WHAT'S CARRIACOU LIKE?
The slide show above will give you a taste of what Carriacou is all about (keep your cursor over any part of the photo for play-by-plays). Island ways and culture are the mainstream more than development, cruise ships and mass tourism. Check out our activities and day trip pages to find full info on ways to pass the time on Carriacou.
HOW'S THE 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. For current Carriacou weather reports, click here.
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.
SHOULD I RENT A CAR?
Local Buses run right by the end of the villa driveway (one minute walk) from 7am -5pm but please note there is no service on Sundays. There are lots of private taxis on Carriacou and you can always count on one being at the ferry jetty or airport and are easily flagged while you are walking in the central parts of Carriacou, except Sundays! Rental cars are vailable from Wayne Bullen's Car Rentals in Hillsborough. You'll just need to get a temporary drivers license which is available at the Police Department in Hillsborough which is a two minute walk from Wayne's Auto Rentals. Too book a vehicle prior to your arrival, please phone Wayne at (473) 443 6120 or email him by clicking here. Mention you're booking from Bluewater and you'll receive a preferred rate.
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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 three ATM's in Hillsborough, one in Tyrrel Bay and several banks to exchange currency. The EC dollar is pegged to the US dollar at 2.70 EC for one US dollar.
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.
IS THERE A GYM?
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.
CARRIACOU FESTIVALS
Check out our Festival Page
