Carriacou Island
Small Grenadian island noted for beaches and culture
A small Grenadian island famed for sailing, shallow reefs and relaxed beach towns like Hillsborough. Visitors arrive by ferry for snorkeling, boat charters, community festivals and a slower pace compared with the main island's tourism.
Carriacou at a Glance#
Address: Carriacou Island, Grenada
About Carriacou#
Carriacou is an island in the Grenada Grenadines, politically part of the state of Grenada. It is known for its small towns, sheltered bays and boating culture.
The island offers beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling and sailing facilities, with popular anchorages such as Tyrell Bay used by visiting yachts. Local cultural events, boatbuilding traditions and small-scale fishing are visible in community life.
Carriacou has a history of indigenous settlement, European colonial contact and African-Caribbean cultural development; it has long served as a maritime and agricultural community. The island economy centres on tourism, fishing and local crafts.
Situated to the north-east of Grenada in the southern Lesser Antilles, the island lies within the Grenadines chain and is a short boat crossing from the main island of Grenada.
- Main settlements: Hillsborough serves as the island’s main town and harbour, and Tyrell Bay is a common anchorage for visiting yachts.
How to Get to Carriacou#
Regular ferry service connects Grenada (St. George’s) to Carriacou (Hillsborough), with journeys typically taking about 1-2 hours depending on the vessel. Flights to Lauriston Airport (CLJ) are available from Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) on small carriers. Ferries and flights are seasonal-book ahead.
Tips for Visiting Carriacou#
- The easiest public access is via the weekly ferry from Grenada (St. George's) to Hillsborough-check schedules as they change seasonally.
- Rent a scooter in Hillsborough to explore the island; main roads are short but often unpaved.
- Visit on market days (usually Wednesdays or Saturdays) to see local produce, boatbuilding, and a lively small‑island economy.
Best Time to Visit Carriacou#
Best from December to May for reliable ferries and sun; watch ferry timetables and book crossings in advance during holiday periods.
Weather & Climate near Carriacou#
Carriacou's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1828 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 57 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 65 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 67 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 96 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 25° - 30° | 27° | 193 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 224 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 24° - 31° | 27° | 187 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 25° - 31° | 28° | 184 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 261 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 24° - 30° | 27° | 230 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 23° - 29° | 26° | 163 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
