Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled just north of Grenada lies the enchanting island of Carriacou, a tropical paradise brimming with natural wonders, rich culture, and an unhurried pace of life. Though overshadowed by its popular neighbor Grenada, Carriacou has remained relatively untouched, retaining its own distinct character and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
First settled by the Arawaks and then the Caribs, Carriacou came under French and British rule before finally joining Grenada in independence in 1974. This lush island is the largest of the Grenadines, an archipelago stretching down to Grenada, with an area of just 13 square miles. From breathtaking beaches and rainforests to charming villages, Carriacou beckons the adventurous traveler looking to escape the crowds. Let’s uncover the many mysteries that make this island so alluring.
Untouched Beauty and Charm
Carriacou is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. With much of the coastline still undeveloped, you can find stretches of powdery white sand and spectacular turquoise waters. The beaches of Anse La Roche and Tyrrel Bay feel like your own private paradise, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing with a good book. Just offshore lies Sandy Island, a tiny deserted cay ringed by coral reefs where you can wade through crystalline shallows.
Inland, Carriacou harbors rainforests teeming with tropical foliage, from mahogany and mangroves to bamboos and strangler figs. Follow hiking trails to discover picturesque waterfalls cascading into pools ideal for an exhilarating swim. The verdant Grand Bay Rainforest is home to some of the island’s most stunning waterfalls and abundant birdlife.
Beyond the natural landscapes, Carriacou’s villages exude old-world charm with their pastel cottages, rum shops, and fishermen mending their nets by the docks. From the laidback main town of Hillsborough to villages like Windward and Belair, local life unfolds at an unrushed pace.
Local Culture and Traditions
Carriacou has a rich culture shaped by its long seafaring history. For generations, locals have hand-built traditional wooden sloops in the boatyards of Windward. The pinnacle is the sloops’ annual racing festival, when crews race their vessels along the island’s coast amid much revelry.
Music and dance are integral to Carriacou culture. Influenced by African rhythms, local folk music features instruments like the accordion, fife, and kettle drum. During the Maroon Festival each May, drumming troops perform in an explosion of sound and color.
Sampling local cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Treat your tastebuds to callaloo soup, saltfish, and conch – often served up at rum shops. Don’t leave without trying Carriacou’s famous fish broth, a hearty stew laden with freshly caught fish, dumplings, and provision.
Adventures and Activities
Carriacou was made for action and adventure. Being surrounded by calm seas and reefs means water sports reign supreme here. Hire a boat to go sailing and snorkeling, letting the wind and currents guide you to serene islets. Diving is also fantastic, with an array of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and even an underwater sculpture park to explore.
On land, hiking offers the perfect way to explore. Follow jungle trails to secluded coves or take a guided hike through the rainforest, watching for exotic birds. For sweeping views, brave the hike up High North Peak – at 2,530 feet, Carriacou’s highest point.
More leisurely adventures include birdwatching from mangroves or offshore islets that attract migratory birds and rum shop-hopping to befriend locals over games of dominoes. Don’t miss boat trips to spot humpback whales visiting the Grenadines between April and July.
Unique Accommodations
From eco-lodges tucked into the rainforest to luxury villas perched above the sea, Carriacou offers enticing places to stay. For an authentic experience, check into small guesthouses and inns in Hillsborough or other villages. Immerse yourself in nature by staying in cottages at Paradise Beach or Bayaleau Point, with self-catering options.
Several hotels allow you to unwind in tranquility without sacrificing comfort. Highlights include Golden Anchor Inn with its beachfront location and Petit Carenage’s slick cottages clustered around a pool. For ultimate indulgence, opt for one of Carriacou’s exclusive private villa rentals, like Bayaleau Creole Villas or Le Phare Bleu.
Conclusion
With its reef-lined coves, unspoiled rainforests, andlaidback villages, Carriacou remains one of the Caribbean’s undiscovered gem. The island offers a magical blend of nature, culture, adventure, and serenity just waiting to be uncovered. As Grenada’s captivating sister island, Carriacou charms visitors seeking beauty, authenticity, and a temposlower than the hurried modern world. Let Carriacou work its magic on you.
FAQs
What is Carriacou best known for?
Carriacou is best known for its breathtaking beaches, pristine rainforests, traditional boat building, Maroon music festivals, and laidback island lifestyle.
What are the top things to do in Carriacou?
Top activities in Carriacou include sailing, snorkeling/diving, hiking through rainforests and to waterfalls, birdwatching, exploring villages, and sampling local cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Carriacou?
The best time to visit Carriacou is during the drier months from January to May. The Maroon Festival happens annually in May.
How do you get to Carriacou?
You can fly to Carriacou from Grenada in just 20 minutes or take a ferry. Many sailboats and yachts also stop by Carriacou while sailing the Grenadines.
What is the currency used in Carriacou?
Carriacou uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar as its currency. US dollars are widely accepted too.