Driving in Grenada
Jan 16th, 2002, 03:22 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
The driving in Grenada is not for the faint of heart, but it can be done. The roads are winding and some portions in poor repair with large potholes. Except for a few spots, there are no guardrails to speak of, even at the edge of ravines or valleys. The other drivers will seem aggressive ... they know every curve and they take them at high speed. Driving is on the left. We rented a 4WD Pajero from Avis, and were pleased with it, but don't expect a brand-new clean Camry here; the vehicles will have wear and tear.
Jan 16th, 2002, 08:15 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
St. George and Grand Anse are the most congested areas of Grenada, which slows the traffic a bit (even a traffic light or two, as I recall), so not as scary as those blind curves in the mountains. Also, if you are only doing town driving, you might not care whether you have 4WD or a soft or removable top. I don't want to scare you out of renting a car ... just preparing you for reality. Except for the roads being a bit worse than other places, Grenadian driving is not unlike driving in other places in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Feel free to ask other questions directly.
Jan 16th, 2002, 08:50 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Driving in the Grand Anse area, much of the rest of the south-east coast and into St. George's is not a problem, but getting through or out of St. George's after you get there is an experience. Streets are narrow, crowded, and confusing, and require care. Be sure to study your map carefully first so you know where you are going, and avoid the market area if you can. If you can make your first trip in on a Sunday morning, the place will be deserted and you can get the lay of it in comfort; plus it is an interesting town to look at. As for the rest of the island, it is as described. When I was last there 3 years ago there was a lot of road construction going on that improved some areas greatly, but still steep, winding and narrow, and some bad surfaces. Nevertheless, driving is the best way to see the island on your own schedule, and you certainly should explore it. It is very scenic with lots to see. If you start off in the south and the east coast areas even up to Lavera you can avoid the worst of the hills and curves of the mountains until you get the feel of things. I have had both 4-wheel drive jeeps and regular sedans. For any road you are likely to go on as a first-time visitor 4-wheel drive is not necessary, but might make you feel more confident. In my wiew, the smaller the car the better. I have been pleased with David's car rental.
Jan 16th, 2002, 03:50 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
The descriptions above are very accurate. I've rented a car in Grenada 4 different times, each time from Avis (Spice Isle Rentals). I like the idea of making your first drive through St. George's on a Sunday. For Grenadians, Sunday is a day of rest, and the town is deserted. I found the worst driving in St. George's, with the very narrow streets, deep rain gutters, pedestrians, parked cars, and confusing one-way streets. They even change the directions on them every few years to confuse matters even more! Streets are named on maps, but don't expect to see street signs. You'll need to use landmarks and a little guesswork.<BR><BR>On the positive side, as a result of all the road construction over the last several years, the roads on the island are in much better condition than they were the first time I drove there.<BR><BR>The best advice: Just take your time, drive at a reasonable speed, and pay attention to what you're doing.
Jan 24th, 2002, 03:46 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Spent 6 nites in Grenada last yr and rented a jeep and had no problem driving the entire island. Everybody is friendly and most wave as you drive by!<BR>For a great side trip take the boat over to Carriacou as it is truely a different feeling island and we loved it.
Jan 27th, 2002, 01:38 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
What has been said by other posters is true of Grenada driving. Over the past 12 years of visits there we have seen the addition of a few traffic lights and some newly paved roads but driving continues to be an activity not for the faint of heart! As said, take your time and you will be fine. In addition to the driving being on the left some rental cars are left side drive and some right. If you rent a jeep most are standard transmission so if you are used to left side driver's side be sure to ask for that. Our funniest (scariest at the time) rental was the right side drivers seat with a standard -- try shifting with your left hand and working with reversed directionals! My husband put on the windshield wipers every time he went to signal! David's is a good agency as well as Sunsation. All will pick you up at your hotel. Grenada is a special place!
