Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide. Carriacou is the northernmost island of Grenada, forming the upper end of the Grenadines chain. It has deepwater approaches, reliable anchorages on the west and southwest coasts, and the region’s most functional small‑island boatyard at Tyrell Bay. Navigation is straightforward in settled trade‑wind conditions, with deep water close to shore and predictable sea states. The island is a common staging point for yachts moving between Grenada and St Vincent. The sailing environment is shaped by the northeast trades, typically 15–22 kn, with moderate seas offshore and calmer conditions on the west coast. Marine infrastructure is limited but operationally useful, centred on Tyrell Bay.

Carriacou is what can only be described as a relatively undiscovered paradise.  It lies around 20 miles from Grenada and forms part of the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This is one of the remaining few locations in the Caribbean where they still build traditional wooden sailing boats. Tyrell Bay is a sleepy place with a several cottages, a grocery store along with some restaurants and bars as well as some local fruit and veg vendors. Hillsborough is a busier place with more shops and restaurants. This is the terminus for local island buses and taxis. If you are interested in the famed local boat building then you will have to travel to the village called Windward located on the North Eastern part of the island. Carriacou is all about fishing, boat building, farming, visiting cruising and charter yachts along with relatively low volume tourism.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Approaches

Approaches to Carriacou are deep and unobstructed, with depths above 40–80 m until close to the island. The west and southwest coasts shoal gradually to 20–30 m before rising into Tyrell Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Tyrell Bay has a wide, clear approach with depths reducing from 20 m to 5–10 m over sand and mud.

Hillsborough Bay has 10–20 m over sand but is more exposed to swell. The east coast is reef‑fringed and exposed to Atlantic swell, with depths reducing rapidly from 30 m to 5–10 m near the reef line; it is not used for routine approaches.

Tidal range is small at 0.3–0.6 m, and currents are weak, with minor set between Carriacou and Petite Martinique during fresh trades.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Anchorage

• Tyrell Bay. Primary anchorage. 5–10 m over sand and mud with good holding and reliable shelter from the prevailing trades. Ample space for anchoring and moorings.
• Hillsborough Bay. 10–20 m over sand with moderate shelter; more exposed to swell and best in settled conditions.
• Sandy Island (West coast).  5–10 m over sand with clear water and moderate shelter; exposed to swell during northerly systems.
• Saline Island / White Island (South).  5–10 m over sand with limited shelter; suitable only in settled conditions.
• Dinghy access is straightforward in Tyrell Bay via docks and beach landings. Other bays rely on beach landings subject to swell.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Carriacou has no full‑service marina, but Carriacou Marine in Tyrell Bay provides the island’s primary yacht services, including haul‑out, chandlery, convenience store, and duty‑free fuel. Depths at the yard’s dock are suitable for dinghies and shallow‑draft vessels.

Small docks in Tyrell Bay support local boats and limited yacht access. There are no marina berths with full services.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Weather

Weather is dominated by the northeast trades, typically 15–22 kn, producing moderate seas offshore and calmer conditions on the west coast. Swell from the north can affect exposed anchorages such as Sandy Island during winter systems. Rainfall is seasonal, with passing showers common. Hurricane season from June to November requires conservative planning; Carriacou does not provide cyclone‑grade shelter, though Tyrell Bay offers better protection than open bays.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Mathesons Supermarket is on First Street, Hillsborough and stocks a wide range of items, frozen meats and vegetables. Kims Plaza is a large supermarket is located opposite Mathesons Supermarket. Marketing Boards (MNIB) is located on Main Street, Hillsborough just down from Patty’s Deli and similar to a Farmers Market. They buy in fresh produce from the local farmers and import a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Patty’s Deli is just a 2-minute walk from the dock on Main Street and is a gourmet delicatessen. They sell a range of high-quality USDA beef cuts along with other meats. She is able to provide a full yacht provision service.  Try the daily fresh baguettes, croissants and cheesecake Fridays.  They are open 6 days a week, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 12:30, and closed on Sunday. Tyrell Bay minimarkets support mid‑cruise provisioning with general staples and limited fresh produce.

Markets. The vendor’s market is located just off Paterson Street close to the Shell gas station. Local vendors have booths and offer some produce, arts and crafts.

Seafood Markets. The fish market is located next to the MNIB. Daily catch is usually snapper, barracuda or tuna. You can get ice and pack your fresh fish in your own box or bags.  Local fishermen sell fresh catch directly at the waterfront in Hillsborough and Tyrell Bay when available. Species include mahi‑mahi, tuna, kingfish, and reef fish.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Cuisine

Local cuisine is based on seafood and Grenadian staples. Oil Down is a stew of breadfruit, coconut milk, and salted meat or fish. Fried Jackfish is served with rice or ground provisions. Pelau combines rice, chicken, and pigeon peas cooked in caramelised sugar. Stewed Saltfish is prepared with onions, peppers, and tomato. Side dishes include Rice and Peas, Plantain Fry, Breadfruit Roast, and Dasheen. Seasoning is mild to moderate, using thyme, onion, garlic, and local herbs.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Fuel Supplies

Duty‑free fuel is available at Carriacou Marine in Tyrell Bay. Yachts at anchor typically refuel by jerry can. Fuel quality is reliable, but large volumes should be confirmed in advance.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Potable water is available at Carriacou Marine and selected docks in Tyrell Bay. Yachts at anchor take water by jerry can. Watermakers reduce reliance on shore supply but are not essential for short stays.

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Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Marine Services

Marine services are centred on Carriacou Marine, which provides haul‑out, mechanical repair, electrical work, fiberglass repair, and chandlery supply.  Additional small workshops in Tyrell Bay handle minor repairs. There are no dedicated Volvo or Yanmar agents; specialized parts are sourced in Grenada (main island).

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Local Customs

Local behaviour is informal and courteous. Respect for private property, low dinghy speeds near shore, and proper waste disposal are expected. Noise should be kept low near residential areas. Interactions are straightforward and conducted in plain language.

Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide - Summary

Carriacou provides deepwater approaches, reliable anchorages on the west and southwest coasts, and the region’s most functional small‑island boatyard at Tyrell Bay. Navigation is straightforward in settled conditions, provisioning is adequate for routine cruising, and operational demands are modest for a self‑sufficient yacht. Carriacou Yacht Cruising Guide for all you need to know.