All cruise ships anchor in Hillsborough Bay and tender passengers to Hillsborough Pier — the main town is right at the dock.
💡 Pro move: Carriacou has no cruise terminal building. The pier is open-air. USD is widely accepted; EC dollars give slightly better value at local spots.
Carriacou is a tender-only port; all ships anchor in Hillsborough Bay.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Hillsborough Bay — anchor; tender to Hillsborough Pier📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition vessels | Hillsborough Bay — anchor; Zodiac or tender to Hillsborough Pier📍 | Tendered |
Carriacou rewards island-hoppers — Sandy Island is a bucket-list Caribbean sandbar, and the snorkeling reefs are among the Eastern Caribbean's cleanest.
A short water-taxi hop delivers you to this powder-white sandbar surrounded by shallow turquoise water. Bring snorkel gear for the fringing reef, or simply collapse on the sand — it's quintessential Caribbean.
Book Sandy Island tours →Half-day tours combine Sandy Island, White Island, and Saline Island — the latter known for turtle sightings and a dramatic reef. Local operators like Lambi Tours and Froggy's Reef Tours run well-regarded trips.
Find snorkel boat tours →In the village of Windward on the island's northeast coast, master craftsmen build wooden sailing vessels using techniques brought by Scottish settlers centuries ago — a living tradition recognized for its cultural significance. Taxis can take you there in about 20 minutes.
Find cultural tours →Carriacou's signature beach is a calm, palm-lined stretch on the western coast with views of Sandy Island. Beach bars and local restaurants serve grilled lobster and tropical drinks. Easy to reach by taxi or a pleasant walk from town.
Find beach day tours →The small Carriacou Museum on Paterson Street chronicles the island's African, European, and indigenous Arawak heritage — surprisingly rich for such a tiny institution. Hillsborough's main street is a short stroll with local cafes, shops, and the colorful waterfront.
Find guided walking tours →This secluded beach on the northern coast is a sea-turtle nesting site with clear water and a reef for snorkeling. Reachable by boat tour or a hike through forest — a good combo with a half-day boat trip.
Find nature tours →Hillsborough is easily walkable from the pier, and a gentle stroll to Paradise Beach takes about 20 minutes along the waterfront.
From the pier, walk along the waterfront past local shops, the market, and the post office. Turn onto Paterson Street to find the Carriacou Museum. Continue to the town square and the colorful church before looping back.
Follow the main road south from the pier along the coast to Paradise Beach. The walk passes small homes and local bars. Reward yourself with a swim and a cold Carib beer before heading back.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Carriacou Island, Grenada (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 86°F / 30°C | 74°F / 23°C | 9 |
| Feb | 86°F / 30°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 |
| Mar | 86°F / 30°C | 75°F / 24°C | 5 |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 6 |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 9 |
| Jun | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 14 |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 16 |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 16 |
| Sep | 89°F / 32°C | 78°F / 26°C | 14 |
| Oct | 88°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | 15 |
| Nov | 88°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 |
| Dec | 87°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 11 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Carriacou Island, Grenada. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.