Rum might be cheaper than water in Grenada, at only $2 for a glass, but Grenada is by no means an inexpensive destination for volunteering abroad. Despite this, options abound for saving an East Caribbean dollar or two, none of which (unfortunately) involve becoming a swashbuckling pirate who plunders the high seas.

But, avast, me hearties! To fight the high cost of living in Grenada, and ensure your pieces-of-eight go a little further, live like a local during your volunteering by making the most of island-grown produce and tasty Grenadian dishes. Experience a sensory overload (and an insight into the roots of Grenada’s nickname, “Spice Island”) with a taste of the national dish, oil down (coconut-flavored stew), or find some real local treasure by hunting down a lunch of jerk chicken with rice and peas for around $5 a pop. Just expect everything to be spiced with a touch of nutmeg; Grenada is the second largest producer of this spice, after all. Wash it down with a delicately-flavoured glass of sorrel juice made from a floral relative of the hibiscus plant, which grows plentifully across the islands.

Transport costs within the islands are fairly reasonable and shouldn’t set you back more than $4 per trip, but hitching passage on board a pirate ship may be a cheaper option for inter-island travel; ferries between Carriacou and Grenada can cost around $30 one-way. Activities around the island include sunbathing, swimming in barely-believable azure waters, and generally sitting down and remembering that you’re living in many people’s idea of paradise, all of which are free. Winning.

Volunteer programs in Grenada are not free, unfortunately, and with prices ranging between $500 and $1000 for month long conservation volunteer programs. Just be sure to read the specifics of your chosen placement carefully, so you know what is and what is not included. Accommodation will almost always be included; however, it’s important that you check whether food comes as part of upfront accommodation costs. Airport transfers and transportation may or may not be covered, and travel insurance is a requirement for all volunteers and must be arranged independently of your volunteer placement.

Although Grenada will never be the cheapest place to volunteer abroad, don’t despair at the costs. Thankfully, GoAbroad can help you locate the cash you need to pay for volunteering in Grenada. Check out GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory or start a campaign through some of the web’s most innovative approaches to fundraising, such as crowdfunding websites, like FundMyTravel.com.