Key takeaways
Grenada is the southernmost of the Windward Islands, a sovereign island nation in the Eastern Caribbean famous as the Spice Isle: the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, with cinnamon, cloves and cocoa perfuming the air from its terraced rainforest interior. Saint George's is regularly voted the most beautiful harbour town in the Caribbean. Grand Anse Beach is one of the Caribbean's finest. Flow (Cable and Wireless) is the primary mobile network with the widest coverage across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. A Roamix Grenada eSIM activates before you fly and connects to Flow on landing at Maurice Bishop International Airport.
- Flow (Cable and Wireless) is the primary network in Grenada with the best coverage across the main island, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Choose Flow for any island-hopping itinerary.
- A Roamix eSIM activates before departure and connects to Flow on landing at Maurice Bishop International Airport, saving you from the local SIM-card process on arrival.
- Grenada is three islands: Grenada (the main island), Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Inter-island travel is by small aircraft (to Lauriston Airport on Carriacou) or ferry.
- Grand Anse Beach, the 3-kilometre crescent immediately south of Saint George's, is the benchmark Caribbean beach. Most resorts and dive shops cluster here.
- The East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the currency, shared across multiple Eastern Caribbean states. US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs in Saint George's dispense XCD.
Best way to get data in Grenada
A Roamix Grenada eSIM on Flow is the most practical choice for visiting the Spice Isle. It works the moment you land, covers the main island and Carriacou, and costs a fraction of international roaming rates. Get yours at roamix.app before you fly.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most visitors to Grenada, particularly those island-hopping to Carriacou or exploring beyond the hotel strip | Activates before departure, connects to Flow 4G automatically on landing. No SIM swap, no registration. Best choice for convenience and islandwide coverage. |
| Flow physical SIM | Best for: Budget travellers or those on extended stays wanting the lowest-cost local data rates | Flow SIM cards are sold at the Flow store in Grand Anse Shopping Centre and at the airport. Requires passport. Local data bundles are affordable. |
| Resort or hotel Wi-Fi | Best for: Evening use at your accommodation | Adequate in Grand Anse resorts. Less reliable in smaller guesthouses and the north coast. Not suitable as primary connectivity. |
| International roaming from home carrier | Best for: Very short business trips only | International roaming rates in Grenada from North American and European carriers are expensive. A Roamix eSIM or local SIM is far more cost-effective for any stay longer than a day. |
Resort and hotel Wi-Fi in Grenada's Grand Anse corridor is generally reliable for messaging and social media. Boutique guesthouses in Saint George's and the north may have slower connections. Beach bars and restaurants along Grand Anse typically have Wi-Fi passwords available. Flow 4G on a Roamix eSIM is faster and more consistent than most hotel Wi-Fi in practice.
How much data you need
Grenada's small size means you are rarely far from Flow 4G coverage. The main data prep is downloading interior hike maps and caching dive site briefings before heading offshore or into the rainforest above Grand Etang.
4 GB
Beach holiday at Grand Anse (one week)
A Grand Anse holiday is mostly beach, restaurant and resort. 4 GB covers daily navigation, social media, WhatsApp bookings and light streaming.
7 GB
Island explorer (Grenada plus Carriacou)
Adding Carriacou, interior hikes, diving and restaurant research across both islands increases usage. 7 GB provides a comfortable buffer for all activities.
10 GB
Sailing or yacht charter based in Grenada
Sailing itineraries use data for weather routing apps (PredictWind, Windfinder), VHF channel lookups, marina reservations in the Grenadines and communications while at sea. 10 GB is recommended for a week afloat.
Data per hour, by activity
- Navigation around Saint George's and Grand Anse
- 20 to 50 MB per day
- WhatsApp messaging with taxi drivers and tour operators
- 30 to 100 MB per day
- Instagram and social media from Grand Anse Beach
- 100 to 300 MB per day
- Booking a spice estate tour or dive trip online
- 10 to 30 MB per session
- Checking NOAA hurricane and weather forecasts
- 5 to 15 MB per session
Download the Grand Etang National Park trail map and the Concord Falls hiking route offline before leaving Saint George's or Grand Anse, where coverage is strongest.
How to set up a Grenada eSIM
Install and activate your Roamix Grenada eSIM before leaving home. Your eSIM will connect to Flow automatically on arrival at Maurice Bishop International Airport, Grenada's main gateway.
