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Grenada🇬🇩 | townsHillsboroughCarriacou ferry port, cotton-ginnery museum, Sandy Island boats | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Hillsborough
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Hillsborough was always a working port with a single seafront street, a cotton ginnery turned museum and not much urgency, and after the storms of recent years it is still rebuilding, so expect patched roofs beside freshly painted shopfronts. This is the main town of Carriacou, the small island that forms part of Grenada, in the north of the country. It is not a sightseeing town. Skip any plan to fill days here; the museum and a stroll along the bay cover the town itself in a morning. Its value is as a base. Ferries arrive here, the grocery shops and ATMs are here, and beaches, hills and boat trips radiate outward. Evenings are quiet, with a few beach bars and sailors drifting in from the anchorage, so meeting other travelers is easy but never rowdy. Come in the late afternoon, when the ferry crowd thins and fishermen sort the day’s catch on the jetty.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in GrenadaWhy Hillsborough should be on your travel list

Hillsborough works because everything practical sits within a ten-minute walk of the sea, and the rest of Carriacou fans out from it. Guesthouses are small and family-run, so you get tips from the owner rather than a laminated map, and the one main street makes it hard to get lost. The draw is the island around it: the sandbar-ringed cay of Sandy Island sits just offshore, the hike to High North Peak starts a short drive away, and the Carriacou Museum explains the Amerindian, African and European layers that shaped the island’s music and boat-building. Most travelers stay two or three nights, and the ones who love it linger for a week. It suits slow travelers, divers, sailors and solo backpackers who like being recognized by the second morning. If you need nightlife, shops or a checklist of sights, you will be bored by day two.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Hillsborough

  1. Carriacou Museum: Housed in an old cotton ginnery on Paterson Street, it shows Arawak pottery, colonial relics and displays on the Big Drum dances and local boat-building. It is the best place to understand the island before you explore it. Go in the morning when it is cooler. Entry is about US$2 to 4, and an hour is enough.
  2. Hillsborough Jetty and Main Street: The jetty is where ferries land and fishermen unload, and the street behind it holds produce stalls, bakeries and small rum shops. Visit early, around 7 to 9 AM, for the freshest fish and fruit. It is free, and a relaxed loop takes 45 minutes to an hour.
  3. Sandy Island: A tiny, palm-dotted cay in a marine protected area, reached by a short boat ride from the Hillsborough waterfront. The snorkeling over seagrass and coral is good and the
… read more 👉
  1. Carriacou Museum: Housed in an old cotton ginnery on Paterson Street, it shows Arawak pottery, colonial relics and displays on the Big Drum dances and local boat-building. It is the best place to understand the island before you explore it. Go in the morning when it is cooler. Entry is about US$2 to 4, and an hour is enough.
  2. Hillsborough Jetty and Main Street: The jetty is where ferries land and fishermen unload, and the street behind it holds produce stalls, bakeries and small rum shops. Visit early, around 7 to 9 AM, for the freshest fish and fruit. It is free, and a relaxed loop takes 45 minutes to an hour.
  3. Sandy Island: A tiny, palm-dotted cay in a marine protected area, reached by a short boat ride from the Hillsborough waterfront. The snorkeling over seagrass and coral is good and the sand is soft. Go in the morning, before day-trip boats and the wind pick up. Boats cost about US$15 to 25 return, and most people stay two to three hours.
  4. Hillsborough Bay Beach: A long, thin strip of sand lining the town, with calm water and a view of anchored yachts. It is an easy sunset stop with a cold drink from a nearby bar. It is free, and an hour is plenty.
  5. Paradise Beach: At the southern end of the bay, a wide, quiet beach with shallow water and a few beach shacks serving fish and rum punch. Late morning to afternoon is ideal. It is free to enter, and you can spend a half day here.
Beyond Hillsborough, you can reach High North Peak for panoramic views, Windward to see traditional wooden boats being built, Tyrell Bay for the yacht scene and calm snorkeling, and Petite Martinique by boat for a quiet outer-island day. The bay beach, the jetty and Main Street cost nothing, so a full evening here need not cost anything.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Hillsborough

