Carriacou is what can only be described as a relatively undiscovered paradise. Carriacou has a lot of unspoilt deserted beaches, beautiful little pristine coves and a plethora of outlying uninhabited islands. The island interior is wooded and mountainous. It lies around 20 miles from Grenada and forms part of the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This is also one of the remaining few locations in the Caribbean where they still build traditional wooden sailing boats. It is also one of the few places to escape the mass tourism of cruise ships, resorts and an international airport.
When arriving by yacht there are two good anchorages located at the southwestern end of the island, and they called Tyrell Bay and Hillsborough Bay. Tyrell Bay is the smallest and also the most laid back as well. It is a 15 minute trip by taxi from the island’s Lauriston airport and the Osprey ferry dock located in Hillsborough. Tyrell Bay is a sleepy place with a several cottages, a grocery store along with some restaurants and bars as well as some local fruit and veg vendors. Hillsborough is a busier place with
more shops and restaurants. This is the terminus for local island buses and taxis. If you are interested in the famed local boat building then you will have to travel to the village called Windward located on the North Eastern part of the island. Carriacou is all about fishing, boat building, farming, visiting cruising and charter yachts along with relatively low volume tourism.
Patty’s Deli. Located just 2 minutes walk from the dock on Main Street. This is a gourmet delicatessen. She sells a range of high quality USDA beef cuts along with other meats, including lamb, chicken and pork along with some seafood such as home smoked lobster tails, Mahi Mahi steaks and more. She is also able to provide a full yacht provision service if required. Try the daily fresh baguettes, croissants and cheesecake Fridays. They are open 6 days a week, Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700 and Saturday 0900 to 1230hrs, Closed on Sunday. Check Patty's out.
Mathesons Supermarket. Located on First Street, Hillsborough. Stocks a wide range of supermarket items, frozen meats and vegetables.
Kims Plaza. This
large supermarket is located opposite Mathesons Supermarket. Has a good range
of supermarket items
Marketing
Board - MNIB. This is located on Main Street, Hillsborough just
down from Patty's Deli and similar to Farmers Market. They buy in fresh produce
from the local farmers and also import a wide range of fruits and vegetables
Fish Market. This is located next to the MNIB. Daily catch is usually snapper, barracuda or tuna. You can get ice and pack your fresh fish in your own box or bags. The market has a fish cleaning service.
Vendors Market. This is located just off Paterson Street close
to the Shell gas station. Local vendors have booths and offer some produce,
arts and crafts.
Marine Repairs. Carriacou Marine, is the operator of the marine fuel facility and you can get diesel from them and duty free fuel is available if you are eligible. You can get fuel from 08.00 to 17.30 Monday to Saturday and 08.00 to 14.00 on Sundays and Public holidays. They also have a 40 ton ASCOM Travel lift with capability of boast with 18 foot beam maximum and 70 foot LOA. Draft is 7 to 8 feet subject to tide.
Customs and Immigration. Carriacou Marine is a nominal first port of
entry to the state of Grenada if arriving from the North. The Customs and
Immigration office is situated inside the Yacht Club. The shipyard office is
open 8am to 5pm, 6 days a week, and they can be contacted on VHF Channel 16/68. They offer a complete service from mechanics
to sailmakers, laundry facilities and internet access and a chandlery on site.
Visit Carriacou and escape the rat race and you can get some basic yacht provisioning here as well.