Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Last updated: 30 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
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Saline Island | 4.9 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Saline Island involves finding sandy patches for good hold, a key factor appreciated by multiple visitors. The anchorage is known for having some current, especially between spring tides. Snorkelling highlights include turtle sightings near the seagrass beds.
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Petit Martinique | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at the southwest end provides a secure hold, especially in sandy bottoms. Visitors appreciate the friendliness of the locals and the picturesque setting. However, be aware that no ATMs are available, and relying on cash is advisable.
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Sandy Island, Carriacou | 4.7 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Sandy Island is common, with many visitors appreciating the available mooring balls and suitable sand conditions for anchoring. While wind conditions can be strong, the area offers pleasant snorkeling opportunities, and visitors often enjoy spending time on its beautiful beaches.
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Anse la Roche | 4.6 ★ |
Review summary: Access to Anse la Roche is characterized by good holding in sand, but the anchorage can be rolly with swells. The limited space accommodates 3-4 boats. Visitors frequently enjoy Tim's restaurant and the available snorkeling opportunities.
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Ronde Island | 4.4 ★ |
Review summary: Access to Ronde Island involves anchoring in clear waters with good holding on a sandy bottom. The anchorage offers ample space for multiple boats and is noted for its snorkeling opportunities among diverse marine life. While conditions are generally positive, swells can make it rolly at times.
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Jack-A_Dan Anchorage | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Accessing Jack-A_Dan Anchorage requires navigating through a small passage with caution due to shallow waters and nearby reefs. The anchorage offers nine reliable moorings, and visitors appreciate its calm conditions sheltered from swells, making it a favored location for snorkelers.
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Hillsborough | 4.1 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring conditions in Hillsborough are favorable with good holding in sandy areas and protection despite occasional rolling. The setting includes clear waters with opportunities for snorkeling. The dinghy dock's condition is frequently mentioned as problematic, impacting its use for shore access.
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Tyrell Bay | 3.7 ★ |
Review summary: Tyrell Bay offers a convenient anchorage and check-in location with clean water, sandy anchoring, and facilities for customs and immigration. Visitors often note the presence of derelict boats post-hurricane and a range of local amenities, including supermarkets and restaurants. Access to land services appears functional despite ongoing recovery challenges.
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Paradise Beach | 3.4 ★ |
Review summary: Sailors find anchoring conditions favorable with good holding in muddy sand, though the area can experience some swell at night. A pleasant cruise destination, it provides easy access to local amenities such as restaurants and shops, enhancing the experience.
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Marinas
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Tyrell Bay Marina | 3.3 ★ |
Review summary: Berthing at Tyrell Bay Marina may require finding available space independently, influenced by the notable condition of the pontoons and docking limitations. Availability of customs and immigration facilities requires a trip to Carriacou Marine on the opposite side of the bay.
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Moorings
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Sandy Island Carriacou | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring on Sandy Island often takes place both west of the moorings and mooring balls, with routine visits by rangers for fee collection. Visitors frequently enjoy snorkeling, with recommendations to explore particularly around the island's north-west end.
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Tyrell Bay Moorings | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Tyrell Bay offers ample space for boats. Although no mooring buoys are obviously available, visitors note that purchasing buoys is still an option. Those considering this choice should stay informed about marina protocols to avoid potential issues.
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Boatyards and services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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Carriacou Marine | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Carriacou Marine offers boat haul-out services. A review highlighted that the yard charges approximately $250 US for a five-day haul-out, and the staff, led by Vince, are involved in direct inspection services. Limited data restricts further evaluation of service quality or satisfaction.
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Tyrell Bay Marine | 3.2 ★ |
Review summary: Tyrell Bay Marine accommodates a range of repair and maintenance services. Visitors note that while the staff can be helpful and professional, facilities and cleanliness receive mixed feedback. Security and the condition of the yard have been highlighted with varying opinions. Access to the dinghy dock has been restricted.
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Chandlers
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Budget Marine | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: To purchase tax-free, visitors should bring boat registration and customs documents. The shop offers a broad selection for its size, with multiple Reviews highlighting its helpful and friendly staff. Overall, this Budget Marine location is noted for a good stock of marine supplies.
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D & D MARINE SUPPLIES | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: D & D Marine Supplies offers antifouling at competitive prices. The selection is noted to be limited, but cost advantages are evident compared to other suppliers. This chandler appears to serve professionals seeking affordable options for marine supplies.
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cariacou marine limited | 2.5 ★ |
Review summary: Cariacou Marine Limited operates as a chandler but experiences mixed usage patterns. Recent Reviews indicate limited stock availability and interpersonal challenges with staff, though these are based on fewer than three Reviews. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
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Boat services
| In Stitches Sailmaker | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: The team at In Stitches Sailmaker effectively handles sewing projects and offers reasonable pricing. Reviewers note the friendly demeanor and prompt service provided on recent tasks.
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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 ★ |
Review summary: Administrative clearance at Hillsborough Immigration Office can be efficiently processed, benefiting visitors significantly by saving time. With the ability to check out here rather than at Tyrell Bay, it prevents a long walk, thus providing convenience.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, visitor visa requirements, opening hours and fees or payments.
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| Carriacou Customs & Immigration | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Carriacou Customs & Immigration is typically straightforward, and most visitors find the staff friendly. It is advisable to carry cash as credit card facilities may not always be available. Sailclear can expedite the process when functioning.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, opening hours, prearrival requirements, and cruising permits.
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| Carriacou Customs | 3.3 ★ |
Review summary: Clearing customs at Carriacou Customs involves visiting an office located in Carriacou Marine, south of the bay. Visitors highlighted friendly and efficient service during this process. It's advisable to check for cash payment options when proceeding with necessary transactions.
Place marker mentions: fees or payments.
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Useful yacht clearance links
- Grenada Immigration & Customs: Online portal (electronic arrival/departure card system)
- https://edcard.gov.gd/en
- SailClear: Pre arrival notification
- https://sailclear.com/index
- Pure Grenada: Clearance procedure
- https://www.puregrenada.com/experiences/sailing/