Grenada

Why go there?

Grenada is about dramatic volcanic landscapes, including Grand Etang National Park with its lush rainforest and crater lake, and picturesque Annandale Falls. The capital St. George is also worth discovering with its colorful houses, Georgian architecture, and historic Fort George. Dive or snorkel around vibrant coral reefs and the unique underwater sculpture park at Molinere Bay. Don't miss exploring a spice estate like Dougaldston to learn about nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Grenada's cultural calendar is rich; look out for Spicemas (Carnival) in August, featuring lively parades, calypso, and soca music. Other notable events include the Grenada Sailing Festival (late January to early February), the Grenada Chocolate Festival (May), and the Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival (April).

How to get there?

The main airport is Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND), located near St. George's.

Scheduled flights arrive from:

• North America (New York, Miami, Charlotte): Main international airlines include JetBlue, American Airlines. Air Canada also serves Grenada.
• Europe (London): British Airways operates flights. Virgin Atlantic also serves Grenada.
• Other Caribbean Islands (Port of Spain, Bridgetown, Saint Vincent, Saint Lucia, Antigua): Local airlines such as Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, Fly Salone, and Sunrise Airways operate flights.

Approaching by yacht

Here are the approximate distances and average sailing times to Grenada from key marinas in the Windward Islands (assuming 5-7 knots average sailing speed):

• From Marina du Marin, Martinique to Port Louis Marina, Grenada: Approximately 120-130 nautical miles as the crow flies. A non-stop sail would take approximately 24-30 hours. However this is typically broken into multi-day itineraries with stops in Saint Lucia and the Grenadines.
• From Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia to Port Louis Marina, Grenada: Approximately 110 nautical miles. Sailing time is an overnight or full-day sail of approximately 16 to 24 hours.
• From Clifton Harbour Marina, Union Island, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to Port Louis Marina, Grenada: Approximately 40-50 nautical miles. This includes passing by Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Allow sailing time of 7 to 10 hours

Sailing to Grenada from Saint Lucia is a significant passage, typically taking a full day or overnight sail. If incorporating Grenada into a broader Windward Islands itinerary that starts as far north as Saint Lucia, a minimum recommended charter duration of 10 days to 14 days would be suitable to allow for comfortable passages and sufficient time to explore Grenada and potentially the Grenadines. A 7-day charter is often recommended for exploring Grenada and its immediate surroundings, or as part of a one-way charter from Grenada heading north into the Grenadines.

Marina facilities

Grenada boasts excellent marina facilities, particularly around St. George's and the southern coast:

• Port Louis Marina (St. George's): A major marina offering extensive services.
  • Services: Fuel, water, electricity, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, provisioning, repair and maintenance, customs and immigration services.
  • Capacity: Accommodates vessels up to 90 meters (295 feet) with a draft of 5 meters (16.4 feet).
• Clarkes Court Bay Marina (Woburn Bay): A full-service facility on the south coast.
  • Services: Berths, haul-out facilities (up to 242 tons), fuel, water, electricity, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, marine store, restaurants, and repair services.
  • Capacity: Over 200 berths for vessels up to 70 meters (230 feet).
• Spice Island Marine Services (Prickly Bay): Offers storage and repair facilities.
  • Services: Storage space, 70-ton travelift, maintenance and repair services.
  • Capacity: Storage for 200 yachts, travelift handles boats up to 85 ft long and 25 ft wide.
• True Blue Bay Marina (near Prickly Bay): A smaller marina part of a resort complex.
  • Services: Berths, hotel amenities, restaurants, and home to Horizon Yacht Charters.
  • Capacity: Accommodates smaller to mid-sized yachts.

What food to expect?

Grenadian cuisine is a vibrant blend of African, Indian, and European influences, heavily featuring fresh seafood, local spices, and produce. The national dish is Oil Down, a hearty one-pot meal prepared with callaloo, breadfruit, turmeric, coconut milk, and salted meat or fish, often enjoyed at festivals. Other essential dishes include Lambi (conch stew), Pelau (a chicken and rice dish), and various Roti (Indian-influenced wraps with curried fillings). As the "Spice Isle," expect aromatic spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves to feature prominently. Freshly grated nutmeg is a key ingredient in local desserts like Nutmeg Ice Cream. French wines are less prevalent than in Martinique, with local rum and beers being common. Restaurants are generally accessible from popular anchorages and marinas, ranging from casual beachside eateries to more upscale establishments, all offering authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.