- 1
Purchase a Roamix Grenada eSIM plan at roamix.app and receive the QR code by email.
- 2
Go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code.
- 3
Set the Roamix eSIM as your data line; keep your home SIM for calls and texts if needed.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix eSIM line in your cellular settings.
- 5
On landing at Maurice Bishop International Airport your eSIM connects to Flow 4G automatically.
All recent eSIM-compatible devices work in Grenada. iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel 4 and newer are all compatible with Flow 4G LTE in Grenada.
APN is configured automatically by the Roamix profile. If data does not connect after landing, check Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Network and confirm the APN matches the value in your Roamix activation email.
If your eSIM does not connect, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network search. If still no signal, go to Settings, Carrier and manually select Flow. Contact Roamix support via in-app chat for rapid assistance.
Visa and entry for Grenada
Grenada is an independent sovereign nation and member of the Commonwealth. Citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, EU countries and most Western nations can enter Grenada visa-free for stays up to 90 days. No advance visa or ETA is required. A valid passport, onward or return ticket and proof of accommodation are standard requirements at immigration.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- No e-visa or ETA required for most Western nationalities. Entry is visa-free on arrival for eligible passport holders. Check the Grenada Government website for your specific nationality.
- Passport validity
- Passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Two blank pages are required.
- Onward ticket
- A return or onward ticket is required. Immigration officers at Maurice Bishop International Airport do check.
Download your hotel booking confirmation and return flight details offline before departure. Immigration at Maurice Bishop International Airport is efficient but a working data connection for showing hotel confirmations on your phone is useful.
Entry requirements can change. Verify current requirements at the Grenada Board of Tourism or Grenada Government website before travel.
When you land in Grenada
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How people message here
WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform across Grenada for both locals and businesses. Taxi drivers, guesthouses, dive shops and tour operators all communicate via WhatsApp. Facebook is widely used for community announcements. SMS is less common among younger Grenadians.
Do you need a local number?
You do not need a local Grenada phone number for most visits. A Roamix eSIM provides data-based WhatsApp calls and messaging, which is how most tourist-facing businesses prefer to communicate.
Save the WhatsApp number of your accommodation and taxi driver before landing. Most Grenada businesses list a WhatsApp number rather than a traditional phone line on their websites.
Airports in Grenada
GND
Maurice Bishop International Airport
Point Salines, Saint George's
Free Wi-Fi available in the main terminal. Speeds are adequate for messaging and checking email.
Activate your Roamix Grenada eSIM before departure for instant Flow 4G on landing. Taxis from the airport to Grand Anse Beach are on the left as you exit the arrivals hall and accept bookings via WhatsApp in advance.
CRU
Lauriston Airport
Hillsborough, Carriacou
Very small terminal with no reliable public Wi-Fi. Flow mobile data is the standard for this terminal.
SVG Air and Avia Air fly Grenada to Carriacou in about 15 minutes. Flow 4G covers Hillsborough. Cache your Carriacou accommodation and Sandy Island snorkel tour contact before flying from Grenada.
GND
Point Salines Airstrip (General Aviation)
Point Salines
General aviation facility co-located with the international airport. No separate public facilities.
Charter and light aircraft serve remote yacht anchorages and charters around Grenada and the Grenadines from Point Salines. Use Roamix data to confirm charter bookings and weather windows.
CIW
Canouan Airport
Canouan, St Vincent and the Grenadines
Small regional airport serving the upper Grenadines chain. Basic terminal facilities.
Canouan and Union Island are commonly included in southern Grenadines sailing and island-hopping itineraries that originate in Grenada. Check your Roamix plan covers SVG if extending your trip north.
Apps and internet access in Grenada
Grenada has a fully open internet. All apps including WhatsApp, Google, Instagram, FaceTime and YouTube work normally on a Roamix eSIM without any restrictions.
Grenada has no internet censorship or app blocks. All mainstream messaging, social media and streaming apps work freely.
WhatsApp, works
Works fully. Primary messaging platform for Grenadians and businesses.
Google Maps, works
Works fully. Cache offline maps for the interior, Gouyave fish festival area and Carriacou.
FaceTime, works
Works fully over 4G and resort Wi-Fi.
