Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Grenada. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
February 28, 2020: Grenada has made changes to their entry requirements. Please check with your airline and the Travel Advisory page to stay up to date on any restrictions.
Plan
Before you go
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
It is important that you refer to our main COVID-19 page for Grenada to see detailed guidelines and information sources before you go on your vacation.
Address
Port Louis Marina
Kirani James Boulevard
Saint Georges
Grenada W.I.
Grenada is the most southerly of the Windward Islands. Port Louis Marina was opened in January 2008 and is just over one mile from Grenada Point Saline International Airport, with flight connections to the Caribbean, USA, Canada, Europe and South America. St. George’s Harbor is the port of call for yachts and many inter-island ferries.
Base hours
8am - 5pm
Time zone
Standard Time Zone: UTC/GMT -4 hours
Tourist information center
N/A
Language
Official Languages: English (official), French Patois.
Cost of living in Grenada
Food costs in Grenada have been considered notoriously high, depending on where you eat. A good tip is to buy locally produced food from the markets. St Georges fish market is a real hit with locals and tourists alike, and the prices are basically unbeatable.
What to bring
Passport and visas
Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html for the latest information before you leave.
Sunsail is not accountable for any requirement changes.
Clearance
In line with local regulations yachts arriving from outside Grenada or Carriacou will need to clear in with customs and immigration at a port of entry.
These are:
- Port Louis Marina
- Grenada Yacht Club, St Georges
- Grenville, St Andrew
- Grenada Marine, St David’s Bay
- Prickly Bay Marina
- Carriacou Yacht Club, Tyrell Bay
- Hillsborough, Carriacou
Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles that may be confiscated by Customs.
Departure Tax: Persons 13 years of age and older are required to pay EC $50 (US $20). Departure tax for persons from 5 to 12 years of age is EC $25 (US $10). Children under 5 years are exempt. Visitors remaining on the island for less than 24 hours are not exempt from paying the departure taxes - only in-transit passengers are exempt.
Inward clearance must be completed by the skipper before any other crew member lands. Four copies of the crew list are required; these can be completed in advance.
Outward clearance is also required from Grenada to ensure being able to clear in to the next country to be visited. Yachts should depart within 24 hours of clearing out. The Customs and Immigration offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 11:45am and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, and from 8:00am to 1:30pm at the weekend.
Customs is located across the bay at the Grenada Yacht Club. This is less than a 2 minute dinghy ride.
Sailing licences
Sailing experience: Level 3
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions. This rating scale is designed as a guide based on the prevailing conditions during the most popular season.
Luggage + packing list
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
What's on board
Coolers
Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.
Fuel
Fuel is available at the base and costs approximately US$ 0.86 per liter.
Cell phones
Your cell phone may work in the Caribbean, check with your service provider for international roaming. Please leave your cell phone number with customer service before casting off.
Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod whilst sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.
Drone
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/
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.
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Go
How to get there
Airport
Maurice Bishop International Airport formerly known Point Salines International Airport, is located in the parish of St. George’s at Point Salines, the most south western point of the island. The town of St. George’s is about 5 miles north of the airport.
Facilities at the airport include:
- Tourist information booth
- Exchange bureau
- Toilets with disabled facilities
- ATM
- Internet café
- Gift shop
- news agent
- bar/rum shop
- snack bar
- restaurant
Trolleys and porters are also available, porters expect to be paid EC$1 per bag.
British Airways, BWIA, Virgin Atlantic, US Airways and SVG Airways all have offices at the airport.
The taxi service, run by the Airport Taxi Union, Tel: 444 4296, is on a stand in line basis. Rates from the airport are published on a board outside the Arrivals Hall. They are shown in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$) and are approximately as follows (subject to change without notice).
Transfers
Sunsail can assist with arranging your airport transfers. Please send us your travel details where required. Please Note: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract / invoice.
Taxis meet almost every incoming flight and ferry in the region and are easy to find standing by at Maurice Bishop International Airport.
Traveling from the airport to the Sunsail base in St. George's will cost approximately $25(USD) for 1 - 4 persons ans an extra $5(USD) for each additional person. There is a surcharge on cab rides between 6:00pm and 6:00pm as well as for trips outside of St. George's.
