shops and enjoying great meals while taking in the lively, colorful scene.
Views from the Top of Town
We also spent time at the top of the town, where the views of boats coming and going were beautiful. The calm panorama, mixed with music drifting from nearby restaurants, made the moment special. If you asked us to name our favorite town from all our travels, St. George’s would easily be at the top of the list.
4. Visiting Fort George in St. George’s
Another stunning spot in St. George’s town is Fort George, an 18th-century French fortress that is well worth the climb. The walk up includes many steep stairs, but the views along the way are beautiful. From the top, you get wide views over the colorful town and harbor, which makes the effort feel easy to forget.
The biggest challenge during our visit was the heat, but the cool breeze at the top made it much more comfortable. There is a small entrance fee of $2 per person to visit the fort.
Inside Fort George
Inside the fort, several historic buildings are now used as administrative offices and a police training college. This mix of old and new adds to the unique feel of the site. We expected a long uphill hike, but the fort appeared sooner than we thought, which made the walk easier.
From the top, the 360-degree views over the coastline are stunning. You can still see old cannons pointing toward the sea, which adds to the historic atmosphere. Guides are usually available at the bottom of the hill and can share interesting stories about the fort’s past.
Update February 2025: A blog reader informed us that Fort George is temporarily closed for maintenance. Please check for the latest updates before planning your visit.
5. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (Scots Kirk)
Near Fort George, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, also known as Scots Kirk, is a powerful symbol of Grenada’s history. Built in 1833, the church was badly damaged during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, leaving only parts of the structure standing. It has since been restored, blending old stone walls with a new roof and a working clock once frozen in time. More than a landmark, Scots Kirk represents resilience, community, and hope, and it is well worth a short stop during your visit.
6. Morne Rouge Beach
Morne Rouge Beach quickly became one of our favorite places in Grenada. With soft white sand and calm, clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. A few relaxed beach bars and nearby restaurants make it easy to enjoy lunch or a sunset dinner. The peaceful vibe and natural beauty kept drawing us back again and again.
Relaxing at Morne Rouge Beach
Morne Rouge Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots on the island. The soft white sand and calm, clear water make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking. A few beach bars and nearby restaurants are great for lunch or a sunset dinner. The relaxed vibe and natural beauty kept us coming back.
7. Grand Etang Lake
Grand Etang Lake was formed by a volcanic explosion around 12,000 years ago and remains one of the most peaceful spots on the island. The calm lake is surrounded by forest and is perfect for a short hike or a quiet picnic. From the wooden jetty, you can spot fish like tilapia, guppies, and koi, though swimming and fishing are not allowed to protect the area. There is a small entrance fee of $2 per person to access the lake and nearby trails.
Hiking Around Grand Etang
The area around Grand Etang is perfect for hiking, with trails for all levels. Some paths take only about 15 minutes, while longer hikes can last up to 6 to 8 hours. Along the way, you can spot rich plant life, hear birdsong, and sometimes see Mona monkeys that were brought from West Africa. The area is also home to beautiful waterfalls, including the popular Seven Sisters Waterfall, which adds to the experience.
8. Annandale Waterfall
Annandale Waterfall is a beautiful spot surrounded by lush tropical plants and drops about 30 feet. It is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit in Grenada, with a short walk of around 1.5 miles from the main road. Along the way, you can enjoy small local experiences and pass tall eucalyptus trees, which add to the natural beauty of the area.
Local Encounters at Annandale
Be sure to meet the Spice Lady, who gives a wonderful presentation about local spices. The scented necklaces she sells smell incredible and are truly unique. You should also stop to listen to the Guitar Man, who creates a song for you on the spot based on how he sees you. You can hear the song he played for our family in our Annandale Waterfall YouTube vlog. A small donation is welcome, but never expected, and the experience alone is worth it.
Wildlife and the Walk to the Waterfall
On the way, we spotted a Mona monkey in a tree and sadly saw another one kept in a cage. Please avoid taking photos with caged animals or supporting this kind of treatment, as these monkeys should not be confined. As you continue toward the waterfall, enjoy the lush greenery and natural surroundings. We loved the walk, and the waterfall itself was truly stunning.
9. Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park
Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park is a must for snorkeling or diving lovers. This underwater museum features submerged sculptures that share stories of the island and blend beautifully with marine life. Some pieces are easy to miss, so guidance from your captain helps you spot them all. The mix of art and ocean life makes this experience truly unforgettable.
9. Explore Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park
Finding the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park can take a bit of planning at first. For that reason, you can either join a guided tour or use local transportation, depending on your budget and travel style.
In our case, we chose local transport, which cost about $1 per person one way, and got off near Dragon Bay. From there, we hired a boat for $20 per person for our whole family. Luckily, our guide, Captain Kamani, provided snorkeling gear and took us straight to the sculpture park. As a result, we spent the entire morning snorkeling and exploring the sculptures, and several of them quickly became highlights of the experience.
10. Grand Anse Beach
We ran into a friend at Grand Anse Beach, one of Grenada’s most loved spots. This long stretch of white sand runs for over two miles along the southwest coast. The calm, clear water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. So naturally, with views this beautiful, we couldn’t resist flying our drone to capture the scenery from above.
Chocolate Cake With Rum in Grenada
While in Grenada, you should not miss trying the island’s famous chocolate cake with rum. It is a real treat, especially when enjoyed at sunset, as we did. You can find this dessert at many restaurants and cafés across the island. In Eating Out in Grenada: Two Restaurants You’ll Love, we share two great spots that serve local flavors, relaxed vibes, and memorable sunset views.
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