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Hillsborough

Hillsborough is small enough to cross on foot in fifteen minutes, but each stretch has its own pace, and a few areas just outside town are worth a short ride.
  • Main Street and the jetty: This is the working heart, with the ferry pier, small supermarkets, bakeries, bank machines and rum shops. Come on a weekday morning, when the fish and produce sellers set up and everyone seems to know everyone. Skip it after dark, when it goes very quiet.
  • Hillsborough Bay beach: A long, gently curved strip of sand beside town, good for a late-afternoon swim and a cold drink from one of the beach bars. Weekend evenings bring the most life. Sunsets here are better than the water, which is fine rather than clear.
  • Carriacou Museum: A small, old cotton-ginnery building with Arawak pottery, Big Drum history and island
… read more 👉
Hillsborough is small enough to cross on foot in fifteen minutes, but each stretch has its own pace, and a few areas just outside town are worth a short ride.
  • Main Street and the jetty: This is the working heart, with the ferry pier, small supermarkets, bakeries, bank machines and rum shops. Come on a weekday morning, when the fish and produce sellers set up and everyone seems to know everyone. Skip it after dark, when it goes very quiet.
  • Hillsborough Bay beach: A long, gently curved strip of sand beside town, good for a late-afternoon swim and a cold drink from one of the beach bars. Weekend evenings bring the most life. Sunsets here are better than the water, which is fine rather than clear.
  • Carriacou Museum: A small, old cotton-ginnery building with Arawak pottery, Big Drum history and island artifacts. It takes under an hour and is worth it for the context on a place that feels very different from mainland Grenada. Check the opening hours first, as they are limited.
  • Tyrrel Bay: A short minibus or taxi ride south. It has the island’s liveliest yacht-crew scene, with bars, a few restaurants and easy chats with sailors. Spend an evening here rather than a day.
  • Windward: On the east coast, famous for wooden boat building. Go in the morning and ask permission before wandering the yards. Only worth the trip if you like shipwright craft or want a quiet, rural lunch.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

9:00 AM, Carriacou Museum: Start here, before the heat builds. The old ginnery holds Arawak pottery, plantation-era objects and displays on Big Drum music and boat-building, which gives context for everything else you see today. Allow an hour, then walk down to the waterfront.

10:30 AM, Hillsborough Jetty and Main Street: Stroll the length of Main Street, buy fruit and a pastry from a bakery, and watch fishermen on the jetty. Ask a boat captain about a ride to Sandy Island, since many leave from here.

11:30 AM, Sandy Island: Take the short boat ride out. Snorkel over the seagrass and reef, then lie on the sandbar. Bring your own water and sun protection, because shade is limited. Stay for a couple of hours.

2:00 PM, Lunch in town: Return to Hillsborough and eat grilled fish or a roti at a simple … read more 👉
9:00 AM, Carriacou Museum: Start here, before the heat builds. The old ginnery holds Arawak pottery, plantation-era objects and displays on Big Drum music and boat-building, which gives context for everything else you see today. Allow an hour, then walk down to the waterfront.

10:30 AM, Hillsborough Jetty and Main Street: Stroll the length of Main Street, buy fruit and a pastry from a bakery, and watch fishermen on the jetty. Ask a boat captain about a ride to Sandy Island, since many leave from here.

11:30 AM, Sandy Island: Take the short boat ride out. Snorkel over the seagrass and reef, then lie on the sandbar. Bring your own water and sun protection, because shade is limited. Stay for a couple of hours.

2:00 PM, Lunch in town: Return to Hillsborough and eat grilled fish or a roti at a simple local spot on the main road. Rest through the hottest part of the afternoon.

3:30 PM, Hillsborough Bay Beach and the old shoreline: Walk the bay toward the quieter end, where fishing boats rest on the sand and few visitors go. It is a good place to watch daily life: boys launching skiffs, vendors packing up, ferries coming in.

5:00 PM, Paradise Beach: Continue along the shore to this wide, calm beach. Swim in the shallows as the light softens, and order a rum punch from a beach shack.

