Grenada Cruise Port & Things to Do
Step into the tropical paradise of Grenada, where warm waters and breathtaking scenery await. But before you dive in, let’s get one thing straight – the correct pronunciation is ‘gra-nay-duh’, not ‘gra-nah-da’! If you’re on a Caribbean cruise making a pit stop in Grenada, consider yourself lucky. As the southernmost island in the Caribbean, the island boasts stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the basics of St.
George’s Grenada cruise port, showcase photos of the port authority cruise ship terminal, highlight top-notch excursions, and provide insider tips on things to do, see, and experience in and around the port. Plus, get the lowdown on the best beaches nearby (hint: it’s Anse Beach!), fun facts about Grenada, and essential information for cruise travelers. And as always, please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, check out our disclosure policy.
Map of St. George’s Grenada Cruise Port
As your cruise ship docks at Grenada’s southwest coast, you’ll be struck by the island’s lush greenery and natural beauty. The warm tropical climate means you can expect pleasant temperatures during your visit. When compared to other Caribbean islands, Grenada stands out with its unique blend of French and British influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.
A glance at the map below will give you a sense of exactly where the cruise port is located, making it easy to plan your shore excursions.
Pictures of Grenada Port Authority Cruise Ship Terminal
While not a sprawling complex, the Grenada cruise ship terminal packs a punch when it comes to amenities. As you step inside, you’ll discover a compact array of shops offering a range of souvenirs. However, for a truly immersive experience in this Caribbean gem, you’ll want to venture beyond the terminal’s walls.
Take an excursion, soak up the sun on one of Grenada’s picturesque beaches, or meander through the vibrant spice market – all of which offer a unique window into the island’s charm and culture.
Taxis for a DIY Ride Around Grenada
3 Best Excursions to Take from Grenada Cruise Port
Granada offers a plethora of exciting excursion options for visitors. For nature enthusiasts, a trip to the West Grenada Mountain Rain Forest is a must-do. The lush canopy and diverse wildlife make it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring. Another unique experience is river tubing down the Balthazar River, where you can enjoy the scenic views while drifting lazily along the water’s edge.
For something truly unforgettable, take a catamaran ride to the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park and discover the wonders of marine life up close.
3 Best Excursions from Grenada Cruise Port
Immerse yourself in Grenada’s natural beauty and rich culture with these unique excursion options. Start by exploring the West Grenada Mountain Rain Forest, where you’ll embark on a scenic drive around St. George, the capital city, and Grand Etang Lake. Take a short walk through the lush rainforest and get up close and personal with the island’s unique flora and fauna.
For a thrilling adventure, try river tubing down the Balthazar River.
Begin by driving to the Grand Etang Rain Forest Reserve (approximately 45 minutes), then hop on an inner tube and float lazily through the calm waters of the Balthazar River. This leisurely cruise offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
For a taste of adventure beneath the waves, take part in a snorkeling excursion at Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park.
This 3-hour escapade includes a scenic catamaran ride, 45 minutes of world-class snorkeling, and beach time to soak up the sun. Don’t forget to look out for the park’s famous mermaid sculptures!
If you’re looking to add some spice to your island getaway, consider taking a bonus tour of Grenada’s local spice plantations.
While this excursion wasn’t available on our ship, fellow travelers have raved about their experiences, sampling the island’s signature flavors and learning about the art of spice production.
My Favorite Thing to Do from Grenada Cruise Port: Snorkeling and then Grand Anse Beach
Embarking on the ‘Isle of Spice Snorkeling’ adventure with Holland American’s Nieuw Statendam ship was an unforgettable experience for my mom and me. The excursion, which lasted three hours, departed from Grenada’s port. Our 3-hour escapade comprised about an hour of snorkeling at the renowned Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, a leisurely catamaran ride, and an hour of relaxation on Grand Anse Beach.
A valuable cruise tip to keep in mind is to arrive at your excursion at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. The departing time indicates when the excursion leaves, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. In our case, we arrived by 9am, checked in by 9:10am, and boarded the catamaran at 9:12am – a punctual start to an action-packed day!
Catamaran and Snorkeling Excursion to See Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
For cruise travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Grenada, this snorkeling excursion is a must-do adventure. Spanning three hours, this unique excursion offers a range of exciting activities that cater to diverse interests. At its core lies the opportunity to explore underwater sculptures by St. George, a one-of-a-kind attraction that will leave you in awe.
The excursion begins with a leisurely catamaran ride that sets the tone for an afternoon of relaxation and exploration.
Upon arrival at the snorkeling site, you’ll have 45 minutes to immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the vibrant marine life and coral reefs. Post-snorkeling, the catamaran will take you to Grand Anse Beach, where you’ll enjoy a 45-minute stretch of beach time before heading back to your ship.
This excursion is priced at $64.95 per adult, offering exceptional value for the array of experiences it provides.
Catamaran Ride
As we embarked on our excursion, we began with a leisurely 15-minute catamaran ride to the renowned snorkeling spot, Medallion, located in the picturesque Grenada. Upon arrival, we donned our snorkeling gear and followed our knowledgeable tour guide for an exhilarating 35-minute underwater adventure within a compact yet rich area. During this time, we had approximately 10 minutes of freedom to explore the surroundings at our own pace.
One of the highlights was discovering the unique underwater sculptures of Grenada, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the country’s artistic flair.
