Grenada
Petit Martinique: This smaller, sister island dependency of Grenada lies a short boat ride northeast of Carriacou. Known for its strong fishing culture and a more laid-back atmosphere than Carriacou, Petit Martinique offers a glimpse into a traditional, self-sufficient island community.
Union Island (St. Vincent & the Grenadines): Located north of Carriacou, Union Island serves as a hub for yachting and holds more developed tourist infrastructure than Carriacou. It boasts opportunities for hiking, kite-surfing, and exploring small towns.
Consider adding a few days to your itinerary for a broader Caribbean adventure.
Easily combine a trip to Carriacou with a stay on the main island of Grenada. Grenada presents a wider range of activities, including extensive hiking through rainforests, visits to waterfalls, chocolate factory tours, rum distilleries, and a broader selection of dining and nightlife in its capital, St. George's.
Consider island hopping further north through the Grenadines for an unparalleled sailing or marine-focused experience. This requires more planning for specific inter-island transport.
Carriacou and its immediate surroundings provide abundant opportunities for natural exploration and relaxation.
The Grenada Marine Protected Area (GMPA) extends to Carriacou’s waters, safeguarding its coral reefs and marine life. These areas conserve biodiversity and promote healthy ecosystems. Support tour operators that respect these protected zones.
Paradise Beach and Anse La Roche are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Their pristine white sands and clear waters create idyllic settings. Sandy Island remains a consistently popular excursion.
Whale and dolphin watching tours are available during their migration seasons, which typically run from January to May. Local operators offer excursions to spot these magnificent marine mammals.
Carriacou presents a pleasing mix of natural environments. Its beautiful beaches provide coastal relaxation, while gentle hills allow for moderate hikes and scenic viewpoints.
Local operators offer specialized tours for marine mammal observation. These excursions focus on minimizing disturbance to the animals while offering respectful viewing opportunities.
Beyond Carriacou, cultural insights are available in nearby communities.
A day trip to Petit Martinique provides a glimpse into a traditional fishing community, offering a contrast to Carriacou's slightly larger scale. Its quiet village life and focus on fishing present a cultural experience.
Explore villages like Windward to observe the enduring tradition of wooden boat building, a significant part of Carriacouan heritage. A visit to Grand Bay presents a quiet local experience, demonstrating daily life in a more remote setting.
No major pilgrimage sites are within easy day-trip distance that hold widespread international recognition.
Petit Martinique offers deep insights into a fishing community.
Windward village keeps the art of wooden boat building alive.
Grand Bay provides a look into the tranquil pace of local life.
Consider adding a few days to your itinerary for a broader Caribbean adventure.
Spend 3-5 days on mainland Grenada. Explore its capital, St. George's, with its colorful harbor and historic fort. Visit Grand Etang National Park for rainforest hikes and waterfalls.
A sailing charter extending north into the Grenadines, perhaps to the Tobago Cays Marine Park, presents an unparalleled multi-day experience.
Take tours of spice plantations and rum distilleries on mainland Grenada, adding a different dimension to your Caribbean experience.
Start in Grenada, move to Carriacou, then explore the Grenadines for an immersive experience.
Dedicate a week to Grenada and a week to Carriacou to compare and contrast the islands.
Combine Grenada/Carriacou with nearby islands like Barbados or St. Lucia for a broader trip.
