Things to Do In Carriacou
Island Day Trips
Carriacou is close to many small islands that are great for day trip adventures. Sandy and White Island are a three to fifteen minute speed boat ride away or venture farther afield and enjoy a full day trip to the Tobago Keys, Union, Mayreau, Mopian, Petite Martinique, Palm or Happy island to snorkel with the sea turtles and eat fresh grilled lobster off the barbecue. Plenty to do in this island paradise.
Sandy Island
Uninhabited island just off Paradise Beach with easy access via 3 minute water taxi ride from the Hardwood Bar (473-443-6839) or power out on your own with a rental kayak from Curtis at Off the Hook (Southern end of Paradise Beach 533-5242). Good snorkeling and beautiful white sand beaches. There are no amenities on Sandy Island so be sure to bring sunscreen, water, snorkel equipment, camera and towels for your day at the beach. Pre-order a meal before you leave from Ms Joy at the Hardwood and she'll have lunch ready upon your return or use the cooler bags from the villa and bring your own.
White Island
10 acre uninhabited island one mile off Manchineel Bay on the South coast of Carriacou with 3000 ft of stunning white sand beaches, makeshift barbecue areas and hiking. Hire Sherwin from the Lambi Queen (473-443-8162) and let him organize your transportation, fresh lobster BBQ and rum drinks for an unforgettable experience on a beautiful deserted island.
Tobago Cays - Power Boat
Day trips to the Tobago Keys are available on Mostly Harmless, a 28' launch, specifically designed to picnic cruise in the Grenadines as well as fish the outer banks. Typically, a day trip will take you to a variety of beaches and snorkel destinations including the Tobago Cays, where you will be wined and dined on incredible lunches and intoxicating libations. To book a trip, contact Dave Goldhill at 473-443-7984. Tobago Cays - SailSailing trips to the Tobago Cays are available on the Scarmouche, an 83' schooner that was used in the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean. They set sail out of Union about 10ish and return to the harbour around 4 to 5pm. Transportation to Union Island can be arranged via water taxi. More info here. Mopian and Petite Martinique
Start out with a morning snorkel on the small uninhabited isle of Mopion and continue to Petite Martinique for a delectable lunch at Palm Beach Restaurant after checking out the industrious activities of Petite Martinique's waterfront. Click here for more info and pricing. You can also take the 10:30am Osprey Ferry over to Petite Martinique and explore the island for the day on your own before jumping on the 5:30pm ferry back to Carriacou.
Round the Island
Weather permitting with stops at any number of places. Saline or White island, Harvey Vale?s oyster beds, Sandy Island, Paradise Beach, Anse la roche to name a few. A great way to see all the contours of Carriacou. Includes lunch and snorkel gear. Click here for more info and pricing.
Chatham Bay
Afternoon trip to a beautiful pirate's cove on Union Island, rum punch and snacks or with bbq lobster on the beach. Click here for more info and pricing.
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Other Ways to Pass the Time
Beaches & Swimming
There are numerous white sand beaches within walking ( Tom's Bay and Sparrow Bay) and driving distance from Bluewater including Paradise Beach, Anse La Roche, Silver Beach and Petit Carnage. Snorkeling
Excellent snorkeling at most all of the beaches on the Leeward side of the island. Paradise Beach and Sandy Island are great choices as the waters are mostly always calmer than any other spots on the island. Bluewater is equipped with 4 snorkel sets for the convenience of villa guests.
Hiking
Enjoy a day hiking the island to Anse La Roche, High North National Park (highest elevation on the island at 955'), Windward and Grand Bay or Hospital Hill. Pack a lunch in the picnic knapsack (cutlery, plates, wine opener, glasses, napkins, beach blanket and insulated water/wine/beer cooler) and enjoy the day exploring the Island of Carriacou. Prefer to go with a guide with knowledge of the island? Contact the Kido Foundation for information. Their local nature guides are professionally trained and possess strong knowledge of the flora, fauna, folklore, trails and waters of Carriacou.
