Grenada and Jamaica are two Caribbean islands that resemble each other in terms of landscape and topography.
One major difference though is the flying time to each destination from the United States of America.
Jamaica is a little less than two hours flying time from Miami International Airport whereas your journey to Grenada will take about four hours from the same location.
In this article, we provide you with information on these two destinations to help you decide which is ideal for your upcoming vacation.
As a general rule, Grenada is better for travelers who are interested in trying the island’s exotic national dish oil down and tranquility. Alternatively, Jamaica is better for travelers who enjoy a bustling nightlife atmosphere and visiting the iconic Blue Hole.
Read on for more information about these two spectacular Caribbean islands. This article was written by a Caribbean national familiar with both destinations.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Is Bigger
Jamaica is significantly larger than Grenada in terms of size having a landmass of 4,244 square miles.
The blue mountain peak is the highest point of elevation in Jamaica at 7,402 feet and the population according to worldmeters.com was 2,986,543 at the time of writing.
On the contrary, Grenada is notably smaller than Jamaica being 133 square miles and according to Worldometers.info Grenada’s population at the time of writing was 113,096 persons.
The highest point is Mount St Catherine which stands at 2,757 feet.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- What Are The Official Currencies
The official currency used in both destinations differs.
Jamaica has its own currency which is the Jamaican dollar. The Bank of Jamaica which is the central bank is responsible for the island’s monetary policy. Nonetheless, US dollars are widely accepted around the island.
Contrastingly, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency used in Grenada as well as seven additional English speaking Caribbean islands.
Along the same lines as Jamaica, the US dollars are readily accepted by businesses across the islands. Coins are rejected.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Gets More Tourists
Based on the data retrieved from Tourism Analytics, Jamaica is the more popular destination of the two nations.
As per tourism arrivals figures for 2019, Jamaica welcomed 2,689,920 stopover visitors and 1,552,346 cruise passengers to its shores.
The same website revealed that in 2019, Grenada received 162,904 stopover visitors and 338,119 cruise visitors.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Has Unique Cuisine
Both islands have exotic and unique choices of cuisine which makes them ideal for foodies.
In terms of Grenada, its national dish oil down is extraordinary. It is prepared with breadfruit as the principal ingredient.
Various types of meat such as chicken, salt meat, saltfish and crab is also added to the dishes.
Additionally, provision items such as fig and vegetables like pumpkin and callaloo is included in the dish.
Alternatively, Jamaica is known world-wide for jerk food and is national dish ackee and saltfish.
Jerk food is prepared in other Caribbean islands but the Jamaica cuisine in this area is extraordinary.
Festivals are served as a staple with many meals. This is a dumpling made with flour that is fried.
If you want to make this at home, there is packet festival mix which you can buy at local Jamaican supermarkets.
If you love jerk food, The Portland Jerk Festival is an event that you should consider which is held annually, the first weekend in July.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Has Better Nightlife
Hands down Jamaica is the clear winner here in terms of nightlife.
Jamaica is one of the Caribbean islands known for having a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. On the other hand, Turks & Caicos is quiet, laid back and peaceful.
In Jamaica, Margaritaville is one of the popular spots on the island which is built above the sea with a bar and restaurant.
Pier1 is also a very well loved place for locals and visitors which feature an open restaurant which serves Jamaican cuisine with live music and dancing.
Pace of life is much slower in Grenada with a more limited selection of restaurants.
There is a bowling alley, Lavo Lanes that opened a few years ago in Grenada on Maurice Bishop Highway that locals and foreigners enjoy.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Is Safer
Grenada is the safer of the two destinations. According to the US Department State, Overseas Advisory Council based on a 2018 crime report per 100,000 citizens, Grenada had the 11 murders and 0 kidnappings.
Alternatively, Jamaica has a high crime rate. According to the US Department State, Overseas Advisory, there was an increase in shootings and murders from 2018 to 2019 by 7.8 % and 3.4%.
Additionally, murders and robberies increased in the same period by 9.3 % and 3.1% respectively.
Nonetheless, care and due diligence must be taken when visiting both destinations.
Avoid leaving valuables expose especially in locked vehicles and venture out in secluded places at nights.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Which Destination Has Better Beaches
This category is truly a tough one as both islands have beautiful white sand beaches.
Nonetheless, Grenada is the smaller of the two destinations and therefore has less options than Jamaica.
One of the most popular beaches in Grenada is Grand Anse Beach and it is also the beach closest to the cruise terminal.
Grand Anse beach is a magnificent 2 mile stretch of white sand covered with numerous almond trees and sea grapes.
There are life guards stationed along the shoreline for your safety as well several high end resorts.
In terms of Jamaica, Seven Mile Beach also known as Negril beach is Jamaica’s most famous with white sand and beautiful water.
This location is excellent for snorkeling and water based activities. Doctor’s Cave beach and Frenchman’s Cove beach are also excellent and well-loved beach options in Jamaica.
Grenada Vs Jamaica- Unique Things To Do In Both Destinations
Dive The Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada- this one of a kind sculpture park was constructed in 2006 and is located in Molinere in Grenada.
The British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor is the creator of the park. It is about 5-8 metres deep and is accessible by scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottom boats.
Blue Hole, Jamaica– located near Ocho Rios, this attraction is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, mud baths, diving and exploring caves at the Blue Hole which gets its name from the color of the water.
This adventure is suitable for both adults and children.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Grenada is an ideal choice for a traveler who wants to enjoy authentic West Indian cuisine, excellent beaches and a slower pace of life. On the other hand, Jamaica is an ideal choice for a traveler who wants to enjoy reggae music, amazing nightlife and white sand beaches.
Need More Information?
We trust that you found the above information insightful as you plan your upcoming Caribbean vacation.
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