Plan a CruiseCarriacou Cruise Port Guide
As cruise ships cannot dock in Carriacou, you will be tendered ashore. The main tender port is Hillsborough, the capital, situated on the western side of the island. Carriacou, known as the "Land of Reefs," is the largest of Grenada's sister islands, spanning 13 square miles. Hillsborough serves as the bustling heart, housing banks, government offices, and the main police station. General business hours are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Despite its small size, Carriacou offers a wide range of activities, from world-class snorkeling and diving on pristine reefs to exploring historical sites and cultural landmarks. The island is rich in unique traditions passed down from African and European ancestors, including Traditional Weddings, the Big Drum Nation Dance, and Shakespeare Mas. In the village of Windward, you can observe traditional boat building methods, a skill preserved from Scottish settlers, with an annual Carriacou Regatta held in July/August.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival at Hillsborough, the town center is easily accessible. For exploring further afield, local buses are available, with fares generally around EC $2.00 per mile or a flat rate of EC $3.00 per ride. Water taxis offer a convenient way to visit nearby islands like Sandy Island or Petite Martinique, or other chosen destinations.
Attractions and Activities
- Explore Hillsborough: Wander through the capital, where you'll find banks, government offices, and the main police station. Experience the local atmosphere and perhaps observe daily life.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Carriacou is renowned as the "Land of Reefs" and offers world-class opportunities for snorkeling and diving on some of the Caribbean's most pristine reefs. Many local operators can facilitate these excursions.
- Visit Windward Village: Head to the village of Windward to see traditional wooden boats being built using methods passed down by Scottish settlers. This offers a unique glimpse into a living cultural heritage.
- Day Trip to Sandy Island: Take a water taxi to Sandy Island, a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying the pristine waters.
- Excursion to Petite Martinique: Arrange a water taxi to Petite Martinique, located about 3 miles (5km) east of northern Carriacou. This small dependency of Grenada spans 486 acres (194 hectares) and is home to about 900 people. It boasts fine beaches on its calmer western side and is known for its strong culture, fishing, and boat-building traditions. Note that Petite Martinique is only reachable by boat.
Dining & Shopping
Hillsborough, as the capital, has various restaurants and bars located "around every bend," offering local food, drinks, and entertainment. Shops typically operate from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Supermarkets and larger shopping centers usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with some even open on Sundays. Craft and souvenir shops are likely to open on Sundays or public holidays, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), which is linked to the US Dollar. Banks exchange US$1.00 for EC$2.67 in cash, and US$1.00 for EC$2.68 in travelers cheques. It is recommended to exchange currency at banks for the most favorable rates. Major credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops, and travelers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. English is the official language, though a French-African patois is also commonly spoken.