Grenada is a good island to explore on your own. It is small and easy to learn, and one day can take in a waterfall, a rum distillery and a quiet beach. It is also an island where a little planning makes a big difference, because the buses stop early and the taxis add up when you are paying alone. This guide tells you what to expect, and where I can help.
Is Grenada safe for a solo traveller?
Many solo visitors say they feel comfortable here, but no honest guide will tell you it is free of risk. The US government rates Grenada Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of crime. The Canadian government asks for normal security precautions, and notes that women travelling alone may meet harassment or verbal abuse. Petty theft is the most common problem, and it tends to rise around big festivals such as Spicemas in August.
Sensible habits go a long way. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, take a taxi after dark instead of walking, and keep your plans to yourself with people you have just met. Check the current government advice before you fly.
Getting around
Uber and Lyft do not run here, but Grenada has local ride apps that work in much the same way, Haylup and Dash. You book a ride on your phone, so download one before you land. Minibuses are cheap and run through the day, but they stop in the evening and Sundays are quiet. Taxis are easy to find, but the cost adds up when you are paying alone, so group your stops by area. If you drive, remember that Grenada drives on the left and the roads are narrow and hilly. You need a temporary local driving permit, which costs EC$60 and is valid for 90 days.
The simplest answer is a driver and guide for the day. Ask me and I will arrange one. For the practical details, see my Grenada travel tips.
Tours you can join on your own
Not every tour suits one person. Many are priced for a whole vehicle or a whole yacht, which means a solo guest pays for the empty seats. I have gathered the ones where a single guest can book on their own, and put them together in one place.
You will find waterfall hikes, island and spice tours, horse rides, river tubing, sunset and lobster cruises and a snorkelling sail. Some tours have a solo traveller rate, so a guest on their own pays a fair price for one. A few sails go ahead once enough guests have booked. If one does not fill, I will offer you a new date or a full refund.
Open the Solo travellers list in the booking app to see them all. You can also browse things to do in Grenada.
Where to stay
Many hotels charge extra when one person takes a room. It varies from place to place, and it is often lower in the quiet months. The busy season is December to mid April. Small hotels and guesthouses with breakfast included suit solo guests well, because there is a natural place to start the day. Ask about the price for one person before you book, or ask me. See where to stay in Grenada.
Meeting people without joining a big group
Shared tours are the easiest way. A spice and rum day, a waterfall hike or a sunset sail all put you with other guests for a few hours, and you go home when you like.
In the evenings, the island has a regular rhythm, and you can fill most of a week without planning much.
Wednesday is Dodgy Dock at True Blue Bay.
Thursday is Latin night at the West Indies Beer brewery in Lance aux Epines.
Friday is Merveilles, and La Plywood has music on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is live music at Rocky’s Beach Bar on BBC Beach. Go in the afternoon and stay for the sunset.
Money and small things
Grenada uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, fixed at about 2.70 to the US dollar. Only US and EC dollars are accepted, and damaged US notes are refused everywhere, banks included, so bring clean ones. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge, and a cash tip in hand is the best thanks. Get an eSIM before you land, and complete the online entry form before you fly. Always ask before photographing people, and greet people when you speak to them. Good morning before a question is how things are done here.
Adding Carriacou
A ferry runs from St George’s to Hillsborough on Carriacou. It makes an easy day trip or a quiet two nights for one. Osprey sailing days are irregular, so check ospreylines.com or call +1 473 440 8126 before you plan.
Questions solo travellers ask
Can I book a tour on my own?
Yes, on the ones in the Solo travellers list. You pay the operator’s own price per person, with nothing added on top.
Is it better to hire a car or take taxis?
For one person, a driver and guide for the day is usually simplest. Driving means the left side, narrow hilly roads and a temporary local driving permit, which costs EC$60 and is valid for 90 days.
When is the best time to go?
December to mid April is the busiest and most expensive. The quiet months are cheaper and often kinder to a single traveller’s budget, though some places keep shorter hours.
What if a tour does not go ahead?
If the operator or I cancel, you are refunded in full. For weather, I will first offer you a new date. A few sails run once enough guests have booked, and if one does not fill I will offer you a new date or a full refund.
Is Grenada safe for a woman travelling alone?
Many solo visitors say they feel comfortable here, but no honest guide will call it risk free. The Canadian government notes that women travelling alone may meet harassment or verbal abuse. Keep valuables in the hotel safe, take a taxi after dark and check the current government advice before you fly.
Do I need cash?
Yes. Only US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars are accepted, and damaged US notes are refused everywhere, banks included, so bring clean ones.
Plan it with me
Tell me your dates and what you would like to do, and I will arrange the rest, from the airport to your last evening. Message me on WhatsApp at +1 473 417 1197, or use the enquiry form.