jhand

Should we rent a car in Grenada? We are staying at la Source so we’ll really only need to go out for any sight seeing that we do (hiking, town visit, etc). We would also like to check out other beaches on the island. Are most of them public? Are there chairs at Grand Anse to rent or should we just bring towels?

Callaloo

If you are ready to face the challenge that is driving on Grenada (driving on the left, aggressive drivers, twisty roads with steep drop-offs), you'll find it worthwhile to rent a car, since many wonderful spots are a good distance away. Alternatively, you might want to take a comprehensive island tour from one of the many great operators, and then decide for yourself whether you want to return to any of the places you stopped.<BR><BR>As I understand it, all of the beaches on the island are public -- just make sure you don't intrude on the privacy of the people who may be staying at a particular resort. Some great beaches include Morne Rouge, La Sagesse and Bathways.<BR><BR>I don't recall seeing beach chairs available for rent on Grande Anse, but I don't typically look for them either.

sherrieT

Hi! We just returned from Grenada yesterday! We rented a car for one day and had a great time. I must say driving around the island is an adventure, but it was the highlight of our trip. They drive on the left, there are no (and I mean absolutely none) street signs or road numbers, roads are narrow and steep, and the locals drive like maniacs. If you can handle all that then go for it. We have driven in Ireland, England, Spain, and Italy so felt we were fairly prepared. To know where to go you must ask the locals who are very happy to help you. This was all part of the adventure. We drove around the whole island in one day, stopping at a lake, rum distillery, Carib's Leap, and several beaches. We also took a tour with Sensation on another day and it was fabulous. I wouldn't think you would need a car for the whole time you are there. The beaches on the south western part of the island are the best for swimming (also the sand is whiter)and that is where La Source is located. When we had the car, beaches on other parts of the island had few tourists, and on the Atlantic side the waves were huge and currents strong, but beautiful to see. All beaches are public. We originally thought we would want the car for more than one day, but the beach at our hotel (the Rex) was calling . . .

Brian

I'm leaving for Grenada tomorrow for my sixth visit, and have rented a car for all of them except the first. Personally, I wouldn't do it any other way since I like the freedom to come and go as I please. It is challenging because of steep and winding roads, blind curves, potholes, aggressive drivers and a lack of signs. I always keep a couple maps in the car and ask the locals if necessary. Lately the government has been improving the main roads. I finally started feeling comfortable driving there after my last visit.

RAB

I have rented a car on several visits. Not all that bad driving if you have had any experience on some of the other less developed Caribbean islands, but takes some getting used to if you have only driven in the US. Driving in St. Georges- other than along the waterfront - is tough; avoid the market area in particualr. I don't consider the local drivers to be aggressive - mini-bus drivers excepted - but since they know the roads they tend to drive faster than visitors.

Sandcrab

I just returned at the end of January. I am used to driving in Grenada now since it is my 28th year visiting this beautiful island. I find that I like to mix it up a bit. I will rent a car for a few days, and also use my favourite tour driver for special days. I also use the minivan buses during the days. The charge from the airport to St. Georges is $2.00 EC and if you get off before St. George's, it is $1.50 EC. Taxis are readily available, but they are pricey, and after dark they charge an additional $10.00 EC per trip.

Brian

I returned yesterday and rented a jeep for a week. This was my sixth time to Grenada and my fifth time renting a vehicle. One thing I've noticed over the past few years is the increase in traffic all over the island. Traffic in St. George's during their morning 'rush' hour is particularly bad. It's even worse when there is a cruise ship in port, which occurs just about every day now. Although this appears to be changing, Sunday is considered a day of rest and traffic is pretty light. On the plus side, the main roads are definitely in better shape now than they were just a few years ago. If you've never driven on a Caribbean island before, you may want to take an island tour with a local driver and then decide if you want to rent a car.