Grenada
Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island,
covered with fragrant spice trees and rare
tropical flowers.
Bordered by
stunning beaches,
and dotted with
picturesque towns,
this verdant island
has long been a
major source of
nutmeg, cloves,
ginger, cinnamon,
and cocoa. The
seductive drifts
through the colourful
Saturday markets and Grenada's dense
forests. In the interior of this volcanic island
are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush
rainforests, and one of the most
breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes
imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is
widely held to be the loveliest city in the
Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is
surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside
warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of
traditional shops and homes.
Grenada's physical beauty is
complemented by its rich history and
vibrant, living cultural heritage. Local
festivals, fairs, and markets remain an
integral part of life on Grenada. Its
centuries-old spice plantations and rum
distilleries still use traditional methods,
emphasizing quality rather than quantity.
Although the tourist industry has become
more substantial in recent years, the
island's easy rhythms and the friendly
openness of its residents evoke an
atmosphere that has long since vanished
elsewhere.
For many visitors,
of course, the
measure of any
island is taken by
its beaches and
coral reefs, and
Grenada offers
plenty of both.
The island is
ringed with miles
of picture-perfect
strands, including
both entrancing
black and sugar-fine white sand beaches.
Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse
stretching for two miles around the curve of
a gentle bay, is world famous. Grenada has
plenty to offer those interested in offshore
pleasure as well, with easily accessible
and pristine reefs off the coast of both
Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou.
Geography
This small nation consists of three islands:
Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique.
Grenada is by far the largest of the three,
with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a
length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133
sq. miles (440 sq. km.) are mountainous,
volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over
2,750 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This
topography provides Grenada with one of
the loveliest and most varied environments
in the Caribbean, including crater lakes as
well as a startling variety of plant and
animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount
St. Catherine descend to the montane
rainforests of middle altitudes, which give
way in turn to the dry forests of the
lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to
stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and exquisite coral
reefs.
Grenada's smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous.
With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It
possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as offering
excellent views out over the northern Grenadine islands. Petite
Martinique, the third and by far the smallest island in the state, consists
of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It
is only now being developed for visitors.
Location
The three islands of Grenada are located in the Eastern Caribbean at the
southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of
Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines; to the south
Trinidad and Tobago.
Climate
Average temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by the
steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between
November and February. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography,
the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The
driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy
season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a
time and generally not every day.
People
Grenada's population numbers about 93,000, comprising citizens of
African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the
population, about 75%, is of African descent.
Animals
Importation of animals is prohibited without an Import Permit. Proper health
documents must be produced and the Government Veterinary Officer must be
notified of the port of entry and the expected time of arrival.
Business Hours
Banks: 8am-3pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am-5pm on Friday.
Shops: 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-1pm on Saturday. (Some
shops close between 12 noon and 1pm.)
Government offices: 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Camping
Camping is allowed in Grand Etang National Park in Grenada, and on school
and church grounds in Carriacou.
Churches
There is a good representation of all the major religious denominations in
most towns and villages: Roman Catholic, Christian Scientist, Presbyterian,
Methodist, Islam, Scots Kirk, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses,
Salvation Army, Church of Christ, and Mennonite.
Clothing
Casual, light cottons are ideal during the day; in the evenings, semi-formal
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.
Credit Cards & Currency
Major credit cards are accepted by some 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.
Driving
To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's licence 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.
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.
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. A visa is not required from citizens of the US,
Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean countries (except Cuba),
most European countries, South Korea, and Japan.
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
Efficient local and regional mailing is enhanced by couriers. The
General Post Office is on the Lagoon Road by the Port in St.
George's. There are sub-post offices in all towns and villages. Post
Offices are open 8am-3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Preservation
The barking of trees and taking of wildlife from the forest and rivers, and corals
from the sea are 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.
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.
Telecommunications
International Direct Dialing is available from most hotel rooms; calls are on a
per minute minimum basis, plus a 10% government tax. The area code for
Grenada is 473. Boatphone, a mobile cellular phone service (USA AMPS), is
available for land and marine use. Many charter yachts have Boatphone on
board. Coin and Card phone services are available for both local and overseas
calls. Prepaid cards can be purchased at Grentel offices and agents, and the
cruise department of the Grenada Board of Tourism.
Time Zone
Grenada is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern
Standard Time and four hours behind GMT.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink; bottled water is available.
Work Permits
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour, Young Street, St.
George's. For information, call (473) 440-3080.
