Grenada Cruise Guide

Known as the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, Grenada is a lush, mountainous, volcanic island cloaked with rare tropical flowers and fragrant spice trees. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger and cocoa grow prolifically on the steep slopes. Rivers and waterfalls cascade through the dense rainforest.

The island is ringed with sugar sand beaches, waving palm trees, picturesque coves, offshore reefs teeming with tropical fish, and dotted with charming towns, old spice plantations and rum distilleries. The seductive island rhythm lures cruise ships to the Port of St. George's, a city of rainbow coloured buildings with red-tiled roofs, local festivals, fairs and street markets.

Sightseeing

Miles of volcanic black or white sugar sand beaches, coral reefs, gently curving bays and lush rainforests set Grenada apart as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The adventurous can try sailing, scuba-diving, kayaking and biking, or tubing the rushing rivers high in the rainforest. Waterfalls and tropical gardens abound inland.

Explore forts from Grenada's colourful past, when France and England took turns to route out the fierce cannibalistic Carib Indians. Buy handicrafts from local markets, or soak up the island rhythm at one of the many annual festivals. The true pace of life in the tropics can be found on a white sandy beach, listening to the gentle surf and warm breezes blowing through waving palm fronds.

Highlights

• Spice Estate
• Rum distillery tours
• Grand Etang Forest Reserve
• Fort George Annandale Waterfall

Tourist Information

Grenada Board of Tourism
Burns Point, P.O. Box 293, St. George's, Grenada
Tel: + 473 440 2279.
Website: www.grenadagrenadines.com

Shopping

Special purchases include leather crafts, jewellery, spices, straw goods and batik (printed cotton and other fabrics). There are a number of duty-free shops selling quality goods from all over the world. A craft and spice market is open close to the Grand Anse Beach. Don't forget a bottle of Caribbean rum and some locally made jam.

Eating Out

The Caribbean is famous for spicy dishes, exotic fruits and fresh seafood. Spanish, French, Indian and African influences have resulted in a mixture of tantalising tastes, conch being a favourite.

When To Go

The dry season runs from January to May. The rainy season runs from June to December. The average temperature is 28°C (82°F).

Transfer Times

Key Facts

Region

Grenada

Time Zone

GMT - 4.

Currency

East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) = 100 cents.

Language

English. French African patois is also spoken by some of the population.

Location

The most southerly of the Caribbean's Windward Islands, north of Trinidad and Tobago, extending 34 km (21 miles) long and 19 km (12 miles) wide.

Population

90,343.

Government

Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

Religion

Majority Roman Catholic and Anglican with some other smaller Protestant denominations and Rastafarian.

Social Conventions

Local culture reflects the island's history of British and French colonial rule, with Roman Catholic Church influence. A majority of the population is descended from African slaves. Locals are friendly and courteous. Dress is informal but beachwear is not welcome in town.

Tipping:
A 10% service charge is added by most hotels and restaurants. If no charge is added, it is customary to leave a 10% tip. There is also an 8% government tax to pay at hotels and restaurants.
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