We did this trip from Grenada to Carriacou and kept notes because so many of you asked for a simple, up-to-date guide. You’ve got two primary ways to get from Grenada to Carriacou – the Osprey fast ferry or a short SVG Air flight – plus a couple of slower ferries. Post-Beryl, all options are running again, but timetables can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before you set off.
Below is exactly how each option works now, with 2025 updates and practical tips we wish we’d had the first time.
Option 1: Osprey Lines fast ferry (our preferred)
We took the Osprey Lines ferry from St George’s (The Carenage) to Tyrell Bay in Carriacou (it also goes to Petit Martinique). It’s the most affordable route if you don’t want to fly. Crossing time is typically around 1.5-2 hours in calm conditions (it can be longer if seas are up). Osprey runs modern fast ferries, with an air-con cabin and an open deck up top if you want the sea breeze and views.
- How to book tickets – There’s no need to book tickets in advance. You can buy them directly at the ferry dock before you board.
- Cost – An adult one-way ticket with Osprey ferry is $80 EC (£22/$29 US).
- Where to board – Osprey’s office/terminal is located on The Carenage in St George’s. Aim to arrive at least 30-45 minutes early to get your ticket sorted and bags tagged. We boarded during regatta weekend and it was absolute chaos. There was no organisation with queues and people were literally throwing luggage around!
- Luggage – There is no extra charge for large luggage, which we were very happy about.
- Seasickness tip – If you’re prone to seasickness, we recommend sitting in the middle on the lower deck.
Our best tip for taking the the Osprey ferry from Grenada to Carriacou is to take sunscreen and a hat with you. There’s no shade at all on the top deck so the sun can be brutal.
‼️ 2025 update: Osprey has been posting occasional schedule changes (weather, events, maintenance). They also announced regular service resumptions after short pauses in June 2025. Always check their Schedule & Fares page and Facebook page before your travel day.
🫱 Planning what to do in Carriacou, Grenada once you arrive? We’ve put our favourites (Sandy Island, Paradise Beach, island hopping, food spots) into a full things to do in Carriacou guide you can use to plan your days.
Option 2: Local ferries (cheaper and slower)
If you don’t mind a longer ride, there are two additional boats that run between Grenada and Carriacou. These are great if Osprey’s time doesn’t suit, or you want a more budget friendly option and aren’t in a rush.
Both of the below take approx 2.5 hours:
- MV Dolly C – This is a passenger and cargo ferry. It typically runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays late afternoon/early evening from Grenada. The cost is $50 EC (£14.50/$18.50 US). Here’s their Facebook page to check schedules.
- Tyrell Bay Express – This is more suitable if you are looking to get an early ferry from Carriacou back to Grenada on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They’ve updated timings several times in 2025 so check their Facebook page for schedules. You can also book the Tyrell Bay ferry online. It’s cheaper than Osprey, it’s $60 EC (£17.50/$22 US) per person.
‼️ 2025 update: Both services have been operating in 2025 with adjustments. Check their latest posts the day before you travel on Facebook as they share the most up to date info there.
Option 3: Fly in via SVG Air to Lauriston Airport (CRU)
If time matters more than budget, fly Grenada (GND) → Carriacou (CRU) with SVG Air. The flight is about 20-25 minutes and you’ll touch down at Carriacou’s small island airport. It typically costs US $140 return.
‼️ 2025 update: Lauriston Airport reopened in August 2024 and has remained open through 2025, with SVG Air operating services again. Schedules vary by day/season. We recommend you book direct and check weight limits for your luggage as it’s a small plane and from our experience taking many flights around the Caribbean, airlines are pretty strict on their luggage policy.
Our tips for going from Grenada to Carriacou
After doing the trip ourselves, here are a few things we wish we’d known before getting the ferry from Grenada to Carriacou:
- Buy a return ticket. You can get tickets in Carriacou, but we recommend buying a return ticket in Grenada so you don’t have to worry about it later.
- Be ready for delays. Our ferry left 45 minutes late and the arrival in Carriacou was hectic, with everyone trying to get off at once. It’s normal here, this is the Caribbean(!), so don’t plan anything as soon after you arrive.
- Sit outside if you can. The top deck gives you the best views of Grenada’s west coast and the smaller islands in between, but take sunscreen because there’s no shade.
- Bring snacks and water. The crossing is around 2.5 hours and although there’s a small bar inside, it’s worth having your own! Especially because it can get super hot.
- Check schedules close to your travel date. The companies change schedules all the time. The Facebook pages are usually the most up to date sources to check.