Instagram, works
Works fully. Grand Anse sunset content is reliable social media gold.
Tripadvisor, works
Useful for restaurant and activity reviews in Saint George's and Grand Anse.
Uber, blocked
Uber does not operate in Grenada. Use local registered taxis, which are widely available and have fixed route rates.
Dive.site, works
Dive site reference app useful for Grenada's wreck dives including the Bianca C.
Getting around Grenada
Grenada drives on the left. The main island is small enough that all sights are within an hour or two of Grand Anse by car or taxi. Minibuses are the local public transport between towns; taxis with fixed route rates are the tourist standard. Driving yourself is possible with a temporary Grenada driving permit (obtained at the airport or police stations). Ferries connect to Carriacou.
Registered taxis
Fixed-rate taxis operate from Maurice Bishop Airport and Grand Anse. Contact taxi drivers via WhatsApp using Roamix data to arrange airport pickups, day tours and inter-parish transfers.
Rental car (left-hand drive, left-hand traffic)
Car rental from agencies at the airport provides maximum freedom to explore the interior and north coast. Google Maps works well in Grenada; cache the island offline map before picking up your rental.
Osprey ferry to Carriacou
Osprey Lines operates a fast ferry from the Carenage in Saint George's to Hillsborough, Carriacou (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). Limited signal on the crossing. Download Carriacou maps and booking confirmations before boarding.
SVG Air and Avia Air (inter-island flights)
Short-hop flights from Maurice Bishop International to Lauriston Airport, Carriacou (15 minutes). Book online or by WhatsApp. Check in using your phone booking confirmation.
Taxis use fixed route rates from the airport; confirm the rate before getting in. For the interior, north coast and Gouyave, hire a registered taxi driver for a day tour (USD 120 to 150 for a full-island tour). Minibuses run between Saint George's and main towns but are infrequent and not signposted for tourists.
Money and payments in Grenada
The East Caribbean dollar (XCD) is the official currency, shared across eight Eastern Caribbean states. The XCD is pegged to the USD at a fixed rate of 2.70 XCD to 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted alongside XCD. Euros and other currencies are not generally accepted.
- Cards and cash
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most Grand Anse hotels, restaurants and the airport. Cash is essential for local markets, street food, minibuses, smaller guesthouses and vendors on Carriacou. Carry a mix of XCD and USD.
- ATMs
- ScotiaBank and Republic Bank ATMs in Saint George's and Grand Anse dispense XCD reliably. Check your card's foreign ATM fee before withdrawing. ATM availability on Carriacou is limited to one or two machines in Hillsborough; withdraw enough cash on Grenada before the ferry.
- Payment apps
- Mobile payment apps are not widely established in Grenada compared to North American or European markets. Cash and card remain the dominant payment methods. Some larger hotels accept Apple Pay at contactless terminals.
- Tipping
- Tipping is customary in Grenada. Restaurants typically add a 10 percent service charge; if not, 10 to 15 percent is appreciated. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up fares. Hotel housekeeping USD 2 to 5 per day. Tour guides at spice estates and national parks expect USD 5 to 10 for a half-day tour.
Daily budget
Budget travellers staying in guesthouses and eating at local fish fries can manage USD 60 to 100 per day. Mid-range visitors at Grand Anse hotels with restaurant meals should budget USD 150 to 250 per day. High-end resorts (Spice Island Beach Resort, Calabash) run USD 400 to 1,000 per night.
Local tips for Grenada
- Language
- English is the official language of Grenada. Grenadian Creole, a French-influenced English Creole, is spoken informally among locals. Most Grenadians switch easily to standard English with visitors. Place names in Grenada frequently reflect French colonial history despite the country being English-speaking.
- Food
- Grenadian cuisine centres on spice. Oil Down, the national dish, is a one-pot stew of breadfruit, callaloo, salt meat and coconut milk with local spices. Lambi (conch) curries, Creole fish stews and fresh lobster are staples. Gouyave Friday Night Fish Fry is the unmissable food experience: the town closes the road and serves fried fish, bakes and rum punch to hundreds of visitors every Friday. Pure Grenada Chocolate (Belmont Estate chocolate) is internationally acclaimed.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type G plugs
Apps worth having
WhatsApp
Communication
The standard communication channel for all Grenada taxi drivers, tour operators, guesthouses and dive shops. Book everything through WhatsApp.
