Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Last updated: 22 January 2026

Overview

Carriacou and Petite Martinique, at the southern end of the Grenadines, are smaller islands with a quieter feel. Facilities are more limited than in Grenada, but basic provisioning and repair services are available at Tyrrel Bay, the main yachting hub in Carriacou.

Attractions

Tyrrel Bay on Carriacou is one of the primary attractions for visiting sailors, with a wide choice of places to eat and a well-established long-term liveaboard community. Heading north, a popular overnight stop can be found at Sandy Island, where you can anchor or pick up a mooring ball and enjoy snorkelling or watersports off the beach.

Petite Martinique is smaller and offers a unique glimpse of traditional Caribbean life.

Notes for mariners

Following Hurricane Beryl in 2024, a Category 4 storm causing severe damage, it is advisable to monitor weather information closely throughout the season and to be ready to move south to Trinidad if a significant system appears likely to threaten the area.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

Saline Island 4.9 ★
Review summary: Nice anchorage with good holding in sandy areas. Be mindful of deeper waters and strong currents, especially at spring tides. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling with turtles, but consider environmental protection guidelines when visiting the island.
Petit Martinique 4.8 ★
Review summary: Anchoring is possible in the southwest, with good holding in sandy conditions. Friendly locals enhance the experience, although the area can be rolly with significant wind. Note there are no ATMs on the island, and cash is recommended.
Sandy Island, Carriacou 4.7 ★
Review summary: Anchorage conditions vary with lots of sand for holding, despite exposure to winds. Moorings are available, and many visitors enjoy snorkeling and the stunning beach, though holding is occasionally problematic. Experiences of rolling in winds are noted.
Anse la Roche 4.5 ★
Review summary: Anchoring at Anse la Roche offers good holding in sand, though conditions can become rolly with north swells. Multiple visitors recommend visiting Tim's restaurant for lobster and cocktails. The area provides limited space for anchorage, accommodating around 3 to 6 boats.
Ronde Island 4.5 ★
Review summary: Anchorage provides good holding in sand with a variety of anchoring depths. Visitors mention abundant wildlife and good snorkeling opportunities. Conditions can become rolly with swell from the north or west, affecting comfort.
Jack-A_Dan Anchorage 4.3 ★
Review summary: Moorings are in good condition and hold well, as confirmed by several users. Shallow waters make careful navigation essential, especially near the reef. Snorkeling offers decent experiences, though coral health is poor.
Hillsborough 4.1 ★
Review summary: Anchor holding is considered reliable in sandy areas, though some experienced rolling due to prevailing winds. The dinghy dock is in poor condition and access to nearby Hillsborough was limited. Visitors appreciated the local atmosphere and available amenities.
Tyrell Bay 3.7 ★
Review summary: The bay's anchorage offers good holding, particularly in sandy patches. Visitors encountered issues with derelict boats taking up space. While the check-in process is operational, the area has ongoing recovery from Hurricane Beryl, affecting overall conditions.
Paradise Beach 3.4 ★
Review summary: The anchorage provides good holding in muddy sand with some swell at night. Visitors mentioned easy access to nearby restaurants and supermarkets. Daily fees apply for staying within the marine park area.

Marinas

Tyrell Bay Marina 3.3 ★
Review summary: Dinghy access at the floating dock is limited to boats in the yard. The haul-out service includes a 100 tonne lift, scaffold rental, and local provisioning options, though the marina appears unfinished and lacks water or electricity hookups. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

Moorings

Sandy Island Carriacou 5.0 ★
Review summary: Mooring buoys are consistently reported as solid and easy to catch. Visitors indicate friendly fee collection by rangers, with fair pricing. The location is favorable for swimming and snorkeling, with minimal swell and picturesque surroundings.
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Tyrell Bay Moorings 4.0 ★
Review summary: Local boat boys offer services but can be problematic. Visitors have experienced issues with scams involving private buoys. The anchoring conditions are favorable with plenty of space available, and the town is in recovery with some amenities open.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

Carriacou Marine 4.7 ★
Review summary: Service includes haul-out for boats. Staff are noted for being helpful, particularly with arrangements like filling non-local propane bottles. Some reviews emphasize the professionalism of the staff and the reasonable pricing for haul-out services.
Tyrell Bay Marine 3.4 ★
Review summary: Dinghy dock usage at Tyrell Bay Marine is restricted to boat owners within the yard. The yard offers the opportunity for self-service work and is near essential amenities like Budget Marine. However, cleanliness is a concern, with reports of garbage accumulation.

Chandlers

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Budget Marine 4.5 ★
Review summary: A diverse inventory is available at Budget Marine, with many visitors finding competitive prices compared to competitors. Staff demonstrate a high level of helpfulness, often staying past closing hours. Remember to bring boat documentation to avoid incurring taxes.
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D & D Marine Supplies 3.0 ★
Review summary: Antifouling options are available at significantly lower prices than competitors. The selection is limited, and many professionals source their supplies from this chandler. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
Cariacou Marine Limited 2.5 ★
Review summary: The chandlery is noted for having a limited selection and unhelpful staff interactions. Visitors have mentioned a preference for nearby alternatives. Check for updates, as reviews indicate variability in experience.

Boat services

In Stitches Sailmaker 5.0 ★
Review summary: The team provides quick turnaround and friendly service on diverse projects. Reviews highlight the quality of work at reasonable prices. Visitors have expressed satisfaction with interactions and outcomes.

Yacht clearance

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Grenada.

Ports of entry offices

Hillsborough Immigration Office 5.0 ★
Offers: Immigration.
Review summary: Check-in procedures can be conducted at Hillsborough Immigration Office. Visitors reported that there is an efficient process available, with interactions characterized by humour and friendly staff. A walk to Tyrell Bay can be avoided by checking in here.
Place details mention: opening hours, visitor visa requirements and fees or payments.
Carriacou Customs & Immigration 4.1 ★
Offers: Customs, and immigration.
Review summary: Visitors report a mix of experiences at the Customs and Immigration office. While interactions can vary, many have noted that the staff are generally friendly, with streamline processes taking around 10-15 minutes. Cash is required for most transactions, and Sailclear services may not always work.
Place details mention: check in steps, opening hours, fees or payments and cruising permits.
Carriacou Customs 3.3 ★
Offers: Customs.
Review summary: Customs services are available at this port, but immigration must be completed at a different office. Visitors report a mix of staff efficiency. Issues such as long wait times and unhelpful interactions have been noted.
Place details mention: fees or payments.

Useful yacht clearance links