Why Honeymoon on Carriacou
Carriacou is about stepping off the map. There are no large resorts, no cruise ship crowds and very little nightlife. Days are spent on near-empty beaches, snorkeling over reefs and taking small boats to sandbars and uninhabited islets. Evenings mean a simple dinner at a waterfront spot followed by an early night.
The island feels authentic in a way that larger destinations rarely do. People wave from their porches and strike up conversations at the ferry dock.
That simplicity comes with tradeoffs. Accommodation is mostly small guesthouses and villas, services are limited and rebuilding after Hurricane Beryl is still going on. Medical facilities are basic, with serious cases sent to Grenada or beyond. Couples who want polished luxury should stay on Grand Anse and visit Carriacou for a night or two.
When to Go
Carriacou is drier than Grenada. The best weather falls from January through May. Skies are clear, the sea is calm and the reefs are at their most visible. December is also pleasant.
June through November is the rainy season and hurricane season. Showers tend to be short. Storms, however, are a real risk, as Beryl showed in 2024. Travel insurance is essential if you visit in these months.
The island's calendar is full of small festivals. The Carriacou Regatta on the first weekend of August celebrates locally built boats with races and beach parties. Parang, held the weekend before Christmas, brings string bands and satirical songs. A Maroon and string band festival usually takes place in April. Carnival comes just before Lent. Each one gives visitors a rare window into island life.
Where to Stay
Lodging on Carriacou is small scale: guesthouses, cottages and private villas, many owned by local families or longtime residents. The first main base is Hillsborough, the town on the west coast. The other is Tyrrel Bay in the southwest, a sheltered harbor popular with yachts.
The area around L'Esterre and Paradise Beach suits couples who want to walk to the sand. Hillside villas above Tyrrel Bay and near Bogles in the north offer views and privacy.
After Hurricane Beryl, the supply of rooms has shifted. Some places rebuilt quickly while others are still closed. Contact your accommodation directly before booking, ask about water, power and Wi-Fi and confirm that nearby restaurants are open. Many guests prefer a villa with a kitchen so they are not dependent on a single restaurant.
Romantic Things to Do
Take a water taxi to Sandy Island, a thin strip of sand and palms off Hillsborough inside a marine protected area. Bring shade, water and lunch, since there are no facilities. Snorkel the reef and enjoy having the place mostly to yourselves.
Swim at Paradise Beach, a calm stretch at L'Esterre with soft sand and shallow water sheltered by the reef. Then walk the coastal trail to Anse La Roche, a secluded bay on the northwest coast with good snorkeling and old ruins nearby.
Spend an evening in Tyrrel Bay watching yachts swing at anchor as the sun drops into the sea. On the northeast coast, guided night tours sometimes visit turtle nesting beaches in season.
For a day trip, take the boat to Petite Martinique, a tiny neighbor island with a strong fishing culture.
Getting There and Around
Fly from the US to Grenada first. Long-haul flights often arrive too late to connect onward the same day, so plan a night near Grand Anse.
From St. George's, the Osprey ferry runs to Carriacou most days, often more than once. A direct run takes about 90 minutes. Some sailings stop at Petite Martinique. Seas can be rough, so take motion sickness tablets if you need them. Short regional flights also connect Grenada with Lauriston Airport near Hillsborough, though schedules can be limited and routings sometimes indirect.
On the island, taxis wait at the ferry dock and airport. Minibuses run between Hillsborough and the main villages during the day except Sundays. Car and jeep rentals are available. A vehicle makes it easier to reach beaches and villas. Drive on the left and watch for animals on the road.
Food and Drink
Food on Carriacou is simple and fresh. Expect grilled fish, lobster in season, conch, chicken and rice and peas, along with roti and local vegetables. Many guesthouses cook dinner on request, which can be the best meal of the trip.
Tyrrel Bay has long been the island's dining hub, with waterfront spots catering to sailors and visitors. Paradise Beach has had beach bars serving lunch and drinks. After Hurricane Beryl, openings have shifted, so ask your host which places are operating.
The island has no large supermarkets. Small shops stock basics, but variety is limited and prices are high. Bring treats and anything specific from Grenada if you are self-catering. Try local rum punch, coconut water and fresh juices. Jack Iron, an overproof rum, is a local legend best treated with caution.
Honeymoon Tips
- Confirm your accommodation, restaurants and boat trips are operating before you book. Rebuilding after Hurricane Beryl continues.
- Plan an overnight on Grenada before heading to Carriacou, since flights from the US usually land too late to connect.
- Bring cash. ATMs are few and card machines are not universal.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, snorkel gear and any medicine you need. Mosquitoes can carry dengue, so if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices first.
- Bring shade and water to Sandy Island; there are no facilities there.
- Stay at least two or three nights to make the journey worthwhile.
- Ask your host about local festivals during your stay. Even a small village event can be a highlight.
- Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, since serious cases are flown off the island.
