Grenada, West Indies in 90 Days: Lessons from the Isles

In October, I booked my flight to Grenada. I knew nothing about the island, only that I was going. Four months later, I was boarding a plane with three suitcases and a backpack, ready to greet the new year with open arms. I had packed up my life, sold or given away most of what I owned, and set my sights on a new adventure

A Travel Guide to Grenada, West Indies

What to pack (Besides the Basics)

• Passport
• Water Source
• Portable charger
• Firestick (TV)
• Natural Hair Products
• Bug Spray
• Hats

Language & Currency

The official language of Grenada is English, but you may notice some locals speak “Limin’ Talk”; if you don’t understand, no worries, after a couple of days in Grenada, you will.

Currency Tips

I recommend converting your money into Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC) for easier transactions. Most banks across Grenada offer currency exchange services.

One important detail: make sure your bills are in good condition. Notes with rips, tears, or heavy wear are often refused. Not just by banks, but also by restaurants and local vendors. Keeping crisp bills will save you a lot of hassle.

Transportation in Grenada

Airlines

Grenada has one international airport: Maurice Bishop Airport. If you’re flying between islands, InterCaribbean is an affordable route to see the rest of the Caribbean.

Buses

My favorite way to get around Grenada is by using the bus system. The busiest hub is in St. George’s, home to one of the island’s largest bus terminals. No tickets are required, just walk up, hop on, and find a seat. Each ride costs $2.50 EC. Seats fill quickly, so if the bus feels too crowded, you can simply wait for the next one. In popular areas like Grand Anse, buses run so frequently that the wait is rarely longer than five minutes. Service generally starts around 6:00 a.m. and continues until about 8:00 p.m. Some routes are more limited. For example, buses to Mt. Moritz operate less often, with only two running daily between 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Taxis

Taxis in Grenada are a safe and reliable option, especially for airport transfers and island tours. Fares typically range between $80–$100 EC, depending on your destination. All prices are negotiable, so it’s best to agree on the fare before your ride begins. A quick conversation upfront ensures a smoother journey and avoids surprises later.

Communication

Grenada has two main mobile providers: Digicel and Flow. During my trip, I chose Digicel and paid $40 USD per month for unlimited data, with no upfront fees. Getting started was easy. I picked up a free SIM card directly from the Digicel office in town.

A word of caution: Always purchase your SIM card from the official Digicel store. Local street vendors sometimes sell recycled or stolen SIMs tied to unpaid accounts, which can cause problems later.

Safety

Traveling alone in Grenada was both beautiful and challenging. While the island itself is stunning, I often faced uncomfortable situations as a solo female traveler. Harassment was frequent! Men would stop traffic just to ask for my number, and when I ignored them, they honked loudly to demand attention.

One day, I boarded the wrong bus and ended up lost in the country. A man approached me with unsettling suggestions, asking me to join him in his vehicle in a sexual manner. Another time, a tour guide admitted he knew where I lived because he had watched me catch the bus repeatedly.

Even casual outings carried risks. Wearing shorts once led to a stranger commenting on my body. Leaving an ATM, another man followed me, yelling when I refused to engage. These moments made me more cautious about how I dressed and moved through public spaces while on the Island.

Despite these experiences, Grenada also gave me friendships I grew to trust and cherish. I noticed that harassment was far less common when I was with another person or in a small group.

Grenada is undeniably beautiful, but for solo female travelers, safety requires vigilance. My advice: stay aware, set boundaries firmly, and whenever possible, explore with companions.

Places to Eat in Grenada

Raj Doubles

Trust me—the best doubles on the island can be found right at the St. George’s bus terminal. They’re sold at various spots, often near the fruit stands, and are always fresh and flavorful. Just remember, it’s cash‑only, so plan ahead before you go.

Mixers – Affordable Drinks

Mixers is located at the Gallary Mall in Grand Anse. Mixers is a great spot for affordable drinks, and the fact that they accept Visa makes it extra convenient. Midday vibes are peaceful, perfect for unwinding, and the bartenders are consistently kind and professional.

Victory Bar – West Indian Food

Victory Bar is a laid-back spot for affordable meals and drinks, perfect if you’re looking to relax. Service can be a little slow, but the chill atmosphere makes up for it. The music ranges from R&B to Soca, and you can even request your favorite genre from the bartender. I recommend trying their reggae pizza, smoked BBQ, or Alfredo.

