How to Visit Carriacou as a Day Trip from Grenada?
Thinking of fitting in a visit to Carriacou while you're in Grenada? Bunny says: do it! This little gem of an island is well worth a day trip—and with a little planning, it’s an easy and memorable excursion from the mainland.
Why Go?
Carriacou is special. Not in a flashy, over-developed, resort-heavy kind of way—but in the best way. It’s sleepy. It’s real. It’s gorgeous. Think crystal-clear waters, uncrowded beaches, charming villages, and the kind of laid-back island vibe that makes you want to ditch your phone and just be. Whether you want to swim with turtles, explore the underwater sculpture park, or just sip a Carib beer on Sandy Island, Carriacou delivers.
How to Get There
You have two options to reach Carriacou from Grenada: fly or ferry.
- Flights are operated by SVG Air between Grenada and Carriacou every day except Thursday. The flight takes a mere 20 minutes and the airport procedures are a breeze
- Osprey Ferry is a scenic and economical option, taking approximately 90 minutes, but it doesn’t run on Sundays.
Yes, that means Thursdays and Sundays are tricky for would-be day-trippers. Choose your date wisely, Bunny says.
How Much Time Will You Have?
Whichever transport you choose, you’ll get around 6 hours on the island. That might not sound like a lot, but Carriacou’s small size and easy distances mean it’s more than enough to soak up the best of it—without rushing.
But Can I Just Charter a Boat?
Bunny hears your fancy thoughts: “What if I just take a private catamaran or speedboat?” In theory, yes. In reality? Not really. A catamaran sail from Grenada would eat up your whole day (and then some). A speedboat could shave the travel time, but it’ll rattle your bones and your bank account. Stick with the ferry or the puddle-jumper flight.
What to Do with Your 6 Hours in Carriacou
Carriacou may be small, but Bunny promises—you won’t be bored. Here are a few dreamy ways to spend your day:
- Paradise Beach & Sandy Island: Head to Paradise Beach Club (closed Tuesdays), grab a drink or a meal, then hop on their boat to Sandy Island. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and liming under the sun.
- Boat Tour Adventure: Book a half-day trip with Lambi Queen Tours or Froggie’s Tours. You’ll visit deserted islets, snorkel with turtles, and maybe discover your new favorite beach.
- Anse La Roche Escape: Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a drink or two and excellent food at Tim’s Sunset Beach Bar & Restaurant. Bliss. He’ll even arrange to have you picked up by boat from Hillsborough.
- Island Tour: Rent a car from Wayne’s Auto Rental (WhatsApp +1 473 409 0703) or grab an official taxi for a relaxed island loop. Want to explore like a local? The island’s quirky little minivans are an experience in themselves (except on Sundays, when they take the day off after the early morning Church run).
- Diving: Into the underwater world? Schedule a dive (or premium snorkel) with Deefer Diving and check out vibrant reefs and Carriacou’s own underwater sculpture park just off Hillsborough.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Haapkylä
- Kite boarding: Get in touch with 5ElementsPro Kiteboarding Center! Carriacou has ideal conditions for kite boarding during the windy season and these guys are real pros, organising everything for you to have an exhilarating day in Carriacou.
Or better yet, mix and match! Carriacou is compact, so you’ll never feel rushed or too far from where you need to be.
What If You Don’t Want to Leave?
You wouldn’t be the first. Some people come for the day and immediately start looking for excuses to stay longer. And honestly, Bunny doesn’t blame them.
If that happens, there’s a solution: stay longer! You can book a spot at Beach Bums Carriacou, Bunny’s own Airbnb. (Heads up—it has a 3-night minimum, so it’s not a last-minute overnight fix.) But fear not, there are plenty of other cute Airbnbs and small guesthouses that welcome shorter stays.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Carriacou is one of those low-effort, high-reward adventures. It’s easy, it’s magical, and it’s guaranteed to make your Grenada trip even better. Just be aware of the travel on Thursdays and Sundays, and you’re good to go.
