Sailing from Grenada to Carriacou – Our First Taste of True Caribbean Bliss

Sailing from Grenada to Carriacou – Our First Taste of True Caribbean Bliss

With tearful goodbyes to family and a boat packed to the brim with enough provisions to (hopefully) last us the next few weeks, it was time to cast off the lines and set sail for Carriacou.

For those unfamiliar, Carriacou is a hidden gem within the Grenadine Islands. It belongs to Grenada but is tucked away in the southeastern Caribbean, boasting stunning beaches, charming villages, and a vibe that says, “Slow down, you’re in paradise now.”

Anchoring in Tyrell Bay – First Impressions

We dropped anchor in the lovely Tyrell Bay, where we were greeted by familiar faces—other ARC+ friends who had also made the passage. Reunions at sea are something special, filled with tales of strong winds, questionable meal choices, and the pure joy of arriving in one piece.

Before anything else, we did what every self-respecting sailor does upon arrival—found the local market. Fresh fruit and vegetables in hand, we were set for a few days of island exploration.

Diving into the Caribbean – Quite Literally

The next day, our trio—fondly known as The Three Amigos—joined forces with our friends on Galatea of Aune for some diving. Ian and I did our first dive in Carriacou’s stunning waters, while the others refreshed their skills. There’s something magical about descending into the blue, watching the coral dance with the current and feeling, for a brief moment, like you belong in this underwater world.

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Exploring Carriacou by Local Bus – A Must-Do!

Eager to see more of the island, we abandoned our dinghy for the day and hopped on a local bus. Now, when I say “bus,” I mean a glorified minivan packed with as many people as humanly possible, all moving to the beat of soca music at an impressive speed.

Our route took us to Hillsborough, the island’s capital, and over to the wild beauty of the east side. Carriacou is stunning, untouched, and filled with friendly faces happy to point us in the direction of the best roti. If you ever visit, skip the touristy tours—this is the way to experience the island authentically.

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Sandy Island – The Stuff of Sailor Dreams

After checking out at Tyrell Bay, we set sail to the west side of the island, heading for the anchorage—Sandy Island. If you’ve ever seen a postcard of a tiny, impossibly beautiful sandbar with palm trees swaying lazily in the breeze, this was it. Just a strip of golden sand, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and, for now, our own little paradise.

Not far from the anchorage is Paradise Beach Club, a sailor-favorite spot that came highly recommended. And who are we to ignore a recommendation for food and drinks? Even better, they offer boat pick-up and drop-off—because let’s be honest, after a few rum punches, rowing a dinghy might be a challenge. The food was fantastic, the drinks even better, and we finally, finally, let it sink in: we had crossed the Atlantic, and we were in the Caribbean.

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Next Stop: Union Island

With our first true taste of island relaxation, it was time to set sail again. Next destination—Union Island. But for now, we soaked in the beauty of where we were, grateful for the adventure ahead.