Port Description

Where You're Docked

Most ships dock at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal, which exits directly into downtown St. George's. Other (mostly smaller) ships dock nearby at the Carenage, a horseshoe-shaped waterfront area with shops and restaurants.

Getting Around

On Foot: Ships dock within walking distance of downtown St. George's, which boasts shopping, dining, historic forts, churches and a museum.

By Taxi: Cabs are plentiful at the cruise terminals and in downtown St. George's. Rates are set by the government of Grenada; a trip from St. George's to the Grand Anse Beach area is $10. (You can also take a water taxi from the Carenage to Grand Anse for about $4.) Private or group tours can be arranged with cab drivers, with average hourly rates running about $20 - $25.

By Bus: Grenada's colorful local buses, bearing personalized monikers like "Upper Level," "Hot Boys" and "Spectacular," are the most cost-effective way to move about Grenada. Available from St. George's for most short rides (such as the Grand Anse beach area), bus rides can cost as little as $0.75.

Grenadians drive on the left side of the road. A driving permit is required; it costs between $11 and $12 and can be purchased from car rental agencies. Local companies include Y&R Car Rental (473-444-4448) and Indigo Car Rentals (473-439-3300). Rates start at $50 a day.

What to See and Do

Grenada is an island of British, French and West Indian cultural influences, all of which are visible in its colorful capital, St. George's. Head up to Fort George for views over the city and the harbor, or to Fort Frederick for a bird's-eye prospect over miles of green hills to the north and east of the city. The Grenada National Museum (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.) is small but has fascinating artifacts (such as the childhood bathtub of Napoleon's wife, Empress Josephine). Vendors peddle spices, crafts, produce and more each morning in Market Square, at its liveliest on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and noon.

Grenada's best snorkeling is at Moliniere Point, about 20 - 30 minutes north of St. George's. Many of the dive operators located on Grand Anse Beach offer several snorkeling trips a day to Moliniere Point. Snorkeling off Grand Anse Beach is also available. Gear can be rented from one of the many dive shops located along the beach. Rental equipment for additional water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and parasailing can also be found at these shops.

Hire a driver or rent a car and head to Annandale Falls. About 15 minutes outside St. George's, this mountain stream cascades some 40 feet down into a pool below. You can swim here or hike along a path to the top of the falls.

Grenada has a lush and mountainous interior -- one-ninth of its land mass is preserved in the way of parks, natural sanctuaries and wildlife preserves. Grand Etang National Park (473-440-6160) is Grenada's largest forest reserve and contains excellent hiking trails that range from easy 15-minute strolls to rigorous expeditions of several hours. Trails wind past cascading waterfalls with inviting swimming holes and up to Grand Etang Lake, a volcanic crater lake. The trails are easy to navigate; the Forest Reserve offers both maps and human guides (a fee may apply).

Visitors who want to get up close and personal with Grenada's tropical rain forests, plantations and cascading waterfalls should book a half- or full-day Adventure Jeep Tour (473-444-JEEP). Guides combine informative commentary on the island's flora and fauna with outdoor adventures like hiking and swimming.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Aquarium Restaurant (473-444-1410, Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m.) is located on the beach at Point Salines, just off the airport road (10 minutes from St. George's), and serves up some of the island's best seafood and international cuisine. If you're in port on Sunday, check out the fabulous lobster beach barbecue.

La Belle Creole (daily 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.) is located at the Blue Horizons Garden Resort in the Grand Anse/Morne Rouge area (about 10 minutes from St. George's). It's known for its blend of Grenadian and continental cuisines, using local spices and ingredients in international dishes (such as callaloo quiche).

For great harbor views, try the Nutmeg Restaurant (Monday - Saturday, from 8 a.m., 473-440-2539) at the Carenage. This casual waterfront joint offers Grenadian cuisine as well as continental dishes with specialties such as callaloo soup and curried conch. We especially love the nutmeg ice cream.

The Tropicana (473-440-1586, daily 7:30 a.m. - midnight) offers affordable West Indian and Chinese dishes with a waterfront view in St. George's. Instead of a sandwich, try a "roti" -- curried beef, seafood or chicken baked inside a pastry turnover.

As its name suggests, Water's Edge (473-443-2822, daily 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.) offers gorgeous views over St. David's Harbor on Grenada's east coast. Dine on locally caught lobster and fish, accompanied by fresh produce grown on the island.

Staying in Touch

The Java Kool Internet Cafe (473-435-3506) is located at the Carenage in St. George's, offering 30 minutes of access for about $1.50.