Hillsborough Bay: Carriacou's Waterfront Anchorage and Island-Town Gateway

Hillsborough Bay sweeps across Carriacou's western coast in front of the island's main town, combining a long sandy shoreline, clear Caribbean water and immediate access to one of the most important communities in the Grenada Grenadines. Unlike the sheltered cruising harbor at Tyrrel Bay, Hillsborough Bay feels more open and connected to everyday island life, with shops, markets and local businesses only a short distance from the water.

The bay is also framed by some of Carriacou's most attractive coastal scenery. Sandy Island lies offshore to the west, while Paradise Beach stretches along the coast farther south with views across brilliant turquoise shallows. Hillsborough itself sits directly behind a sandy beachfront, allowing yacht charter guests to combine time aboard with shopping, dining and exploring the island's main town.

For yacht charter itineraries, Hillsborough Bay works particularly well as a daytime stop in settled weather. It provides easier access to central Carriacou than many of the island's remote bays, while Tyrrel Bay remains nearby when crews want stronger shelter, full yacht services or overnight security. Sandy Island, Paradise Beach and Carriacou's inland villages can all be incorporated into the same day.

Hillsborough Bay is entered between Jack a Dan to the north and Sandy Island to the west and southwest. Current official sailing directions identify a light on Sandy Island and a jetty extending from the shore opposite Hillsborough. Much of the bay is relatively open, but reefs, offshore islands and shallow areas around Sandy Island mean captains should use current charts and good daylight when approaching from the west.

The bay is considerably less protected than Tyrrel Bay. Westerly and northwesterly swell can enter directly, making conditions uncomfortable even when the prevailing trade winds are moderate. Sandy Island and its surrounding reefs also form part of a protected marine area, so vessels should follow marked approaches and avoid attempting shortcuts across reef systems.

Hillsborough Bay provides yacht anchoring in suitable conditions, but it is not considered one of Carriacou's most protected overnight anchorages. Current cruising guidance describes the anchorage as subject to swell and notes that relatively few yachts now remain off Hillsborough compared with Tyrrel Bay. Secondary cruising guidance reports anchoring generally in around 10 to 20 meters over sand, while official sailing directions chart deeper anchoring farther north in the bay.

For charter yachts, Hillsborough is therefore best used when sea conditions are settled and convenient access to town is the priority. Tyrrel Bay, a short distance south, offers much stronger shelter and better dinghy infrastructure for overnight stays. Nearby Sandy Island is not an independent anchoring alternative, as anchoring is prohibited within the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area and visiting yachts should use the designated moorings.

Hillsborough is Carriacou's principal town and one of the best places on the island for shopping, local dining and experiencing everyday Grenadian life. The Grenada Tourism Authority specifically recommends wandering through Hillsborough for its local shops and relaxed waterfront atmosphere.

Yacht crews should note that Carriacou's main arrival infrastructure has increasingly shifted toward Tyrrel Bay. Current Grenada Tourism Authority information lists ferry services from Grenada arriving at Tyrrel Bay Port, while official yacht entry clearance is handled at Tyrell Bay Marina. Hillsborough remains useful for town access and can be used as a port of exit, but Tyrrel Bay is now the island's primary yacht-services and clearance hub.