Google Maps
Navigation
Works well across Grenada with offline capability. Cache the island and Carriacou maps before exploring beyond the Grand Anse corridor.
PredictWind
Weather
Essential for sailors and anyone doing open-water activities in Grenada. Provides detailed wind, wave and swell forecasts for the Eastern Caribbean.
Safety and health in Grenada
Grenada is one of the safer islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, though petty theft can occur on beaches (do not leave valuables unattended on Grand Anse). Saint George's Market Square and the Carenage area are busy but generally safe. Exercise normal urban caution, particularly after dark in unfamiliar areas.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active throughout your stay in Grenada, particularly when driving the winding mountain roads to Grand Etang or the north coast. The roads are narrow and a working data connection is essential for navigation and for reaching emergency services if needed.
- Health
- Standard vaccinations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid and routine vaccines are recommended. No malaria risk in Grenada. The main hospital is General Hospital in Saint George's. Medical facilities are adequate for routine care; serious cases may require medical evacuation to Barbados or Trinidad.
- Tap water
- Tap water in Grenada is generally safe to drink in Saint George's and Grand Anse. In rural areas and smaller guesthouses, bottled water is recommended. Bottled water (Cariibe brand) is widely available.
Networks and coverage in Grenada
Grenada has two mobile operators: Flow (part of the Cable and Wireless family, now Liberty Latin America) and Digicel. Flow is the primary operator with the widest geographic coverage across Grenada and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Both operators offer 4G LTE. Flow is the recommended choice for visitors exploring beyond Saint George's and Grand Anse, especially for the Carriacou ferry corridor and northern parishes. A Roamix Grenada eSIM connects to Flow for reliable islandwide coverage.
Flow (Cable and Wireless)
Market leader in Grenada with 4G coverage across the main island, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The best choice for travel to northern parishes, the interior rainforest and inter-island ferry routes. Strong signal at Maurice Bishop International Airport.
Digicel
Competitive alternative in Saint George's, Grand Anse and the main tourist corridor. Good 4G speeds in the capital and beach areas. Coverage thins in remote northern and interior areas compared to Flow.
- Typical speeds
- Flow 4G in Saint George's and Grand Anse delivers 20 to 80 Mbps. In Gouyave, Sauteurs and northern Grenada expect 10 to 40 Mbps. Smaller communities may see slower 4G or 3G speeds.
- 5G
- 5G has not been deployed in Grenada. Both Flow and Digicel offer 4G LTE as the fastest available technology.
Flow SIM cards are available at the Flow store in Grand Anse Shopping Centre or at the airport. A Roamix eSIM activated before departure is more convenient and saves you a stop in town on arrival. If diving at Grand Anse, take photos of your underwater maps and dive site briefings with a working data connection before descending.
Coverage in the interior rainforest above 500 metres, on remote northern coastal tracks and on the open sea between Grenada and Carriacou can be intermittent. Grand Etang National Park has 4G at the visitor centre but signal degrades on deeper trail routes. Cache offline maps before any interior hike. Grenada uses standard Caribbean LTE bands. Modern unlocked smartphones including iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices are all compatible. The network uses 230V/50Hz power with Type G UK-style sockets.
Where to go in Grenada
Grenada's landscape defies the typical flat Caribbean island: the main island is dramatically mountainous, rising to 840 metres at Mount Saint Catherine, with forested valleys spiced by nutmeg, cinnamon and clove plantations. Saint George's horseshoe harbour is one of the most photographed in the Caribbean. Grand Anse and Morne Rouge are world-class beaches. The interior holds Grand Etang crater lake and numerous waterfall hikes. Offshore, Grenada's reefs and the wreck of the Bianca C (the Caribbean's Titanic) draw divers from around the world.
Best time to visit
The dry season from January to May is the most comfortable, with sunshine, lower humidity and gentle breezes. February to April is peak season. The rainy season from June to November brings lush green scenery and off-peak rates; most rain falls in heavy afternoon showers. The Atlantic hurricane season peaks from August to October; check NOAA storm forecasts if travelling in this window.
