Carriacou runs on a smaller scale than Grenada's main island, and that is part of its appeal. It also means less slack in everyday systems. There are fewer cash machines, shops and taxis; water is precious on an island with no rivers; and the nearest specialist hospital is a boat or plane ride away.
None of this is difficult once you know it. Most problems visitors run into come from assuming things work exactly as they do in St George's, or at home. A little preparation before you leave the mainland saves time, money and stress.
This checklist covers the essentials in the order you will need them: money, communications, water and power, health, getting around, food and what to pack. Conditions changed after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, so confirm the details that matter most to you before travelling.
Money: cash still rules
Currency. The Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$) is used, pegged at EC$2.70 to US$1. US dollars are often accepted, but change is given in EC dollars, usually at a slightly less favourable rate.
Banks and ATMs. Banks are concentrated on Main Street in Hillsborough. ATMs can run out of cash or go offline, especially at weekends and holidays, so withdraw on weekdays and keep a reserve.
Cards. Larger hotels, some restaurants and a few shops accept cards, but many small businesses, taxis, buses and market vendors take cash only.
Small notes. Bring EC$5, EC$10 and EC$20 notes. Change for EC$100 notes can be hard to find in small shops and on buses.
Budget for higher prices. Groceries and imported goods cost more than on the mainland because they are shipped in. Plan for that if you are self-catering.
Phones, internet and power
The two main mobile networks in Grenada, Digicel and Flow, both operate on Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Local SIM cards and prepaid data plans are best bought on the main island before you travel, where shops have more choice, although top-ups are available on Carriacou. Coverage is generally good around Hillsborough and Tyrrel Bay but patchier in parts of the north and in hollows between hills.
Many guesthouses offer Wi-Fi, but speeds vary and service may drop during power cuts. If you need to work remotely, ask hosts about backup power and connection speed before booking, and have mobile data as a fallback.
Electricity is supplied by GRENLEC, the national utility, at 230 volts with British-style three-pin plugs common, though some properties also have North American sockets. Outages happen, particularly during storms. A power bank, a torch and a habit of keeping devices charged make interruptions easy to ride out.
Water: the island's most precious resource
Carriacou has no permanent rivers. Homes and businesses have traditionally collected rainwater from roofs into cisterns, and supply is supplemented by desalination and the public system run by NAWASA. Dry months, roughly February to May, put pressure on stored water, and the island is noticeably drier than Grenada's mountainous interior.
Visitors are asked to use water carefully: short showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth and reusing towels. Ask your host whether tap water is suitable for drinking; many people drink filtered or bottled water. Buying larger bottles reduces plastic waste compared with small ones.
After Hurricane Beryl, water infrastructure was damaged, and NAWASA began works in 2025 including new storage tanks. Supply has improved, but conserving water remains part of daily life on the island.
If you are renting a house, ask the owner how the cistern or tank is topped up, whether there is a pump that needs switching on, and what to do if pressure drops. Knowing where the valves and switches are before a problem arises saves a frustrating evening without water.
Health and safety essentials
Health care on Carriacou covers most everyday needs, but specialist services are on the main island.
- Hospital. Princess Royal Hospital at Belair, above Hillsborough, handles emergencies and general care. Serious cases are transferred to St George's.
- Insurance. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Medication. Bring enough prescription medication for your whole stay, plus a basic first-aid kit and seasickness tablets for the crossing.
- Sun and heat. Shade is limited. Use high-factor reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and plenty of drinking water.
- Insects. Mosquitoes can carry dengue. Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and choose rooms with screens or nets.
- Emergencies. Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance anywhere in Grenada, including Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
- Sea safety. Beaches have no lifeguards. Swim in calm, sheltered areas, watch for boat traffic near anchorages, and wear water shoes where sea urchins are common on rocky bottoms.
Getting around the island
Minibuses. Local buses run from Hillsborough to the main villages during the day, with route numbers on the windscreen. Wave to stop one and tell the driver where you want to get off. Service thins out by late afternoon and on Sundays.
Taxis. Taxis meet ferries at Tyrrel Bay and flights at Lauriston, and wait in Hillsborough. Agree the fare before travelling and keep a driver's contact for later trips.
Car hire. Local firms rent cars and jeeps. You need a Grenada local driving permit, which rental companies can usually help you obtain on presentation of your home licence. Driving is on the left.
Roads. Roads are narrow, steep in places and sometimes potholed. Watch for pedestrians, animals and buses stopping suddenly, and avoid driving after drinking.
Water taxis. Boats run to Sandy Island and other spots from Hillsborough, Paradise Beach and Tyrrel Bay. Agree the price and pickup time in advance.
Food, shopping and what to pack
Shopping on Carriacou is straightforward but limited. Plan ahead, especially for weekends.
- Groceries. Supermarkets in Hillsborough and smaller shops in villages stock basics. Fresh produce arrives by boat, so availability varies.
- Sundays. Most shops close or open only briefly. Buy what you need on Saturday.
- Local food. Fish, lambie (conch), chicken, rice and peas and ground provisions are easy to find at local eateries and rum shops.
- Pack essentials. Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, a torch, a power bank, snorkel gear and a light rain jacket.
- Clothing. Light, modest clothing for town and churches; swimwear is for the beach, and walking around Hillsborough in it is frowned upon.
- Snacks for outings. Remote beaches and trails have no shops. Pack water and food before heading north or to Sandy Island.
Paperwork and official matters
Carriacou and Petite Martinique are part of Grenada, so visitors who have already entered the country on the main island do not need to clear immigration again when travelling between the islands by ferry or plane. Carry your passport anyway, as identification is often requested when buying tickets and checking in for flights.
Yachts arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines must clear customs and immigration on Carriacou before exploring further. Travellers planning to cross by boat to Union Island or Petit St Vincent likewise need to clear out of Grenada and into St Vincent and the Grenadines, and back again on return.
For police matters, lost documents or a local driving permit, the police station in Hillsborough is the main point of contact. Government offices, including the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, keep weekday hours and close at weekends and on public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Are there ATMs on Carriacou?
Yes, mainly at the banks on Main Street in Hillsborough. They can run low or go offline, especially at weekends and before holidays, so carry a reserve of Eastern Caribbean dollars and withdraw cash during weekday banking hours when possible.
Can you drink the tap water on Carriacou?
Water comes from rainwater cisterns, desalination and the public supply, and quality varies between properties. Ask your host whether tap water is suitable for drinking; many residents and visitors use filtered or bottled water, and everyone is encouraged to conserve supplies.
Do you need a driving permit to rent a car on Carriacou?
Yes. Visitors need a Grenada local driving permit in addition to their home licence. Rental companies can usually help arrange it. Driving is on the left, and roads are narrow and hilly, so take care, especially at night.
Which mobile networks work on Carriacou?
Digicel and Flow, the two national networks, both operate on Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Buying a SIM card on the main island before travelling gives more choice, and coverage is strongest around Hillsborough and Tyrrel Bay.
What should you pack for Carriacou?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable bottle, a torch, a power bank, snorkel gear, light modest clothing and any medication you need. Bring enough cash for a few days, as card acceptance and ATMs are limited.
Is there a hospital on Carriacou?
Yes, Princess Royal Hospital at Belair provides emergency and general care for Carriacou and Petite Martinique. For specialist treatment, patients are transferred to the General Hospital in St George's, so insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.