7:00 PM, Dinner on the waterfront: Walk back and finish at a bar near the bay, where sailors and locals share the tables.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

The dry months from January to May are the easiest for Hillsborough, with steady trade winds and little rain.
  • Dry Season (January to May): Days run 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), evenings dip to about 23°C (73°F), and sea conditions are calmest for Sandy Island trips. Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours. Yacht traffic and room prices peak, especially February and March.
  • Wet Season (June to November): Expect short, heavy showers, humidity and temperatures of 26 to 31°C (79 to 88°F). Rates drop, beaches empty, and some small restaurants close for weeks. Hurricane risk is highest from August to October.
  • Regatta (early August): The Carriacou Regatta fills guesthouses and ferries despite the rain, with sailing races and street parties. The Maroon and String Band Music Festival in April and Parang in December
… read more 👉
The dry months from January to May are the easiest for Hillsborough, with steady trade winds and little rain.
  • Dry Season (January to May): Days run 27 to 31°C (81 to 88°F), evenings dip to about 23°C (73°F), and sea conditions are calmest for Sandy Island trips. Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 12 hours. Yacht traffic and room prices peak, especially February and March.
  • Wet Season (June to November): Expect short, heavy showers, humidity and temperatures of 26 to 31°C (79 to 88°F). Rates drop, beaches empty, and some small restaurants close for weeks. Hurricane risk is highest from August to October.
  • Regatta (early August): The Carriacou Regatta fills guesthouses and ferries despite the rain, with sailing races and street parties. The Maroon and String Band Music Festival in April and Parang in December are smaller but just as local.
Book beds at least a month ahead for the Regatta weekend, and travel outside it for calm.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The best budget stay is in or just outside Hillsborough itself, where guesthouses and small apartments cluster within walking distance of the ferry pier, shops and the beach. Dorm beds are rare on Carriacou, so budget travelers usually book simple private rooms at roughly US$40 to 70 a night, often with a kitchenette that saves on meals. Being in town means you can walk to supermarkets, the bakery and taxis without a car, and the streets are quiet and low-risk after dark, though poorly lit in places.
Tyrrel Bay, about 10 minutes south by minibus or taxi, is the second option. It has a handful of … read more 👉
The best budget stay is in or just outside Hillsborough itself, where guesthouses and small apartments cluster within walking distance of the ferry pier, shops and the beach. Dorm beds are rare on Carriacou, so budget travelers usually book simple private rooms at roughly US$40 to 70 a night, often with a kitchenette that saves on meals. Being in town means you can walk to supermarkets, the bakery and taxis without a car, and the streets are quiet and low-risk after dark, though poorly lit in places.
Tyrrel Bay, about 10 minutes south by minibus or taxi, is the second option. It has a handful of budget apartments and guesthouses, plenty of restaurants and bars for socializing with sailors, and a small supermarket. Evenings are livelier than in Hillsborough, but the last minibuses leave early, so expect to pay for a taxi back if you stay out late. Rooms are slightly cheaper in the wet season.
Book ahead from January to April and for the August Regatta, when the limited number of rooms fills up. Many places will arrange ferry pickups if you message first.
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🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