Parks and Gardens
Take a wander through the French and English ruins amidst teak and mahogany groves at Belair National Park (also home to the yearly Maroon String Festival) or stroll through the Botanical Garden in Hillsborough and walk amongst the native plants and trees of the island.
Oyster Beds
After a short boat ride from Tyrrel Bay you'll find yourself in the middle of one Carriacou's pristine ecosystems and observe oysters growing on the roots of the mangrove trees.
Scuba Diving
Carriacou offers some of the best dive sites in Grenada with three reputable companies to organize dives and courses for you. Lumba Dive, Arawak Divers and Silver Diving Ltd. (which is a 10 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the villa). KayakingExploring Carriacou from sea level is a unique adventure for the entire family. Single and tandem (two person) kayak rentals include life vests, paddles, back rest and basic instruction to get you going. All kayaks are self-bailing and very easy to right, excellent for the novice or advanced. Kayaks are rented by the half-day (4 hours) and full day from Arawak Divers in Harvey Vale or from Off the Hook at Paradise Beach at 533-5242 to kayak to Sandy Island.
Fishing
Fishing trips can be booked by the day or hour through Cuthbert Snagg at 473-403-2121 out of Hillsborough or Joseph Edmonds at 473-443-6839 out of Paradise Beach. On windward contact Dave Goldhill, 473-443-7984. Turtle Watching
Sea turtles can be observed nesting at night from March to October and volunteers can arrange to join nesting patrols as part of the WIDECAST effort to protect sea turtles from illegal hunting and egg poaching since only 1 in 1500 hatchlings make it to egg laying maturity and sea turtle population has plummeted 90% worldwide just in the last 10 years. Patrols camp and walk the beaches at night to help measure and tag the turtles, mark and camouflage nest location, and of course watch the beautiful night skies. For more information contact the Kido Foundation at 443-7936 Boat Building
With such a rich history of boat building there are lots of boat launches throughout the year. Ask any Kayak and they'll be able to give you the update on what's being built now (they build them right on the beach in Windward) and when the launch party is (yes, you can join the party, the whole island is invited). Video and history of boat building in Carriacou here. Culture and Arts - Carriacou has a rich cultural history and the first stop to exploring is the Carriacou Museum in Hillsborough, run by the Carriacou Historical Society. The society excavates historical sites; hosts visits by archaeological groups, organizes seminars and craft exhibitions and has an extensive reference library of West Indian and African History and artifacts for public viewing. The late Canute Calliste's works can also be viewed at the Carriacou Museum. The island has several artists and crafts persons that create and sell their works in Carriacou at stores around the island and at the Vendors Market. Please refer to the artists page for more info. Festivals and Events - Caribbean people love to celebrate and Carriacou has numerous festivals throughout the year. Carnival, Maroon String Band Festival and Carriacou Regatta to name a few. Refer to the Grenada Tourist Board's calendar to find out what's happening during your visit.
Serendipity
One of the best plans for Carriacou is to have no plans and see where the day leads you. Venture out, roam, talk to the locals, wander, lime, hike, gorge on Grenadian chocolate, sit in a rum shop, watch the fisherman bring in their catch, wander down to the airport beach, rescue sea turtles, go scuba diving, take a bus, dance till dawn.
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Carriacou Restaurants and Bars
Ann's Eating Delight - Airport Road 443-6991
Open all day with great breakfasts starting at 7:30AM. Ann's tables are set up right on the beach so you can enjoy a swim and 180 degree ocean view while waiting for your breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, jam, fruit salad, coffee or tea) to arrive.
Butterfly Pizza - Hillsborough Main Street
Tasty pizzas ready for pick up in 30 or 40 minutes or inside dining at tables.
Bogles Round House - Bogels - Reservations recommended. 443-7841 Offering a variety of contemporary Caribbean and European dishes from Chef Roxanne who's been featured in Gourmet Magazine. Open dinner and Sunday lunch. Closed Wednesdays. 10 minute walk or 2 minute drive from Bluewater.
