One Day in Grenada Itinerary: From Cruise Ship (St. George’s)

Are you looking for a one day in Grenada itinerary from the cruise port in St. George’s? Then you are in the right spot!

If you’re doing a Caribbean cruise, St. George’s in Grenada will be one of your favorite stops – it was one of mine, for sure!

Of the 7 islands we visited on our cruise, Grenada was definitely the most memorable. Known as the “Spice Island”, this is a great destination that has city vibes, a tropical atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventure. 

One day is not a lot of time to see an island, but with a bit of planning, you can make the most of your shore excursion!

Depending on how long your cruise ship is docking in Grenada, I have created two amazing itineraries for you to help you have an amazing shore day!

Let’s get to it!

One Day in Grenada on a Cruise: at a Glance

When exploring Granada on a cruise stop, you have multiple options for how to spend your day. Since we had a 12-hour shore day, we could use the time to really venture out and see a lot of the island.

For everyone that only has a shorter stop on the island or doesn’t want to be as adventurous, I have created a shorter version of my Grenada itinerary as well.

About the St. George’s Cruise Port in Grenada

🚢 Where You’ll Dock

Cruise ships dock in Grenada at the Melville Street Cruise Terminal.

It is located right in the heart of St. George’s. This modern terminal can accommodate up to two large ships or four smaller ones at a time.

If the terminal is full, your ship will anchor nearby, and passengers are tendered ashore.

🛍️ At the Terminal

• Free Wi-Fi
• ATMs
• Restrooms
• Tourist information desk
• Esplanade Shopping Mall, where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs
• Tour booths offering water taxi rides and scenic train tours

🏖️ Closest Beaches to St. George’s Cruise Port

Grand Anse Beach is just a 15-minute water taxi ride away from the St. George’s Cruise Port.

This beautiful stretch of white sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Alternatively, Morne Rouge Beach offers a quieter atmosphere and is a short walk from Grand Anse.

1. Seven Sisters Waterfall

The first stop on our longer itinerary is the Seven Sisters Waterfall. The waterfall is located within the Grand Etang National Park. 

This was definitely the highlight of the island for us. It is such a gem, especially if you’re a hiker.

The drive to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls takes approximately 40 minutes from the cruise port.  The entrance fee is about $5 USD.

I would highly recommend a guide as they are very knowledgeable about the route and will take away any guesswork involved on the trail. A tip for the guide that comes with you on the hike is also recommended.

The hike is not hard and takes about 30-40 minutes one way, depending on your speed. The trail can get muddy and slippery if it has rained, so make sure you have proper hiking shoes to avoid any falls or accidents.

The trail is super beautiful with lush flora, bamboo groves, and greenery all around. 

Once you arrive, you will see two waterfalls that cascade into swimmable pools. It is truly beautiful. Make sure you have your swimsuit if you want to jump in for a dip. But let me tell you, the water is cold!

2. Annandale Waterfalls

On our way back to St. George’s, we stopped at Annandale Waterfalls.

This is not as impressive as the Seven Sisters, but it is still worth a visit. This waterfall is right along the road, and although it is picturesque, it is not in the same setting and not as exciting as the Seven Sisters.

3. Grand Etang Lake

The next stop on this one-day Grenada itinerary is Grand Etang Lake.

This lake is a volcanic crater surrounded by rainforest – and you can spot lots of monkeys! 

Mona monkeys are African monkeys that can be found on Grenada, as they were transported aboard slave ships headed to the New World.

At the entrance, you will see locals who are playing with the monkeys and will allow you to play with them as well. 

The Lake is surrounded by jungle, and there is a short trail by the water that you can walk through for some photos.

This is a great stop to make before heading back into the city. After returning, you can see how much time you have left over and try one of the other activities below.

4. Fort George

For cruise passengers who don’t stay too long on the island, I suggest staying a bit closer to St. George’s.

From the town center, head directly up to Fort George. Be aware that the walk up is steep, and make sure you have comfortable shoes.

From the Fort, you will get amazing views of the harbour and the sea. The Fort was built between 1706 and 1710, and it is one of the most important structures on the island. 

5. Fort Frederic

Another Fort you can visit is Fort Frederick, which is only a short taxi ride away.

High above St. George’s, you will get the best panoramic views. This Fort is definitely less crowded than Fort George and better preserved.

It will help if you have a guide to explain the history of the Fort so you can learn about the building and its interesting story. 

6. Spice Garden

Grenada is known as the Spice Island for a reason! I recommend taking a spice tour or getting a guide to take you through one of the many spice gardens on the island.

The spices you will see include nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaf, turmeric, and more. These also make a great souvenir!

