With a population of around 7000 people, Carriacou attributes its allure to a laid-back lifestyle, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Hillsborough, is the capital city, with typically colorful Caribbean style buildings take-away food kiosks, family-run restaurants, supermarkets, banks and government offices.
Tyrell Bay houses the port authority and serves as a docking point for the ferry from Grenada.
The Tradition of Boat Building
Boat building is integral to the economy and lifestyle of the island, with a history dating back to the Scottish introduction of the craft hundreds of years ago. In the Windward area, skeletal boat frames dot the landscape, showcasing the work-in-progress of Carriacou's renowned boat builders, crafting traditional vessels.
These boats have long served as the lifeblood of Caribbean water transport, moving goods and people between the islands. Carriacou's shipyards, concentrated in the Windward area, continue to produce a diverse range of boats, highlighting the enduring craftsmanship that reflects the culture of Grenadine island life.
Local Flavor and Cultural Richness
Carriacou's heartbeat pulses through its small villages and over 100 rum shops, offering a taste of authentic Grenadian cuisine and a simplicity of life. Popular breakfast food among kayaks are bakes and doubles. Doubles are two small, deep-fried flatbreads with cinnamon curried chickpeas in-between.
Oil Down is the national dish for all of Grenada and they enjoy it on Carriacou too. It’s a slow cooked stew usually with breadfruit, coconut milk, saffron, dumplings, callaloo and a salted fish such as codfish or smoked herring, or salted beef.
European dances, such as the Quadrille, still find a place in the hearts of locals, while the Big Drum dance takes center stage during special occasions.
The event, usually held in April, showcases traditions, rituals, music, dances and other spiritual aspects from the ancestors, and originates in 1650 when a group of freed slaves arrived from the island of Marie-Galante, near Guadeloupe.
Historical Tapestry
Carriacou's roots delve deep into history, with influences from French colonization and African slave labor shaping its heritage. The Carriacou Museum in Hillsborough, offers a fascinating journey through the island's maritime history, providing insights into its evolution and cultural amalgamation.
Diving into the "Isle of Reefs"
Known as the "Isle of Reefs," Carriacou boasts unspoiled coral reefs, making it a haven for diving enthusiasts. The calmer Caribbean side of the island hosts 33 dive sites suitable for all levels of divers, featuring vibrant corals, schooling fish, and two artificial wrecks, the Westsider and Boris tug boats.
Large nurse sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and sea turtles frequent the underwater landscape, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Island Exploration and Natural Wonders
Carriacou's landscape is dotted with historical sites, including the Anglican Church of Christ the King and the High North Peak, the island's highest point at 291 meters. The northwest corner is graced by Anse La Roche Bay, offering a serene beach and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Windward, on the east coast, reveals the island's exposed northeast, with a macabre beach and the Ningo Well, an archaeological site showcasing Carriacou's early wells.
Best Time to Visit
Carriacou's climate invites visitors year-round, but December to April is considered the optimal time to experience cooler and drier weather. Protected from the main hurricane belt, Carriacou was damaged in past hurricanes but remains a safe haven.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or an avid diver, Carriacou promises an awesome Caribbean escape, inviting you into its captivating beauty, vibrant culture, and tropical embrace. The island is reputed to be the friendliest, healthiest, and safest in the Caribbean, welcoming both Grenadians and foreign visitors alike.
Fun Facts About Carriacou
Carriacou first welcomed the Indians, then played a game of "pass the island" between the French and British until 1763, when it settled down as part of the British West Indies. In 1974, it celebrated its independence and is now a proud member of the British Commonwealth!
English is the official language but a minority of people also speak French Patois.
At the northeast tip of Carriacou lies the charming beachfront town of Windward, named for its breezy location. Scots settled here long ago, turning it into a Caribbean hub for boat building. Although there aren't any redheads left, you will meet some "Mac" folks who proudly keep the boat building tradition afloat!
Yachts Sailing Around Carriacou
Comments