Hillsborough, Carriacou Travel Guide

City Small town on Carriacou, Grenada

Hillsborough is Carriacou’s main town, a tidy harbour of clapboard houses, boatyards and rum shops. Visitors arrive for sailing, island regattas, snorkeling around nearby cays and the straightforward local hospitality of the Caribbean smaller islands.

Costs

Typical tourist budget: $80-140 USD/day

Island lodging ranges from guesthouses to small hotels; ferry costs add to travel budgets.

Safety

Very safe, low crime

Very low crime and relaxed island life; petty theft is rare but present.

Best Time

Best months: December-April; summer regatta season

Dry months and regatta season offer the best sailing and beach conditions.

In This Guide

Why Visit Hillsborough, Carriacou?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

1,000

Infrastructure & Convenience

Small-island infrastructure: ferry links to Grenada, few ATMs, walkable town center.

Popularity

Popular among sailors, divers, and travelers wanting quiet island life away from crowds.

Known For

Carriacou Regatta, boat-building, diving sites, white-sand beaches, sailing, local festivals, wooden architecture, snorkeling, community markets, rum shops

Hillsborough is the main town of Carriacou and hosts lively annual regattas and boat-building traditions.

Why Visit Hillsborough, Carriacou? #

Hillsborough on Carriacou draws sailors and culture-seekers to its protected harbor, laid-back town center and boatbuilding heritage. The island’s boat regattas and the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival showcase traditional rhythms and creole celebrations, while shorefront eateries serve freshly caught seafood. It’s a place for relaxed islandtime, sailing adventures and close encounters with local crafts and musical traditions.

Top Things to Do in Hillsborough, Carriacou

All Attractions ›

Grenadines

Caribbean island chain; yachts and coral reefs

Islands

Carriacou

Small Grenadian island noted for beaches and culture

Island

Union Island

Grenadines island popular for diving and yachting

Island

Petite Martinique

Small Grenadian island with fishing community and beaches

Island

Canouan

Small Caribbean island with beaches and luxury resorts

Island

Mayreau

Small secluded Grenadine island with sandy beaches

Island

Petit Saint Vincent

Private Grenadines island known for secluded luxury resort

Island

Ronde Island

Small private island off Grenada's northern coast

Island

Don't Miss

Carriacou Museum (Hillsborough) - Small museum detailing island history, boatbuilding, and Carriacouan cultural traditions.
Hillsborough Bay waterfront - Harborfront area with colorful boats, local eateries, and market stalls.
Tyrrel Bay snorkeling spots - Nearby reefs accessible by short boat rides offer good snorkeling and calm waters.

Hidden Gems

Island boatyards - Traditional boatbuilding yards where craftsmen construct wooden skiffs and fishing vessels.
Carriacou craft markets - Small markets selling woven hats, baskets and handmade island jewelry.
Local sailing charters - Day charters offer island-hopping, snorkeling and introductions to Grenadines sailing culture.

Day Trips

Sandy Island (Carriacou) - Short boat trip to a tiny sandbank for swimming and relaxed beach picnics.
Petite Martinique visit - Ferry or boat excursion to Petite Martinique for traditional island life and beaches.

Best Time to Visit Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Carriacou (Hillsborough) is nicest December-May when winds are steady, skies are clearer and sea conditions favor boating and snorkeling. The island sees heavier showers June-November and elevated storm risk around August-October.

Dry Season

December - May · 24-29°C (75-84°F)

Warm, sunny days and calmer seas - perfect for snorkeling, spice tours and festival weekends; expect light trade winds.

Rainy Season

June - November · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Afternoon downpours and lush hillsides; sea conditions vary, some rural roads get muddy, but waterfalls are spectacular and tourist numbers drop.

Hurricane Season

August - October · 25-31°C (77-88°F)

Peak storm window - shipping and flights can be interrupted; avoid if your plans are fixed, otherwise expect dramatic skies and canceled boat trips.

Best Time to Visit Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1771 mm/year), wettest in October.

Best Time to Visit

FebruaryMarchApril

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

30°

Warmest Month

25°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (107 mm).

