If you’re docking at St George’s cruise port in Grenada, you’re in for a great day. Known as the Isle of Spice, it’s a vibrant and green island that has a bit of everything. Grenada has a dramatic volcanic landscape with lush rainforests and waterfalls but it also has gorgeous beaches and lively Caribbean towns.
Stepping off the ship puts you right in the middle of St George’s. You can spend your time exploring on your own and soaking in the vibes in the bustling local markets and colourful streets. If you prefer to head further afield, there are lots of brilliant Grenada shore excursions that take you high up into the mountains or down to the famous white sands of Grand Anse Beach.
Whether you want to head off into the jungle for the day or just ramble around the city streets, this guide covers everything you need to know for a perfect port day.
Quick Guide to St George’s Cruise Port
- Location: Esplanade Mall Cruise Terminal, St George’s
- Typical Time in Port: 8 to 9 hours
- Walkable: Yes (you walk straight off the ship into the mall and into the city)
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the local currency but US Dollars are accepted in most places
- Language: English
A Little Bit About St George’s
St George’s is the capital of Grenada, the most southerly island in the Caribbean island chain. It’s known as the Isle of Spice because it’s one of the top producers of nutmeg in the world. It feels very similar to the volcanic landscape of St Vincent if you’ve ever sailed there.
The island has a really interesting and turbulent history. It was originally inhabited by the indigenous Carib people before the French arrived and founded St George’s in 1650. You can still spot the French influence in the architecture but the British eventually took full control in 1783. That constant back and forth is why you’ll see massive stone forts looking down over the harbour today. Grenada then peacefully gained its independence in 1974.
You’ll also see signs of its more recent history as you walk around. The Caribbean weather can be unforgiving and Hurricane Ivan caused massive damage to the island in 2004. We stumbled across the old Parliament building right in the middle of town which was completely abandoned after the hurricane blew its roof off.
Docking Info & Port Layout
Sailing into St George’s gives you fantastic views of the lush rainforests. The ships dock right at the main harbour. Getting off is very easy because you walk straight down the gangway and directly into the Esplanade Mall.
The mall acts as the main terminal building. It’s a large indoor space packed with duty-free shops, local souvenir stalls and plenty of air conditioning. It’s actually a really nice port area because it’s completely covered, spacious and doesn’t feel anywhere near as chaotic as some of the other Caribbean terminals.
Once you step out the front doors of the mall, you’re immediately on the vibrant city streets. You’ll also find the official taxi dispatch and local tour guides waiting right outside if you haven’t pre-booked an excursion so you can easily sort your transport for the day.
Getting Around St George’s
If you’re sticking to the city centre, you can walk everywhere. Just be warned that the hills are a bit severe. Denis nearly refused to walk up one of them because it was so steep! It’s a busy place with lots of traffic so keep an eye out for the local traffic wardens directing cars.
For anything outside the city like the national parks or the waterfalls, you’ll definitely need transport. Taxis and tour buses wait right outside the Esplanade Mall. We went for an organised excursion because we had things we wanted to see without the stress of navigating ourselves.
Curious Facts About Grenada
- Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice because it’s one of the world’s top producers of nutmeg, mace and cloves.
- The island has an underwater sculpture park that you can actually snorkel or scuba dive to see.
- It has no venomous snakes so you don’t need to worry too much when hiking in the rainforest (unless you’re Kolyn!)
- The country celebrates its Independence Day in February and the city gets covered in colourful banners.
- The United States invaded the island in 1983 following a coup but it quickly returned to being a peaceful democracy.
Top Things to Do in St George’s
If you want to explore the city on your own, these are the best spots for your DIY walking tour!
Walk the Historic Streets & Parliament
Rambling around the capital is an adventure in itself. The Georgian buildings are incredibly vibrant and there’s a brilliant bustling vibe as locals go about their day. If you can handle the steep walk up Church Street, head up to see the old Parliament building. It sits entirely abandoned with no roof after a massive hurricane tore through the island in 2004. It’s a stark reminder of how powerful the Caribbean weather can be but makes for a really unique photo stop.
St George’s Market Square
Since Grenada is the Isle of Spice, you absolutely HAVE to visit the main market to stock up. It’s located right in the middle of town at the bottom of the hill and is packed with local vendors selling fresh nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa balls. It gets very busy and noisy but it’s the best place to soak up the authentic local atmosphere, chat with the stallholders and pick up some cheap souvenirs to take home.
