about grenada
geography
This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique. Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of twelve miles (18 km) and a length of twenty-one miles (34 km). Its 133 sq. miles (440 sq. km.) are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 2,750 feet atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes as well as a startling variety of plant and animal life. Dwarf forests high atop Mount St. Catherine descend to the mountain rainforests of middle altitudes, which give way in turn to the dry forests of the lowlands. Those forests shift to mangrove at the coast, giving way to stunning white sand beaches, brilliant blue water, and exquisite coral reefs.
Grenada's smaller sister island, Carriacou, is hilly but not mountainous. With smoother terrain, Carriacou is an ideal destination for walking. It possesses fine sand beaches and natural harbours, as well as offering excellent views out over the northern Grenadine islands. Petite Martinique, the third and by far the smallest island in the state, consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone poking through the water. It is only now being developed for visitors.
location
The three islands of Grenada are located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the south Trinidad and Tobago.
climate
Average temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December,
it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day.
people
Grenada's population numbers about 93,000, comprising citizens of African, East-Indian, and European descent. The largest proportion of the population, about 75%, is of African descent.
how to get to laluna
If arriving from North America fly direct from New York – JFK (Air Jamaica),
from Philadelphia (US Airways), via Trinidad and Barbados (Air Jamaica, BWIA)
or via San Juan (American Airlines/Eagle).
- from canada fly direct (Air Canada)
- from europe fly direct from london (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Excel)
- from germany fly direct (Condor Airlines)
Air Jamaica – www.airjamaica.com
Delta – www.delta.com
US Airways – www.usairways.com
BWIA – www.bwee.com
American Airlines/American Eagle – www.aa.com
Air Canada – www.aircanada.com
Virgin Atlantic – www.virgin.com
Excel – www.xl.com
Condor Airlines – www.condor.de
Inter-island carriers
Liat – www.liatairlines.com
Caribbean Star – www.flycaribbeanstar.com
documentation to enter grenada
All US, Canadian and Mexican citizens are required to have a passport to enter or re-enter these countries by December 30, 2006.
The airport departure tax is $50EC or $20USD per person. No credit cards are accepted.
by boat
Seafarers may arrive by private yacht or sailboat, and anchor off our intimate bay, called Portici, only two bays south of our infamous Grand Anse Beach.
electricity
220 Volts, 50 Cycles
The Front Office offers adaptors and converters if required.
currency
Eastern Caribbean Dollars is the local currency in Grenada. US dollars are accepted but we highly recommend that you exchange your currency into EC dollars for local purchases. This can be done at the Front Office. US $1.00 equals EC $2.60.
optional activites
Scuba diving – www.aquanautgrenada.com
Rental cars – www.sanvics.com
Fishing – www.worldwidefishing.com/grenada
Various tours of the island – www.grenadatours.com,
www.grenadaguide.com/aetours and www.kennedytours.com
learn more about grenada
www.grenada.org
www.grenadagrenadines.com |