Carriacou Grandview Hotel - Up the hill towards Belair. Reservations recommended. 443-6348 The view is well worth the short walk up the hill. Book the gazebo table and enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset. 20 minute walk or five minute drive from Bluewater.
Coconuts - Hillsborough - Back Street
Live bands often on Friday and Saturday nights on the back road in Hillsborough. Check the chalk board outside to see the upcoming events. It's also the home stage for the Country Boys, one of Carriacou's very talented string bands. If you miss them live you'll still be able to purchase a Country Boys CD next door in Yvette's Grocery or on iTunes.
Fountain Restaurant and Wine Bar - Lauriston - Reservations recommended 443-7116
Indoor and outdoor seating with tasty multicourse meals. Phone ahead to find out what's on the menu for the day or just pop by for a drink at the wine bar. Look for the roadside sign in Lauriston.
Green Roof Inn - North of Hillsborough - Reservations not required but recommended. 443-6399 Creative menu by Swedish born owner Jonas serving a variety of smoked fish, steaks and desserts. Open for dinner. Closed Mondays. 5 minute walk from Bluewater.
Hallelujah Floating Bar - Tyrrel Bay - Reservations recommended 538-4346
Call and they'll come pick you up from the dingy dock. Enjoy a drinks and casual dining aboard Carriacou's only floating bar/restaurant.
Casual and friendly beach side restaurant and bar offering Caribbean home cooked specialties, fish or chicken with chips, curries, lambi, etc. 20 minute drive from Bluewater.Lambi Queen - Tyrrel Bay, No reservations required. 443-8162 Fish, chicken and lambi. Steel pan band every Friday night (around 8) on occasion followed by local drumming (not to be missed). 25 minute drive from Bluewater. Open for dinner, seven days per week. La Playa Beach Bar and Bistro - Silver Beach, Hillsborough, No reservations required. 410-4216 Laid back beach bar with live music from in house band "Rough Cut" at Saturday afternoon jam sessions. Enormous grilled beef and tuna burgers, panini and daily specials. Closed Thursdays. 15 minute walk or two minute drive from Bluewater. Laurena Jerk Center - Main Street, Hillsborough 443-8759 Jerk chicken, pork and fish along with various side dishes all ready for take-out or have a seat at the indoor and outdoor tables provided. You can also sit at the beach across the street. Flatsceen TV at the bar if you want to catch the game. Lazy Turtle - Tyrrel Bay, No reservations required. 443-8322 Beside the yacht club at the waters edge in Tyrell Bay. Pizza menu (including lobster and smoked salmon), Italian dishes, cappuccino and free wifi. Live music on occasion, call for info.
Lyme and Dine - Hillsborough Main Street - Reservations required. 443-7979 At the north end of town, nestled in a cozy garden setting. Caribbean and international food. 15-20 minute walk or 4 minute drive.
Off The Hook - Paradise Beach - No reservations required. 443-8748 Bar and grill on the water at Paradise Beach. Grilled chicken, fish, fries, pizza and cold drinks. Great place to laze about and read in one of the colourful adirondack chairs on the beach. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Sandisland Cafe - Downtown Hillsborough No reservation required. 443-6189
Casual and friendly atmosphere with Caribbean and international, moderately priced menu items. The pleasant restaurant deck overlooks the beach and Hillsborough Bay. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; 7 days a week.
Slipway - Tyrrel Bay Reservations highly recommended. 443-6500 Upscale dining with creative cuisine at the waters edge in Tyrell Bay. Chef Kate cooks up a fresh, local and ever changing daily menu while Daniela graciously looks after guests at the front of the house. Closed Sunday evenings (it's open for brunch though) and Mondays.
