Carriacou is the Gem of the Grenadines

Surrounding Grenada is a group of small adjacent islands known as the ‘Grenadines’, the largest of which at seven miles long is Carriacou, part of the tri-island nation of Grenada. Located 23 miles northeast of Grenada, Carriacou is accessible by air, with flights leaving daily from Grenada and by water, via two motorized catamarans, the Osprey Shuttle (a larger vessel) and Osprey Express (a smaller ship). With a population of 7,000, Carriacou is home to some of the Grenadines most picturesque fine sand beaches and natural harbours.

Nature lovers will enjoy the many eco-friendly activities available on Carriacou. Botanists and ‘Green Thumbs’ alike can enjoy a stroll through the surreal patches of cacti at the Anglican Rectory Garden or a day at the Carriacou Botanical Gardens, where some of the islands most exotic plants are cultivated. Eco-tourists in the mood for a more rigorous adventure can travel to High North Peak National Park. At 291 meters, High North Peak is the uppermost point of elevation on the island of Carriacou.

Carriacou is home to some of Grenada’s most unique marine parks. Just off the shore of Hillsborough is Sandy Island Marine Park. This pristine island, surrounded by clear blue waters and magnificent coral reefs is a popular site for snorkeling. A short boat ride from the nature trails of Tyrrel Bay lays ‘Oyster Beds’. Here visitors can enjoy the unique site of oysters growing on the roots of mangroves. At the most southern point of Carriacou is White Island. This immaculate snorkel and dive site has attracted visitors with its shoals of exotic, tropical fish and ideal picnic areas.  

The unspoiled waters of Carriacou offer some of the most exciting dive sites in all of the Caribbean. The variety of depths and currents provide divers of all skill-set an underwater adventure. Located just off Sandy Island is Divers Surprise, which starts at 7 metres and slopes to a depth of 23 metres. The slight current of this dive makes it appropriate for beginners, while the exquisite opportunities for underwater photography make it a must for experienced divers.

The highlights of Carriacou diving is ‘Kick ‘em Jenny’, a dormant submarine volcano (submarine volcanoes are located beneath the water surface on mid-ocean ridges). The warm underwater climate produced by the submarine volcano has led to the evolution of some of the world’s most beautiful and unique ocean wildlife, which is what makes Kick ‘em Jenny Carriacou’s most popular dive site. Aquanauts can expect to see: rock beauties, angel fish, tang, grunts, damsel, blennies, parrot fish, trigger fish, jaw fish, spotted drum, moray eels, snake eels, lobsters, nurse sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, turtles, groupers and mackerels.

The year round safe waters of Carriacou have allowed the development of a thriving yachting community. Every year the island is home to several prestigious regatta events including ‘The Carriacou Regatta’. Started in 1965 as a local competition for traditional fishing workboats, this event is now a major Caribbean affair. The Regatta features round the island yacht races as well as hand-carved workboat competitions. Visitors can also enjoy such cultural highlights as Donkey Racing and Greasy Pole climbs. During Grenada’s recent observation of Tourism Awareness Week, the Carriacou Regatta Festival Committee received the Festival Award for their spectacular work on this very successful event.

In December, Grenada is host to the TTSA Carriacou Sailing Series. This family-friendly event includes four days of water racing and beach activities, as well as three evenings of ‘Fetes’ (celebrations) to close each day.

Visitors to Carriacou also have many opportunities to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage. The Carriacou Museum, managed by the Carriacou Historical Society, has an extensive exhibit featuring Amerindian artifacts, British and French colonial pieces as well as a section highlighting Carriacou’s African roots.

Heritage can be experienced first hand at one of Carriacou’s many spectacular annual festivals. The festival year begins in February on Carriacou with Carnival. This two-day festival is Carriacou’s version of the Grenada-wide Carnival held in August. Though smaller in scale, this celebration is equal in its vivid pageantry and island spirit.

In April, the Carriacou Maroon Music Festival draws visitors from all over the world with its eclectic celebration of culture. Festivities include dancing, music, food and elaborate ‘Mas’ with a variety of costumed players. The powerful rhythms of the Big Drum Nation Dance, string band music, Quadrille dancing and African dances enthrall on-lookers.

The Carriacou festival season climaxes in December at the Annual Carriacou Parang Festival. This enchanting music festival is a celebration of Carriacou’s unique musical culture. The event features open-air concerts, carol singing, Parang string bands, door-to-door ‘Paranging’ and a special visit from Santa Claus to close another year of spectacular festivals.     

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