Some of the best spice gardens to visit are:

• Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden
• Gouyave Nutmeg Processing station 
• De La Grenade Industries & Nutmeg Garden
• Hyde Park Tropical Garden
• Sunnyside Garden

7. Chocolate Factory Tour

Another highlight of this island is the chocolate! On your stop, make sure to visit a chocolate factory to learn about the chocolate-making process and, of course, sample some of the delicious products. 

The House of Chocolate Museum and café is a great spot for this. It’s small, but it will give you a good taste (pun intended) of the process.

Learn about the cocoa that comes from the island and treat yourself to some of the goodies. If you want to take a little taste of the island with you, chocolate is definitely a good option. 

Other chocolate factory options:

• Belmont Estate
• Jouvay Chocolate Factory 
• Tri-Island Chocolate

7. Grand Anse Beach

Spend the rest of your time on the island relaxing. There is no better place than Grand Anse Beach for this.

Grab a water taxi next to the cruise port and head to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The water taxi costs about $ 10 and will take approximately 10-15 minutes. 

Depending on how busy it is, you might have to wait a bit for the water taxi to fill up before they start the journey. If you’re in a rush and don’t want to wait, you also have the option of taking a taxi, but it might cost a bit more.

The views from the water taxi are amazing, you get to see the colourful houses on the coast and enjoy the sunshine. Once at the beach, you will see why this is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Soft white sand with perfect turquoise water. 

For lunch or a drink, stop at one of the many beach-side restaurants. We stopped at Umbrella’s Beach Bar and loved it. We then headed over to Cummin Up Caribbean Restaurant for a beer and a coconut water.

Alternative Activities in Grenada

Underwater Sculpture Park

If you’re a fan of snorkeling or scuba diving, then Grenada is the perfect spot for you. 

Sculpture Park is an underwater art installation in the ocean near St. George’s and is one of the most popular diving destinations. 

The sculptures are about 3-5 meters underwater. This park seems like an ancient ruin, but it was actually only constructed in 2006. There are 75 sculptures in total, and the goal of this installation was to help with conservation efforts and restore marine life and coral reefs.

The Sculpture Park is located off the coast of Moliniere Point. You can get there by taxi or bus. 

If you’re not a fan of diving, you can opt to visit with a glass-bottom boat and see some of the bigger sculptures from above, but it won’t be as great of an experience as diving would be.

St. George’s Old Town

St. George’s is a charming and walkable city. If you have time left over, I suggest you explore on your own a bit and check out the beautiful, colorful houses.

Colorful buildings, friendly locals, and stunning harbor views make it a delightful place to explore on foot. Cruise passengers can stroll around the St George waterfront and harbor directly from the Grenada cruise port and see quite a few attractions on the way. 

Make sure to check out the Grenada National Museum, the Esplanade Shopping Mall, and the impressive cannons. Walking around the Old Town is one of the top things to do here on a Caribbean cruise.

Is Grenada Worth Visiting on a Cruise?

Yes, Grenada is definitely worth a stop on a cruise – I absolutely was in love with the island! But like any destination, it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

Here is a bit of an overview about Grenada and whether or not

🌟 What I love:

• Beautiful beaches: Grand Anse Beach is a fan favorite—super soft sand and calm, clear water.
• Spice tours & local vibes: Grenada is the “Island of Spice.” Nutmeg factories, chocolate tasting, and local markets feel authentic and fun.
• Natural beauty: You can find impressive waterfalls, a lush rainforest, and even an underwater sculpture park
• Less crowded: Compared to more touristy ports, Grenada is pretty chill and not too overrun, even on cruise ship days

😬 What I don’t love:

• Hilly terrain: Some areas are steep and can be tough for folks with mobility issues.
• Pushy vendors: I felt like the market area could feel a bit intense, especially near the port.
• Limited big attractions: If you’re looking for flashy resorts or huge shopping malls, you won’t find them here. It is really a bit more of a natural paradise.

If you love nature, culture, and a slower pace, Grenada is a gem. If you’re only into high-end shopping or big theme-park vibes, it might feel a little too boring for you. Personally, I really loved the place and will definitely go back!

Conclusion: One Day in St. George’s, Grenada

The vibes in Grenada are super relaxed, and you can see a lot from the Melville Street Cruise Terminal. You can really take the short time you have and enjoy the wonderful Caribbean warmth, both in temperature and the people. 

Although one day is not long enough to explore everything on the island, this one-day itinerary will give you a good taste of what the destination offers. You’ll explore waterfalls and an extinct volcano crater lake in the morning, followed by some beach time in the afternoon.

Grenada offers an experience that is rich in nature and culture, and it is an island I would like to go back to – this time without the cruise for multiple days!

Bring some Eastern Caribbean Dollar or US Dollar – this way, visitors will have an easy time exploring with a cab.

Travel tip: The island becomes super busy in the second weekend of August as Carnival takes place. The festival is held to celebrate the emancipation of slaves, and it’s a great time to visit the island and enjoy the celebrations.