Snagg's Place - Downtown Hillsborough - By reservation only. 403-2121 Fresh barbecued lobster and rum punch while sitting around two communal tables at the beach in Hillsborough or grab a seat at the bar and try one of Snagg's special rum punch. Only open every so often so phone ahead to book.
Sunset Beach Hotel - L'Esterre- Reservations recommended 443-8406
Book in advance for a table on the deck and to pre-order lobster, fish or chicken barbeque dinners with tasty vegetable side dishes. 25 minute drive from Bluewater
Wayne's Bar - Hillsborough 443-7221
Looking for a place to have a cold beer or an 1/8th of rum while getting your car washed? This be the place. Or you can just hang out with Wayne and catch the game on the large screen TV.
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Carriacou Grocery Stores
Ade's - Main Street Hillsborough
Large grocery store with various food and household supplies. Dairy section, frozen meat, household supplies and canned goods.
Bullen's Grocery Store - Main Street Hillsborough
Large grocery store with various food products, dairy, frozen meat and a good selection of household supplies (dishes, pots and pans, towels etc.)
Coconuts Grocery Store - Back Street Hillsborough, South End
Besides being a fun spot for live music at night, the store in front carries a good variety of grocery items, some imports (corn chips, cookies) and a varied selection of wines.
Government Fish Market - Main Street Hillsborough - Beside the MNIB
Fresh fish, lambi and lobster right off the boats. Prices per lb vary throughout the year but expect to pay somewhere between 8-15 EC per lb.
Kim's - Hillsborough - Across the Street From Mathesons
Selection of wine and spirits, grocery items, frozen chicken, bacon and household items. Open Sundays
Mathesons - Hillsborough
Canned goods, some vegetables, dairy, frozen meat, household items and liquor selection. Open Sundays.Marketing and National Importing Board MNIB - Main Street, Hillsborough
Fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs & spices. Supply varies day to day. In different seasons, you'll find the following items, tomatoes, avocados (july - oct), cashews, callalou, cassava, sweet potatoes, green onions, celery, cucumber, carrots, chayote squash-christophene, peppers, onions, potatoes, plantain, pigeon peas, ginger, garlic, thyme, rosemary, basil, papaya, bananas, guava (sept/nov), jackfruit, mango (july/oct), sapote, passion fruit, coconuts, custard or sugar apples(sept/oct), prickly pear, grapefruit, limes, lemons, oranges, soursop, noni, star fruit (july/sept), sugar cane, pineapple, tamarind, Grenadian chocolate, dried nutmeg, mace and cinnamon bark.
Vendors Market
Just behind Ade's dream and beside the bus stop you'll see a variety of small buildings set up with an assortment of fresh local and imported fruit and vegetables, crafts and clothing.
Bakery, Deli, etc...
Downtown Bakery - Hillsborough
Fresh baked brown and white bread and buns made fresh daily.
Henrietta's Bakery - L'esterre
Fresh baked bread and pastries daily.
Patty's Deli - Main Street, Hillsborough Patty's carries a wide selection of gourmet imported food items (pasta, olives, specialty items) and a selection of cured deli meats, imported wines and cheeses. Fresh baked baguettes, pastries and croissants...if you get there early enough. They also carry the only fresh milk on the island which comes in on Monday. Windward Smoked Foods Outstanding quality smoked fish including tuna and marlin...and they'll deliver right to the villa. Call Ellie or Herbie at 416-7878. Keep it in the freezer and slice as needed. Great for salads, appetizers and dips.
Shopping
You'll find a few grocery, clothing and hardware stores in down town Hillsborough including the new fish market (beside the Marketing Board) and various proprietors selling fresh fruit and produce at the Vendors Market. Hours are normally 8-4, Monday thru Friday. Saturday 8 - 12pm. Most shops are closed Sundays except for Kim's Plaza and Mathesons further up the central street. Most stores don't carry a lot of imported items and if they do they may be more expensive than what you're used to paying. The island's only gas station in Hillsborough is open on Sundays. If you came here for the shopping, you're on the wrong island, however Fidel Productions has a beautiful array of handcrafted local artisan goods both in Carriacou and the Port Louis Marina in Grenada and Simply Carriacou has a large variety of local handicrafts.