Saint George's and the Capital Parish
The capital and most scenic part of Grenada. Saint George's inner careenage and outer harbour form a perfect horseshoe, flanked by Georgian-era warehouses on the Carenage waterfront and fortifications on the hills. Fort George and Fort Frederick provide panoramic views. The Saturday produce market and the Fish Market are essential Grenadian experiences.
- The Carenage Waterfront
- Fort George
- Saint George's Market Square
- Grenada National Museum
- Fort Frederick
Excellent Flow and Digicel 4G throughout Saint George's. The Carenage, Market Square and Grand Anse are all well covered.
Grand Anse and the South Coast
The south coast corridor from Saint George's to Point Salines is the tourist heart of Grenada. Grand Anse Beach stretches for 3 kilometres of white sand and calm Caribbean waters. The Grand Anse Shopping Centre, dive shops, restaurants and the majority of Grenada's hotels cluster here. Maurice Bishop International Airport is at the southern tip.
- Grand Anse Beach
- Morne Rouge Beach (BBC Beach)
- Magazine Beach
- Grenada's dive sites (wreck of the Bianca C)
- Grand Anse Shopping Centre
Strong Flow and Digicel 4G throughout Grand Anse and the south coast hotel strip. Best 4G speeds on the island.
Saint Andrew's Parish and the East Coast
The eastern coast of Grenada faces the Atlantic and has a wilder, less-touristed character. The town of Grenville is the main east-coast market centre. The nearby Marquis Falls and the River Antoine Rum Distillery (the oldest working water-powered distillery in the Western Hemisphere) are highlights. Nutmeg processing estates are widespread in this parish.
- River Antoine Rum Distillery
- Marquis Falls
- La Sagesse Beach
- Grenville Saturday Market
- Nutmeg Estates near Grenville
Flow 4G in Grenville town and main roads. More remote eastern beaches and plantation tracks have weaker signal. Cache maps before exploring.
Saint Mark's and Gouyave (North)
The northern parishes are the nutmeg heartland of Grenada. Gouyave is the main nutmeg processing town and home to the famous Friday Night Fish Fry, where the entire town shuts down for an outdoor street party of fried fish, rum and live music. Sauteurs in the northeast is notable for Leapers Hill, where the last indigenous Carib population jumped to their deaths rather than surrender to French colonisers.
- Gouyave Friday Night Fish Fry
- Nutmeg Processing Station Gouyave
- Leapers Hill Sauteurs
- Belvidere Estate nutmeg tour
- Victoria town waterfront
Flow 4G in Gouyave and Sauteurs towns. The coastal road between has good signal. Interior plantation tracks may drop to 3G.
Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Grenada's two sister islands to the north offer a different pace: smaller, quieter and more authentically Caribbean. Carriacou (the larger, reached by ferry from Grenada or by Air Grenada to Lauriston Airport) has Hillsborough as its small capital, superb offshore snorkelling at Sandy Island, a traditional wooden boatbuilding industry and the vibrant Carriacou Carnival and Parang Festival. Petite Martinique is tiny and principally a fishing community.
- Sandy Island Carriacou snorkelling
- Hillsborough Market
- Tyrrel Bay anchorage
- Anse La Roche Beach
- Traditional wooden boatbuilding yards
Flow 4G covers Hillsborough and most of Carriacou. Signal on the inter-island ferry crossing and in remote parts of Petite Martinique may be intermittent.
Off the beaten path
The 180-metre Italian ocean liner Bianca C sank in 1961 and rests at 45 to 55 metres depth near Saint George's. Known as the Titanic of the Caribbean, it is one of the top wreck dives in the world. Advanced divers only due to depth; teeming with marine life.
Signal: No mobile signal underwater or at sea. Brief your dive with downloaded dive site maps in Grand Anse before boarding the dive boat.
A volcanic crater lake at 530 metres altitude surrounded by montane rainforest, with hiking trails to waterfalls, cloud forest and dramatic views. Home to the Mona monkey, introduced from West Africa, and the stunning Seven Sisters Waterfalls trail.
Signal: Flow 4G at the visitor centre. Trail signal degrades above 500 metres. Cache the hiking trail maps offline before leaving the visitor centre.
Every Friday night from around 9pm, the main street of Gouyave is closed to traffic and lined with stalls selling fried fish, bakes, Creole specialties and rum punch. The entire town becomes a street party. Grenadians and tourists mingle for what is simply the best food night in the Caribbean.
