The smallest inhabited island of the tri-island state, Petite Martinique is just 2.37 square km (1.5 square miles) with a population of around 900. Located two and a half miles east of Carriacou’s northern tip, it is only accessible by boat. From Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, you can catch a 30-minute ferry, or there’s a quicker shuttle service from Windward on Carriacou’s north east coast, that runs several times a week.

The small, close-knit community is very reliant on the sea, with an economy based on fishing and boatbuilding, skills that have been passed down through the generations. While little has changed in the boat-building industry, modern long-line tuna fishing is very successful. The quiet, laid-back island comes to life during the annual Petite Martinique Whitsuntide Festival - a sailing regatta and celebration of the sea with round-the-island races, cultural performances and more.

A stroll around the picturesque island reveals a glimpse of Caribbean life in days gone by. Traditional wooden houses, with high-pitched roofs can still be seen on the east coast, and goats graze lazily on the hillsides. The coastline is dominated by sharp and rocky cliff faces, punctuated by a few stretches of white sand beaches.

‍Sanchez Beach is great for sailing, surfing and snorkeling, while Mang Beach is calmer for swimming. In Darant Bay, there are caves along the beach that can be explored at low tide. The highest peak on the island, The Piton, rises to 230 meters (756 feet) with stunning panoramic views.

If you;re heading north from Petite Martinique, check out our Island Hopping section.