Things to Do
The Best Beaches in Grenada
From the most popular sand in St George to the coves only the locals know.
The Beaches
From famous sand to secret coves
Grenada’s best-known beach is Grand Anse, around two miles of soft pale sand just south of St George’s. Next door, Morne Rouge is calm and quiet; La Sagesse on the south-east coast is sheltered and uncrowded; Levera in the far north is wild, and a leatherback turtle nesting beach; and off Carriacou, Sandy Island is the postcard, a trip I organise from Grenada.
The best-known beaches are famous for good reason: long stretches of soft pale sand, calm water for swimming, and a beach bar when you want one. But the island keeps quieter secrets too, little coves off the beaten path. I know which stretch suits a honeymoon, which suits children, and which is loveliest at which hour.
Grenada’s beaches, one by one
Grand Anse, the famous one
Around two miles of soft pale sand on the south-west coast, a short drive from St George’s, with calm water, beach bars and water sports when you want them. It is free to visit, and there is room enough to find your own space. My tip: walk away from the bars towards either end for a quieter stretch.
Morne Rouge (BBC Beach), the calm one
A small horseshoe bay just south of Grand Anse, sheltered from the trade winds, with calm, shallow water that suits children and new swimmers. Locals call it BBC Beach. You can walk there from Grand Anse, and there are loungers to rent. Two hugely popular beach bars sit on the sand: Rocky’s, the place to be on a Sunday, and La Plywood, with the best tacos on the island and live music every Friday and Saturday.
Magazine Beach, by the airport
Close to the airport, with clear water that is lovely for swimming and snorkelling. An easy first swim on arrival day, or a last one before your flight.
La Sagesse, the quiet one
A sheltered bay on the south-east coast, a short walk from the main road, and far less crowded than the south-west. Good for swimming and kayaking, with a restaurant on the sand. Best as a day trip.
Levera, the wild one
At the northern tip of the island, inside the 450-acre Levera National Park, with a lagoon and mangroves behind the beach and Sugar Loaf island offshore. Leatherback turtles nest here at night from April to July. The currents and undertow are strong, so only strong swimmers should try the swim towards Sugar Loaf, and watch the turtles only with a licensed guide. More in my guide to Grenada’s wildlife.
Bathway, on the Atlantic side
On the north-east coast, a line of rocks shelters a swimming pool from the Atlantic surf. Beyond the rocks the water is rough, so this is a beach for a sheltered dip and a long walk, not a swim out.
Sandy Island and Paradise Beach, Carriacou
Sandy Island is a small, uninhabited sandbar in a protected area off Carriacou. I organise trips to it from Grenada, or from Carriacou a water taxi takes you across. There is no shade or facilities, so take water and sun protection. Paradise Beach faces it across the water, inside the marine protected area, where fishing is not allowed. Ask me to arrange a Sandy Island trip.
Good to know
The Caribbean coast, west and south, is calm. The Atlantic coast, east and north, is rougher.
Never shelter beneath a manchineel tree in the rain: its dripping sap blisters skin.
Never stand on or touch coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
How I arrange it
With a driver, you are not limited to one beach: you can see as many as the day allows, from Grand Anse in the morning to a quiet bay on the south-east coast by afternoon. On a private yacht charter you see even more, with the coast laid out from the water and beaches you can only reach from the sea. I arrange the driver or the yacht, a packed lunch and the timing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Grenada?
Grand Anse is the best known: around two miles of soft pale sand with calm water, just south of St George’s. For a quieter day, Morne Rouge next door or La Sagesse on the south-east coast.
Which beach is best for children?
Morne Rouge (BBC Beach): a small bay sheltered from the trade winds, with calm, shallow water.
Are Grenada’s beaches safe for swimming?
The Caribbean beaches on the west and south coasts are generally calm. The Atlantic beaches on the east and north are rougher, and at Levera the currents are strong. Never shelter under a manchineel tree in the rain.
How do you get to Sandy Island?
I organise trips to Sandy Island from Grenada, so you can go without staying on Carriacou. If you are already on Carriacou, a water taxi takes you across. It is a small, uninhabited sandbar in a protected area with no shade or facilities, so take water and sun protection.
Which beach is closest to the airport?
Magazine Beach, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Find your beach
When would you like to experience Grenada? Tell me how you like to spend a beach day. I will check availability and take care of every detail, from touchdown to departure.