Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough (Carriacou) - General Info

HURRICANE BERYL:  The island nations of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada were the worst affected by Hurricane Beryl at the start of July 2024. The Grenadines, Carriacou, Petit Martinique and Union Island were particularly hard hit.  While the islands are recovering and all major marine services are back up and running (apart from on Union Island), cruisers should be aware that the islands are still in recovery mode and some services may still be limited or not available.

Where is Carriacou?

Carriacou (pronounced carry-a-cou) lies approximately 40NM northeast of the main island of Grenada. It's a small island just 7 miles long and approx. 3 miles wide, but is the largest island in the Grenadines. The highest point is just 956ft above sea level.

Carriacou is a dependency of Grenada and part of the Carriacou and Petite Martinique Constituency.

First settled by the Caribs, they called the island 'Kayryouacou', which means land of the reefs. The French eventually settled here and it was ceded to Britain in 1763. Remains of the French influence can still be found on the Island in the names of towns and the local patois language. The main language is English.

Hillsborough was traditionally the main town and port, and lies on the northwestern shore. However, the Grenada Port Authority have made the decision to move the port to Tyrell Bay, which lies on the southwestern tip.

Tyrell Bay is an attractive and sheltered anchorage and can get very busy with cruising yachts. Recent development means the bay has a major new marina including hardstand, 100-tonne travel lift, and boatyard facilities (a good choice for boat repair and maintenance in the southern Caribbean).

Other main settlements are the villages of L'Esterre, Harvey Vale and Windward.

Entrance Notes or Cautions for Carriacou:

Note: There is a large abandoned fishing net at the entrance to Tyrell Bay, be careful when approaching (approx. position 12.27.492N, 61.29.438W).

Doyle Guides report that many of the boats wrecked in Tyrell Bay and Oyster Bed as a result of Hurricane Beryl have been removed.  Soon, efforts will be expanded to the southern coastlines, addressing boat dumping, anchoring, and abandonment in the mangroves and sensitive areas like True Blue Bay, Lance Aux Epines Bay and the Woburn Clark’s Court Bay Marine Protected Area, including Hog Island.

Entrance into the bay is straightforward, but no buoys are lit. A yacht with no mast sunk on the approaches to Tyrell Bay in December 2016, temporarily marked by an old round buoy to the north. It is unknown if this wreck has been removed.

Hundreds of dogs suffer from poisoning on Carriacou every year. This is a growing problem - see pressure group Irates of the Caribbean website for more details. Always keep your dog on lead when going ashore here and stay vigilant.

There are security concerns in this port for visiting yachts.  See Docking for more information.

Cruiser Highlights for Carriacou:

Marina plus 2 boatyard facilities; port of entry for Grenada (Carriacou and Petite Martinique); no cruise ships or big resorts; friendly and relaxed; clear water and good snorkeling; 33 dive sites; regular ferry service between the islands; traditional wooden boat building still practiced; interesting museum; for cruisers with pets - Carriacou Animal Hospital .

Positions:

12°27'12" N, 61°29'14"W (Tyrell Bay)

12°29′N, 61°28′W (Hillsborough)

Last updated: February 2025