Carriacou Island (Hillsborough, Grenada)

Carriacou is a small, relaxed Grenadian island best suited to beaches, snorkeling and scenic drives rather than intensive sightseeing. Cruise ships normally anchor in Hillsborough Bay and tender passengers to the pier in Hillsborough. The town is easy to explore on foot, but the island’s best beaches and viewpoints require a taxi, local minibus or pre-arranged tour.

Independent with some planning or transport: Hillsborough is straightforward independently, while beach visits and island touring are practical if return transport is agreed in advance. A boat or organized excursion is recommended for Sandy Island and offshore snorkeling.

Getting from the Tender Pier

• Hillsborough: Shops, the waterfront, market area and Carriacou Museum are within a short walk of the landing.
• Paradise Beach: Located at L’Esterre, approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Hillsborough. A taxi or local minibus is more practical than walking in the heat.
• Tyrell Bay: The island’s main yachting harbor is roughly 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Hillsborough and is best reached by taxi or minibus.
• Island touring: Roads are narrow and journeys can be slow. Agree the route, fare and collection time before leaving the pier.

Tender operations depend on sea conditions. Allow additional time for the return tender and follow the ship’s stated last-tender time rather than relying only on the published departure time.

Best Ways to Spend the Port Call

Hillsborough and Paradise Beach

This is the simplest independent combination. Spend about an hour exploring Hillsborough, then take a taxi or minibus to Paradise Beach for swimming and lunch. The beach has calm water, natural shade in places, changing facilities and several bars or restaurants. Allow around 3–4 hours in total and arrange the return before settling on the beach.

Paradise Beach and Sandy Island

Sandy Island is a small, undeveloped sand cay with clear water and good snorkeling, approximately a five-minute boat ride from Paradise Beach. Use a local licensed guide or pre-arranged boat trip and confirm exactly when and where the boat will return. There is little infrastructure on the cay, so take water, sun protection and suitable footwear. Allow about 3–4 hours including road transfers.

Scenic Island Tour

A taxi tour of roughly 3–4 hours can combine interior viewpoints, traditional villages, Windward’s wooden-boat-building heritage, the Belair area and Tyrell Bay. This is a better choice than trying to link the island’s scattered sights by walking. Discuss the itinerary in advance and avoid an overambitious circuit on a short call.

Snorkeling or Diving

Carriacou is surrounded by reefs and has numerous snorkeling and dive sites, including reefs near Sandy Island and offshore wrecks for qualified divers. Book through an established operator and provide the ship’s tender and all-aboard times. A dedicated boat excursion is preferable because the best sites are not accessible directly from Hillsborough.

Anse La Roche

This secluded northern beach appeals to visitors seeking a quieter nature experience, but access is less straightforward than Paradise Beach and may involve a boat or a hike over uneven terrain. It is best visited with a guide or organized excursion, particularly when time ashore is limited.

Self-Guided Hillsborough Walk

Distance: approximately 1.5–2 km (0.9–1.2 mi) round trip
Pure walking time: 25–35 minutes
Recommended time: 1–1.5 hours with stops
Difficulty: Easy; mostly level town streets, with heat and limited shade

1. Tender pier and waterfront: Begin with views across Hillsborough Bay toward the ship.
2. Main commercial streets: Walk through the compact town center, passing small shops and local businesses.
3. Market area: Browse for produce or simple local goods when stalls are operating.
4. Carriacou Museum: Continue to Paterson Street to see collections relating to the island’s Indigenous, African and colonial heritage. Confirm that it is open before planning the visit.
5. Hillsborough Beach: Return toward the shore for a waterfront walk and views along the bay.
6. Tender pier: Follow the waterfront back, leaving time for any tender queue.

The route is suitable for a short call or as the first part of a beach day. Hillsborough Beach is convenient for a stroll, but Paradise Beach is the stronger choice for several hours of swimming and relaxation.

Practical Tips

• Carry some cash; smaller taxis, minibuses, boat operators and local businesses may not accept cards.
• Confirm transport prices and whether the fare is per person or for the vehicle.
• For a one-way beach transfer, arrange a definite pickup or identify a reliable return option before the driver leaves.
• Use reef-safe sun protection and bring drinking water, especially for Sandy Island or hiking.
• Do not attempt to swim from Carriacou to Sandy Island; use a boat operated by a local provider.
• Build a generous return margin for road delays, boat transfers and tender queues.