Carriacou Island: Tyrrel Bay, Traditional Sailing and the Heart of the Grenada Grenadines

Carriacou Island is the yachting heart of the Grenada Grenadines, an island of protected bays, clear reef-lined water, quiet beaches and a maritime culture that remains deeply connected to traditional sailing. Covering approximately 13 square miles, Carriacou is Grenada's second-largest island and sits south of Union Island and north of the main island of Grenada. Its name is commonly translated as the "Isle of Reefs," an appropriate description for a coastline surrounded by coral, small islands and exceptionally clear Caribbean water.

For yacht charter guests, Tyrrel Bay is the island's principal cruising base. The large natural harbor on Carriacou's southwest coast provides a protected anchorage, yacht services, restaurants, provisioning, fuel, chandlery and facilities for repairs and haul-outs. On the western coast, Hillsborough serves as Carriacou's main town, while Paradise Beach and nearby Sandy Island offer the white sand and turquoise shallows that define the island's more leisurely side.

Carriacou is also one of the Caribbean's most culturally significant sailing islands. Traditional wooden boats are still built using techniques preserved for generations in the village of Windward, and the island celebrates this heritage through the famous Carriacou Regatta. Combined with secluded Anse La Roche, the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed marine environment and easy onward cruising toward Petite Martinique and Grenada, Carriacou deserves more than a simple overnight stop on a Grenadines yacht charter.

Yachts approaching Carriacou from the northern Grenadines will usually make Tyrrel Bay their first major stop. The bay lies on the southwest coast and offers a spacious, naturally protected harbor with extensive room for yachts. Carriacou Marine is located on the southwestern side of the bay at approximately 12°27'12"N, 61°29'14"W and monitors VHF Channels 16 and 68.

The waters around Carriacou contain numerous reefs, offshore islands and shoals, so current charts and careful daylight navigation are important when exploring beyond the principal bays. Hillsborough Bay, Sandy Island and the smaller islands off the west coast require greater reef awareness than Tyrrel Bay. International yachts arriving from the north should also note that current yacht-clearance procedures direct vessels to the Customs and Immigration office at Carriacou Marine in Tyrrel Bay before guests go ashore.

Tyrrel Bay is Carriacou's principal yacht anchorage and the strongest choice for an overnight stay. Cruising guidance reports approximately 5 to 10 meters over sand and mud with good holding and reliable shelter from the prevailing trade winds. The bay offers ample swinging room together with convenient dinghy access to restaurants, shops and marine services ashore.

Hillsborough Bay provides another anchoring option along the west coast, but it is more exposed to swell and is generally better suited to settled conditions. Sandy Island, immediately offshore, is one of Carriacou's most beautiful daytime anchorages, with clear turquoise water and excellent access for swimming and snorkeling. Saline Island and White Island provide additional remote stops in appropriate weather.

Carriacou has preserved a remarkably strong cultural identity. Hillsborough is the island's main town, while Windward remains famous for traditional wooden boatbuilding introduced and developed through generations of local craftsmen. African Big Drum traditions, Shakespeare Mas, string-band music and the annual Carriacou Regatta remain important parts of island life.

The island is equally rewarding for guests who want to explore away from the yacht. Paradise Beach provides calm water and views across to Sandy Island, Anse La Roche offers a secluded beach reached by trail or boat, and the surrounding offshore islands provide some of the region's finest snorkeling. Recent Grenada Tourism Authority recommendations also highlight Sandy Island, White Island, Saline Island and the Oyster Bed mangroves among Carriacou's signature natural experiences.