Signal: Flow 4G in Gouyave town. Signal in the main fish fry street is consistent enough for photos and messaging.
The oldest continuously operating water-powered rum distillery in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1785. The massive water wheel still powers the sugar cane crushing process. River Antoine rums (including the legendary 69 percent overproof) are sold exclusively in Grenada. A living museum of Caribbean agricultural heritage.
Signal: Flow 3G to 4G on the north coast road near the distillery. Limited indoor signal in the distillery building.
Three-tiered waterfalls accessible via a guided or self-guided hike through nutmeg and banana plantations. The first falls are accessible by car; the upper Fontainbleu Falls require a 2-kilometre hike. A quintessential Grenada interior experience combining waterfall swimming with spice plantation scenery.
Signal: Flow 4G at the car park. Signal on the trail to the upper falls becomes intermittent. Download the trail map offline.
A tiny uninhabited sandbar surrounded by pristine clear water and coral reefs just off Hillsborough, Carriacou. Accessible by water taxi in 10 minutes. Widely regarded as one of the Caribbean's best snorkelling spots with healthy coral gardens and abundant fish. Utterly undeveloped.
Signal: No mobile signal on Sandy Island itself (uninhabited sandbar). Flow 4G in Hillsborough on Carriacou. Download your day's plans and return ferry time before the water-taxi ride from Hillsborough.
Belmont Estate is a working organic cocoa and spice plantation in the north of Grenada producing award-winning single-origin chocolate under the Pure Grenada Chocolate brand. Tours cover the full chocolate-making process from bean to bar, set in a 17th-century plantation estate with stunning views over the Caribbean.
Signal: Flow 3G to 4G at the estate. The north coast road to Belmont has consistent mobile signal.
The most remote and undeveloped beach on Grenada's main island, flanked by mangrove lagoons and Levera National Park. Between March and August, leatherback sea turtles come ashore at night to nest. Guided turtle watching tours operate from local communities during nesting season.
Signal: Limited Flow 3G signal at Levera Beach. Download the national park map and leatherback turtle nesting information before the drive north.
A protected mangrove estuary, bird sanctuary and a quiet beach on Grenada's south-east coast, about 30 minutes from Grand Anse. La Sagesse is a serene alternative to the busier Grand Anse corridor, popular for birdwatching, kayaking, yoga retreats and a peaceful lunch at the clifftop restaurant.
Signal: Flow 4G on the south-east coast road to La Sagesse. Signal at the beach itself is adequate for messaging.
One of the finest natural anchorages in the Eastern Caribbean, Tyrrel Bay on the south-west coast of Carriacou is a gathering point for yachts transiting the Grenadines. An eclectic mix of waterfront bars, chandleries, fresh provision stalls and the cheerful Carriacou atmosphere. The annual Carriacou Regatta draws yachts from across the region.
Signal: Flow 4G in Tyrrel Bay. The bay is a major Caribbean sailing hub with consistent mobile coverage for boat communications.
Events and seasons in Grenada
January
Grenada Sailing Festival
Saint George's Harbour and Grand Anse
One of the Eastern Caribbean's premier sailing events, drawing superyachts, racing yachts and cruising boats to Grenada for a week of racing, beach parties and social events. Held in January at the start of the Caribbean sailing season.
February (traditional pre-Lent timing)
Carriacou Carnival
Hillsborough, Carriacou
Carriacou Carnival is considered by many to be the most authentic and culturally rich carnival in the entire Caribbean. Held at the traditional pre-Lent time, it features the unique Shakespearean Mas (rival gangs challenging each other with recitations from Shakespeare), masquerade bands and the Wild Indian costume tradition. Far more intimate than Trinidadian carnival.
February 7
Grenada Independence Day
National Stadium, Saint George's
Grenada's Independence Day, February 7, marks independence from Britain in 1974. National celebrations include a formal parade at the National Stadium in Saint George's, cultural performances, school displays and a military parade. Public holiday; most businesses close.
March to August
Leatherback Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Levera Beach, Saint Patrick's
Leatherback sea turtles, the largest reptiles on Earth at up to 900 kilograms, come ashore at night to nest at Levera Beach in northern Grenada between March and August. Community-based guided turtle watches operate from the Levera area with local rangers, offering an extraordinary and responsible wildlife experience.