🫱 If you’re splitting time between islands, here’s our 41 best things to do in Grenada guide with beaches, waterfalls, rum tours and hidden gems.
How to book the Grenada to Carriacou ferries
For the Osprey ferry from Grenada to Carriacou, you can buy your ticket when you get to the dock in St George’s before departure. There’s also an Osprey office on The Carenage if you’d prefer to purchase a day or two ahead.
In Carriacou, you can get tickets at Osprey’s office in Hillsborough, but we recommend buying a return ticket in Grenada so you already have it for the way back.
The same applies to the MV Dolly C and Tyrell Bay Express. There’s no online booking system.
💡 Our top tip: The ferries are especially busy and sometimes delayed around event times, like the Carriacou Regatta. We waited an extra 45 minutes before leaving St George’s port and it was just as hectic trying to get off the ferry in Carriacou.
Arrival in Carriacou
Ferries from Grenada arrive at the Tyrell Bay port on Carriacou’s southwest coast. The dock is right on the beach, with a few shops and restaurants nearby if you need food or water before heading off.
Taxis usually wait by the terminal and you can also catch a local minibus (look for numbers on the windshield) if you’re heading towards Hillsborough or Paradise Beach. It was really easy to get a taxi
If you’re flying, Lauriston Airport is just outside Hillsborough. It’s tiny, so you’ll be off the plane and through in minutes. Taxis also wait here or you can pre-arrange a pickup with your accommodation.
You Might Love: 12 Best Things To Do in Carriacou
Where to stay in Carriacou
Carriacou is small, so you don’t have endless accommodation options, but that’s why it’s so special. There are guesthouses, boutique hotels and a few beachfront places to stay around Tyrell Bay, Paradise Beach and Hillsborough.
We stayed a short drive away at Bogles Round House, an amazing beachfront cottage tucked into the trees above a quiet beach. It’s also home to one of the island’s best restaurants (we still think about the pancakes at breakfast). Staying here gave us a really good balance of privacy and location as we were close enough to Hillsborough and Tyrell Bay, but away from the noise.
What is the best time of year to go to Carriacou?
Most people say the dry season (January to May) is the best time to visit Carriacou. The weather is hot, the sea is calm and if you’re diving or snorkelling, the water visibility is at its clearest. There are also some big events around this time such as Carnival in February and the Parang Festival at Christmas.
The wet season (June to November) is officially hurricane season, with August and September the peak months. It doesn’t mean non-stop rain, but you should expect heavier showers and the chance of storms. The upside is that the island is quieter and prices are lower for accommodation.
We visited Carriacou at the end of July, stayed at Bogles Round House and had plenty of sunny days. The sea was warm and apart from a couple of heavy downpours, the weather was much perfect!
‼️ Hurricane Beryl made landfall unusually early in July 2024, reminding everyone of the risk of storms and hurricanes around this time of year.
FAQs on going from Grenada to Carriacou
How long does the ferry take from Grenada to Carriacou?
The Osprey ferry takes about 2.5 hours. Ours ran late leaving St George’s, so don’t be surprised if the journey feels longer.
Where does the ferry to Carriacou leave from?
Ferries depart from the Carenage in St George’s in Grenada and arrive in Tyrell Bay on Carriacou’s southwest coast.
How much does it cost to fly from Grenada to Carriacou?
The cost to fly from Grenada to Carriacou with SVG Air is usually around $69 US one-way in 2025. The flight takes just 20-25 minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport in St George’s to Lauriston Airport in Carriacou.
How much is the ferry from Grenada to Carriacou?
In 2025, one way ticket on the Osprey ferry is $80 EC, the Tyrell Bay Express is $60 EC and the MV Dolly C is the cheapest ferry to Carriacou at $50 EC.
Are ferries running normally after Hurricane Beryl?
Yes. By August 2025, Osprey ferries and SVG Air flights are both back on schedule. For more on what to expect once you arrive, see our Carriacou travel guide or explore our main Grenada guide for things to do before or after your trip.
Do I need to book the ferry to Carriacou in advance?
No. You can buy a ticket at the dock. But during big events like Carnival or the Carriacou Regatta, it’s worth booking ahead. We recommend getting a return ticket in Grenada so you’ve got it sorted.
How do I go from Grenada to Carriacou?
Most people take the ferry as it’s the cheapest and easiest option if you don’t have your own boat. You can also fly there in 20-25 minutes, which is better if you’re short on time but it is more expensive.
Do ferries to Carriacou carry cars?
No. The Osprey ferries are passenger only. If you want a vehicle in Carriacou, you’ll need to rent from a local company once you arrive.
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