Dive Services & Accommodations

Travel to Grenada

Airlines serving Point Salines Internatinal Airport, which is open daily 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

In the UK, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Monarch service Grenada with weekly direct flights. from London's Gatwick Airport.

From the U.S., American Airlines services Grenada with direct flights from Miami and connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico with American Eagle. Delta Air also provides non-stop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Grenada. In addition, Caribbean Airlines also services Grenada with flights to Orlando, New York and Miami..

In Canada, Air Canada Vacations operates a weekly service from Toronto to Grenada during the Winter season (December to April) with easy connections from Halifax, Montreal and Ottawa. Year round, Air Canada operates regularly scheduled flights from Toronto and Montreal to Barbados and Trinidad respectively, with connections into Grenada via LIAT.

LIAT and Caribbean Airlines provide connections into Grenada's Point Salines International Airport, from various Caribbean islands along with connections to International flights from Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad.

Conviasa Airlines provides a twice weekly service from Porlamar, Margarita into Grenada.

Carriacou's Lauriston Airport is serviced by daily flights from Grenada and St. Vincent with SVG Air.


Entry Requirements

A valid passport and return or onward ticket is required for all visitors. However, proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from British, Canadian and US citizens. Please note however that as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, all US travellers must provide a passport to enter or re-enter the US from both vacation and business travel. A visa is not required from citizens of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, most Caribbean countries, most European countries, South Korea, and Japan.

Departure Tax

Persons 13 years of age and older are required to pay EC$50 (approximately US$19.) Departure tax for persons from 5 to 12 years of age is EC$25 (approximately US$9.50.) Children under 5 years are exempted.

Getting Around

Once you've arrived, travelling around is just as easy, with a variety of car rental companies, taxis and buses. In the capital town of St. George's, there are even water taxis who will take you across the Carenage, to the Esplande or even as far as Grand Anse Beach.

Spend some time in Grenada's beautiful sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Daily Ferry services will carry you from Grenada to Carriacou and Petite Martinique and back all in one day. If you're in a hurry travel by air and get there within half an hour, or you can try out your sea legs on the ferry and enjoy the one and a half hour ride up the coast.

Driving

To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's license must be presented at the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage. The cost is EC$30.00. Most car rental firms also issue local permits. There is a network of approximately 650 miles of paved roads and most of the main roads are in good condition. Please note that driving is on the LEFT.

Activities

With its lush and mountainous interior, Grenada, "The Spice of the Caribbean", is being steadily discovered by nature lovers of all types including hikers, mountain bikers, birdwatchers and waterfall buffs. Recreational sports enthusiasts will find the island offers an abundance of activities and facilities to keep them entertained - scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, sailing and cruising. And for those looking to experience the true essence and character of Grenada, sightseeing and historical sites abound as well as unique shops and outstanding cuisine.

Shopping

From exotic spices to duty-free bargains, shopping in Grenada offers something of interest for everyone. Offering a wide assortment of fresh produce, spices and handicrafts, St. George’s market is the center of island life. Souvenir, gift and handicraft shops are also prevalent in the St. George’s district, especially on Young Street and the Carenage. The best buys in Grenada are batik and screen printed textiles, locally made handicraft, leather craft, and wood carvings.

If you like the larger shopping centers, the Grand Anse Shopping Centre and LeMarquis Complex offer shops, clothing stores, restaurants and art galleries. The new Spiceland Mall also has a wide variety of shops and boutiques.

Tax & Tipping

There is an 8% Government Tax at hotels and restaurants. Most also add a 10% service charge. Additional gratuities are at your discretion.

Credit Cards & Currency

Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travellers cheques are accepted everywhere. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar, linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks will exchange EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash, and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 in travellers cheques. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favourable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.

Business Hours

Banking hours in Grenada are usually Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open from 9:00 am. - 7 pm. And there are one or two who are even open on Sundays.

Often when cruise ships are in port, the craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday.

Government offices are generally open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, but closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm for lunch.

Churches

There is a good representation of many of the major religious denominations in most towns and villages including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and Methodists.

Dress

Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in the evenings, elegantly casual attire is appropriate. Bathing suits or mini shorts should not be worn in the streets or stores. Long pants and hiking shoes are recommended for hiking.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts - 50 cycles. Appliances rated at 110 volts (US standard) normally work satisfactorily with a transformer. Most hotels provide dual voltage shaver units, but an adaptor plug is necessary for small appliances.

Language

English is the official language but it is not uncommon to hear a French-African patois spoken.

Medical Facilities

There is a General Hospital in St. George's, a smaller hospital in Mirabeau on the east coast, and one in Carriacou. Clinics and doctors can be found throughout the islands.

Postal Information
The General Post Office is on Lagoon Road by the Port in St. George's. There are sub-post offices in all towns and villages. Post Offices are open 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday; Fridays until 4:30 p.m. Efficient local, regional and international mailing is enhanced by international couriers, Federal Express, DHL and UPS; and the General Post Office has an Express Mail service.

Preservation
The barking of trees and taking of wildlife from the forest and rivers, and corals from the sea is strictly forbidden.

Radio & Television
There are currently four radio stations (AM 535 kHz; AM 1400 kHz / FM90 kHz / FM96.3 kHz; FM 101.7 kHz; FM105.5 kHz) and three television stations. Many hotels have satellite/cable television.