Carriacou
Carriacou suits travelers who want sandy beaches, a long sailing tradition and a slower pace than Grenada's main island.
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Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadines, the chain of small islands that belongs to Grenada. It lies north-northeast of Grenada in the Windward Islands and covers about 34 square kilometers of hills, bays and beaches. Hillsborough, the main town and ferry landing, sits on the west coast. The island is known for its sailing tradition, including wooden boatbuilding in the village of Windward on the east side and small-boat racing. Its regatta is held each summer.
The island suits travelers who want quiet beaches, slow days and a look at island life away from large resort development. The sandy beaches are the main draw, and Sandy Island, a short boat ride offshore, is a stop for swimming and snorkeling. Ferries and small planes connect Carriacou with Grenada. The drier months, December to April, are the most comfortable time to visit. Three to five days is enough to see the main beaches and sail out to the offshore islands.
Carriacou in five
- Book the ferry or flight from GrenadaCarriacou is reached by ferry from St. George's on Grenada or by a short flight to Lauriston airport on the island. Ferry times are set, so check current schedules with the operators before you travel.Getting around
- Carry East Caribbean dollars in small notesSmall shops and boat drivers often want cash in EC dollars. Card machines are not common outside Hillsborough, so take small notes for taxis and beach stalls.Money and costs
- Drive on the left, and ask about the permitCars drive on the left, and some roads are narrow. Ask the rental company which local driving permit you need before you sign for a car.
- Save offline maps before you leave GrenadaRoads between the bays can be hard to follow without a map, so keep offline maps and the ferry times on your phone. An eSIM bought before you fly is quicker than finding a shop on arrival.Phones and eSIM
- Set up travel insurance before you bookCover matters if a ferry is cancelled or a storm changes your plans, and June to November is hurricane season. Read the policy for storm and missed-transfer terms before you pay.Travel insurance
Things to do in Carriacou
See all attractions in CarriacouNeed to know
- Currency
- East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check rules before you book
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Check the bill for a service charge before you tip
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, steady winds
- FebruaryDry, steady winds
- MarchDry, quiet
- AprilDrying out
- MayRains begin
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyHot, wet
- AugustRegatta, humid
- SeptemberHurricane season
- OctoberHurricane season
- NovemberStorm risk, rain
- DecemberDry, trade winds
Right now in Carriacou
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 82%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 96%
Carriacou
08:03 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°26°96%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Tue29°26°76%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Wed29°27°43%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 43%.
- Thu29°27°19%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 19%.
- Fri29°28°16%Friday: Clear. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Sat29°28°2%Saturday: Clear. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sun29°28°4%Sunday: Clear. High 29°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 4%.
Updated 04:14 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2.7 XCD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Grenadaabout 1 to 2 hours by ferryThe main island, with the capital St. George's and its harbour.Read the guide
- Petite MartiniqueA small island near Carriacou, reached by boat.
- Sandy IslandA small sandbar off Carriacou, reached by boat for a swim and snorkeling.
Before you go to Carriacou
Rules for Carriacou, checked
- Many nationalities enter Grenada visa-free for short stays. Check entry rules with the Government of Grenada before you book.
- Declare cash above the limit and goods on the customs form at arrival. Check current rules with Grenada Customs before you travel.
- Declare fresh food and plants on arrival, since they can be inspected and taken away.
- Drug laws are strict in Grenada, and possession can lead to arrest. Do not carry anyone else's bag or parcel.
Plan around Carriacou
Entry, transport and money for the main island and Carriacou
Read the guideGetting around by ferryFerry and flight links from Grenada, and getting around the island
Read the guideWhere to stayHillsborough and the quieter bays compared
Read the guideMoney and costsCash in East Caribbean dollars and typical prices
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to check before you book
Read the guideCarriacou FAQ
How do you get to Carriacou from Grenada?
By ferry from St. George's on Grenada, or by a short flight to Lauriston airport on Carriacou. Check current schedules with the operators before you plan your day.
Is Carriacou worth visiting?
Yes if you want quiet beaches, a slow pace and a small island with a boatbuilding tradition. It has fewer sights than Grenada, so it suits a relaxed trip rather than a packed itinerary.
How many days do you need on Carriacou?
Stay at least one night, since the ferry schedule makes a day trip from Grenada tight. Two or three nights give time for a beach day, a boat trip and a walk around Hillsborough.
Do you need a car on Carriacou?
A car or taxi helps you reach the beaches and bays, which are spread around the island. Drive on the left, and check the local driving permit with the rental company first.
When is the best time to visit Carriacou?
December to April is the drier season, with steadier winds. June to November is hurricane season, so check the forecast and your travel insurance before you book.