Carriacou

Introduction

Carriacou is an island which is part of Grenada. It is located north of the main island and close to the international border with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Geography

Carriacou is the largest island in the Grenada Grenadines. It is also the largest island in the Grenadine Islands (Vincentian and Grenadian Grenadines). It is located at latitude 12° 28' N, longitude 61° 27' W.

Cities

Hillsborough is he only significant town. Other settlements include L'Esterre, Harvey Vale, Tibeau and Windward.

Sights and Activities

• Northern Carriacou - Although Carriacou is already the quiet and sleepy sister island, the northern part of Carriacou is even better and more secluded than the southern parts. It used to be a plantation area for sugarcane, but nowadays most of those plantations are used for growing other crops or cattle. The area has some nice deserted beaches and picturesque villages. This actually makes Northern Carriacou one of the most quiet places in this part of the Caribbean.
• Anse La Roche Beach in Prospect. Access is via a rigorous mile-long trail, a bit steep but well marked, or by boat. One of the most scenic and secluded beaches. A striking rock formation juts up just about 30 yards from the beach. The sandy beach is superb and you may likely have it all to yourself at off times. Snorkeling is very good off the point.
• Belair National Park in Belair. The park is the setting for the Maroon Cultural Festival and Parang Festival. Both French and English ruins of plantation buildings and well-preserved windmills. A network of hiking trails, natural scenery, including a teak and mahogany forest and wildlife.
• Dumfries Historical Site in Dumfries. Old plantation ruins with some old equipment and machinery used in processing cotton and limes, including a landmark stone chimney.
• Petite Carenage Beach & Mangroves Windward. There is a marked trail leading from the road in Windward, through the mangroves and down to this isolated beach. This sand beach is made up of tiny shells and turtles use it to lay their eggs. The surf is often more rigorous here than other beaches. A guide conducts mangrove and nightwatch nesting turtle tours.
• White Island Marine Park Water - taxi out to this offshore island for some great snorkeling. The park provides easy access to coral gardens. Pack a lunch.

Events and Festivals

Independence Day

This public holiday held in February is celebrated all over the islands to mark Grenada’s independence from colonial rule. The official highlight is a military parade at Tanteen; however, the real fun starts as you dance into the night with the locals at one of the many beach parties.

Carriacou Carnival

A sister of the larger festival held on Grenada Island each year, this carnival held at the beginning of March is another excuse for the locals to get down and party. Unique to this event is the Shakespeare Mas, which is an intriguing contest of quotations.

Spice Mas (Grenada Carnival)

The main cultural event of Grenada, Spice Mas is held every year in August. A colorful and cheerful carnival, you will hear the tones of calypso played while you watch the pageants go by. Don’t be afraid to join in the fun - the locals wouldn’t have it any other way!

Carriacou Panrang Festival

Held every year on the weekend preceding December 25, this festival celebrates music, arts and culture on Grenada’s second largest island and attracts big crowds.

Weather

Carriacou has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28º C and 30º C and average nights around 23º C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weather-wise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budget-wise these later months may be a good option as well.

Getting There

By Plane

SVG Air flies between the main island of Grenada and Carriacou. Planes land here at Lauriston Airport (CRU).

By Boat

From Union Island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines there are ferries to and from Carriacou. The M.V. Jasper travels from Union Island to Carriacou at 6:00am on Mondays and Thursdays. In the other direction, it leaves Carriacou on the same day around noon. The costs is about EC$20.00, which is around US$7.50. In addition, various fishing boats leave Union Island at 7:30am and will drop passengers in Carriacou for about the same price. Expensive watertaxis ply the same route between Carriacou and Union Island.

Ospreylines has ferry services connecting several islands in Grenada, including the main island, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Services between Grenada and Carriacou and Carriacou and Petit Martinique usually are twice a day, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. More expensive watertaxis or cheaper small local boats are also options.

Finally, smaller boats and private taxis regularly ply the routes to Petite Martinique and Union Island.

Getting Around

The people of Carriacou travel mainly by privately run 15 seater buses. Rental cars and taxis are also available and boats are commonplace.

Eat

• Bogles Round House, Bogles, in the Artistic Round House building. (5 minute taxi ride to the north of Hillsborough), ☎ +1 473-443-7841. open for lunch from 1230 to 1430, Dinner from 1830 to 2030. Closed on Wednesdays and Sunday Evenings.. Featuring Chef Roxanne Russell. They use mostly local ingredients with an international twist. Main Courses from EC$50.
• Slipway Restaurant, Tyrrel Bay, ☎ +1 473 443-6500. Creative cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients, served in a unique nautical setting at the water's edge. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch & dinner, Sundays for brunch from 11:30AM-2:30PM. Full bar open daily from 10AM except Sunday night and Monday. moderate.

Drink

• Off The Hook Bar & Grill, L'Esterre Bay.

Sleep

• Hope's Inn, ☎ +1 473-443-7457.
• Kim's Plaza Guesthouse, ☎ +1 473-443-7733.
• Peace Haven Guest House, ☎ +1 473-443-7475.
• Millie's Guest House, ☎ +1 473-443-7310.
• Bayaleau Point Cottages, ☎ +1 473-443-7984, e-mail: [email protected].
• Belair Garden Cottage, ☎ +1 473-443-6221, e-mail: [email protected]. Peaceful, private island style cottage with a magnificent view!
• Bogle's Round House, ☎ +1 473-443-7841, e-mail: [email protected]. (Skype: Nashp76; ). Self-contained cottages a stone's throw from the beach.
• Carriacou Grand View Hotel, ☎ +1 473-443-6348, e-mail: [email protected]. Beausejour.
• Seaclusion Suites, ☎ +1 473-407-2779, e-mail: [email protected].
• Tamarind Cottage (email: [email protected]).

External Links