Grenada Travel Information
Before You Travel | How to Get There | Boarding Time/Check Out | What's On Board | What to Bring | Health & Safety
This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and care free.
We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.
Before You Travel
Address
PORT LOUIS MARINA GRENADA
Kirani James Boulevard
St. George's
Grenada W.I.
T: 1 (473) 435 6661
Base Hours
8:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week.
Staff will be available for late starts.
Time Zone
UTC/GMT -4 hours.
Tourist Information Center
Coming Soon!
General Information
Area: 340 sq km (131 sq miles).
Geography: Grenada is located in the Caribbean. The island is of volcanic origin and is divided by a central mountain range. It is the most southerly of the Windward Islands.
Population: 90,739
Capital city: St. George's
Ethnic groups: black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian
Official Languages: English (official), French patois
Religion: Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 14%, smaller Protestant denominations 33
Government: Parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm
Major Industries: Food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction.
Tipping: A 10 to 15% tip is standard at restaurants, taxis, etc. $1 per bag for bellhops.
Currency: The Local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-point plugs are standard.
How to Get There
Airport
Maurice Bishop International Airport, located at the southern tip of Grenada, lies just 5 miles from St. George’s, and is served by direct and indirect flights from USA, Canada and London, with regular connections to all the main islands surrounding Grenada.
The airport accommodates all long-haul jets as well as commercial and private het from around the world. Smaller, inter-island carriers serve the other islands in the Caribbean and BWIA serves Toronto, New York, Miami and London. British Airways, Virgin and Excel fly from the UK and Condor from Frankfurt. Air Jamaica flies from New York and also has regular flights from Montego Bay and Miami. Inter-island flights are served by Liat and Caribbean Star to all major islands in the Carribean.
Guests of Peter de Savary’s Properties flying by private aircraft may use the Private Air Terminal at Grenada International Airport with private customs and immigration services. ‘Nutmeg One’ is available to guests of Peter de Savary’s Properties for private charter, for journeys between Grenada, Barbados and other neighboring islands.
Due to the number of flights which we organize, The Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please contact your Moorings Vacation Planning Specialist before booking your flights.
Flights
Due to the number of flights we organize, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact our inhouse flight specialist at 866.649.2003 before you book your flights.
International Airlines offer direct incoming flights to Grenada.
- Air Canada Vacations
- American Airline & American Eagle
- British Airways
- Caribbean Airlines
- Condor
- Delta Airlines
- Monarch Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
- Caribbean Airlines offer direct incoming flights to Grenada.
- Liat
- St. Vincent Air
- Conviasa
Caribbean Airlines offer direct incoming flights to Grenada.
- Liat
- St. Vincent Air
- Conviasa
Private Charter Flights
Through our partnership with a number of reputable airlines The Moorings can arrange private charter flights to Grenada and any other of our Caribbean destinations. Contact our in-house flight specialist at 866.649.2003 for more details.
Transfers
We are unable to arrange transfers for you in Grenada - so you must make your own travel arrangements upon arrival and pay with local currency
A taxi from the airport will take approximately 15 mins.
Car Rentals
All the major car rental companies are represented in Grenada. To obtain a local driving permit, a bona fide driver's license must be presented at the traffic department at the Central Police Station on the Carenage. The cost is approximately EC $30. Most car rental firms also issue local permits.
There is a network of approximately 650 miles of paved roads and most of the main roads are in good condition. Please note that driving is on the LEFT.
Local Car Rental Agencies: (Grenada country code: 473)
- AVIS (Spice Island Rentals): 440-3936
- Budget Car Rentals: 440-2778
- C & J Auto Rentals: 444-5108
- David's Car Rental: 444-3399
- Dollar Rent-a-Car:444-4786
- Island Rent-A-Car: 443-5624
- Jeep & Mini Moke Rentals: 444-4753
- Jerry's Auto: 440-1730
- McIntyre Bros. Ltd. Auto Rentals: 444-3944
- Maitland's Rentals: 444-4022
- MCR Car Rentals: 440-2832
- Quality Rentals: 440-9787
- Sanvics 4x4 Jeep Rentals: 444-4753
- Sunshine Tours: 444-2831
- Thomas & Sons: 444-4384
- Thrifty: 444-4984
- Tropicana: 444-8849
- Y&R Car Rentals: 444-4448
Taxis meet almost every incoming flight and ferry in the region, and are easy to locate at Maurice Bishop International Airport. You can also call ahead to schedule a pick up and have a car waiting for your arrival.
