Grenada

Born from the seafloor in a sequence of violent volcanic eruptions, Grenada is a tropical, three-island state, 90 miles (145km) north of Venezuela. Part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the country consists of the main island of Grenada and its neighbouring constituencies, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Boasting lush soils and a rolling mountainous interior, breathtaking waterfalls gush down from the centre to meet the sea and hikes through verdant jungle make for a truly memorable Grenada nature experience. Couple that with unblemished beaches reminiscent of those found in glossy travel magazines, billowing sails criss-crossing an azure coastline, a low-key lifestyle and unrivalled diving sites such as 'Bianca C' and you've got one of the most overlooked tropical havens in the Caribbean.

Heady fragrances of nutmeg and clove and a warm-hearted reception greet visitors to the friendly capital of the 'Spice Island', St. George's. The red tiled roofs, Georgian architecture and central spice market make it one of the Caribbean's most charming centres, complimented by a picturesque natural harbour. Sun-worshippers can choose from 45 beautiful beaches, the most popular being the two-mile (3km) long Grand Anse Beach, or seek out one of the many secluded beaches a little further afield.

Initially inhabited by Kalinago settlers from the Amazonian basin in South America, Grenada became an unwilling station of European expansion, its effects evident in the people, architecture and cuisine of today. First invaded by the Spanish in violent slave raids, the resident Kalinago were then largely wiped out by French colonialists who exploited the land for large-scale sugar cane plantations and brought slaves in from West Africa to work them. Britain succeeded France and only in 1974 did Grenada gain independence from the English.

Grenada was crippled by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but has recovered at an astonishing rate, jointly hosting the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Although an impoverished nation, the Grenadian's friendly disposition along with a vibrant culture of afro-carib and calypso music, dancing and food as well as its picturesque tropical location more than make up for the lack of infrastructure. Grenada has long been a favourite port of call for yachties, divers and holidaymakers alike, offering some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean, with coral gardens, an underwater volcano and the largest underwater shipwreck in the region, not to mention the alluring homemade Caribbean cuisine and lip smacking seafood.

Climate

Grenada enjoys a tropical climate with an average year-round temperature of 80ºF (26ºC). Grenada's weather is divided across two main seasons, determined by rainfall rather than temperature. The dry season falls between January and May, when showers are few and sporadic and the land is cooled by northeast trade winds. This is the ideal weather for visitors. The rainy season is June to December when conditions are hot and humid and short bursts of heavy rainfall frequently occur. Conditions are humid around the coast but become considerably cooler and wetter toward the mountainous interior. Grenada lies on the edge of the hurricane belt and hurricane season normally runs from June to November.

Money

The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), which is divided into 100 cents. The Eastern Caribbean dollar is tied to the US dollar at US$1 = EC$2.7. ATM machines are available at most banks and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, car rental companies and shops. Many establishments will accept payment in US dollars, giving change in the local currency. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US dollars are recommended. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Passport Visa

All foreign passengers to Grenada must hold onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Visa extensions are possible, and can be obtained at the Immigration Authorities Office in Grenada. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States, and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean region, are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. Note that if departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. Also note that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Grenada, if arriving in the country within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions (for stays not exceeding six months) apply to holders of a birth certificate and photo ID issued to nationals of the USA.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for stays of up to six months for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a UK driver's licence, Voter's Registration Card, social security card or National Identity Card; and to holders of a birth certificate and photo ID issued to those eligible to hold British passports. Note that for passport-exempt travellers, the maximum period of stay in Grenada is three months.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a birth certificate and photo ID issued to nationals of Canada.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Grenada. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Health

Dengue fever is common in Latin America and the Caribbean and cases have been reported in Grenada. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Good medical care is available in Grenada and Carriacou but most doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of travel health insurance. Grenada doesn't have a decompression chamber for divers; the nearest decompression chambers are in Tobago and Barbados, 30 minutes away by air ambulance. The water in Grenada is clean and safe to drink.

Embassy Consulates

• Grenada Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 2561.
• Grenada High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7385 4415.
• Consulate General of Grenada, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 595 1343.
• Honorary Consulate of Grenada ,Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)83 461 6559.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, St. George's: +1 473 444 1173.
• British High Commission, St. George's: +1 473 440 3222.
• High Commission of Canada, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Grenada): +1 246 429 3550.
• Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Grenada): +1 868 628 0695.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Grenada): +1 876 978 3160.