Car Travel

On Grenada, having a car or jeep is a convenience if you're staying at a resort in a location other than Grand Anse, which has frequent minibus service. If you don't have a car of your own, the round-trip taxi rides can get expensive if you plan to leave the resort frequently for shopping, meals, or visiting other beaches. Driving is also a reasonable option if you want to explore the island on your own. Most of Grenada's 650 miles (1,050 km) of paved roads are kept in fairly good condition—although they are steep, curving, and narrow beyond the Grand Anse area. Driving is on the left, British-style. Gas stations are in St. George's, Grand Anse, Grenville, Gouyave, and Sauteurs.

Renting a Car: To rent a car on Grenada, you need a valid driver's license and a local permit (available at the Central Police Station on the Carenage in the capital city of St. George's and at most car-rental firms), which costs $12 (EC$30). You can rent a car on Carriacou, but it's easier to take taxis.

Some rental agencies impose a minimum age of 21. Rental cars (including four-wheel-drive vehicles) cost $55 to $75 a day or $285 to $375 a week with unlimited mileage. In high season there may be a three-day minimum rental. Rental agencies offer free pickup and drop-off at either the airport or your hotel. A temporary driving permit, available through the rental agency, costs $12.

Contacts on Grenada

David's Car Rentals (473/444-3399. www.davidscars.com.)

Indigo Car Rentals (473/439-3300. www.indigocarsgrenada.com.)

McIntyre Bros. Ltd. (473/444-3944. www.caribbeanhorizons.com.)

Y & R Car Rentals (473/444-4448. www.carrentalgrenada.com.)

Contact on Carriacou

Barba's Auto Rentals (Carriacou. 473/407-5156.)

Ade's Dream Auto Rental (Main St., across from the ferry jetty, Hillsborough, Carriacou. 473/443-7001. www.adesdream.com.)

Wayne's Auto Rentals (Hillsborough, Carriacou. 473/443-6120.)