Honestly, if you’re looking for Grenada on a map and you’re staring at the middle of the Caribbean Sea, you’re already looking too far north. Most people think "Caribbean" and their minds immediately jump to the Bahamas or maybe Jamaica. But Grenada? It’s tucked way down there. It is basically the last major stop before you hit South America.
It’s small.
Like, really small. We are talking about a nation that is only 133 square miles. To put that in perspective, you could fit about three Grenadas inside the city of New York and still have room for dessert. But don’t let the size fool you. It’s a "tri-island" state, meaning when you talk about where Grenada is, you’re actually talking about a trio: Grenada itself, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
Finding the "Spice Isle" coordinates
If you’re the type who needs the technical data, the center of the country sits at roughly 12° 07' N latitude and 61° 40' W longitude.
What does that look like in plain English? It’s the southernmost island of the Windward Islands chain. If you look at the long, curved tail of islands that makes up the Lesser Antilles, Grenada is the anchor at the bottom.
Who are the neighbors?
You won’t find any land borders here—it’s an island, after all—but its "maritime neighbors" are pretty close:
- Trinidad and Tobago: About 90 miles to the south. On a very clear day (and if you’re high enough up on a mountain), you can almost feel the proximity to the South American shelf.
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: These are the immediate neighbors to the north. In fact, Grenada and St. Vincent actually "share" the Grenadines island chain.
- Venezuela: The South American mainland is only about 100 miles to the southwest.
Because it’s so far south, Grenada often escapes the worst of the hurricane season. It’s generally considered to be just below the main "hurricane belt," though Nature doesn't always follow the rules (as Ivan proved back in 2004).
The Tri-Island breakdown
You can't just say "Grenada" and mean the whole thing. It’s a package deal.
The Big Island (Grenada): This is where the action is. It’s oval-shaped, mountainous, and looks like a jagged emerald dropped into the blue. It’s about 21 miles long. You’ve got the capital, St. George’s, on the southwest coast. It’s often called the most beautiful harbor in the Caribbean because of its horseshoe shape and those colorful colonial buildings climbing up the hillsides.
Carriacou: This is the "Land of Reefs." It’s about 20 miles north of the main island. If you want to see what the Caribbean looked like 50 years ago, this is it. It’s 13 square miles of boat-building traditions and quiet beaches.
Petite Martinique: The tiny sibling. It’s only about 486 acres. Most people there make their living from the sea. It’s rugged, it’s isolated, and it’s arguably the most authentic slice of island life you’ll ever find.
Is it actually in South America?
This is a weirdly common question. Geographically, Grenada is part of the North American continent. However, physiographically, it’s sitting right on the edge. Because it’s only 100 miles from Venezuela, the flora and fauna have a lot more in common with South America than, say, Cuba or the Virgin Islands.
💡 You might also like: Shark attack on camera: Why we can't stop watching and what it actually teaches us
You’ve got volcanic soil that is stupidly fertile. You can basically drop a seed anywhere and something delicious will grow. This is why it’s the "Spice Isle." We are talking nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon everywhere. Grenada is actually the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg. Look at their flag—there’s literally a nutmeg pod on the left side.
The terrain is no joke
If you look at a topographic map, you’ll see a spine of mountains running down the center. Mount St. Catherine is the king of the hill at 2,757 feet. Because of these mountains, the island has its own microclimates. You can be sunbathing in the dry, scrubby south at Grand Anse Beach, and thirty minutes later, you’re standing in a misty, pouring rainforest at Grand Etang Lake.
The lake itself is actually a flooded crater of an extinct volcano. It’s 1,700 feet above sea level. It’s eerie, beautiful, and a bit cool—a nice break from the 82°F (28°C) coastal heat.
Why the location matters for travelers in 2026
Where Grenada sits on the map dictates how you get there. Since it’s so far south, flying from New York or London is a bit of a haul, but it’s becoming a major hub for the southern Caribbean.
The Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is located on the very southwestern tip of the island at Point Salines. When you land, you’re basically touching down on a narrow peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. It’s one of the more scenic landings you’ll ever experience.
📖 Related: Travel Bans on US Citizens: Why Your Blue Passport Isn't Always a Golden Ticket
Getting around
Since the island is so mountainous, don't expect straight roads.
- Narrow and Winding: The roads are basically paved goat paths that hug the cliffs.
- The West Coast Road: This is the scenic route from St. George’s up to Sauteurs in the north. It’s breathtaking but will definitely test your stomach if you get car sick.
- Water Taxis: Sometimes, the best way to see where Grenada is on the map is from the water. Taking a boat from the Carenage in St. George’s over to Grand Anse is faster and way more fun than sitting in traffic.
Realities of the location: What to know before you go
Living or traveling this far south comes with some quirks. First, the sun is intense. You’re only 12 degrees north of the equator. You will burn in twenty minutes if you aren't careful.
Second, the "rainy season" (June to December) isn't just a suggestion. It usually means a massive, torrential downpour for twenty minutes followed by blinding sunshine. It’s what keeps the island so green, but it can mess with your hiking plans if you’re trying to reach the waterfalls like Seven Sisters or Annandale.
Also, keep in mind that while it's a tropical paradise, it’s a real country with real rules.
- Camouflage is illegal: Don't pack your camo shorts. It’s reserved for the military/police, and they will make you change at the airport.
- Driving: They drive on the left. If you’re from the US, those narrow mountain hairpins on the "wrong" side of the road are a true adrenaline rush.
- Currency: They use the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of $2.70. Most places take USD, but you'll get your change in "EC."
Mapping your visit
If you are planning a trip, don't just stay in the south. Most of the "all-inclusive" crowds stay near the airport and Grand Anse. That’s a mistake.
To really "find" Grenada, you need to head north to the Belmont Estate to see how chocolate is made (the cocoa here is world-class). Head to Levera National Park on the northeastern tip to see where the Atlantic hits the Caribbean. It’s wild, windy, and completely different from the calm turquoise waters of the west coast.
👉 See also: Weather in Pinson Alabama Explained (Simply)
And if you have time, take the ferry (the Osprey) to Carriacou. It’s a 90-minute ride that can be a bit bumpy, but it’s the only way to truly understand the "Tri-Island" geography.
Actionable steps for your map search:
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is great in St. George's but can get spotty in the rainforest interior.
- Check the Ferry Schedule: If you're heading to Carriacou, the ferry doesn't run every hour. Plan your transit days carefully.
- Look for "Parishes": The island is divided into six parishes (St. George, St. John, St. Mark, St. Patrick, St. Andrew, and St. David). Use these as your landmarks rather than just "north" or "south."
- Book a "Spice Tour": To understand why this tiny dot on the map is so historically significant, visit the Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station. It’s loud, it smells amazing, and it explains the island's economy better than any textbook.
Grenada isn't just a spot on a map; it's a volcanic powerhouse of flavor and culture tucked away at the very edge of the Caribbean. Whether you’re there for the diving at the Underwater Sculpture Park or just to eat your weight in oil down (the national dish), knowing exactly where you are—right at the gateway to South America—makes the experience that much more grounded.