Fidel Productions - Paradise Beach
Native crafts, including batik sarongs, t-shirts and jewelry are available at Fidel's Productions, a small cottage industry based in Carriacou. Fidel Productions employs locally based artists to produce a line of wearable art shirts, jewelry and souvenirs. Some of the artists featured are Maureen St. Clair, Louloune, Jennifer Meranto , Carlos Alexander and Sandra, Felix and Lucas Preisig.
Carriacou Museum Gift Shop - Hillsborough 443-8288
The Museum gift shop has a selection of historical prints, local arts and crafts, T-shirts, post cards as well as books on island culture and music CD’s of the island’s many festivals. They also offer guided tours of the museum.
Simply Carriacou - Hillsborough - Next to the Patti's Deli. Gift shop with local artisan crafts, paintings, books and imported magazines.
Vendors Market - Hillsborough - Beside the bus station and behind Ade's dream you'll find the vendors market. Fruit and veggies are the mainstay but there are crafts persons who've set up shop here with jewellery, weaving and hand made cloths.
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General Info
Carriacou Weather - Live webcam from Kayak 106 FM situated in Windward (you can listen while you're checking out the weather). The weather in Carriacou is divided between two seasons, wet and dry. Average temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C), tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. The driest season is between January and May. Even during the rainy season, from June to December, it rarely rains for more than an hour at a time and generally not every day. There are no weather stations in Carriacou, closest forecasts you'll get are from Point Salines, Grenada. When you see that it says cloudy for just about every day of the week, don't worry, it only means passing clouds.
Electricity - Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are all 220 volts, 50 Hz. Transformers and converters are provided for villa guests for charging ipods, cell phones and laptops. Transportation - Local buses run right by the end of the villa driveway (one minute walk), but no service on Sundays. Alternatley we can arrange for a rental car to be dropped off at the villa on your specified date/time. The driver will pick you up and take you to town to acquire your temporary drivers permit ($30.00EC and you must present a valid drivers license). Just give us the date and convenient drop off time and we'll arrange car rental for you. There are lots of taxis in Carriacou and you can always count on them being at your service at the ferry jetty or the airport or you can flag them down from 7am -5pm at the bottom of the villa driveway. Money and Banking - Carriacou is pretty much a cash society with only a few hotels and restaurants accepting credit cards (and you will usually be charged an additional 3-5% fee for this). The currency is Eastern Caribbean dollars. There are two ATM's in Hillsborough and several banks to exchange currency. The EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar at 2.68 EC for one US dollar. You will recieve the best exchange rate at the bank. Government - The state of Grenada, which includes Carriacou and Petite Martinique, is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. A governor general represents her majesty the Queen. The country is governed by a 13-member senate and a House of Representatives, with a Speaker and 15 members, each representing a constituency. Medical - Should you need medical services while visiting Carriacou you can visit Carriacou Health Services walk in clinic located at the southern end of Hillborough towards the airport road. There is normally a doctor available or on call. 443-8247 There is also Princess Royal Hospital for emergencies. 443-7000 Advanced medical care is available in Grenada and Barbados. Gyms - Carriacou Fitness Center is located upstairs in the Carriacou Health Services building. Stationary bikes, weight lifting equipment and stair climbers. Drop in fees are reasonable. 417-6102 Way of Life - Carriacou is a laid back sort of place and is about 50 years behind most major tourist destinations in the Caribbean. That's what makes it special, so please be prepared to wait a little longer than usual for just about everything. Please also note that the term "rain holiday" means that no one will show up for whatever event you have planned or they will be late, so just relax and be happy that you're having a blessed day in the Caribbean. Grenada - Chances are you'll be passing through or staying in Grenada for a few days, click here for best bets.
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