Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadine islands, about the size of Manhattan at 34 square km (13 square miles), but an island with a very different pace of life. It lies just a half hour flight or 90-minute ferry ride to the north of Grenada. Like Grenada, the island was inhabited by indigenous Amerindians, then under French and British colonial rule, all of whom left their mark on the landscape. Despite its proximity to Grenada and shared political history, Carriacou is proudly independent from the mainland, with unique traditions, culture and customs, and abundant in natural beauty. A destination in itself, it’s worth planning a few days to explore Carriacou, enjoy its cultural, music and sailing festivals, or just unwind and be at peace in paradise.
Points of Interest
Belair National Park
A beautiful national park with a network of hiking trails through mahogany forests, outstanding scenery and nearby plantation ruins including a well-preserved windmill. It’s also the site for the annual Maroon and Stringband Music Festival.
Carriacou Museum
Housed in an old cotton factory, with a small collection of artefacts from the island’s Amerindian inhabitants, African heritage and colonial past, it’s a good place to get a feel for the island’s history.
Windward
The seaside village is known for its boat-building traditions, a craft passed down through the generations from Scottish settlers in the 19th century. You can often see a wooden sloop being built near to the waves. Read more in our feature 'Boatbuilding: A Proud Nautical Tradition Endures'.
Oyster Bed Mangroves
Within a marine protected area in Tyrell Bay, oysters grow between the mangrove roots, a rare phenomenon in the region. Explore the mangroves by kayak, keeping an eye out for the many birds that nest here.
Petite Carenage Bay
A bird sanctuary and turtle nesting ground. Visitors can join conservation groups on night watches to protect turtles nesting and new hatchlings heading for the sea.
High North Peak
A scenic hike to the highest point on the island with an elevation of 291 meters (955 ft), offering panoramic views of the whole island and the Grenadines beyond. Walking through the national reserve, keep an eye out for iguanas, land tortoises, soldier crabs and other wildlife.
Ready for some sun sand and sea? Carriacou has some beautiful beaches - check out our feature, 'Beaches of Carriacou and Petite Martinique'.