Hillsborough is walkable end to end, and your own feet are the easiest way to get around, with minibuses and taxis covering the rest of Carriacou. The whole town fits within about a kilometer along the bay, traffic is light, and nothing feels rushed.
  • Walking: Everything in town, including the ferry pier, shops, museum and beach, is within a ten to fifteen minute stroll. Go early or late, as midday sun is fierce and shade is thin on Main Street.
  • Minibuses: White vans with route numbers run to Tyrrel Bay, Windward and Bogles for roughly US$1 to 3. They have no fixed schedule, tend to fill up in the morning and thin out by late afternoon, and mostly stop around early evening. Flag one down and tell the driver where you want off.
  • Taxis: Cabs wait near the pier when ferries arrive. A ride to Tyrrel
… read more 👉
Hillsborough is walkable end to end, and your own feet are the easiest way to get around, with minibuses and taxis covering the rest of Carriacou. The whole town fits within about a kilometer along the bay, traffic is light, and nothing feels rushed.
  • Walking: Everything in town, including the ferry pier, shops, museum and beach, is within a ten to fifteen minute stroll. Go early or late, as midday sun is fierce and shade is thin on Main Street.
  • Minibuses: White vans with route numbers run to Tyrrel Bay, Windward and Bogles for roughly US$1 to 3. They have no fixed schedule, tend to fill up in the morning and thin out by late afternoon, and mostly stop around early evening. Flag one down and tell the driver where you want off.
  • Taxis: Cabs wait near the pier when ferries arrive. A ride to Tyrrel Bay is about US$10 to 15, and to Anse La Roche trailhead around US$20 to 30. Agree on the price before you get in, and ask your driver for a pickup time if heading somewhere remote.
  • Inter-island ferry and flights: Cargo-and-passenger ferries link Hillsborough with St George’s on mainland Grenada in about 90 minutes to 2 hours, for roughly US$30 to 40 one way. Morning departures are the most reliable. Small planes make the trip in 20 minutes for about US$90 to 130, from Lauriston Airport, but the ferry is the better value.
  • Water taxis: Local boats run to Sandy Island and to Petite Martinique. Expect around US$15 to 25 return to Sandy Island, and a bit more for Petite Martinique. Confirm the return pickup time, as drivers do not run after late afternoon.
Renting a car is not worth the cost for a short stay, as roads are narrow, and the island is small enough for taxis and minibuses.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Hillsborough costs roughly US$73 to 145 per day for a backpacker, with accommodation as the biggest expense. Most items are pricier than on mainland Grenada because they arrive by ferry.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$40 to 70Dorms are rare, so this means a simple private room or small apartment, cheaper in the wet season.
MealsUS$20 to 35Roti or fish plates at local spots cost US$8 to 15, and self-catering from the supermarkets cuts the bill further.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Minibuses cost US$1 to 3 a ride, and taxis cost more for remote beaches.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 20The museum is a few dollars, while a water taxi to Sandy Island costs around US$15 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Drinks, sunscreen, snacks and data. Rum shop beers are about US$2 to
… read more 👉
Hillsborough costs roughly US$73 to 145 per day for a backpacker, with accommodation as the biggest expense. Most items are pricier than on mainland Grenada because they arrive by ferry.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$40 to 70Dorms are rare, so this means a simple private room or small apartment, cheaper in the wet season.
MealsUS$20 to 35Roti or fish plates at local spots cost US$8 to 15, and self-catering from the supermarkets cuts the bill further.
Local transportUS$3 to 10Minibuses cost US$1 to 3 a ride, and taxis cost more for remote beaches.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 20The museum is a few dollars, while a water taxi to Sandy Island costs around US$15 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Drinks, sunscreen, snacks and data. Rum shop beers are about US$2 to 4.
Total Daily BudgetUS$73 to 145Per person, per day, in high season.
Buy groceries in town and cook in a kitchenette, as restaurant prices rise quickly in the Tyrrel Bay yacht area. Cash in Eastern Caribbean dollars is accepted everywhere, though US dollars are often taken too, and card machines are limited.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Hillsborough

