Sandy Island, Carriacou: Powder-White Sands and Protected Reef Cruising

Sandy Island is one of the most photographed yacht charter stops in the Grenada Grenadines, a tiny uninhabited island of powder-white sand, palm trees and luminous turquoise water just off Carriacou's western coast. Grenada Tourism Authority describes the island as approximately 150 metres long and only a five-minute boat ride from Paradise Beach, making it an easy addition to almost any Carriacou yacht charter itinerary.

Despite its small size, Sandy Island delivers an almost perfect Caribbean castaway setting. Clear shallows wrap around the beach, a naturally formed shallow pool creates a beautiful swimming area, and coral reefs surrounding the island offer excellent snorkeling. Sea turtles are occasionally encountered in the surrounding water, while the entire island can easily be explored on foot.

Sandy Island is also part of the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area, which protects approximately 787 hectares of reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves and offshore islands along Carriacou's west coast. This protected status is particularly important for visiting yachts, as anchoring is prohibited and designated mooring buoys must be used instead.

Sandy Island lies offshore from L'Esterre Bay and Paradise Beach, north of Tyrrel Bay. The approach is visually spectacular but requires attention because coral reefs and shallow water surround much of the island. Captains should approach in good daylight, use current charts and avoid attempting shortcuts across visible reef or shallow turquoise patches.

Because the island lies within a protected marine area, navigation should prioritize the designated mooring locations rather than searching for an independent anchoring position. Reef, seagrass and shallow habitat are environmentally sensitive, and the protected-area regulations prohibit anchoring except in emergencies.

There is no permitted yacht anchoring around Sandy Island under current Marine Protected Area rules. Visiting yachts should use the available mooring buoys, which were installed specifically to prevent anchors and chains from damaging coral and seagrass habitat. Current cruising guidance reports visitor moorings within the Sandy Island/Oyster Bed MPA and advises crews to inspect any mooring before relying on it.

For crews wanting a more protected overnight base with full yacht services, Tyrrel Bay remains the strongest alternative. Sandy Island works particularly well as a daytime or early-evening stop, allowing guests to swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach before returning to Carriacou or continuing through the Grenada Grenadines.

Sandy Island forms part of a wider protected ecosystem containing extensive coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds that provide habitat for reef fish, green and hawksbill turtles, crustaceans and other marine species. Activities such as spearfishing, pot fishing, collecting coral or shells, removing sand and using jet skis are restricted within the protected area.

The Marine Protected Area was significantly affected by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and a dedicated restoration project began in 2025 to replace damaged management infrastructure and restore effective conservation operations. Sandy Island itself remains actively promoted by Grenada Tourism Authority as one of Carriacou's signature natural attractions.