Explore: Grenada
Facts
- This is the southernmost of the Windward Islands and conveniently close to the Grenadines, which link Grenada to its smaller sisters Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
- Grenada is the usual turning-point north for a cruise among the Windward Islands.
- It is a beautiful island with lush mountains and silvery beaches and a series of wonderful bays along the southwest and south coasts. Grenada is a sailors’ favourite.
- Carriacou is the southernmost and largest of the Grenadines; relatively undeveloped, it is attractive with its green hills, sandy beaches, and sheltered natural harbours such as Tyrell Bay. Carriacou Marine fuel dock has good prices for duty-free fuel.
- Petit Martinique is not often visited by yachts cruising the popular nearby Grenadines (which belong to St. Vincent) as this means having to sail down to Carriacou to clear it and then sail back. Once you are checked into Grenada you can sail between the various islands of Grenada without restriction.
- Getting work done: Grenada has an excellent choice of good quality, reputable contractors. Several excellent chandleries too.
- Provisioning: Good choice and prices very reasonable.
Security
Yacht Security Assistance in Grenada:
VHF Channel 66 Repeater was privately donated to the Grenadian Government and is used by the Grenada Cruisers Net to provide coverage to all Grenadian waters. It can also be received in southern parts of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the northern parts of Trinidad including Chaguaramas Bay. The Grenada Cruisers Net is for weather, advice, security reports and information on many subjects to help make Cruisers’ stay in Grenada more rewarding. It broadcasts Monday – Saturday at 07:30 and is a fully interactive radio net.
Yacht Security: Trinidad & Tobago Waters
In response to a number of incidents where yachts have been boarded and robbed on passage between Grenada and Trinidad, there is now a formalized convoy process which any yachts planning this passage can take part in. Set up by Jesse James and supported by YSATT, the Trinidad and Tobago Coastguard, and North Post Radio, this is a fun and safe way to get to and from Trinidad. Find out full details at this report.
All yachts transiting these waters should submit a float plan to the Trinidad & Tobago Coastguard. See this news report for more details. Even if taking part in a convoy, a float plan should still be submitted.
Reported Incidents:
August 2019: Armed Boarding and Burglary – St Georges
July 2019: Problems in Grenada – by CSSN
April 2019: Trinidad Hibiscus Oil Platform – Pirates fire shots at sailboat
March 2018: Boat on night transit from Trinidad to Grenada, 6nm South of the Hibiscus gas platform, was pursued by a suspicious vessel.
Other Reported Incidents
Grenada Halifax Bay: March 2019: 2 Dinghies and 2 outboards stolen.
Grenada Chemin Bay: February 2019: Outboard theft.
Thefts and burglaries also reported from Clarkes Court Bay, Port Louis Marina, Prickly Bay, Chemin Bay, Mt. Hartman Bay and Tyrell Bay – Carriacou during 2016 and 2017.
Dinghy and outboard thefts continue to be reported and this is a common problem in the Caribbean and many other parts of the world. Be prepared and lock up all your valuables, including hoisting and securing to the boat your outboard and dinghy at all times, but especially at night.
The Caribbean Safety and Security Net ([email protected]) provides information by anchorage or by island, so sailors can plan their cruising in the Caribbean with an eye to appropriate behavior and precautions wherever they decide to go. Should you have suffered a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon. The associated form is quick and simple to complete and ensures that all the necessary details are reported. The CSSN is the most comprehensive source of Caribbean security incidents against sailors. Remember, it is every cruiser’s responsibility to ensure that incidents are reported. Also, cruisers can subscribe to e-mail alerts, follow on facebook and twitter and listen to the SSB Voice Service.
Be sure to check related security reports for Grenada.
Last updated: August 2019
Weather
The climate is tropical. The main hurricane season lasts from August to November, with a few smaller storms possible in June and July. Normally most hurricanes pass to the north of the island.
See the Caribbean National, Regional and Island Weather Websites report for more.
Grenada Cruisers Net
VHF Channel 68
Transmitted by voluntary cruisers and local businesses at 07:30 Mon-Sat, Channel 66i. 3 day offshore and local weather forecasts.
Main Ports
- Ports of Entry: Port Egmont (Le Phare Bleu Bay), Prickly Bay, St Davids, St George’s, Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough (Carriacou)
- Other Ports: Clarkes Court Bay, Hog Island, Mt Hartman Bay, Petit Martinique, Sauteurs, True Blue Bay
