Carriacou sits in the southern Caribbean as part of the nation of Grenada, roughly 35 kilometres north of Grenada’s main island. Getting here requires a connection through Grenada, either by a short flight or a ferry crossing, but the journey itself is straightforward and for most guests forms the first part of the experience.
Step One: Fly to Grenada
International arrivals come through Maurice Bishop International Airport on Grenada’s main island. Direct services operate from the US on American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, from the UK on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and from across the Caribbean on Caribbean Airlines. Most transatlantic flights arrive via Miami, New York, Toronto, or London Gatwick. Check Skyscanner or Google Flights for current routing options as connections and schedules vary by season.
Grenada is a three to four hour flight from the US east coast and around eight to nine hours from the UK, typically with one stop.
Step Two: Connect to Carriacou
From Grenada you have two options: fly or take the ferry. Which you choose depends on your budget, your luggage, and how much of the journey you want to be part of the experience.
By Air: SVG Air (Recommended)
SVG Air operates flights between Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada and Lauriston International Airport in Carriacou six days a week, with the Twin Otter, a 19-seat twin engine aircraft that guests can look up before travelling. The flight takes around 20 minutes and the views across the Grenadines are exceptional. For guests arriving with any time sensitivity it is the more reliable option. Booking ahead is essential as seats are limited. Contact SVG Air directly at +1 (473) 444-3549 or via their website to book.
It is also worth noting that Lauriston Airport receives daily morning flights from St Vincent, returning in the evening, which opens up an alternative routing for guests travelling from that direction.
Taxis are available from the airport and the drive to most parts of the island takes under 20 minutes. Guests staying at Las Tortugas Villa are met on arrival and transferred to the property as part of the included on-island transfers.
By Ferry: Osprey Lines
The Osprey Ferry operates a round-trip service between St Georges in Grenada and Carriacou on Monday to Friday, departing at 9am and 5pm. A one-way service also runs on Saturday mornings. The crossing is advertised as 90 minutes but in practice runs closer to two hours, so it is worth factoring that into your onward plans.
The Osprey departs from the Carenage in St Georges. If arriving at Grenada’s airport, a taxi to the Carenage takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The ferry is the more affordable option and suits guests who are not in a rush and want to see the coastline. It is also the better choice if you are travelling with significant luggage or large items. There is no discount for a return ticket; you simply pay the one-way fare twice.
The ferry now docks at Harvey Vale, in Tranquil Tyrell Bay on Carriacou’s southwest coast, approximately five minutes from Las Tortugas Villa. Guests are collected from the ferry terminal on arrival as part of the on-island transfer included with every stay.
Getting Around Carriacou
Once you are on the island, Las Tortugas Villa guests have a 4WD vehicle included for the duration of their stay, which makes independent exploration straightforward. Most of the island’s beaches, dive operators, and villages are reachable within 20 to 30 minutes from the villa. Minibuses provide local transport between the main towns and are an inexpensive option, though they typically stop running in the evenings. For those without a rental vehicle, taxis are available from both the airport and the ferry terminal.
Practical Notes
Passport: All visitors require a valid passport. Grenadian entry requirements apply to Carriacou as part of the same nation.
Currency: The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted across the island, and most businesses that take card payments use US pricing. Las Tortugas Villa rates are quoted in US dollars.
Luggage: If flying with SVG Air, baggage allowances on the inter-island leg are limited due to aircraft size. Check with the airline when booking and pack accordingly for the Grenada to Carriacou leg if you are bringing large bags.
Timing: Allow at least two hours between your international arrival in Grenada and your onward connection to Carriacou. Customs and immigration on Grenada can take time during busy periods and it is worth giving yourself comfortable room for the transfer between the airport and either the SVG Air terminal or the Carenage ferry dock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Carriacou from the UK?
Fly to Grenada from London Gatwick with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, typically with one stop. From Grenada, connect to Carriacou by SVG Air (around 20 minutes) or the Osprey Ferry (around two hours). The total journey from the UK is usually 12 to 15 hours including connections.
How do I get to Carriacou from the US?
Fly to Grenada from Miami, New York, or other east coast hubs on American Airlines, Delta, or JetBlue. From Grenada, connect to Carriacou by SVG Air or the Osprey Ferry. Total travel time from the US east coast is typically 7 to 10 hours.
Is there a direct flight to Carriacou?
No. Lauriston International Airport’s runway is too short for large commercial aircraft. All visitors connect through Grenada on SVG Air’s Twin Otter service or via the Osprey Ferry. Daily flights also arrive from St Vincent for guests travelling from that direction.
How long is the ferry from Grenada to Carriacou?
The Osprey Ferry crossing runs closer to two hours in practice, though it is advertised as 90 minutes. Services run Monday to Saturday from St Georges in Grenada, departing at 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
How long is the flight from Grenada to Carriacou?
The SVG Air Twin Otter flight takes approximately 20 minutes. Services run six days a week and advance booking is recommended as seats are limited.
Do I need a visa to visit Carriacou?
Carriacou is part of Grenada. UK and US citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check the Grenada High Commission or Embassy website for your specific nationality before travelling.
What happens when I arrive in Carriacou?
Guests at Las Tortugas Villa are met on arrival at either Lauriston International Airport or Harvey Vale ferry terminal and transferred directly to the property as part of the included on-island transfers.
Guests arriving at Las Tortugas Villa, a three-bedroom seafront villa on Carriacou’s west coast, are collected from the airport or ferry terminal and transferred to the property. The included 4WD vehicle then gives you independent access to the whole island for the duration of your stay. For ideas on what to do once you arrive, see the Things to Do in Carriacou guide, or explore the Honeymoon in Carriacou and Family Villa Carriacou pages to plan your stay.st coast, are ideally positioned to explore the island at their own pace. The included 4WD, daily housekeeping, and private infinity pool mean there is no pressure to fill every hour, and on Carriacou, that is exactly how it should be. For couples planning a special escape, see the Honeymoon in Carriacou guide. Families travelling with children will find the Family Villa Carriacou page useful for planning.