Nestled in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, Grenada is a picturesque island nation known as the “Spice Isle” for its rich production of nutmeg, cinnamon, and other spices.
Cruise ships dock at St George’s, the island’s capital located on Grenada’s southwestern coast, known for its long history of serving as a commerce and colonial hub in the 17th century.
Besides being an interesting destination to explore, St George’s is a perfect gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and beautiful natural treasures.
In this St. George’s port guide, I share with you practical information about St. George’s cruise port, along with the 7 best things to do on a cruise.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, St Maarten, Tortola, St. Kitts, San Juan
Grenada (St. George’s) Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at Melville Street Cruise Terminal, located within a 5-minute walk from St. George’s city center. The pier can accommodate two cruise vessels simultaneously.
At the end of the pier, you’ll find a Tourist information office where you can get free island maps and brochures. Free wi-fi and tour booths are available, offering water taxi rides and St. George’s scenic train rides.
Adjacent to the cruise terminal is Esplanade Shopping Mall, featuring a large number of local shops where you can purchase souvenirs and local crafts. There are several on-site bars and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink.
Upon exiting the terminal, you’ll spot a large parking for buses and taxis.
Two of the most beautiful beaches in Grenada are Grande Anse Beach and Morne Rouge Beach, and the best way to reach both of them is via the water taxi that departs from the Melville Street Cruise Terminal.
St. George’s Sightseeing Train is also available upon exiting the terminal and offers scenic rides around the town.
Renting a car in Grenada can be a good option if you want to explore the island at your own pace. However, keep in mind that Grenada drives on the left, and some roads can be narrow or winding.
If you’re comfortable with these conditions, renting a car offers flexibility, but for shorter visits, taxis and guided tours might be more convenient. Explore Grenada tours and activities
St. George’s is generally considered safe for visitors to explore. The official currency is the East Caribbean dollar (XCD) but US dollars are widely accepted. The change may be given in the local currency.
If the Melville Street Cruise Terminal is busy, cruise ships may anchor in the St. George’s Inner Harbor and transfer passengers ashore via tender boats. In this case, guests are tendered to the Carenage waterfront area, which is connected to downtown via Sendall Tunnel. A walk to the St. George’s downtown takes only 10 minutes.
7 Best Things To Do In Grenada Cruise Port
Founded in the 15th century, Grenada’s strategic location made it a main point of interest for European nations, particularly the British and French, who competed for authority over the island between the 17th and 20th centuries.
Today, Grenada provides a unique combination of off-the-beaten-path activities and spectacular natural beauty, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! Here’s the list of the top things to do in Grenada!
1. Explore St. George’s
The vibrant capital of Grenada is the cultural and economic hub of the island and is renowned for its picturesque harbor and colorful hillside homes. Its major attractions are all located within a 10-15 minute walk from the port. The key attractions include:
1.1. Fort George
Perched atop a hill overlooking St. George’s, the fort was built by the French in 1705 and played a crucial role in the island’s colonial history.
Today, visitors can explore ancient cannons, tunnels, and barracks while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor, city, and surrounding coastline.
1.2. Market Square
Known for its bustling atmosphere, St. George’s Market is the perfect place to find fresh spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, along with handcrafted souvenirs, local fruits, and vegetables.
Here, you can shop for authentic island products and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals.
1.3. Church Street
This historic street runs through the heart of the city and is lined with colonial-era buildings, shops, and important landmarks like the Grenada National Museum and various government offices.
1.4. Grenada National Museum
It showcases an extensive collection of Grenada’s history, with remarkable exhibits that highlight the island’s past from ancient times to the present day.
1.5. The Carenage
This picturesque waterfront area is known for its colorful colonial buildings and charming harbor lined with vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants.
1.6. The Cathedral of St. George’s
Also known as St. George’s Anglican Church, it originally dates from 1825 and is known for its striking tower and Gothic-style architecture.
Though it was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it remains a symbol of resilience and faith in the community.
1.7. House of Chocolate Grenada Museum
This small museum features exhibits on Grenada’s cocoa industry, interactive displays, and chocolate-making demonstrations. It offers an immersive experience where visitors can learn about the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of locally made chocolates and treats in the on-site café.
Check out St. George’s tours and activities
2. Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse Beach is one of Grenada’s most famous and stunning beaches, stretching over two miles along the island’s southwestern coast.
With its soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, it’s a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and beach bars and features facilities like sunbed/umbrella rentals, showers, and changing rooms.
Its gentle waves make it ideal for families, while the nearby coral reefs attract snorkelers and divers.
The beach is located within a 25-minute drive from the St. George’s cruise terminal. You can get there by car or water taxi departing from the town.
Explore Grand Anse tours and activities
3. Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
If you want to see something unusual, head to Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park, located in Molinere Bay, just off the coast of St. George’s.
This nature museum features a collection of life-sized sculptures submerged in the ocean, creating an artificial reef that supports marine life.
Designed by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the sculptures depict various human figures and cultural symbols, extraordinarily blending art and nature.
The park is a popular site for snorkeling and diving, but you can also book a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to stay dry.
Explore Underwater Sculpture Park tours and activities
4. Laura Herb and Spice Garden
Located in the rural area of St. David, within a 30-minute drive from the port of Grenada, this delightful oasis is the perfect place to explore the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
The picturesque garden offers guided tours showcasing a wide variety of local herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. You’ll be able to touch, smell, and even taste the wide assortment of spices grown here, which includes cinnamon, ginger, pimento, chadon beni, and, of course, the iconic nutmeg!
Guests can learn about the cultivation and uses of these plants, which have been integral to Grenadian culture for centuries.
Explore Laura Herb and Spice Garden tours and activities
5. Grand Étang National Park
Located in the island’s central highlands, Grand Etang National Park is a lush rainforest park centered around the stunning Grand Etang Lake, a crater lake formed in an extinct volcano.
The park is perfect for nature enthusiasts and hikers, offering a variety of trails that wind through dense tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Visitors can spot native wildlife, including Mona monkeys and exotic birds.
One of the key attractions in the park is the Annandale Waterfall, which cascades gracefully from a height of about 30 feet (9 meters) into a crystal-clear pool below.
It takes about a 30-minute drive to reach the national park from the cruise port.
Explore Grand Etang National Park tours and activities
6. Concord Falls
Located about a 30-minute drive from St. George’s, Concord Falls features a series of three picturesque waterfalls nestled in the island’s lush rainforest.
The falls are accessible via a short hike from the parking area, with well-maintained paths that lead to each waterfall.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring swimwear if you plan to take a dip, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!
Check out Concord Falls tours and activities
7. River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery
Nestled in Grenada’s lush countryside on the island’s northeastern coast, River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery is an ideal destination for rum enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Established in 1785, this historic distillery is one of the Caribbean’s oldest, renowned for its traditional methods of rum production.
You can tour the estate to witness the time-honored techniques used in crafting their signature rums, including the use of a water-powered mill to crush sugar cane and an antique copper pot still for distillation.
The guided tour offers insights into the rich history of the distillery, as well as the opportunity to sample some of their distinctive rums.
Check out rum distillery tours and activities
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