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 reviews from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Petit Martinique
★
4.8
Petie Martinique
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.
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Sandy Island, Carriacou
★
4.7
Carriacou
Anchorage conditions vary, with reports of good holding in sand at depths around 5 to 8 meters. The area can experience swells, particularly from eastern winds, making shore access challenging at times. Snorkeling opportunities are noted, and the beach is well-regarded.
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Saline Island
★
4.7
Carriacou
Anchoring presents challenges with rapidly deepening waters and strong currents. Visitors recommend targeting sandy patches for improved hold, particularly in depths around 9 to 12 meters. Snorkeling opportunities are noteworthy, especially near turtle habitats.
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Anse la Roche
★
4.5
Carriacou
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.
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Ronde Island
★
4.4
Ronde Island
Ronde Island features good holding in sandy bottoms and offers clear waters for snorkeling with abundant wildlife. Visitors have reported a somewhat rolly experience at times, especially with northern swells, but still find it a peaceful stopover.
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Jack-A_Dan Anchorage
★
4.3
Carriacou
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.
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Hillsborough
★
4.1
Carriacou
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.
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Tyrell Bay
★
3.6
Carriacou
Anchoring is feasible with good holding in sandy areas. Visitors report the anchorage is cluttered with many derelict boats, impacting space. Friendly locals and accessible customs facilities are noted, but recovery from Hurricane Beryl remains ongoing.
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Paradise Beach
★
3.4
Carriacou
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.
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Marinas
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Tyrell Bay Marina
★
3.3
Carriacou
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.
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Moorings
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Sandy Island Carriacou
★
5.0
Carriacou
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
Carriacou
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.
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Boat services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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Carriacou Marine
★
4.7
Carriacou
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.
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Tyrell Bay Marine
★
3.2
Carriacou
The marina has mixed perceptions regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Visitors report an abundance of debris and trash, which detracts from the experience. Staff interactions vary widely, with many noting the professionalism of some but encountering issues with female employees.
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Chandlers
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Budget Marine
★
4.5
Carriacou
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
Carriacou
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.
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Cariacou Marine Limited
★
2.5
Carriacou
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.
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Boat services
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In Stitches Sailmaker
★
5.0
Carriacou
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.
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Yacht clearance links
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/
- Grenada Ports: List and location of ports of entry
- https://www.grenadaports.com/index.php/ports-of-entry
- Noonsite: Verified clearance procedures, processes and fees.
- https://www.noonsite.com/place/grenada/
Yacht clearance reviews
The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Grenada:
Ports of entry offices
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Carriacou
Offers: Immigration.
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.
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Carriacou
Offers: Customs, and immigration.
Check-ins at this office typically involve some wait time. Processing is generally quick, taking about 10-20 minutes, with cash preferred for fee payments. Staff behavior varies, with both friendly and unfriendly interactions reported.
Place details mention: check in steps, opening hours, cruising permits and fees or payments.
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Carriacou Customs
★
3.3
Carriacou
Offers: Customs.
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.
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