Choosing a Destination: Grenada | caribbean-guide.info

Grenada is small in size, but big on spice. In fact, almost a third of the world's supply of nutmeg comes from these tiny Windward islands hidden near Trinidad and Tobago, east of the Caribbean and just 100 miles from the Venezuelan coast. Here, visitors find spice plantations and rum distilleries still using traditional methods of production.

Three islands - Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique - comprise the nation of Grenada. The beaches of Grenada are covered in both black and sugary white sand, and the islands are anything but flat. Carriacou is hilly, but has no mountains, and Petit Martinique is little more than the tip of a volcanic mountain. For more information on Grenada, visit the CIA World Factbook for Grenada or the Official Website for Grenada.

Grenada: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, but you may still receive change in EC$. The exchange rate is permanently fixed at about EC$2.70 to each US$1 (EC$1 = US$.37).
Electricity	U.S. visitors need both adapters and transformers, as the electrical current is 220/240 volts AC, 50 cycles.
GDP Per Capita	The average household income is $5,000(USD) per year.
Island Size	The country covers about 133 square miles.
Language	English is the official language, and French is also spoken.
Population	The country is home to about 94,200 people, and sees about 123,400 visitors annually, 26 percent of which come from the the U.S.

Getting There

Located just to the east of the Caribbean region, Grenada is easy to reach by plane. Travelers will typically arrive in Grenada via air at Point Salines International Airport. Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada are available, but flights usually stop at Montego Bay (Jamaica) and several other Caribbean airports.

Travelers will generally take a taxi to their hotel. Rates are fixed by the government and are higher between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. A ride from the airport to St. George's should cost approximately $15(USD). Always clarify the price and currency before getting in the car.

Entry Requirements

All visitors, even those traveling from other Caribbean countries, must have a valid passport and an ongoing or return ticket to enter Grenada.

Climate

The dry season runs from January to April, and the rainy season runs from May to December. Although rainfall is frequent (the islands experiences 74 inches of rain annually), showers are usually quick afternoon occurrences. Temperatures range from 74 to 80 in January, and 77 to 83 in July (all in degrees Fahrenheit). Unlike many Caribbean islands, humidity is very low on Grenada.

Geography

Three islands comprise Grenada: Grenada (the largest), Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. The entire interior of Grenada Island makes up Grand Etang National Park, known for its lush vegetation and prolific wildlife.

Health and Safety

To avoid an upset stomach in Grenada, drink bottled water. Street crime is known to occur, and tourists in isolated areas have been subject to armed robberies. To avoid such a situation, stay away from deserted areas and travel in groups. Never carry passports or alien registration cards, as these are frequently stolen to be sold on the black market. Purse-snatchings are common after dark, especially if a woman is alone. Don't carry large amounts of cash, and don't leave valuables unattended. If facing an armed thief, do not attempt to fight or be disagreeable; it's in your best interest to give them what they want.

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