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Carriacou Grenada Cruise Port Guide
Location:
As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.
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Monthly Climate Averages for Carriacou Grenada
Sightseeing:
Known as the Land of Reefs, Carriacou is the largest of Grenada's sister islands. The town of Hillsborough is the bustling heart of Carriacou, with banks, Government offices, and the main police station. Business hours are generally from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Although just 13 sq miles in size, Carriacou is packed with activities to fill your day. From world-class snorkeling and diving on some of the Caribbean's most pristine reefs to historical attractions and cultural landmarks, Carriacou offers something for everyone. And with a restaurant or bar around every bend, there is no shortage of good food, drink, and entertainment.
Rich in tradition, Carriacou has many unique customs handed down from African and European ancestors. These include Traditional Weddings, Traditional Boat Launching, Tombstone Feast "Saraca" Libations, Big Drum Nation Dance, Village Maroons, Shakespeare Mas, All Saint Candle Lighting "Pass Play", Cemetery Cleaning and Fishermen Birthday Celebrations.
In the village of Windward, sailing boats are built using the traditional methods passed down by the Scottish settlers. Recent initiatives are encouraging younger persons to learn to art of boat building and to produce model boats. The annual Carriacou Regatta held in July/ August seeks to rekindle this art.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Local bus fare is approx EC $2.00 per mile or generally EC $3.00 per ride.
Water Taxis are also available to take you to nearby Sandy Island, Petite Martinique or other destination of your choice.
Nearby Places:
This dependency of Grenada has a very strong culture and one of the highest per capita incomes in the Eastern Caribbean. The island is really one large hill with fine beaches on the calmer western leeward side. About 900 people live on the island, which covers 486 acres (194 hectares) and is 3 miles (5km) east of the northern half of Carriacou.
Like Carriacou, Petite Martinique was first settled by the French and many islanders have names of French origin. Fishing and boat building are still the main occupations here. In fact, the island is still only reachable by boat.
Shopping and Food
Currency:
Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, car rental companies, and shops. Travelers cheques are accepted everywhere. The Eastern Caribbean Dollar, linked to the US Dollar, is the local currency. Banks will exchange EC$2.67 for US$1.00 cash, and EC$2.68 for US$1.00 in travelers cheques. It is advisable to exchange currency at the banks, as the most favorable exchange rates may not be obtained elsewhere.
Communication:
English is the official language but it is not uncommon to hear a French-African patois spoken.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Shops are generally open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shopping centers are usually open from 9:00 am. – 7 pm. And there are one or two that are open on Sundays.
Craft and souvenir shops will open on a Sunday or Bank Holiday, especially if cruise ships are in port.
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