Checking in + checking out
On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 6:00pm for boarding.
The first evening is a sleep aboard where you have the time to unpack provisions and settle into the boat.
If you arrive before 5:00pm you may request a briefing for that same day. If you arrive after 5:00pm, your briefing will take place the following morning after the chart briefing. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood. Briefings are mandatory.
Chart Brief – There will also be a chart briefing if you arrive before 4:00pm, you may request a briefing for that same day. If you arrive after 4:00pm, your briefing will take place the following morning at 9:00am.
The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.
Out of hours
Staff stay late for late arrivals.
On departure
All charters end at 11:00am at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.
Before departing your boat you will need to collect a debrief form from reception.
The debrief form is to let us know if you encountered any problems with the boat or broke anything during your trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag your dirty laundry and leave it in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge clients for boats left less than shipshape.
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Sail
About the marina
Marina facilities
Fresh water
Electricity
Wireless Internet Access
Cable TV
Night security
Refuse disposal
Toilet
Showers
Restaurant
Swimming Pool
Bar
Duty-free shopping
Weather forecasts
*Supermarket
*Chandlery
*Yacht club
*Fuel station
*Cinema
*Just a two-minute dinghy ride away.
Dock facilities
Fuel is available at the base and costs approximately USD 1.23 per liter.
Sailing licenses
Experience level
Although no sailing licenses are required for cruising in Grenada, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on vacation with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.
Get more information on Grenada's sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his own cabin. We prefer not to put the skipper in the bow due to the shared head and size of the cabin. If you expect him to stay in the bow, please let us know well in advance so that we can choose the appropriate (small) skipper.
For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
There are several different countries represented within the cruising grounds of the Windward Islands and each of them require customs/immigration clearance upon arrival and departure. Fees vary based on the country, yacht, number of passengers, itinerary etc. All charters with a skipper are encouraged to provide the skipper with an initial $500 at the beginning their charter. This money will be used to cover costs for customs fees as well as mooring ball fees for the duration of the charter. The total amount needed may be less or it may be more. At the end of the charter the skipper will return any remaining funds along with receipts for all money spent. ATMs are limited in the cruising grounds so it’s important to plan ahead for these fees.
More information on Skippered Charter Options.
Sailing area
Sailing lanes are generally open from Falmouth Harbor counter clockwise to St. John's Harbor.
Martinique/Guadeloupe: Selected yachts in Antigua cannot go into Martinique/ Guadeloupe at any time.
Download Sunsail's Grenada Cruising Guide here.
Sailing area restrictions
This information is covered in the chart briefing.
The area around Soufriere and the Pitons in St. Lucia is a national park with restrictions on anchoring.
All windward sides of the islands should be kept well clear of.
The Tobago Cays is restricted from the south side due to the large number of coral heads in the channel which are difficult to see.
In all bays, anchor with caution to avoid damaging coral or sea grass beds.
Anchoring is not allowed off Grand Anse Beach in Grenada. Need to anchor at least 2 miles away from beach.
Blue Lagoon in St. Vincent has a difficult entrance and is best avoided.
BVI: - All the British Virgin Islands, including Anegada and US Virgin Islands.
For Bareboat Charter with Sunsail Crew. No sailing in US Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands. To sail with St Martin boat to Guadeloupe/Martinique, please check with your sales agent if the boat has the necessary flag/registration (French/Octroi De Mer)
Rest of Caribbean: No further than 20 miles out from Puerto Rico to Grenada,
excluding Montserrat, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago
There are some other restrictions throughout the whole Caribbean, which are detailed in the Caribbean Introduction section.
More information on the sailing in this area.
Night sailing
Night sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.
Sailing permits + taxes
There is a cruising tax when entering Grenada which is valid for 30 days.
You must clear customs as you pass through each country and fees are associated with the clearing process. If you sail from Grenada into St. Vincent and the Grenadines then a $35ec per person cruising tax is collected by the customs agent
Moorings fees + taxes
None. Mooring Balls in this area are not recommended as they tend not to be well maintained. However, those in Dragon Bay are government placed and recommended.
Health + safety
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets and harnesses. We leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only). If you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when 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.
Swim Safe
For your safety and for environmental reasons, the feeding of fish is not recommended and may be prohibited in some destinations.