May
Grenada Chocolate Festival
Various locations across Grenada
A week-long celebration of Grenada's world-class single-origin chocolate, centred on the cocoa estates of the north and the Belmont Estate. Events include farm tours, chocolate tastings, chef demonstrations and the Cacao Run (a 5K run through cocoa plantations). Organised in collaboration with Grenada's artisan chocolate producers.
July
Grenada Dive Fest
Grand Anse and Saint George's dive sites
Grenada Dive Fest is an annual celebration of the island's exceptional underwater environment, with guided dive trips to the Bianca C wreck, the Underwater Sculpture Park, and reef sites. Events include night dives, underwater photography competitions and marine conservation awareness programmes run by Grenada's PADI dive centres.
August
Grenada Carnival (Spicemas)
Saint George's
Spicemas is Grenada's annual carnival, a two-day J'Ouvert (jouvert morning mud and paint parade) and main parade event through Saint George's streets in August. Unlike the February carnivals of Trinidad and Barbados, Spicemas is a distinctly local affair with traditional jab jab (devil masquerade) characters unique to Grenada. Soca, reggae and calypso sound systems compete through the capital.
August
Carriacou Regatta
Tyrrel Bay and Hillsborough, Carriacou
The Carriacou Regatta is one of the oldest and most beloved sailing events in the Eastern Caribbean, combining competitive sailing with the celebration of traditional Carriacou wooden boatbuilding culture. Workboats, schooners and traditional sloops race in Tyrrel Bay alongside modern yacht classes. Ashore, music, food and rum are plentiful.
October to November
Grenada Food and Rum Festival
Various venues, Saint George's and Grand Anse
A growing annual celebration of Grenadian culinary culture featuring chef competitions, rum tastings from River Antoine, Westerhall and Clarke's Court distilleries, cooking demonstrations, market events and the Miss Nutmeg beauty pageant celebrating the spice that defines the island's identity.
Every Friday evening year-round
Gouyave Friday Night Fish Fry
Gouyave, Saint Mark's
Every Friday night the main road of Gouyave is closed for the Fish Fry: a street party serving fried fish, bakes, nutmeg ice cream and rum punch. The entire town participates. This is not a tourist-only event but the genuine weekly social rhythm of the town, attended by Grenadians from across the island and tourists staying on the south coast.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May is still dry season, with March and April being excellent travel months. Grand Anse is at its calmest and sunniest. Leatherback turtle nesting begins in March at Levera. The Grenada Chocolate Festival is in May. Accommodation prices moderate as European Easter holidays end. One of the best value seasons to visit Grenada.
- Summer
- June to August is the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Grenada sits at the southern edge of the hurricane track and historically escapes direct hits, though Hurricane Ivan (2004) was a devastating exception. The rainy season brings afternoon showers that cool temperatures quickly; mornings are usually clear. Humidity is higher. This is the shoulder and off-peak season with lower accommodation rates. Spicemas Carnival is held in August.
- Fall
- September to November is peak hurricane season for the Atlantic, though Grenada's southern position provides some statistical protection. Weather is warm and humid. October and November see calming of rain patterns. Off-peak rates continue. The Food and Rum Festival is in October to November. A good time to visit for those seeking deals and fewer tourists.
- Winter
- December to February is high season and the best weather in Grenada. Dry, breezy and sunny with temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. December brings the Christmas season and early Carnival preparations on Carriacou. January and February are the driest and most popular months, coinciding with Carriacou Carnival (February) and the Grenada Sailing Festival (January). Book well in advance.
Working remotely from Grenada
Grenada is an emerging remote-work destination, particularly after the country launched its Spice Isle Work Permit in 2021, a one-year remote worker visa. The south coast Grand Anse area has the best connectivity and a small community of remote workers at resorts and cafes.
- Connection
- Flow 4G in Grand Anse and Saint George's is sufficient for video calls and cloud work. Some co-working setups exist at larger hotels. The Grenada Tech Village in Saint George's offers some digital workspace.
The La Sagesse Nature Centre on the east coast and select Grand Anse hotels offer remote-work-friendly environments. Apply for the Spice Isle Work Permit before arrival if planning a stay of more than 30 days as a remote worker.
