Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Last updated: 22 January 2026
Overview
Carriacou and Petite Martinique, at the southern end of the Grenadines, are smaller islands with a quieter feel. Facilities are more limited than in Grenada, but basic provisioning and repair services are available at Tyrrel Bay, the main yachting hub in Carriacou.
Attractions
Tyrrel Bay on Carriacou is one of the primary attractions for visiting sailors, with a wide choice of places to eat and a well-established long-term liveaboard community. Heading north, a popular overnight stop can be found at Sandy Island, where you can anchor or pick up a mooring ball and enjoy snorkelling or watersports off the beach.
Petite Martinique is smaller and offers a unique glimpse of traditional Caribbean life.
Notes for mariners
Following Hurricane Beryl in 2024, a Category 4 storm causing severe damage, it is advisable to monitor weather information closely throughout the season and to be ready to move south to Trinidad if a significant system appears likely to threaten the area.
Places to stay
Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Petit Martinique
★
4.7
Petie Martinique
Anchoring conditions are favorable in sandy bottoms, particularly in the southwest area with depths around nine meters. Visitors encounter friendly locals and a charming atmosphere while supporting recovery efforts from past hurricanes. Provisions and cash accessibility remain limited.
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Sandy Island, Carriacou
★
4.7
Carriacou
Anchoring is permitted in sandy areas with good holding, despite occasional roll from winds. Visitors report enjoyable swimming and snorkeling experiences, alongside a beautiful beach. Fees apply for moorings and anchoring, with friendly collection of dues noted.
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Saline Island
★
4.7
Carriacou
Anchoring presents challenges with rapidly deepening waters and strong currents. Visitors recommend targeting sandy patches for improved hold, particularly in depths around 9 to 12 meters. Snorkeling opportunities are noteworthy, especially near turtle habitats.
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Anse la Roche
★
4.6
Carriacou
The anchorage can be rolly during strong winds or swells, but offers good holding in sand, with multiple visitors appreciating Tim's restaurant. A beautiful setting exists for swimming and hiking, although it can become busy with several boats present.
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Ronde Island
★
4.4
Ronde Island
Anchoring is generally stable with good holding in sand, though rolling can occur in some wind conditions. Visitors report abundant sea life, clear water, and pleasant snorkeling opportunities. Strong gusts might be experienced near cliffs, requiring careful positioning when anchoring.
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Jack-A_Dan Anchorage
★
4.3
Carriacou
Moorings are in good condition and hold well, as confirmed by several users. Shallow waters make careful navigation essential, especially near the reef. Snorkeling offers decent experiences, though coral health is poor.
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Hillsborough
★
4.3
Carriacou
Anchoring conditions are generally favorable in sandy areas, though some reviews mention rolly conditions. The dinghy dock is considered in poor shape, limiting access to town. Visitors have noted rebuilding efforts in the local community following Hurricane Beryl.
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Tyrell Bay
★
3.8
Carriacou
Anchoring is feasible and many found the bay's holding satisfactory. Clearance processes were generally smooth, though some encountered unoccupied boats and debris, limiting space. Visitors may notice ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Beryl, impacting both the atmosphere and local services.
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Paradise Beach
★
3.7
Carriacou
Moorings are available but some may have limited depth, creating risks for deep drafts. A local restaurant offers good food, though noise can increase during weekends. Several visitors mention the comfortable holding and convenient access to nearby amenities.
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Marinas
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Tyrell Bay Marina
★
3.3
Carriacou
Dinghy access at the floating dock is limited to boats in the yard. The haul-out service includes a 100 tonne lift, scaffold rental, and local provisioning options, though the marina appears unfinished and lacks water or electricity hookups. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
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Moorings
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Sandy Island Carriacou
★
4.8
Carriacou
Mooring buoys are available and generally easy to secure. The moorings appear sturdy, and multiple visitors reported good snorkeling conditions. Rangers routinely collect fees, but some reported no encounters with them.
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Jack A Dan Island
★
4.5
Carriacou
Moorings appear in good condition as of late 2025. The area is noted for its impressive sculptures and rich marine life. However, gusty winds may impact comfort for overnight stays.
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Tyrell Bay Moorings
★
4.3
Carriacou
Mooring is available, with no boat boys noted and space for anchoring. Fresh fruit is offered by local sellers, while mooring costs 80 EC per night. Some warnings exist regarding scams involving private buoys, though overall conditions appear manageable.
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Palm Beach restaurant
★
4.3
Petie Martinique
Mooring buoys are available, and assistance with tying up is provided. Visitors report peaceful nights with short dinghy rides to the restaurant. The onshore dining experience has been positively highlighted for its food quality and friendly service.
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Boat services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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Carriacou Marine
★
4.8
Carriacou
Service includes haul-out operations with prompt assistance from staff. Visitors appreciated the cleanliness and efficiency of the yard, along with helpful personnel, particularly Sandra in the office. The marina also offers nearby dining options.
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Tyrell Bay Marine
★
3.2
Carriacou
The marina has mixed perceptions regarding cleanliness and maintenance. Visitors report an abundance of debris and trash, which detracts from the experience. Staff interactions vary widely, with many noting the professionalism of some but encountering issues with female employees.
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Chandlers
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Budget Marine
★
4.5
Carriacou
A diverse inventory is available at Budget Marine, with many visitors finding competitive prices compared to competitors. Staff demonstrate a high level of helpfulness, often staying past closing hours. Remember to bring boat documentation to avoid incurring taxes.
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D & D Marine Supplies
★
3.0
Carriacou
Antifouling options are available at significantly lower prices than competitors. The selection is limited, and many professionals source their supplies from this chandler. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
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Cariacou Marine Limited
★
2.5
Carriacou
The chandlery is noted for having a limited selection and unhelpful staff interactions. Visitors have mentioned a preference for nearby alternatives. Check for updates, as reviews indicate variability in experience.
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Boat services
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In Stitches Sailmaker
★
5.0
Carriacou
The team provides quick turnaround and friendly service on diverse projects. Reviews highlight the quality of work at reasonable prices. Visitors have expressed satisfaction with interactions and outcomes.
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Yacht clearance links
Useful yacht clearance links:
- Grenada Immigration & Customs: Online portal (electronic arrival/departure card system)
- https://edcard.gov.gd/en
- SailClear: Pre arrival notification
- https://sailclear.com/index
- Pure Grenada: Clearance procedure
- https://www.puregrenada.com/experiences/sailing/
- Grenada Ports: List and location of ports of entry
- https://www.grenadaports.com/index.php/ports-of-entry
- Noonsite: Clearance procedures, processes and fees.
- https://www.noonsite.com/place/grenada/
Yacht clearance reviews
The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Grenada:
Ports of entry offices
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Carriacou
Offers: Immigration.
The office can handle clearance checks and communication with Tyrell Bay immigration. A humourous officer may enhance the experience, which is noted as a valuable time-saver for visitors. Expect a friendly atmosphere while completing administrative processes.
Place details mention: check in steps.
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Carriacou
Offers: Customs, and immigration.
Check-in procedures at Carriacou Customs & Immigration can vary. Some visitors faced issues with staff behavior, while others experienced efficient and friendly processing. Cash is often required for payment, and guests should be mindful of potential wait times.
Place details mention: check in steps, fees or payments, opening hours, cruising permits.
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Carriacou Customs only
★
3.6
Carriacou
Offers: Customs, and port authority.
Customs services are available at Carriacou, with immigration handled at a separate location across the bay. Staff interactions vary; some visitors report friendly service while others experience unhelpfulness. Ensure to bring cash for transactions.
Place details mention: check in steps, fees or payments and required documents.
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