St. George's is the capital of Grenada — the "Isle of Spice" — a small volcanic island nation in the southern Caribbean covering less than 135 square miles. The country comprises three islands: the main island of Grenada, and the smaller islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, plus around 600 tiny islets. It is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in the Caribbean.
Grenada's volcanic origins have given it a dramatic, mountainous interior covered in dense tropical forest. The warm, humid climate allows nutmeg, mace, cocoa, and cacao to thrive — making Grenada one of the world's leading spice producers. French colonizers arrived in 1649, followed by periods of British and French rule; Grenada gained independence in 1974. About 82% of the population is of African descent.
In 2004, Hurricane Ivan — a Category 4 storm with 151mph winds — stalled over the island for 15 hours, damaging over 90% of homes and buildings. Grenada's full recovery is a testament to the resilience of its people. Today it is a favorite stop for Caribbean travelers who want something beyond the typical tourist port.
Credit: worldatlas.com
You can download a Grenada Heritage Map from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Know Before You Go
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St. George's, Grenada – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in St. George's, Grenada
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Most ships dock at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal, located right next to the town of St. George's. Passengers exit through the Esplanade Shopping Mall which leads directly into downtown. Smaller ships dock at the Carenage, near the main pier. The Melville Street Bus Terminus is just a few steps north of the pier.
At the terminal you'll find restrooms, ATMs, a Grenada Tourism Authority information kiosk with maps and guides, a duty-free mall, a scenic train ticket booth, and a water taxi and taxi dispatch kiosk.
Credit: Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association
Getting Around St. George's, Grenada
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
St. George's is walkable from the terminal but has a very hilly topography with many steps and steep inclines. The Carenage historic area is a 10-minute walk from the port with great views from Fort George and access to the Grenada National Museum. A self-guided tour of the city takes about 3 hours. Watch for deep gutters running beneath street-level walkways.
🚌 Buses
Privately-owned vans seating up to 20 passengers. A conductor watches for passengers and signals the driver to stop — most vans will stop anywhere when they see a passenger. Knock on the side of the van when you want to get off. Drivers get a limited number of daily runs so they pack passengers in and move fast. Routes run Monday–Saturday, 6am–9pm. Fares vary by route. The Melville Street Bus Terminus is just north of the pier.
🚕 Taxis & Water Taxis
Taxi rates in Grenada are fixed — no negotiation needed. A taxi kiosk at the cruise terminal assists with getting a cab. Water taxis are small boats operating from a kiosk at the terminal — expect to get a little wet, but they offer great views and are a fun way to reach Grand Anse and the Craft Market.
Recommended services: Ace Ventura Taxi & Tours (24/7) and Sweet Grenada Tours, Taxi & Rentals.
🚗 Car Rental
A valid driver's license plus a local permit (purchased at the Central Police Station in St. George's) are required. Minimum age 21. Driving is on the left. The roads are steep, narrow, and winding — the experience is not for the faint of heart. For a short port day, taxis are strongly recommended over car rental. If you're determined: Y & R Rental Car Services, Azar's Auto Rentals (delivers to port), A1 Auto Rental, and Dove Auto Solutions.
🚋 Grenada Discovery Train
Departs the cruise terminal every 45 minutes for a 45-minute city tour. Admission to the Grenada Museum and Fort George is included in the ticket. Passengers can disembark at the museum or fort and rejoin the next train 45 minutes later — a very efficient way to see the highlights.
Things To Do in St. George's, Grenada
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Grenada is one of the Caribbean's most rewarding ports for foodies, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike:
Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve — 3,816 acres of tropical rainforest surrounding a huge volcanic crater lake in the center of the island. Hiking trails from easy to rugged, waterfalls, rare tropical birds, and colorful flora. Hikes range from a few minutes to several hours. Book Grand Etang tours here.
River Antoine Rum Distillery — The oldest working water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean, operating since 1785. Powered by the nearby river, this distillery produces exceptionally strong rum from locally grown organic ingredients. Free sample included at the end of the tour. Some rums are banned from aircraft — know before you buy. Purchase tour tickets here.
House of Chocolate — A mini museum and café celebrating Grenada's cacao heritage. Hand-crafted chocolate made on-site, with tastings, baked goods, and ice cream. One of the most distinctive experiences in St. George's.
Fort Matthew & Fort Frederick — Two historic forts located beside each other on Richmond Hill. Fort Frederick is a bastion fort offering 360° views over St. George's. Fort Matthew is the island's largest fort — once a battlefield, later an asylum — with kitchens, bathrooms, underground tunnels, and cells still visible. Remarkable history and extraordinary views.
Resort Day Pass — Enjoy white sand beach and luxury resort amenities. Complimentary poolside drinks and snacks, lunch, and WiFi included. Spa upgrades and private day rooms available. See resort day pass options here.
Beaches & Outdoors in St. George's, Grenada
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ Grenada has some of the finest and most varied beaches in the southern Caribbean:
Grand Anse Beach
The headline attraction — nearly 2 miles of white sand on the southwest coast with calm, clear water ideal for swimming. Beach bars, restaurants, water sports, and a vendors market all along the strip. The most popular beach on the island and for good reason. About 10 minutes by taxi from the pier.
Morne Rouge Beach (BBC Beach)
Just south of Grand Anse — fewer crowds, shallow water, and sandy bottom. Rocky's beach bar is nearby for a meal and a cold drink. A quieter, more local alternative to Grand Anse.