The Carenage
This is the gorgeous inner harbour of the city and it’s perfect for a scenic stroll. It’s lined with colourful colonial buildings, small cafes and local fishing boats bobbing in the water. It’s a much flatter walk than the rest of the city so it’s a great spot to grab a cold drink, rest your legs and just watch the world go by along the waterfront.
Grenada National Museum
If you want to dive a bit deeper into the island’s history, you should pop into the national museum. It’s housed in an old French barracks built in 1704 right in the city centre so it’s incredibly easy to get to from the ship. It isn’t massive but it’s packed with interesting artefacts from the indigenous Carib people and exhibits covering the plantation era. It’s a nice little spot to spend half an hour escaping the midday heat and learning a bit more about the local culture.
Fort George
While Fort Frederick is further out, Fort George is right in the city and easily walkable from the cruise terminal. Built in 1705 by the French, it has fantastic views looking straight down over the Carenage and your cruise ship. It’s packed with history, old cannons and dark tunnels making it well worth the steep climb up to the entrance. It actually still operates as the local police headquarters today!
Top Excursions in Grenada
Grenada’s nature is really stunning so it’s worth getting out of the city. Here are the best trips to book if you want to explore the island.
Grand Etang National Park
This is the biggest national park in Grenada and it’s really stunning. We did the Morne LaBaye trail which takes you down into the humid rainforest. It’s quite physical with steep embankments and uneven terrain. Our guide warned us not to interact with the monkeys because they might steal our phones but we didn’t actually spot any in the end! If you want to guarantee a spot with a good guide, it’s best to book a Grand Etang rainforest tour before you arrive.
Annandale Waterfalls
This is a hugely popular spot for tourists and it’s easy to see why. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green scenery and the water is very cool. You can jump in and swim if you want to but we just stayed on the viewing deck because it started raining again. It does that in the rainforest.
Fort Frederick
Sitting high up on Richmond Hill, Fort Frederick is one of the most interesting historical sites on the island. It was started by the French in 1779 and finished by the English a few years later. It’s famously known as the backward-facing fort because its cannons actually point inland to defend against land attacks rather than pointing out to sea. You still get lovely panoramic views over the capital and your docked cruise ship. There are old underground tunnels you can walk through if you’re feeling brave or get caught in the rain like we did.
Grand Anse Beach
If you just want to relax by the sea, Grand Anse is known as one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. It has 3 kilometres of white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s only a short water taxi or regular cab ride from the cruise port so you can easily do it yourself or pre-book a half-day Grenada beach and sightseeing tour to make the most of your time.
Tips For Your Visit
- Wear Proper Footwear: The rainforest trails are muddy and the city hills are incredibly steep. We saw a man fall over in the jungle because he was wearing flip-flops. Don’t be that man!
- Pack a Rain Jacket: It’s a tropical island and sudden downpours are guaranteed. We got caught in the rain at the waterfall and at Fort Frederick.
- Watch Your Belongings: If you do head up to Grand Etang National Park, keep a tight grip on your phone and sunglasses. The local Mona monkeys are notorious for snatching things from tourists.
- Pace Yourself on the Hills: The climb up from the port into the main city centre is exhausting in the heat. Take your time and drink plenty of water.
St George’s Cruise Port FAQs
Is St George’s walkable from the cruise port?
Yes, you walk straight out of the Esplanade Mall into the city centre. Just be aware that the streets are very hilly and you need a good level of fitness.
Are there beaches near the cruise port?
Grand Anse Beach is the most famous beach in Grenada and it’s only a short water taxi or regular taxi ride away from the cruise terminal.
Do I need an excursion to see the rainforest?
Yes, places like Grand Etang National Park and Annandale Waterfalls are high up in the mountains. You’ll need to book a guided tour or a local taxi to get there safely.
Is it safe to explore St George’s?
It feels very safe and welcoming. It’s a busy city with lots of traffic and locals going about their day so just use your common sense.
What currency should I use in Grenada?
The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar but US Dollars are widely accepted everywhere from the markets to the local taxis. It’s a great idea to bring small US notes with you off the ship because you’ll almost always receive your change in the local currency.
The Verdict on St George’s
We had a lovely day in Grenada. The Isle of Spice has a really good vibe and the locals are lovely. While the steep hills in the city nearly took Denis out, the excursion up into the rainforest and the waterfalls was brilliant.
It’s definitely an island for nature lovers and people who don’t mind getting a bit physical on a jungle trail. Between the historic forts, the morning rum punch and the dramatic green landscape, it’s a port we’d highly recommend getting out to explore properly!