Traveling from the airport to The Moorings base in St. George's will cost approximately $25 USD for 1-4 persons, and an extra $5 USD for each additional person thereafter. There is a surcharge on cab rides between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am, as well as for trips outside of St. George's.
Boarding Time/Check Out
Boarding Time Procedures
Charter Boarding Time: Charters start at 12:00 noon or 6:00pm (with Sleep Aboard).
Sleep Aboard Time: XXXX
Briefing Times: Chart Briefings are scheduled at 9:00am for noon starts / 3:30pm for a Sleep Aboard.
All skippers must attend the briefing and everything you need to know will be covered from customs regulations, use of the radio, making dinner reservations, how to get help etc.. please save all questions of this nature until then. The Moorings operations manual will be on board your yacht for your use throughout yor charter.
All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht.
Late Arrivals
A representative from The Moorings will be on site to greet guests, and assist you in boarding your yacht at night. We will provide you with a brief yacht overview, ensuring that you are familiar with features for the evening (i.e. lights, A/C, shower pumps, heads). A full yacht briefing will be completed prior to your departure.
Check Out Procedures
Charter End Time: All charters end at 11am at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.
A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.
What's on Board
CoolersCoolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Only one per boat.
Provisioning
Moorings Care packages are included on every yacht. These packages contain some of the basics to get you started for your vacation. Additional items are available to be purchased and delivered directly to your yacht. Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more.
Mobile phones
Your cell phone may work in the Caribbean, check with your service provider for coverage. Leave your cell number with Customer Service before casting off.
Music/iPods
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Internet is available in Prickly Bay.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-point plugs are standard.
Yachts - The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter unless your boat has a generator. Inverter rentals are not available from the base.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
What to Bring
Customs & Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.
A valid passport (for each passenger) and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return. A customs declaration form must be completed at the port of entry.
Cruising Licenses
A sailing qualifiactions is not mandatory to charter here - but you must demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and ability. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you - at your own expense. Please ensure you have completed a Sailing Resume or a Power Resume to ensure you have the necessary experience required.
Luggage & Packing List
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.
- Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
- Passport and other travel documentation
- Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
- Light-colored, light-weight clothing
- Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
- Swimwear and cover up
- Hats and sunglasses
- Sandals and flip-flops
- Athletic shoes and hiking boots
- Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
- Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
AUX cable for playing music through your device
12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices
- Snorkel and Snorkeling Mask
*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a "car" outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.
Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://www.uavsystemsinternational.com/drone-laws-by-country/grenada-drone-laws/
Currency
The currency is the East Caribbean dollar, however US dollars are widely accepted with change being given in local currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards. Please see our Base Notes for additional information.
Departure tax: Persons 13 years of age and older are required to pay $20. Departure tax for persons from 5 to 12 years of age is $10. Children under 5 years are exempt. Visitors remaining on island for less than 24 hours are not exempt from paying the departure taxes - only in-transit passengers are exempt. There is EC $1 per person departure tax when leaving by yacht.
Customs costs: There is a cruising tax when entering Grenada, however, guests starting their charter in Grenada will not have to worry about it, as it’s good for 30 days.
Security Deposit
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.
If you haven't purchased the Yacht Damage Waiver, a security deposit (amount as per your invoice) is payable at the base by travelers checks, Visa or Master Card, and is refundable at the end of the charter subject to there being no loss or damage. The liability includes loss or theft of the dinghy and/or outboard.
Health & Safety
Vaccination and Immunization Information
This destination is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.
You are advised to be up-to-date with your Tetanus and Hepatitis B vaccines. An International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory.
Travel Advice
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov
Standard Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children:
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. For your safety and for environmental reasons, the feeding of fish is not recommended and may be prohibited in some destinations.
Travel Insurance
The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.
Medical Facilities
Public hospitals are located in St. George’s, Mirabeau St. Andrew, Carriacou, Mt. Gay and Grenville Private hospitals and clinics are located in St. Paul’s and St. George’s. There are also public health clinics in all parishes on the island.