Magazine Beach
Popular for snorkeling — the reef close to shore and clear water make it an excellent choice for underwater exploration. Combine with a beach bar visit for a relaxed morning.
La Sagesse Beach
About 25 minutes from downtown St. George's — more secluded with stretches of sand and hiking trails. One end has a salt pond fringed with mangroves — excellent for birdwatching. A true escape from the cruise crowds.
Levera Beach
Wild and beautiful on the north coast — a leatherback sea turtle nesting site (May–August). Dramatic scenery with the Grenadine islands visible in the distance. Further from the port but extraordinary for nature lovers.
Shopping in St. George's, Grenada
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Look for these Grenadian specialties: nutmeg and other spices (sealed containers only for customs), local rum, guava jam, hand-dyed batik fabrics, artisan chocolate, and handwoven baskets:
The Esplanade Mall — At the Port
You walk through this mall to exit the pier into downtown. Duty-free shops with perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, liquor, tobacco, souvenirs, handbags, electronics, local crafts, apparel, and a supermarket. Western Union also located here. Home to Jo Ann's Souvenirs — considered the top souvenir shop on the island.
St. George's Market (Spice Market) — 5 min walk
An open-air market especially bustling on Saturday mornings. Souvenir shopping, fresh spices, handmade crafts, and produce. The Grenada Government is rehabilitating the space — expect some areas under construction.
Art Fabrik — 5 min walk, Young Street
In a 200-year-old building in the historic district. Local craft items, wearable art, and genuine hand-made batik — designed, waxed, dyed, and dried right in the shop. One of the most authentic shopping experiences in Grenada.
Grand Anse Craft & Spice Market — 3.5 miles (The Lime)
Items by local craftspeople and artisans, fresh spices, washrooms, WiFi, and restaurants including the popular Beach Bum. Walking distance to Grand Anse beach and close to Spiceland Mall. A water taxi from the cruise pier is the quickest way to get here.
Spiceland Mall — 4 miles (The Lime)
Grenada's premier shopping center with over 30 stores — electronics, groceries, banking, men's and women's clothing, and a food court with local and American options. Close to Grand Anse beach.
Dining in St. George's, Grenada
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Grenadian food reflects African, Indian, and British influences — and being the Spice Island, the flavors are rich and distinctive. Must-try dishes:
Oil Down — Grenada's national dish. A slow-simmered stew of meats or fish, vegetables, plantains, and spices cooked in coconut milk in large steel pots. Rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Credit: tasteatlas.com
Saltfish and Bake — Rehydrated salted fish with fried bread, topped with fresh vegetables and chutneys.
Roti and Doubles — Popular street food. Roti is a flatbread wrap with curried meat or veggies; doubles are fried bread filled with curried chickpeas and chutney.
Nutmeg Ice Cream & Local Chocolate — Sugar & Spice Ice Cream has been making local ice cream since 1985 — find it at the Esplanade Mall or Spiceland Mall.
Restaurants Near the Port
Esplanade Mall Food Court — At the pier
A bagel shop, Subway, fried chicken, and sweets and pastries shops — convenient for a quick bite before heading out.
Taste of the Tropics
Within view of the pier
Fish, burgers, wraps, fresh juices, and smoothies. A small, well-regarded spot with a casual vibe.
Deyna's Tasty Foods
Melville Street, near the Market
Traditional Caribbean meals on the same street as the cruise terminal. A genuine local favorite.
360 Degrees Grill & Lounge
Old Fort Road · 0.6 miles · 15 min uphill walk
Laid-back atmosphere with amazing 360° views over St. George's. Grilled chicken, pork, steak, shrimp, and lobster. Worth the climb.
BB's Crabback
~0.5 miles from port, other side of Fort George
Famous for Grenada's specialty crabback — land crab meat mixed with spices and cheese sauce, baked in the shell. Also excellent pumpkin fritters and perfectly seasoned fish. Popular with locals — always a good sign.
Sails Restaurant & Bar
Beside BB's Crabback · ~15 min walk
Waterside restaurant with wonderful views. Local seafood and Caribbean cuisine with vegetarian options. One of the better dining experiences within walking distance of the port.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Certified Grenada 2 Tank Dive
Dive the spectacular underwater world of Grenada — including the famous Bianca C shipwreck — on this guided two-tank div...
Book This Tour →Grenada's Spice Route
Tour the lush spice plantations of the "Isle of Spice" and learn how nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa are grown and processed...
Book This Tour →Snorkeling Underwater Sculpture Park & Reefs
Snorkel the world-famous Underwater Sculpture Park off Grenada's coast — an extraordinary underwater art installation su...
Book This Tour →St. George's, Grenada – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Grenada known for?
Grenada is known as the "Spice Isle" — it's the world's second largest producer of nutmeg and also produces cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and other spices. It's also known for its lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, and the world's first underwater sculpture park.
Is Grenada safe for cruise passengers?
Grenada is considered one of the safer Caribbean islands. The cruise port area and main tourist zones are generally very safe.
What is the underwater sculpture park in Grenada?
The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park is a collection of life-sized sculptures installed on the seabed off Grenada's west coast. Created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, it's one of the world's most unique snorkel and dive sites.
What should I try to eat in Grenada?
Don't miss Oil Down — Grenada's national dish, a hearty one-pot meal of breadfruit, callaloo, and meat cooked in coconut milk. Also try fresh nutmeg ice cream and rum punch made with locally produced rum.
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