TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Southern Caribbean Driving in Grenada

Has anyone had experience driving a rental in Grenada? Tips or experiences? I have heard there is little parking in St. Georges and to watch the potholes. I am wondering about driving up to the Grand Etang and the safety if leaving your car. In St Martin we were encouraged to leave the car completely empty and doors unlocked to avoid damage. I understand Grenada is quite safe...
Thanks in advance.

I've rented for several weeks on Grenada. Don't leave anything visible inside (that really applies just about anywhere in the world) but you don't need to leave it unlocked. Grenada is relatively safe, there is crime, but where in the world isn't there crime?

The 'main' roads are pretty good really. You'll probably get used to driving on the left quite quickly. I'm a Brit so used to driving on the left but I've driven on the right enough times and in my opinion it only takes minutes to adapt.

You don't really need to rent a car in Grenada. The local 'bus' service will get you almost everywhere, is cheap and really is fun to use.

We are currently in Grenada with a rental vehicle. It is a 2 door Rav 4, which has navigated pot holes and dirt roads well. We are Canadian, so this is the "wrong" side of the road for us. Traffic is a slower pace than at home and other drivers more forgiving. Many roads are narrow so you drive in the middle and pull aside with oncoming traffic. Have to think when navigating a traffic circle, but follow the car in front and you'll be fine. No trouble parking near the Carenage in St. George and walk to the market from here. Many streets through St. George's are one way,so drive right down the middle. It feels very safe he and we have been all over the island and have only met friendly,helpful people. Like at home I wouldn't leave valuables in the car but I wouldn't hesitate to drive or park anywhere in Grenada. Have fun.

The biggest challenge for us was the lack of signs which made navigating a challenge. It also takes longer than you might expect to get places because some of the roads are winding. We tried to circumnavigate the island and ended up in the hills with a flat tire. A group of four young men came around and looked around and figured out a way to put the spare on. We were never so grateful as then. But we cut back on our driving to the Grand Anse area

The Grenadans have a quite appropriate saying, "the Americans drive on the right, the Brits drive on the left, and the Grenadans drive in the middle"!

What I remember the most is the deep ditches along the side of the roads, the roads are narrow, so I always felt like we were going to fall into one. Especially when we would pass another car.

Also, as mentioned, there are no signs, it was really hard to figure out where you were at or where your were going.

If I had to do it again, I would use public transportation, and/or take a guided tour. I feel like we missed a lot of things trying to navigate on our own.

Are you sure you even need a car? Where are you staying in Grenada? You can take the bus to Grand E'Tang from St. Georges.
One thing to be aware of if you are driving in the mountains is, as noted, the roads are very narrow. Often times the driver will sound his horn when approaching a blind curve, I once asked why and was told it is so that if someone is coming from the other direction they will know to stop and allow the first vehicle to go.
We've been al over the island by bus, including Spending a day going completely around the island stopping in Sauters, BelMont Estate and Grenville.
Grenada is not like St. Maarten, while I wouldn't leave a purse on the seat or a rolex on the dash, nobody is going to steal your luggage or beach chair from the car.

If you're driving to Grand Etang the scenery is beautiful BUT don't let it distract your attention...Out of nowhere a loaded banana truck will appear and a lot of times they take their half of the highway - out of the middle! On a hill you won't get much warning and to say it can be unnerving is really understating the situation.