St. George's Port Guide

Grenada — The Caribbean's Spice Island
Peak Season
Dec - April
(Dry Season)
Weather
76-88°F
Year-round
Budget
$5-80pp
Per activity
WiFi
Terminal: Free
Town: Variable

Island Orientation

Understanding Grenada's Geography

The Island: 21 miles long (N-S), 12 miles wide (E-W)
Key Insight: Volcanic, mountainous interior with lush rainforest. West coast = calm Caribbean (port, beaches). East coast = wild Atlantic. Town is very hilly—limited mobility = taxi recommended.

Where You'll Dock

  • Melville St. Terminal: Main pier, walkable to town
  • The Carenage: Inner harbor, smaller ships
  • Anchor/Tender: Overflow on busy days (3+ ships)

Main Zones

  • St. George's: Capital - forts, market, dining
  • Grand Anse: Famous 2-mile beach, 15min south
  • Interior: Grand Etang, waterfalls, spice estates
  • Molinere Bay: Underwater Sculpture Park

Top 6 Destinations

Grand Anse Beach

Grenada's crown jewel: 2-mile crescent of powder-white sand with calm turquoise water. Beach bars, chair/umbrella rentals ($15 for 2), kayak and snorkel gear available. Never feels overcrowded despite popularity. Water taxi from port is fastest and most scenic route.

Cost
Free + rentals
Transport
Water taxi $10pp RT
Time
3-6 hours

Underwater Sculpture Park

National Geographic "Top 25 Wonders of the World." 75 sculptures at 16-26ft depth in Molinere Bay. Snorkel tours from Grand Anse dive shops ($60pp) beat ship excursion pricing ($100+). Glass-bottom boat option for non-swimmers ($45pp). MPA fee $3.50 cash (price increase to $7.00 October '26).

Cost
$45-65pp
Transport
Boat tour
Time
3-4 hours

Grand Etang National Park

Volcanic crater lake at 1,800ft elevation surrounded by rainforest. Spot wild Mona monkeys (bring bananas). Visitor center with exhibits. Seven Sisters Falls hike (20-30min trail) nearby. Roads are steep and winding—go with a driver.

Cost
$2-3 entry
Transport
Taxi $40-50 RT
Time
2-3 hours

Fort George & The Carenage

Walk from pier through Sendall Tunnel (1894) to Grenada's most picturesque harbor. Fort George (1710) crowns the hill above—steep climb but panoramic harbor and coast views. Stop at Market Square for fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, and spice necklaces.

Cost
$2 fort entry
Transport
Walk from pier
Time
1-2 hours

Annandale Falls

30ft waterfall cascading into a swimmable turquoise pool, surrounded by tropical flowers and vines. Easy 5-minute walk from parking area—Grenada's most accessible waterfall. Local cliff divers often perform. Bring water shoes and insect repellent.

Cost
$2-5 entry
Transport
20min taxi
Time
1-2 hours

Clarke's Court Rum Distillery

Grenada's largest and oldest distillery (since 1937). Guided factory tour shows traditional distillation from sugarcane to bottle. Tasting room pours 20+ rums including award-winning Old Grog. Purchase bottles on-site at local prices. Weekdays only.

Cost
$5 tour + $5 tasting
Transport
20min taxi
Time
1-2 hours

Critical Warnings

Logistical Anomalies & Infrastructure

  • Most ships DOCK at Melville St. pier
  • 3+ ships in port = overflow ships TENDER to Carenage
  • Pier fits 2 mega ships + 1 medium simultaneously
  • Seabed dredged to 10.5m—handles largest vessels
  • Sendall Tunnel links pier side to Carenage (no sidewalk—walk facing traffic, LEFT side)

Terrain & Mobility

  • St. George's is VERY hilly
  • Sidewalks uneven, gaps, steep drops
  • NOT wheelchair/scooter accessible
  • Driving is on the LEFT (British style)
  • Rental cars require local permit from agency

Transport Tips

  • Taxis have government-regulated rate cards
  • Confirm fare BEFORE getting in
  • Water taxi to Grand Anse: $10pp RT (best deal)
  • Minibus #1 to Grand Anse: EC$2.50 (~$1 USD)
  • Bus terminal 3-min walk from cruise pier

Spice Island Essentials

  • Currency: EC$ (USD widely accepted)
  • Change given in EC$—know the rate (~2.70:1)
  • Tap water is safe to drink
  • Very safe for tourists
  • English spoken everywhere (British Commonwealth)

Getting Back to Your Ship: The Work-Backwards Method

Golden Rule: Never plan to arrive "at the pier" at all-aboard time. Plan to be back in your cabin. Your ship's all-aboard time is the LAST moment you can board—not when you should arrive.

Step-by-Step Calculation Example:
  1. All-aboard time: 4:30pm
  2. Subtract security (15-30min): 4:00pm
  3. Subtract travel time (Grand Anse = 15min water taxi): 3:45pm
  4. Add safety buffer (30min): 3:15pm

RESULT: Leave Grand Anse Beach by 3:15pm

Add Extra Buffer If:

  • First time in port (+30min)
  • Ship tendering vs docked (+45min)
  • Returning from interior/Grand Etang (+30min)
  • Multi-ship day (tender line delays)

Typical Travel Times:

  • Downtown → Pier: 5-10min walk
  • Grand Anse → Pier: 15min water taxi
  • Annandale Falls → Pier: 20-25min
  • Grand Etang → Pier: 35-45min
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