Hillsborough, Carriacou 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.
Hillsborough, Carriacou at a Glance#
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.
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.
Best Things to Do in Hillsborough, Carriacou#
Hillsborough, Carriacou Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1771 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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March
March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (222 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (195 mm).
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September
September is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (241 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (227 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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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.
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.
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#
To reach Hillsborough, choose a short regional flight for speed or the ferry for a cheaper, scenic option. On Carriacou, taxis and small rentals are the most practical ways to get around the island.
- Ferry (US$30-50) - Public and private ferries connect St. George’s (Grenada) with Hillsborough, Carriacou; journey times vary by vessel type and seas (roughly 1.5-3 hours). Book ahead in high season and check sea conditions if you are prone to seasickness.
- Regional flight (CRU) (Varies (book with carrier)) - Short flights from Grenada to Carriacou’s Lauriston Airport (CRU) take around 10-20 minutes and are the fastest option. Flight frequency varies daily and fares depend on operator and season - book in advance during busy periods.
- Taxi (Carriacou) (EC$10-40) - Local taxis are the main door-to-door option on Carriacou and are convenient for getting between Hillsborough, beaches and lodgings. Negotiate fares beforehand; drivers often know local schedules for boats and tours.
- Car / Buggy rental (US$30-70/day) - Small vehicle or buggy rentals are popular for exploring Carriacou’s beaches and interior. Book locally; vehicles are suitable for the island’s short distances and unpaved tracks.
- Walking - Hillsborough town is compact and very walkable; beaches and local restaurants are often a short stroll from guesthouses. For island exploration beyond the town walking is limited by distance and terrain.
Where to Stay in Hillsborough, Carriacou#
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
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
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#
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 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
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.
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.
