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.
Plan
Before you go
Address
Port Louis Marina
Kirani James Boulevard
Saint George’s
Grenada
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 Harbour is the port of call for yachts and many inter-island ferries.
Base hours
8am - 5pm
Time zone
Time difference between the UK and Grenada is GMT -4 hours.
Language
English is the only language spoken in Grenada and St. Vincent. French Patois is only spoken in St. Lucia.
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. George’s fish market is a hit with locals and tourists alike, and the prices are 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.
If your child is not already included on a valid British passport they are required to hold their own passport.
EU passport holders do not require a visa.
Non-British passport holders should check with their local consulate direct
It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. We 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 www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave.
We are not responsible 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
- Grenville, St Andrew
- Grenada Marine, St David’s Bay
- Prickly Bay Marina
- Carriacou Yacht Club, Tyrell Bay
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.
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 Mon-Fri from 8am-11.45am and 1pm-4pm, and Sat-Sun from 8am-1.30pm.
Sailing licences
Sailing experience: Level 3
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.
Get more information on Grenada's sailing conditions.
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.
Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using folding luggage.
Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. British Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused.
You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.
Incidents
If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.
What's on board
Coolers
Cool boxes 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.
Mobile phones
Your mobile phone may work in the Caribbean, check with your service provider for international roaming. Please leave your mobile 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
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. Electricity in Grenada is 220 volts AC, 50Hz and uses the standard US 2-pin plug. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220 volts you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.
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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 five 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 ECD 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 queueing basis. Rates from the airport are published on a board outside the Arrivals Hall. They are shown in Eastern Caribbean Dollars (ECD).
Flights
Gatwick information: 0844 335 1802
Heathrow information: 0870 000 0123
Manchester information: 0871 271 0711
Luton information: 0158 240 5100
Glasgow information: 0870 040 0008
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call the team for more details.
Transfers
If your holiday includes a charter flight, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport and escort you to your transfer. If your holiday is flight exclusive, we request that you send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer 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.
You can also call ahead to schedule a pick up and have a car waiting just for you.
Traveling from the airport to the Sunsail base in St. George’s will cost approximately USD 25,00 for 1–4 passengers and an extra USD 5,00 for each additional passenger. There is a surcharge on cab rides between 6pm and 6am, as well as for trips outside of St. George’s.
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call the team for more details.
Boarding time + checking out
Boarding time
The charters embark at 6pm and disembark at 11am, with briefings held at 9am. All Skippers are required to attend the briefings. The boat briefing will take place on the yacht once you have boarded and are ready.
On departure
All charters end at 11am at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.
Out of hours
Staff stay late for late arrivals.
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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 litre.
Sailing grounds
Sailing Licence
Although no sailing licences are required for cruising in Grenada, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on holiday with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then the skipper and first mate will be required to fill in a sailing cv at the base to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sailing in this region.
Sailing licences
Skippered Charters
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.
Skippered charter information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12pm-12pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved a skipper for the first day of your charter and have a 6pm start, he or she will use this time to ensure they are happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you've reserved a skipper for a later date on your charter they will start at 12pm on that day.
The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. They are not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He or she must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of the contract with you.
For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the check out skipper’s time is booked from 6pm-6pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day.
The 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. We suggest that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his or her time with you on the yacht. We also suggest that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover: anchoring, docking, etc.
The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and this is your responsibility. We suggest that you discuss this on the first day with your skipper and establish whether you'll provide cash for meals, whether you've included him or her in your provisioning or whether you'll accommodate him or her as part of the group for meals ashore.
The skipper must have his or her 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 your skipper 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 skippers, it's your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay all expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him or her back to the base.
The average tip for a skipper is 15-20 percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.
Sailing area restrictions
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 two 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 charters with our crew. No sailing is allowed in the US Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands. To sail with a 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,
Montserrat, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago.
This information is covered more in depth in the chart briefing.
Download Sunsail's Grenada Cruising Guide here.
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. Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting 02380 634911.
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 ECD 35 per person cruising tax is collected by the customs agent.
