Grenada Cruise Port & Things to Do
Map of St. George’s Grenada Cruise Port
As your cruise ship approaches the island of Grenada, you’ll notice the lush greenery that surrounds the southwest side of the island, where the cruise port is located. The beauty of Grenada is undeniable, with its vibrant colors and lush foliage creating a stunning visual backdrop as you dock. It’s no surprise that this tropical paradise is often warm, given its location in the southernmost Caribbean islands.
One of the key differences between Grenada and other islands in the region is its unique geography. While many Caribbean islands are flat and low-lying, Grenada is a mountainous island with a rugged terrain. This natural beauty creates ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, such as hiking or exploring the island’s scenic vistas.
For those interested in mapping out their journey, here is a visual representation of the Grenada cruise port location.
Pictures of Grenada Port Authority Cruise Ship Terminal
While the Grenada cruise ship terminal may be compact, it still offers a pleasant shopping experience with indoor souvenir stores. In fact, the terminal resembles a mini indoor mall, complete with shops and mementos for visitors to take home. However, if you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in the island’s culture, consider taking an excursion, relaxing on one of Grenada’s beautiful beaches, or strolling through the vibrant spice market.
Taxis for a DIY Ride Around Grenada
3 Best Excursions to Take from Grenada Cruise Port
When exploring the city of Granada, there’s more to experience beyond its historic architecture. For nature enthusiasts, the West Grenada Mountain Rain Forest offers a unique opportunity to connect with the great outdoors. Alternatively, take an adrenaline-fueled ride down the Balthazar River on an inner tube, providing a fun and thrilling way to enjoy the scenery.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, consider taking a catamaran and immersing yourself in the vibrant marine life at the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park by snorkeling around its stunning underwater formations.
3 Best Excursions from Grenada Cruise Port
Immerse yourself in Grenada’s natural beauty with three unique excursions that showcase the island’s stunning landscapes and underwater world. First, explore the West Grenada Mountain Rain Forest, where you’ll drive around the picturesque capital city of St. George, visit Grand Etang Lake, and take a leisurely walk through the lush rainforest. For an adrenaline-packed adventure, try river tubing down the Balthazar River.
This excursion begins with a 45-minute drive to the Grand Etang Rain Forest Reserve before you hop on an inner tube and float down the gentle current of the Balthazar River. If snorkeling is your thing, don’t miss the Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park. Take a leisurely catamaran ride, spend 45 minutes exploring the vibrant marine life, and enjoy some beach time all within three hours. My mom and I had an absolute blast on this excursion!
And if you’re looking for something extra special, consider taking a Spice Tour of the Island. Although our ship didn’t offer it, another couple told us they loved their experience on a previous cruise. You’ll get to explore the island’s rich history and culture through its aromatic spices and flavors.
My Favorite Thing to Do from Grenada Cruise Port: Snorkeling and then Grand Anse Beach
Catamaran and Snorkeling Excursion to See Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
For cruise travelers looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure in Grenada, this three-hour excursion offers a unique experience. The highlight is exploring the stunning underwater sculptures created by St. George’s artists. This excursion also includes a 45-minute catamaran ride, followed by another 45 minutes of snorkeling to discover the island’s vibrant marine life.
Afterward, enjoy a relaxing catamaran ride to Grand Anse Beach, where you’ll have 45 minutes of beach time before returning to your ship.
Catamaran Ride
Our Grenada catamaran excursion kicked off with a leisurely 15-minute ride to the Medallion snorkeling spot. As we arrived, we donned our gear and prepared for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Under the guidance of our expert tour guide, we spent 35 minutes exploring the same small yet fascinating area, punctuated by about 10 minutes of free time to discover hidden treasures at our own pace.
One of the highlights was getting up close with Grenada’s unique underwater sculptures, a truly captivating experience.
Underwater Sculptures at Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
As we explored the ocean floor, we were delighted by a kaleidoscope of marine life. Schools of fish darted past us, while sea urchins and an eel (or so I thought!) added to the underwater spectacle. The vibrant coral reefs teemed with life, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our snorkeling adventure. Following our 45-minute exploration, we boarded a boat and took a leisurely 15-20 minute ride to Grand Anse Beach, ready to soak up the sun on its picturesque shores.
Grand Anse Beach
As we explored Grand Anse Beach, I couldn’t help but be captivated by its beauty. Meanwhile, my mom enjoyed a leisurely float in the ocean’s calm waters. After our beachside excursion, our tour guides surprised us with a delightful spread of cheese and tuna sandwiches – an impressive display of hospitality! To quench our thirst, we had a choice between refreshing beverages, including Sunny-D Light, Hawaiian Punch, soda, and water.
