If you’re thinking about escaping the cold and grey winter for a warm and sunny Caribbean vacation the next month or so, I’m sure you’re not alone. But let’s be honest, we’re probably all just a bit hesitant to travel anywhere right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both from a personal health concern, as well as having to deal with the associated restrictions imposed on the travel industry right now.
For me, it’s a mental tug-of-war… Should I travel or not? I really want to spend time outdoors feeling the warmth of the Caribbean sun, but I don’t want to get sick and be a risk to others. Well, one thing is for sure – If I’m going to get on an airplane during this pandemic, the destination better be worth it 😉!
Thinking about the Caribbean, one island stands out to me right now – Grenada! The Spice Island has always attracted me with its uncrowded natural beauty and a long list of fun and exciting things to do. Yes, Grenada has dozens of wonderful sandy beaches, however I’m looking to experience another tropical hike to one of the island’s many waterfalls, and snorkel the warm Caribbean sea where I can see a unique underwater sculpture park. I would also like to visit Grenada’s historical sites, chocolate factories and a rum distillery or two!
I’ve done my research of the Caribbean, and from a Covid-19 perspective, there are a number of things about Grenada which makes it very attractive right now. First of all, the island has one of the lowest numbers of Covid-19 cases (*1) in the Caribbean and secondly, Grenada is doing a great job in outlining their travel guidelines in a clear and easy to understand way. They even have a cool Grenadian name for it – Pure Safe Travel. I’m impressed with how professional everything appears to be managed. It’s also nice that there are direct flights to Grenada from Toronto (my home airport) right now. [UPDATE Feb. 5 2021 – Canada has essentially banned travel to the Caribbean for a while, however Grenada will be my first choice once we can travel again].
One of my favourite aspects about an early 2021 Grenada vacation is that tourists are allowed to enjoy what the island has to offer, once we successfully pass an on-island PCR test after an initial 4-day hotel quarantine. I love to explore Caribbean islands, enjoying tourist attractions and experiencing local adventures – The last thing I want is to be stuck at the hotel for the whole vacation. Staying safe in Grenada is made easy with the Ministry of Health’s approved “Pure Safe Accommodations” list – We’re talking over 50 places to stay on the island, including hotels, villas, cottages, resorts, lodges, and even apartments.
The Grenada Authorities has also provided a list of “Pure Safe Attractions” and another list of “Pure Safe Tourism Services”. Visitors can experience everything from a chocolate factory/store, rum distillery, spice/flower gardens and estates as well as nature/forest reserves. There are also national parks with waterfalls along with historic Fort Frederick. For the more adventurous (like me), there’s snorkeling & diving, kayaking, stand-up-paddle-boarding, water-skiing, wakeboarding/tubing, sailing, and boating as well as golfing to be enjoyed.
Of course, just like the rules you probably have at home, every visitor to Grenada is expected to comply with local COVID-19 related regulations when in public places – This includes wearing a facemask, practicing physical distancing along with plenty of hand washing/sanitizing. Here are some of the things visitors to Grenada can expect with the current COVID-19 regulations.
- Obtain a Pure Safe Travel Certificate in order to visit Grenada
- Provide results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test 3 days before travel to the island
- Show proof of a 7-day (or more) reservation at an approved Pure Safe Accommodation
- Download Grenada’s contact tracing app and register prior to travel (Currently only available for Samsung users / iPhone users are currently exempt from this requirement)
- Undergo a health screening on arrival (symptom review, temperature checks, and testing if deemed necessary)
- Undergo an on-island PCR test on day 4 of your visit. This allows you to enjoy more of what the island has to offer (Day 1 starts the day after your arrival in Grenada)
For more detailed information about Grenada’s COVID-19 requirements, please carefully review the instructions found at the Grenada Ministry of Health’s official website:
This website also includes the links you’ll need to fulfill all travel requirements to enter Grenada.
For a more detailed look at ‘Pure Grenada’, along with fun ideas for things to do on the islands, take a look at our Grenada Vacations page
For more of what the Caribbean has to offer, check out our Caribbean Excursions page…
If you’re looking for the best Caribbean island to experience your favourite outdoor activity, check out our Caribbean Adventures page.
ACT Staff
(*1) Reference: Worldometers’ COVID-19 data. As of January 9th 2021, Grenada is one of the 2 or 3 major Caribbean islands with the fewest number of COVID-19 cases and is one of the safest countries globally as well.
- #197 of 220 countries worldwide – For quantity of active cases
- #161 of 220 countries worldwide – For quantity of active cases relative to population