82 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

107 mm

Rainfall

5.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

88 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

56 mm

Rainfall

5.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

11.6h daylight

March

March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 29°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

62 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.6

UV Index

Extreme

12.0h daylight

April

April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.6

UV Index

Extreme

12.3h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

112 mm

Rainfall

5.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

177 mm

Rainfall

5.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

12.7h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (222 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

222 mm

Rainfall

4.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

12.7h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (195 mm).

70 Very Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

195 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

September

September is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

154 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.4

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

October

October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (241 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

241 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

11.7h daylight

November

November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

227 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.9

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (151 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

151 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

11.3h daylight

How to Get to Hillsborough, Carriacou

Hillsborough in Carriacou is reached either by a short regional flight into Carriacou Airport (CRU) or by ferry from Grenada after arriving at Maurice Bishop International (GND). Ferries and short island flights run regularly but schedules vary with season and demand.

By Air

Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND): International flights arrive at GND on Grenada; to reach Hillsborough (Carriacou) passengers typically transfer to the ferry or a local air service. From GND to the ferry terminal in St. George’s is about 15-30 minutes (taxi EC$20-45 / US$8-17).

Carriacou Airport (CRU): Carriacou has a small airport in Hillsborough (Lauriston Airport, IATA code CRU) used by regional carrier flights from Grenada and nearby islands. Flights are short (often 10-20 minutes) and fares vary by operator - check current schedules and prices as they change seasonally.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no rail service on Grenada or Carriacou.

Bus / Ferry: The common route to Hillsborough is by ferry from Grenada’s harbours (St. George’s or nearby terminals) - ferries take roughly 1.5-3 hours depending on vessel and sea conditions, with fares commonly in the US$30-50 range. On Carriacou local taxis and small minibuses connect Hillsborough town with beaches and settlements.

How to Get Around Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Hillsborough (Carriacou) is small and highly walkable; most guesthouses, restaurants and shops are clustered near the harbor. Inter-island ferries and occasional small plane services link Carriacou to Grenada; local taxis and minibuses handle inland trips - book onward transport during busy periods.

Where to Stay in Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Budget

Hillsborough (Carriacou) - $30-120/night

Hillsborough (Carriacou) has a few guesthouses and small hotels; online availability is limited, so book early or via local operators.

Carriacou Marina Guesting Options - Simple guesthouses near the ferry terminal
Local guesthouses (various) - Family-run stays, limited online booking

Mid-Range

Hillsborough / Grenada (via ferry) - $80-220/night

Mid-range options on Carriacou are limited; many visitors take a short ferry to Grenada and stay at mid-range hotels on the main island instead.

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort (main island) - Comfortable stays near marina and tours
Mount Cinnamon Resort (Grenada) - Popular mid-range option off Carriacou too

Luxury

Hillsborough / St. George's - $180-500+/night

Carriacou has few luxury hotels; travelers seeking high-end amenities typically stay on Grenada's main island and arrive by ferry or plane.

Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel (Grenada) - Luxury option on main island nearby
Mount Cinnamon Resort - Upscale cottages with premium service

Where to Eat in Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Carriacou Flavours

Hillsborough's food scene is small and relaxed: guesthouse dinners, harbour grills and bakehouses offering fresh seafood and simple Creole plates.

Hillsborough eateries (various) - Small cafes and guesthouse meals
Harbour food stalls - Grilled fish and quick seaside dishes
Local bakehouses - Cassava bread and sweet pastries

Seafood & Beachside

Seafood dominates island dining: beachside grills and market stalls serve lobster, fish and island sides in a relaxed, community-driven setting.

Carriacou shore vendors - Fresh-caught fish and lobster when available
Local rum bars - Casual snacks with rum punch
Carriacou Market - Produce, fish and local goods

Nightlife in Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Hillsborough’s nightlife is relaxed - bars and hotels provide evening drinks and occasional live music. Expect low-key social scenes rather than a bustling late-night district.

Shopping in Hillsborough, Carriacou #

Shopping on Carriacou is modest: seafood markets, small craft stalls and a few shops selling basic supplies and souvenirs. For specialty purchases you’ll need to shop in Grenada proper.