Underwater Sculptures at Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
As we ventured into the crystal-clear waters of Grenada, we were met with a fascinating array of marine life. Among the coral reefs, we spotted fish swimming effortlessly alongside us, their iridescent scales catching the sunlight. We also caught glimpses of sea urchins and an eel – or at least I did! The underwater world was teeming with life, making our 45-minute snorkeling adventure a truly unforgettable experience.
Following this aquatic escapade, we took a leisurely 15-20 minute boat ride to Grand Anse Beach, where the warmth of the sun on our skin and the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore provided the perfect respite from our underwater exploration.
Grand Anse Beach
As we strolled along Grand Anse Beach, my mom floated effortlessly in the ocean’s calm waters. Meanwhile, I took a leisurely walk, enjoying the scenic views. The excursion was punctuated by a thoughtful offering from our tour guides – a delightful selection of cheese and tuna sandwiches, accompanied by an array of refreshing beverages, including Sunny-D Light, Hawaiian Punch, soda, and water.
Our 3-hour adventure concluded just as we reached the perfect midpoint, allowing us to return to the cruise ship for lunch before venturing out once more to explore the surrounding shops and Spice Market at the Grenada Cruise Port.
Best Free DIY Thing to Do in Grenada: Spice Market
While there may not be a plethora of activities and attractions directly surrounding the St. George’s Grenada cruise port, it’s just as well to explore the charming island that awaits beyond the shore.
Things to Do in Grenada from Cruise Port
As you exit the Grenada cruise port terminal, a vibrant spice market awaits just to your left. This 30-60 minute adventure is completely free of charge, making it an ideal way to experience the local culture without breaking the bank.
Once you’ve stepped out into the street, take a leisurely three-minute stroll and you’ll find yourself surrounded by stalls selling aromatic spices like cloves, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
You can browse and shop from either the open-air market building or the vendors lining the sidewalk. The choice is yours!
Grenada Vendor Selling Spices on the Street
In many bustling streets, vendors offer an eclectic array of products, including exotic spice-infused jewelry. A popular item among these street sellers is the humble spice necklace, which can be purchased for a relatively affordable price of $5 to $10. This unique accessory not only adds a pop of color to one’s outfit but also carries the subtle aroma of carefully selected spices.
Grenada Spice Market
In Grenada, the Spice Market offers an exciting shopping experience. A packet of spices can be purchased for around $4 to $5, making it an affordable and flavorful souvenir option. One of the market’s unique features is its array of spices, including a variety that my mom picked up in a charming box (visible in the image below). Visitors are encouraged to bring a few smaller bills, such as $1 and $5 notes, to make purchasing souvenirs like necklaces a breeze.
Grenada Beaches Near Cruise Port: Grand Anse Beach
While many Caribbean islands boast a multitude of beaches, Grenada stands out with its singular standout: Grand Anse Beach. Spanning an impressive two-mile stretch, this picturesque shoreline boasts an abundance of fine white sand, making it the undisputed crown jewel of Grenadian coastlines.
Grand Anse Beach
Embarking on a Caribbean adventure? For cruise passengers, navigating to the stunning Grand Anse Beach is a breeze. Simply hop in a taxi and enjoy a hassle-free ride for just $5 per person, each way – a small price to pay for the unforgettable experience that awaits you.
Grenada Cruise Port to Grand Anse Beach
As of 2022, the cost of a taxi ride from the Grenada Cruise Port to Grand Anse Beach is $5 per person, each way. This journey typically takes around 25 minutes, making it a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
10 Fun Facts about Grenada
As you step off the cruise ship and onto the island of Grenada, you may notice a series of informative signs dotting the area around the cruise port. These signs not only provide valuable information to visitors but also serve as a great introduction to this beautiful Caribbean nation. Here are 10 interesting facts about Grenada that I gathered from those very same signs.
Grenada Highlights
Grenada’s reputation as a spice island is well-deserved, with a staggering five chocolate companies calling the country home. But that’s not all – Grenada is also renowned for its production of nutmeg and mace, which are sold alongside other spices like cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, pimiento, and nutmeg at markets like St. George’s and Grenville.
And then there’s the stunning beaches – Grand Anse Beach, in particular, is a standout, boasting two miles of pristine white sand that earns it the nickname ‘The Caribbean’s Best Beach’. But even beach lovers will find plenty to appreciate beneath the surface. The world’s first underwater sculpture park can be explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and glass-bottomed boat enthusiasts.
Nature lovers, on the other hand, will find solace in the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, where hiking trails, waterfalls, Mona monkeys, orchids, and the serene Grand Etang Lake await. And did you know that Grenada is home to a whopping 15 waterfalls? Some of the most popular include Seven Sisters, Cross, Concord, Annadale, and Mt. Carmel. For those seeking a taste of history and culture, Belmont Estate offers ‘Farm to Table’ experiences in an 17th-century plantation setting.
Meanwhile, rum enthusiasts will want to visit the River Antoine Estate, home to the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean and Western hemisphere, as well as Westerhall Rums and Grenada Distillers for a taste of the island’s famous spirit.
More Cruise Port Guides
Planning a Caribbean cruise vacation requires meticulous planning. To ensure a seamless experience, consider consulting the following resources: Holland America’s Rotterdam ship review will provide valuable insights into the amenities and services offered by this popular cruise line. Additionally, gain tips for both new and seasoned travelers with our comprehensive cruising guides.
For a more personalized experience, explore Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam ship review to discover what makes this vessel stand out. Packing the right essentials is crucial; our guide on what to pack for a cruise will help you avoid common mistakes. Before setting sail, consider staying at one of the best hotels near Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port. Finally, explore Grenada’s cruise port and things to do for a well-rounded Caribbean experience.
