Grenada & Carriacou / Beaches

Grenada’s best beaches and whitest sand are to be found in the sheltered south-west, where the flatter land shelves more gently into the sea and has been encrusted with coral, which gives the white sand. The area is protected from the Atlantic swell by the island itself.

In the north east, where there is also white sand because shallow land leads off to the Grenadines, the water is much rougher and there are sometimes also currents (except in certain places where the coastline is protected by an offshore reef or there is a deep inlet), so be aware when you swim. For this reason we recommend you take local advice before venturing to any other beaches that aren’t on this list. Elsewhere on the island there are also some very pretty beaches (mostly with grey sand). The west coast has a few inlets, but the loveliest are the very pretty coves in the jagged southern shoreline.

One of the delights of Grenada is its beach bars, several of which are set up so that you can spend the whole day there. Drinks, a meal and sometimes watersports are on hand. There is even one that you can walk to from the airport, so you can get a few last minutes on the beach after check in.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of Grenada and Carriacou Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique beaches...

Grand Anse - Grenada’s most famous and best loved beach, by locals and tourists alike. A fantastic two mile strip of bright white sand looking out onto attractive water and the mountains of Grenada in the background. Plenty of watersports and a couple of bars and restaurants. Good for families and soaking up the Grenada flavour.

Morne Rouge (aka BBC Beach, after a former club) - Lovely enclosed, west-facing bay, separated from Grand Anse by a small but steep headland and consequently much quieter and lower key, except when an occasional party-boat puts in. There is a bar and deckchairs are available for rent. With calm water that shelves gently in the sea, BBC Beach is ideal for families with small children.

Magazine Beach - A lovely strip of sand on a small secluded bay with a backdrop of cliffs. The water can be a bit rough and you should watch out for the manchioneel trees. At one end is the Aquarium Restaurant and Bar, at the other is the Rex Hotel. Public access is on a steep road just above the airport.

L’Anse aux Epines (pronounced ‘Lansapeen’) - Palm-backed, mounded light and dark-flecked sand that gives into the shallow water at the head of L’Anse aux Epines Bay, a popular anchorage for yachts. Usually quiet, very calm water, with a couple of hotels and some villas in the area. Ideal for children

La Sagesse - Very pretty strip of grey sand under tall palms, providing plenty of shade, set in its own bay with shallow water. Restaurant and bar to retreat to in the heat of the day. Excellent day out.

Telescope Beach - Close to Grenville, a dark sand beach that has suffered erosion through sand mining for construction. Popular with residents from the Grenville area.

Levera Bay - In the northeast, facing Sugarloaf Island at the beginning of the Grenadine islands, often deserted, with an offshore current. There are some issues with security in this area, so you are advised to stay aware.

Bathway Beach - A white sand beach at the northern tip of the island. As it gives directly onto the Atlantic the water can be fairly rough, but the reef provides a well protected swimming area. Do not swim outside the reef because there are strong currents and sudden waves. The beach is popular with the locals on public holidays and there are some facilities, including loos.

Sauteurs & Mount Rodney - Grey (volcanic) sand country beach facing north, with a view of Diamond Rock and the Grenadines. Frequented by the residents and fishermen of the villages nearby. Constant breeze onshore, offshore currents 50 metres out.

Carriacou

Carriacou is fringed with excellent beaches. The sand is supreme. The island is coral-capped, with bright white sand set against a fantastic aquamarine and azure sea. There are many inlets and coves around the island and a couple of classic offshore cays. Even the main town Hillsborough and the best harbour (Tyrrel Bay, where yachts put in) are set on passable sand on this island. With the exception of Tyrrel Bay and Paradise Beach, the beaches do not have any facilities, so make sure to take any food and water you will want. Also watch out for manchineel trees. Do not touch the leaves or apples, or even shelter under them in the rain, because the caustic sap will blister your skin.

Anse la Roche - A fantastic cove on the western side of the northern tip of the island. Very secluded, reached off a remote road by a path that leads down through the forest (it may be easier to take a water taxi from Hillsborough). Superb sand that shelves steeply into lovely clear water. A real hideaway for the day. There are no facilities so take water and supplies. Good snorkelling. Be careful with regard to the security of your belongings and things have gone missing on Anse la Roche.

Beausejour Bay - In front of the Silver Beach hotel, a nice strip of light grey sand.

Paradise Beach - Close to the airport, a lovely strip of excellent sand and shallow water. Beach bar and trips out to Sandy Island. One of the best beaches on the island.

Petit Carenage, Windward Bay - Another lovely strip of sand.

Tyrrel Bay - A working beach and harbour with passable sand and good places to sunbathe and sit in the shade. Bars and shops across the road. Good calm and shallow water.

Sandy Island  - A spit of land that just makes it above the sea’s surface in Hillsborough Bay. Sadly it has lost its palm trees in recent years, and the reef has also suffered damage, but the beach itself has got bigger recently as sand has sifted back. Possible to visit on a day sail, but if you are travelling independently, water taxis are available from Paradise Beach and from Hillsborough.

White Island - Off the southern shore, lovely white sand beach and good snorkelling.

Petite Martinique

On Petite Martinique, the main beach is on the north side of the island off the main town (it is a also a working beach), but there are a couple of very secluded stretches of sand on the protected western side of the island. There are no facilities, so stock up before you head off for the day