Escape to Carriacou and Petit Martinique

When you tire of exploring the main island of Grenada, the smaller neighbors of Carriacou and Petit Martinique offer a soothing change of pace. These two islets to the north feel untouched in a way that surprises even seasoned travelers. Many visitors remark that they can spend entire days wandering the villages or beaches without meeting another tourist.

Carriacou is the larger of the pair and has a welcoming collection of small hotels, guesthouses, and family run restaurants. Life here moves gently. Cultural traditions are deeply rooted on this island. Carriacou Carnival fills the streets with music each year, and the celebrated Carriacou Regatta reveals just how strong the islands bond with the sea has always been. A modest museum in Hillsborough adds another layer of understanding.

Petit Martinique offers an entirely different mood. Only a few miles from the northeastern tip of Carriacou, it feels like a secret that most travelers never discover. There are few formal places to stay and just a handful of places to eat. Beaches are long, quiet, and made for unhurried days. Here the appeal lies in walking the shore at sunrise or sitting beneath a tree as the afternoon glows.

Travel between these islands is remarkably easy. Ferries depart from the capital of St Georges, carrying passengers across open water to Carriacou for about Can$40 one way. From Carriacou, an additional $20 brings you to Petit Martinique. Flights also arrive at Lauriston Airport on Carriacou from the main island.

No trip to Carriacou is complete without visiting Sandy Island, a slender ribbon of white sand set in astonishingly clear water. It rests just offshore, appearing almost like a dream when you first glimpse it from Paradise Beach. The sea surrounding the island shifts through muted blues and translucent greens. Many arrive by small boat, and the short ride offers wide views of Carriacou.

Once you step onto Sandy Island, the world falls quiet. There are no shops or crowds. Snorkelers glide through coral

gardens alive with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional passing turtle. Walkers follow the curve of the shore and pause to watch the tide trace faint lines in the sand. Afternoon light settles over the water until everything shines with a warm glow.

Returning to Carriacou after a day on Sandy Island brings a sense of steady calm. Together Carriacou and Petit Martinique offer a style of travel that feels restorative.