Carriacou
AVAILABLE IN PRINT NOVEMBER 2022
Chris Doyle Publishing has decided to embark on an exciting new project unique to the guides’ 40-year history; a stand-alone guide to yachting and watersports in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique to be available in print November 2022. This guide will be free to the public, advertiser-funded, and appeal to not only yachtspeople and charter guests, but to traditional tourists and visitors as well.
Working closely with the Marine and Yachting Association of Grenada, we have produced an in-depth guide with all the useful charts and information on navigation, marinas, and services their readers are used to, plus expanded sections on snorkeling and diving, environmental concerns, and giving back to the community.
Since publishing the 20th edition of the Cruising Guide to the Windward Islands in 2020 the world of travel has changed significantly. While the shallow reefs, white sand beaches, and protected anchorages of the Caribbean are still there, life ashore has become more complicated, and travel between island nations more cumbersome. The yachting industry in many island nations has been and will continue to be a popular and important part of the economy, and we recognize that many sailors and charter guests will be opting to spend more time in the waters of individual nations.
While we hope to resume regular updates of the Windward and Leeward Island guides in coming years, we are excited to make a Grenada guide part of our catalog.
Click the image below to download the free Sailor’s Map to Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and Petit St. Vincent.
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This is an island with over a hundred rum shops and only one gasoline station – Frances Kay, Carriacou.
Carriacou is enchanting. The inhabitants live by farming, fishing, and seafaring, and must number among the friendliest in the Caribbean. Just about everywhere in Carriacou is of interest, but Windward should definitely be part of your tour, as should the road running from Windward to the north end of the island. Windward is the traditional center of boatbuilding, made famous by the documentary Vanishing Sail, and it is here that you can see the fishing fleet arrive under sail. If you cannot afford a taxi, take a bus over to Windward and hike. Closer to town, a destination with a great view is the hospital, which sits high on the hill overlooking Hillsborough Bay.
Carriacou has lovely anchorages, pleasant hiking, marinas, yacht services, dive shops, and entertaining bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The island has no natural source of water, besides rainwater, which is often in short supply, especially in the dry season. Please be respectful and conserve water when you can.
Hillsborough is a pleasant town built on a lovely beach. As you walk down the main street, you catch glimpses of the sea through gaps between the buildings. Hillsborough is a good anchorage, with the marine park right nearby. You can also visit by hopping on one of the frequent buses that run between Tyrrel Bay and Hillsborough (fare $3.50). You will find good restaurants and shops, a local market, and you can pop into the tourist office for maps and information, including cultural events.
For pets that need attention, there is a good animal hospital, run by Katherine and Nadine, and if you need attention, Carriacou Health Services (CHS) brings in specialists (including a dentist) on various days of the week, and can do tests. They take walk-ins for emergencies but otherwise call ahead. The local hospital has a commanding view of the bay, and Carriacou has a doctor.
Tyrrel Bay is large, well-protected, and very popular with cruisers. The taking of mangrove oysters is no longer allowed, so do not buy any.
Businesses line the waterfront. A road separates them from the sea. The shore was once thickly wooded with manchineel and sea grapes. Most were cut down to increase the visibility between the boats and the businesses. When Hurricane Lenny threw record-breaking swells into the bay, it devastated the unprotected shoreline and destroyed much of the road, turning several properties into beachfront real estate. The government then built the big seawall that now lines the waterfront. The trees are coming back.
There are many restaurants and quite a few yachts services here.