The entire experience was expertly timed at exactly three hours, leaving us feeling satisfied yet energized for the next adventure. Following lunch on board the cruise ship, we ventured out once more to explore the vibrant shops and Spice Market surrounding the Grenada Cruise Port.
Best Free DIY Thing to Do in Grenada: Spice Market
While the St. George’s Grenada cruise port may not be surrounded by a plethora of attractions, it still offers a unique experience for visitors. The area is relatively quiet and laid-back, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
Things to Do in Grenada from Cruise Port
Venturing beyond the cruise port terminal, you’ll discover a treasure trove of flavors just a short stroll away. The spice market, a 30-60 minute detour from your usual itinerary, is an absolute must-visit gem that’s completely free. As you exit the terminal, take a sharp left turn and begin your three-minute walk along the bustling street lined with local merchants peddling aromatic delights such as cloves, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Alternatively, step inside the Spice Market’s open-air building to indulge in a sensory experience like no other. Whether you’re looking to stock up on spices for your next culinary adventure or simply wanting to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, this charming market is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
Grenada Vendor Selling Spices on the Street
For a unique and aromatic memento, vendors selling spices on the street offer an intriguing option: a spice-infused necklace. These ornate pieces typically range in price from $5 to $10, making them an accessible souvenir or gift.
Grenada Spice Market
Exploring the Spice Market in Grenada, visitors can take home a piece of the island’s culinary charm at an affordable price. A packet of spices typically costs between $4 to $5, making it an ideal souvenir for those looking to bring a taste of Grenada back home. For a more unique gift, consider purchasing one of the colorful spice boxes on offer, such as the charming container my mom picked up for just $5.
With a few dollars in small bills, visitors can browse the market stalls and find the perfect memento or treat themselves to a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Additionally, be sure to check out the selection of handmade necklaces available for purchase.
Grenada Beaches Near Cruise Port: Grand Anse Beach
While many Caribbean islands boast multiple stunning beaches, Grenada stands out with its singular yet spectacular coastline – the majestic Grand Anse Beach. Spanning an impressive 2+ miles of pristine white sand, this gem far surpasses its island counterparts, earning it the reputation as the premier beach in Grenada.
Grand Anse Beach
When it comes to reaching Grand Anse Beach as a cruise traveler, there’s an affordable and convenient option available. For just $5 per person, one-way, you can hail a taxi and enjoy the scenic ride to this stunning beach destination.
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 a reasonable $5 per person, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes each way.
10 Fun Facts about Grenada
As you step off the cruise ship and onto the picturesque shores of Grenada, you’re surrounded by a wealth of information about this Caribbean gem. To whet your appetite for island life, here are 10 fascinating facts about Grenada that I picked up from the FAQ signage outside the cruise port itself.
Grenada Highlights
Grenada boasts a rich cultural heritage, with five chocolate companies calling the island home. However, it’s the country’s long history of spice production that truly sets it apart. Nutmeg and mace have been major exports since colonial times, earning Grenada its nickname ‘The Spice Island’. Today, visitors to the St. George’s Market and Grenville Market can sample a variety of spices including cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, pimiento, nutmeg, and mace.
This island paradise is also home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Grand Anse Beach, in particular, has earned the reputation as ‘The Caribbean’s Best Beach’ due to its two-mile stretch of pristine white sand. But Grenada’s natural beauty extends far beyond its shores. The world’s first underwater sculpture park can be explored by snorkelers, scuba divers, and even those with a glass-bottomed boat.
For nature lovers, the Grand Etang Forest Reserve offers hiking trails, waterfalls, the chance to spot Mona monkeys, and stunning views of Grand Etang Lake. And let’s not forget about Grenada’s many breathtaking waterfalls – Seven Sisters, Cross, Concord, Annadale, and Mt. Carmel are just a few of the most popular spots. Visitors can also step back in time at Belmont Estate, a 17th-century plantation offering ‘Farm to Table’ experiences.
Or, explore the oldest rum distillery in the Caribbean and Western hemisphere at the River Antoine Estate, home to Westerhall Rums and Grenada Distillers.
More Cruise Port Guides
Embarking on a Caribbean cruise adventure? Make sure you’re fully prepared with our comprehensive guides. From expert ship reviews to insider cruising tips, we’ve got everything covered. Discover the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale for pre-cruise stays and get the inside scoop on what to pack (and what you might not think of!) to ensure a smooth sailing experience. For those looking to explore beyond the ship, our guide to Grenada’s cruise port and top things to do is a must-read.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and helpful tips to make your Caribbean cruise vacation truly unforgettable.
