Plizio Visual Lab
Carriacou Island
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
Weather…
Water temperature…
Carriacou is the largest island in the Grenadines, part of the tri-island state of Grenada. It lies 37 km (23 miles) northeast of mainland Grenada. The island covers an area of 34 square kilometers (13 square miles) and has a population of approximately 8,000. Its capital and main port is Hillsborough. The island is known for its boat-building heritage and the annual Carriacou Regatta in August. The highest point is High Point at 291 meters (955 feet). The economy relies on fishing, subsistence agriculture, and tourism. Carriacou has a drier climate, receiving about 1,200 mm of rain annually. The island is home to the Carriacou Museum, which displays artifacts from the Arawak and Carib periods.
- Location: Grenada
- Top sights: Carriacou and Petite Martinique · Hillsborough, Carriacou · Carriacou
- Nearby: Tivoli (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 22 | 28 | 29 | 59 | 99 | 114 | 123 | 114 | 142 | 131 | 72 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
Carriacou is a destination year-round, but for marine life and birdwatching, the months January to May are best. In this dry season, coral reefs are clear and underwater visibility optimal.
Best time of day
Early morning is first-rate for birdwatching and a walk along the beaches. Late afternoon, the calm sea is excellent for snorkeling and observing sea turtles.
Etiquette
Do not touch corals - they are sensitive and legally protected. Do not feed fish and avoid sunscreen that could damage the reef (use reef-safe products).
What to bring
Snorkeling gear is a must to explore the reefs and fish - can be rented locally. Sun protection, a hat and water shoes are recommended due to the bright sandy beaches.
Getting there
Carriacou is the second largest island of Grenada, served by several ferries daily from St. George's and neighbouring Petite Martinique. There is also a small airport for domestic flights.
What to expect
The underwater world shows itself best when you move slowly and quietly - shy fish will come closer. Spend at least an hour in the water to enjoy the diversity of corals and fish.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 34 km² (13 sq mi)
- Population: approx. 8,000
- Distance from Grenada: 37 km (23 miles)
- Highest point: 291 m (955 ft)
- Annual rainfall: 1,200 mm (47 inches)
- Capital: Hillsborough
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Carriacou Island (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Grenada to Carriacou?
The Osprey Lines ferry takes about 90 minutes from St. George’s, while small planes take 20 minutes.
What is the most famous tradition in Carriacou?
The island is famous for traditional wooden boat building and the Big Drum Dance.
Which is the best beach on the island?
Paradise Beach is the favorite, featuring turquoise water and views of Sandy Island.
Do I need a rental car in Carriacou?
A car is helpful, but local minibuses run regularly between Hillsborough and the villages.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from January to May features the best weather for outdoor activities.
Carriacou Island: where is it located?
Carriacou Island is located in Grenada.
Carriacou Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Hillsborough, Carriacou, Carriacou.
Carriacou Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Carriacou Island: why is it worth visiting?
Carriacou is the largest island in the Grenadines, part of the tri-island state of Grenada.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
Nearby cities
St. George's
St.
Grand Anse
Grand Anse is the tourist heart of Grenada, famous for its world-renowned three-kilometer-long sandy beach.
Grand Anse Commercial District
This area is the commercial heart of Grenada, housing numerous banks, shopping centers, and tourism service providers.
Gouyave
Gouyave is the fishing capital of Grenada and the head town of Saint John Parish.
Grenville
Grenville is the second largest town in Grenada and the administrative center of Saint Andrew Parish.
Marquis
Marquis is a historic village in Saint Andrew Parish on the east coast.
Crochu
Crochu is a rural village on the border between Saint Andrew and Saint David Parishes.
Saint David's
Saint David's is the main settlement of the parish of the same name in the southeast of the island.
Sauteurs
Sauteurs is located on the northern coast of Grenada and is the main town of Saint Patrick Parish.
Hillsborough
Hillsborough is the largest town and administrative center of Carriacou island.
Harvey Vale
Harvey Vale is a coastal settlement in the southwest of Carriacou island.
Tivoli
Tivoli is a farming village in Saint Andrew Parish, known for its fertile soil.
History & landmarks
Nature
High North
High North is the highest peak on the island of Carriacou.
Sandy Island
A tiny, uninhabited island off the coast of Carriacou.
Petite Martinique
The smallest of Grenada's inhabited islands.
Levera Pond
A brackish water pond and mangrove swamp within Levera National Park.
Levera National Park
The park on the north coast protects mangrove swamps and important nesting sites for leatherback turtles.
Levera Hill
Levera Hill is an ancient volcanic cone located in the northern tip of Grenada.
Lake Antoine
A shallow crater lake in the north of the island.
Palm Tree Gardens
A botanical garden in St.
More places
Hillsborough Port
Hillsborough Port is the economic lifeline of Carriacou island, connecting it to the mainland of Grenada.
Carriacou Historical Museum
The museum in Hillsborough is housed in a beautifully restored colonial cotton ginnery building.
Lake Antoine National Park
A shallow crater lake that provides a vital habitat for birds such as the whistling duck and various heron species.
River Antoine Rum Distillery
This historic distillery has produced rum since 1785, using traditional water-powered machinery for sugarcane juice extraction.
Morne Fendue
Morne Fendue is a highland area in northern Grenada characterized by volcanic soil.
Grenville Port
Grenville is the second-largest port on the island and serves as the primary economic hub for eastern Grenada.
Mt. Rich Petroglyphs
These ancient Amerindian rock carvings in the Mt.
Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls
The highest waterfalls in Grenada drop over two cascades through an area of rich tropical flora and agriculture.