Hillsborough works well for day trips, because the island’s main beaches, hikes and neighboring islets are all within a short boat or minibus ride, and most can be done and back by afternoon.Sandy Island: A tiny, palm-topped sandbar inside a marine protected area, with good snorkeling over seagrass and coral right off the beach. A water taxi from Hillsborough takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs roughly US$15 to 25 return. Go in the morning on a calm day between January and May, bring your own water and snacks, and arrange a pickup time before leaving, since there is no shade after midday and no shop.
👉 Explore Sandy IslandPetite Martinique: This small neighboring island has fishing and boat-building traditions and a quiet, almost car-free feel. Boats leave Hillsborough and take about 30 … read more 👉
Hillsborough works well for day trips, because the island’s main beaches, hikes and neighboring islets are all within a short boat or minibus ride, and most can be done and back by afternoon.Sandy Island: A tiny, palm-topped sandbar inside a marine protected area, with good snorkeling over seagrass and coral right off the beach. A water taxi from Hillsborough takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs roughly US$15 to 25 return. Go in the morning on a calm day between January and May, bring your own water and snacks, and arrange a pickup time before leaving, since there is no shade after midday and no shop.
👉 Explore Sandy IslandPetite Martinique: This small neighboring island has fishing and boat-building traditions and a quiet, almost car-free feel. Boats leave Hillsborough and take about 30 to 40 minutes, with a return ticket around US$20 to 30. Check the last departure back before you land, as first-timers often miss the final boat. Allow a half day for a walk and lunch.
Anse La Roche: A pale, sheltered beach on the northwest coast that is reached by a 20 to 30 minute walk through scrub from Bogles. Take a minibus or taxi to the trailhead (US$5 to 25 depending on how you go), wear closed shoes, and bring water. Visit in the morning for calmer swimming and fewer people.
👉 Explore Anse La Roche BeachHigh North Peak: Carriacou’s highest point at 291 meters (955 feet), with sweeping views across the Grenadines. The trail is rocky and steep in places and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours return from the trailhead. Go early on a dry day, and expect to pay US$10 to 20 in taxi fares.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Hillsborough is very safe and the risks are mostly small. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and the town is calm after dark, so walking back from a beach bar or restaurant is usually fine, including for solo travelers, though side streets are poorly lit and a flashlight helps. Petty theft from unattended bags on the beach does happen, so keep valuables with you or leave them locked in your room. Sun and heat cause more trouble than people do, so carry water and sunscreen on hikes and boat trips. Dogs roam freely, and a few can be territorial at night, so step around them calmly rather than running. Drivers of taxis and boats sometimes quote a high price to first-timers, so agree the fare in advance and ask how much locals pay. Swim only in calm bays, since currents can be strong on the … read more 👉
Hillsborough is very safe and the risks are mostly small. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and the town is calm after dark, so walking back from a beach bar or restaurant is usually fine, including for solo travelers, though side streets are poorly lit and a flashlight helps. Petty theft from unattended bags on the beach does happen, so keep valuables with you or leave them locked in your room. Sun and heat cause more trouble than people do, so carry water and sunscreen on hikes and boat trips. Dogs roam freely, and a few can be territorial at night, so step around them calmly rather than running. Drivers of taxis and boats sometimes quote a high price to first-timers, so agree the fare in advance and ask how much locals pay. Swim only in calm bays, since currents can be strong on the Atlantic side, and wear water shoes where sea urchins are common.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Hillsborough is worth a few hours rather than a long stay. The small Carriacou port has a sleepy waterfront, the Hillsborough Sunday-quiet streets, and a rebuilt Anglican church, with Paradise Beach about 5 minutes away by taxi (around US$5 to 10) and Sandy Island a short boat ride from the jetty. Most backpackers use it as the entry point to Carriacou, then spend the real beach time elsewhere on the island.
One to two days covers Hillsborough and its surroundings comfortably. Plan half a day for the Carriacou Museum, the town jetty and a lunch of fresh fish, then add a day for Paradise Beach, Sandy Island (boat roughly US$15 to 30 round trip) and the hike up High North if you want views. A third night only makes sense if you plan to dive or sail from here.
A day trip from Grenada’s mainland works but is tight. The Osprey ferry from St. George’s takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way and costs roughly US$30 to 45 one way, with limited daily departures, so a same-day return leaves only 3 to 4 hours on Carriacou. Staying at least one night gives you time for Hillsborough, Paradise Beach and Sandy Island without watching the clock.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Grenadian towns near Hillsborough

Explore more nearby:

  • Grenville—East-coast market, bay fish landing, cocoa shops| 44 km away
  • Gouyave—Fish Friday, nutmeg station, working fishing fleet| 46 km away
  • St. George’s—Carenage harbor, hilltop fort, Saturday market| 57 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Hillsborough is for people who like small places and are happy to build their own days: sailors, snorkelers, slow travelers and anyone content with one street and a good beach. I would stay at least three nights, buy fruit on the jetty in the morning, and skip rushing between sights. Bring cash, because not every small spot takes cards.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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