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Eat
Provisioning
Sunsail Provisioning
Provisioning is available in this location. All provisioning orders should be placed no later than 7 days prior to the charter start date. Visit store.sunsail.com to order.
More information on Provisioning.
Dining
Grenada offers tourists plenty of seafood, West Indian dishes and French and Italian food. Favorite local dishes include fish stew, curried lambi (conch) and the ubiquitous roti. Pigeon peas with rice, plantains, yams and callaloo soup are common side dishes.
Carib beer and Westerhall rum are the local brews; it’s also worth trying local nonalcoholic drinks such as sorrel juice, mauby and ginger beer.
Victory Bar & Restaurant (at the base)
The Aquarium Restaurant Within walking distance of the airport
The Beach House Portici Bay
Restaurants closed during September – Low Season
If you are looking to travel in low season we would advise that you will have a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and to provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of their boat.
Tipping
There is an 8% Government Tax at hotels and restaurants. Most also add a 10% service charge. Additional gratuities are at your discretion.
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Shop
Around the base
St. George, Grenada
Allamanda Beach Resort & Spa
St. George, Grenada
Spice Island Beach Resort
St. George, Grenada
Banks
Banking hours in Grenada are usually Monday to Thursday from 8:00am - 3:00pm, and Fridays from 8:00am - 5:00pm.
It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.
Please note that you can change money at the base.
Currency
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar, linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency, US$ is accepted.
Credit card information
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops.
Post office
The General Post Office is on Lagoon Road by the Port in St. George's. There are sub-post offices in all towns and villages. Post Offices are open 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Thursday; Fridays until 4:30pm.
Shopping
Lots of variety including wood carvings and paintings, ranging from native to sophisticated, jewelry, from natural materials to Emeralds and Gold.
Batiks in the fabulous colors of the Caribbean and of course spices, jams, jellies and Grenadian plantation rum. Duty Free in Havana House on The Carenage, boasts a wide variety of Caribbean crafts, souvenirs, ceramics, spices, jams, jellies, compact discs and small electronics.
Shops are generally open from 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday, and 8:00am - 1:00pm on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open from 9:00am - 7:00pm And there are one or two who are even open on Sundays. Often when cruise ships are in port, the craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday.
There are 2 well stocked supermarkets in the area. There is Foodland which is located in the lagoon. They have a dinghy dock which makes provisioning very easy. There is also IGA supermarket in Grand Anse that caters to the expat community on the island; they carry most major American brands.
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Play
Things to do
Car and Jeep Hire
There are car rental companies at the airport including Y&R 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$30.00. 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.
Walking
With its astonishing natural beauty and wide variety of ecosystems and terrain, Grenada offers some of the finest walking, hiking, and trekking opportunities in the Caribbean.
Water toys + sports
For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base but please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our water sports options here.
Fishing
Sports fishing is extremely popular in these waters, with Spanish mackerel, barracuda, marlin, tuna and kingfish just some of the fish landed. Licenses are not required for trolling a line while underway. Spearfishing is illegal to all non-residents.
True Blue Sport Fishing
St. Georges
E-mail: [email protected]
Located at the Marina
Scuba Diving
The scuba diving in Grenada is mainly off the south-western peninsula of the island, both on the ledge to its south (before the seabed drops away into the deep channel between the Caribbean and South America) and to its north, where there are reefs in the lee of the island, off Grand Anse and up the calmer western coastline. The reefs, wrecks and coral walls remain largely unspoiled by crowds and many have yet to be fully explored. Divers will encounter deserted cays, sand bars and lagoons teeming with sea life, including sea fans, gorgonians, sea horses, rays, turtles, dolphins and stunningly colorful reef fish, as well as magnificently colored coral
Dive Grenada is a PADI 5 Star and BSAC Resort Center that has been in existence since 1991 - the longest established dive operator in Grenada. Its Dive Center is on the spectacular Grand Anse Beach, beneath the Flamboyant Hotel, and so it is ideally situated to reach most of the 30 plus dive sites around Grenada’s south-western tip within a short boat ride.
Tel: (1) 473 444 1092
Mobile: (1) 473 414 6229
Email: [email protected]
Snorkeling
We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use.
We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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