Carriacou Island

Carriacou Island is the largest island in the Grenadines and forms part of the tri-island state of Grenada, located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. Known for its unspoiled beaches, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil environment, Carriacou—meaning “Island of Reefs” in the language of the Kalinago (Carib) people—is a quintessential representation of Caribbean beauty and tradition. Despite its modest size, the island holds significant ecological, cultural, and economic importance within the region.

Geographic Location and Physical Features

Carriacou lies about 32 kilometres north of Grenada’s main island and roughly 13 kilometres south of Union Island (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines). It is part of the Lesser Antilles island chain, situated at the southern end of the Grenadines archipelago. The island covers an area of approximately 34 square kilometres (13 square miles), making it the largest of the Grenadines.
The terrain of Carriacou is hilly and undulating, with the highest point being High North Hill, rising to about 291 metres above sea level. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters, with white sandy beaches such as Paradise Beach, Sandy Island, and Anse La Roche being notable for their pristine condition. Offshore reefs and shallow bays create ideal conditions for snorkelling and sailing, while the coastline is dotted with mangroves and seagrass beds that provide essential ecological balance.

Geological and Environmental Characteristics

Carriacou is of volcanic origin, formed through tectonic and volcanic activity that shaped the Lesser Antilles arc. Over time, erosion and coral growth created the island’s current mix of rocky highlands and low-lying coastal plains. The soils are generally fertile in certain areas, supporting small-scale agriculture.
The island’s surrounding marine environment is rich in biodiversity. Coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove ecosystems support numerous species of fish, crustaceans, and seabirds. The nearby Sandy Island Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area (SIOBMPA) is a designated conservation zone that safeguards marine life and promotes sustainable fishing and ecotourism practices.

Climate

Carriacou experiences a tropical maritime climate, characterised by warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons.

• Average temperatures: range between 24°C and 30°C.
• Dry season: January to May.
• Wet season: June to December, coinciding with the Atlantic hurricane season.

Rainfall is moderate, averaging around 1,200 millimetres annually, though the island’s relatively low elevation limits the development of heavy rain clouds. Trade winds help maintain a comfortable climate and contribute to the island’s suitability for sailing.

Historical Background

Carriacou’s history is shaped by the interplay of Indigenous, European, and African influences. The Kalinago (Carib) people were the island’s earliest known inhabitants, relying on fishing, farming, and trade with neighbouring islands.
In the 17th century, European colonial powers—initially the French and later the British—took control of Carriacou as part of their expansion across the Caribbean. Under British rule, the island’s economy was based on sugar, cotton, and indigo plantations, worked largely by enslaved Africans. Following the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, many freed Africans remained on the island, establishing small farming communities that persist today.
Carriacou, along with Petite Martinique, was formally incorporated into the colony of Grenada in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris. Since Grenada’s independence from Britain in 1974, Carriacou has remained one of the nation’s three main administrative divisions, alongside Grenada and Petite Martinique.

People and Culture

The population of Carriacou is approximately 8,000 inhabitants, most of whom are of African descent. The island retains a distinctive cultural identity rooted in African, European, and Indigenous traditions. Community life is close-knit, and local customs are expressed vividly through music, dance, and festivals.
One of the most notable cultural expressions is the Big Drum Festival, a traditional African dance and drumming ceremony celebrating ancestral heritage. The Carriacou Parang Festival, held in December, combines Christmas celebrations with local music and masquerades. Another major event is Carriacou Carnival, featuring calypso, soca, and colourful street parades.
Boat-building is a cultural hallmark of Carriacou. The island is famous for its traditional wooden sloops, hand-built using methods passed down through generations. The annual Carriacou Regatta Festival, held each August, celebrates this maritime tradition and attracts sailors from across the Caribbean.

Economy

Carriacou’s economy is primarily based on fishing, agriculture, boat-building, and tourism.

• Fishing: Small-scale fisheries provide employment and sustenance, with catches including tuna, lobster, and conch.
• Agriculture: The island produces crops such as maize, root vegetables, and tropical fruits, though arable land is limited.
• Boat-building: Carriacou’s craftsmen are renowned for constructing durable wooden vessels, which are used locally and exported across the region.
• Tourism: The island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage attract eco-conscious travellers seeking a quieter alternative to larger Caribbean destinations. Boutique resorts, guesthouses, and sailing charters support the local economy.

Remittances from the Carriacou diaspora, particularly from the United Kingdom and the United States, also play a vital role in sustaining the local economy.

Governance and Infrastructure

Administratively, Carriacou and the neighbouring Petite Martinique form a dependency of Grenada known as Carriacou and Petite Martinique Parish, with its own local council under the authority of the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs. The main town and administrative centre is Hillsborough, which hosts government offices, schools, and the island’s main port.
Carriacou has a small airport, Lauriston Airport, offering regional flights to Grenada and nearby islands. Ferries operate regularly between Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and the Grenadian mainland. Despite limited infrastructure, the island maintains reliable utilities and communication services.

Ecology and Conservation

Carriacou’s fragile ecosystem is under pressure from coastal development, overfishing, and climate change. Coral bleaching, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events pose ongoing environmental risks. Conservation initiatives, including marine protected areas and reforestation projects, aim to preserve the island’s biodiversity.
The Sandy Island Marine Protected Area has become a model for community-based conservation, balancing ecological protection with sustainable livelihoods. The local population actively participates in reef monitoring, beach clean-ups, and sustainable tourism efforts.

Tourism and Attractions

Carriacou is celebrated for its authentic Caribbean charm. Unlike heavily commercialised destinations, it offers a serene environment ideal for eco-tourism and cultural exploration. Key attractions include:

• Paradise Beach: Famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters and views of Sandy Island.
• Sandy Island: A small, uninhabited cay surrounded by coral reefs—perfect for snorkelling.
• Tyrell Bay: A popular anchorage for yachts and the site of the island’s marina.
• Belair National Park: Featuring scenic hiking trails, historical ruins, and panoramic views.
• Carriacou Museum: Showcasing local history, archaeology, and traditional crafts.

Sailing, diving, and hiking are popular recreational activities, while local festivals and culinary traditions—such as seafood dishes and “oil down” (Grenada’s national dish)—offer visitors an authentic experience of island life.