Carriacou and Petite Martinique

Last updated: 5 February 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: 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.
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.
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.
Anse la Roche 4.5 ★
Review summary: Anchoring at Anse la Roche offers good holding in sandy areas, but visitors frequently experience rolling, especially with north swells. With capacity for about three to four boats, the location is praised for its beautiful beach and nearby attractions, including a popular restaurant.
Ronde Island 4.4 ★
Review summary: Anchoring at Ronde Island offers a sandy bottom with clear water and favorable snorkeling opportunities. Though largely quiet and scenic, occasional swells can cause discomfort. The area is generally spacious with enough room for multiple vessels to anchor comfortably.
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.
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.
Tyrell Bay 3.7 ★
Review summary: Tyrell Bay offers a spacious anchorage suitable for vessels seeking good holding and access to customs and immigration facilities. The area continues to recover from Hurricane Beryl, with derelict boats still present, impacting space and aesthetics. Visitors report convenient shore access and available marinas.
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.

Marinas

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.

Moorings

Sandy Island Carriacou 5.0 ★
Review summary: Visitors frequently use the mooring buoys at Sandy Island, which are considered reliable and easy to secure. The presence of park rangers for fee collection is noted, although not all encounters are consistent. The area offers excellent swimming with marine life like rays and turtles.
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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.

Boat services

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

Boatyards

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.
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.

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 products at competitive prices, making it a choice for professionals seeking affordability. Visitors should be aware of the limited selection when visiting this chandler.
Cariacou Marine Limited 2.5 ★
Review summary: Reviewers mention that Cariacou Marine Limited is next to a customs office and offers limited products as a chandler. Experiences vary, with one visitor finding the waiting time for customs accommodations satisfactory, while another criticizes staff interaction. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.

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.

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 details mention: check in steps, visitor visa requirements, opening hours and fees or payments.
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 details mention: check in steps, opening hours, prearrival requirements, and cruising permits.
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 details mention: fees or payments.

Useful yacht clearance links