Moorings fees + taxes
Marine protected areas have mooring balls. In most of them it is mandatory to pick up a mooring ball, as anchoring is not allowed.
Moliniere/Dragon Bay (Grenada): USD 10/day
Sandy Island (Carriacou): USD 15/day
Tobago Cays (Saint Vincent and The Grenadines): USD 10/day, plus a charge of USD 4/day per person
Britannia Bay, Mustique (Saint Vincent and The Grenadines): USD 75 for up to three days.
Some bays have moorings balls in place and are privately owned. Recommendation will be giving at the base on the condition of mooring balls in each of those bays.
Health + safety
Vaccination requirements
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Grenada, the government requires some travellers arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling to Grenada from any country other than the US, this requirement may affect you. For specific requirement details, see the Yellow Fever & Malaria Information, by Country from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Illness or injury
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of our team as soon as possible on either your lead boat, the base. If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills. Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children:
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst 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.
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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.
Find out more about our provisioning options.
Dining
Grenada offers tourists plenty of seafood, West Indian dishes and French and Italian food. Favourite 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 and Restaurant
Port Louis Marina
St. George’s
Tel: +1 473 435 7263
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Aquarium Restaurant and La Sirena Beach Bar
Tel: +1 473 444 1410, +1 473 444 1410
Fax: +1 473 000 000
[email protected]
www.aquarium-grenada.com
Within walking distance of the airport, offering Sunday barbecue.
The Beach House
Dr. Grooms Beach
Airport Road
Point Salines
St. George, Grenada
+1 473 444 4455
White sand and sea views and good food.
Boatyard Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Lance aux Epines
St. George
Tel: +1 473 444 4662
Great pizza and a lovely anchorage.
Coconut Beach Restaurant
Grand Anse Beach
St. George’s
Tel: +1 473 444 4644
Restaurants closed during September to 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 barbecue off the back of you boat.
Tipping
There is an eight percent government tax at hotels and restaurants. Most also add a 10 percent service charge. Additional gratuities are at your discretion.
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Shop
Around the base
Hotels
We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports. Please call the team for more details.
Allamanda Beach Resort and Spa
St. George, Grenada
Tel: +1 473 444 0095
Coyaba Beach Resort
St. George, Grenada
Tel: +1 866 783 5413
Grenada Grand Beach Resort and Convention Centre
St. George, Grenada
Tel: +1 473 444 4371
Spice Island Beach Resort
St. George, Grenada
Tel: +1 473 444 4258
True Blue Bay Resort
True Blue
St. George’s
Tel: +1 473 444 4371
Banks
Banking hours in Grenada are usually Mon-Thurs from 8am-2pm and Fridays from 8am-4pm.
It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favourable 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 dollars and US dollar travellers cheques are accepted.
Credit card information
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travellers cheques are not accepted. Exchange rate is USD 1=ECD 2.67 (Eastern Caribbean Dollar).
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 Mon-Thurs from 8am-4pm and on Fridays until 2.30pm.
Shopping
Lots of variety including wood carvings and paintings, ranging from naive to sophisticated, jewellery, 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 Mon-Fri from 8am-4pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm.
Supermarkets and shopping centres are usually open from 9am-7pm. 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 two well stocked supermarkets in the area: Foodland and IGA. Foodland 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 hire 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 ECD 30. 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 hand side.
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
Grenada, West Indies
Phone/Fax: +1 473 444 2048
Cell Phone: +1 473 407 4688
Email: [email protected]
Located at the marina
Scuba Diving
The scuba diving in Grenada is mainly off the southwestern 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 colourful reef fish, as well as magnificently coloured coral.
Scuba diving is not permitted in marine parks without a local dive operator. This applies to Moliniere, Dragon Bay, Sandy Island and Tobago Cays.
Eco Dive Company, Grand Anse Beach
St. George’s
http://www.ecodiveandtrek.com/
Tel: +1 473 444 7777
Email: [email protected]
Snorkelling
We have a range of snorkelling 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.
Standup Paddleboards
The newest way to experience the water. Experience gliding on the water's surface; this is as close as it gets to 'walking on water' and is suitable for all ages.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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