Known for its colorful beaches and aromatic nutmeg, Grenada is a gorgeous island country located in the Caribbean. It’s often overlooked by American vactioners, which is surprising considering its picturesque beaches, lively atmosphere and unique scuba diving experiences. From underwater sculpture parks to delicious chocolate tours, there truly is something for everyone in Grenada!
GETTING THERE
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If you’re visiting from the U.S. (or most other countries), you will need a passport in order to enter Grenada.
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Grenada’s main airport is the Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) in St. George’s.
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While neither Uber or Lyft operate in Grenada, you can rent a car at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. There are also plenty of taxis, but they can get expensive quickly. Public transit is also available in the form of minibuses, but service is limited.
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If you do rent a car, keep in mind you must drive on the left side of the road. You should also exercise caution as many roads are narrow and winding.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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Grenada is a Caribbean country located in North America.
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Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time
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Primary language: English
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Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar. Many establishments will accept the U.S. dollar, but your change will be given in Eastern Caribbean dollars. Credit cards are also readily accepted.
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Phone and internet: Phone service is available from U.S. phone carriers (just be sure to check with your carrier on roaming rates first). Many hotels and restaurants also offer guests WiFi. The international calling code is +1473.
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Voltage: 230 V. This means if you’re traveling from the U.S., you will need a voltage converter (plugs and sockets are type G).
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Hurricane season in Grenada runs from July to November, peaking in August and September.
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There are currently no U.S. travel advisories for Grenada.
Top Dive Shops in this Country
DIVE CONDITIONS
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Water temperature ranges from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Average water visibility is 50 to 100 feet.
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WHEN TO GO
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You can scuba dive in Grenada year round.
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You’re most likely to see marine life in Grenada in March and April. If you’re looking to see Humpback or Pilot Whales, your best bet is visiting in February or March.
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Peak season for tourism in Grenada is from January to April.
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WHAT YOU’LL SEE
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The wide array of marine life found in Grenada is a huge draw for divers. Turtles, dolphins, whales, reef sharks and rays are common in Grenada’s warm, clear waters. Not to mention the abundance of colorful corals and sponges thriving beneath the water’s surface.
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BEST SCUBA DIVING IN GRENADA
THE UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK
Just a 10-minute boat ride from St. George’s, this site is the closest thing you’ll find to an underwater museum. Filled with concrete sculptures made and sunk for the amusement of divers, the Underwater Sculpture Park is a dive you’ll never forget. One of the most iconic sculptures is called “Vicissitudes,” featuring 26 life-size children in a large circle facing out toward divers. While you may come across marine life on your dive, the most reliable life you’ll find are the corals that grow on these pieces of art. The deepest sculpture is found at just 30 feet, making this a great spot for divers of all levels.
MABOUYA WHIRLPOOL SCUBA DIVING
Spa day anyone? The Mabouya Whirlpool in Carriacou boasts bubbling waters akin to a jacuzzi. The bubbles are created by volcanic activity beneath the ocean floor and create curtains of air pockets beneath the water. There’s also a tiny tugboat wreck nearby that divers can explore. The depth of this dive ranges from 25 to 80 feet and the waters are relaxed, making it great for all levels. In addition to the whirlpool, you can expect to see giant lobsters, prickly porcupinefish and spotted moray eels.
PURPLE RAIN SCUBA DIVING
Located near Grand Anse Bay in St. George’s, this pristine reef boasts large schools of purple creole wrasse. When they swim in a doward formation, it looks like “purple rain” descending upon the reef. This colorful show isn’t all the site has to offer. Divers will enjoy gliding alongside trumpetfish, parrotfish, angelfish and turtles. There may even be a nurse shark or two lurking in the shadows. With a maximum depth of 92 feet, visibility of up to 80 feet and little to no current, this spot is a dream for divers of all levels.
BIANCA C SCUBA DIVING
The Bianca C is a wreck dive known as “The Titanic of the Caribbean.” She was a 600-foot cruise liner that caught fire and sunk to the bottom of the Caribbean sea in 1961. Located about a 10-minute boat ride off the southwestern coast of Grenada, divers can expect to see plentiful marine life while visiting this wreck. Eagle rays, nurse sharks, Atlantic spadefish and barracuda make frequent visits to the vessel, delighting divers with their presence. Due to the extreme depth of this dive (165 feet), it’s only suited for advanced divers.
BEST SNORKELING IN GRENADA
MORNE ROUGE BAY
This secluded beach on the southwest coast of Grenada offers clear, calm waters for snorkelers of all levels. Though there won’t be much coral to see, snorkelers can look forward to bright tropical fish darting around them as they swim. This is also a popular place for families with young children, as the warm, relaxed waters are great for little ones!
GRAND ANSE BEACH
Teeming with tropical fish and lobsters, this snorkeling spot is located right near downtown St. George’s. The warm waters and nonexistent current make Grand Anse ideal for novice snorkelers. Additionally, its convenient location makes it easy to grab a bite at one of the many nearby restaurants after your swim!
UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN GRENADA
VISIT MARKET SQUARE
Need a break from the beach? Market Square in downtown St. George’s is a lively spot for shoppers to find handmade crafts, local spices and produce. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Grenada and pick up a few souvenirs along the way.
GO ON A CHOCOLATE TOUR
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one’s for you! Grenada’s history of cocoa production makes it the ideal spot to sample and savor fresh chocolate. From rum and chocolate pairings to cocoa estate tours, there’s no shortage of sweets on the island.
DINE AT THE SAVVY BEACH CABANA
This outdoor cabana provides the perfect haven after a long day in the sun. The ocean views, paired with impeccable Indian and Caribbean cuisine, will make for an Instagram-worthy dinner. Plus, the dishes are farm-to-table, made from the freshest local produce.