Prickly Bay – Food, Drinks, and Live Music

This lively outdoor venue is the perfect place to soak up Caribbean culture all in one setting. With delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music, it captures the island’s spirit from the moment you arrive. The atmosphere is vibrant yet welcoming, making it ideal for anyone who loves to dance or simply enjoy the rhythm of the islands. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a taste of authentic local vibes, this is the place to be.

Patrick’s – Local Home-Style Food

Patrick’s Homestyle Food in Grenada is one of the island’s top‑rated restaurants, known for authentic Caribbean flavors served tapas‑style. Expect generous portions of local dishes like curry goat, saltfish, and Grenada’s national dish “oil down,” all in a cozy, homestyle setting

Chucky’s – Quick Grab

Chucky’s is conveniently located right across from the St. George’s bus terminal, making it an easy stop for travelers. Their chicken roti (bone‑in) is large, flavorful, and in my opinion, the best on the island, all at a reasonable price. Just remember it’s cash‑only, so plan ahead before you go.

Vegan Vybes – Vegan Food

This cozy spot is run by a kind Rasta man who cooks fresh, flavorful vegan meals with a menu that changes throughout the week. He’s not only a great cook but also incredibly knowledgeable about the island, always happy to answer questions and share insights. The space is small, so unless you’re comfortable with the lunch rush, I recommend ordering your food to go.

Mykonos – Pastries, Sweets, and Coffee

Myknonos feels like a blend of Starbucks and Panera, but better. The food is fresh, reasonably priced, and their soursop smoothie is a must‑try. It’s a great spot for small meetings or students finishing assignments, with reliable Wi‑Fi (just ask for the passcode).

Places to Visit in Grenada

Feeding the Monkeys at Grand Etang

Visiting Grand Etang and feeding the monkeys is a truly humbling experience. Though they are wild animals, they’re surprisingly gentle and well‑mannered. For the best experience, pick up fresh bananas from the food market in “town” (St. George’s) or buy directly from a local vendor.

You can reach Grand Etang by bus or taxi. The bus is the cheaper option, but if it’s your first time traveling this route, I recommend hiring a taxi and asking the driver to wait for you—otherwise, the return trip can cost more if they have to come back up the mountain.

This excursion is popular among tourists, so plan your visit midweek to enjoy the monkeys without large crowds. Remember to be respectful: don’t toss banana peels on the ground.

The experience itself is free, but nearby bars and vendors offer food, drinks, and souvenirs if you’d like to support the local community. Both USD and EC are accepted, so bring cash along.

Annandale Waterfall

The famous Annandale Waterfall isn’t just a natural wonder it’s a hotspot where all come to cool off with a refreshing dip. Entry is simple: visitors pay 10 EC, while locals pay 3 EC.

What sets Annandale apart from other waterfalls is the vibe. After your swim, you can kick back at the on‑site restaurant, where the food is flavorful, the prices are fair, and the drinks are refreshing. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole afternoon swimming, eating, sipping, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Dodgy Dock

Wednesday night transforms Grenada’s streets into a lively festival of flavor and rhythm. It’s the busiest night of the week, with vendors serving up local cuisine, live bands filling the air with music, and bartenders mixing special island drinks.

It’s the perfect way to taste Grenadian culture in one vibrant setting, food, music, and community all coming together. If you’re in Grenada, don’t miss it. This weekly tradition is more than a meal; it’s an experience that captures the soul of the island.

Grand Anse Beach Market

Right on the sands of Grand Anse Beach, you’ll find a charming market that’s perfect for a laid‑back day by the sea. Whether you’re browsing for souvenirs or grabbing a taco between swims, this spot blends shopping and snacking with the easy rhythm of beach life.

Conclusion

Grenada is an island that greets you with beauty, rhythm, and resilience. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in a culture that blends warmth with vibrancy. Whether it’s the chatter of vendors at St. George’s fish market, the hum of buses weaving through town, or the laughter shared over doubles at the terminal.

This guide captures both the joys and realities of life on the island. You’ll find practical tips on currency, transportation, and communication, alongside honest reflections on safety as a solo traveler. The food scene is rich and varied, from homestyle Caribbean dishes at Patrick’s to vegan creations at Vegan Vybes, each offering a taste of Grenada’s soul.

Grenada is not just a destination, it’s a journey of discovery. It asks you to embrace adventure, stay aware, and connect deeply. Whether you’re here for the food, the music, the landscapes, or the friendships, Grenada leaves you with stories worth telling and memories worth keeping.