Sandy Island Carriacou
A tiny, uninhabited cay with powdery white sands, swaying palms, and vibrant coral reefs, offering a postcard-perfect Caribbean escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny skies, calm seas
Sandy Island Carriacou
Best Time
Sunny skies, calm seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tiny, uninhabited cay with powdery white sands, swaying palms, and vibrant coral reefs, offering a postcard-perfect Caribbean escape.
"This is my favorite place to be when it comes to soaking up the sun and enjoying a beautiful beach."
🚤 Boat Trip Essential
Arrange a boat ride from Paradise Beach Club for a cheap trip if you dine there.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Powdery White Sand Beaches
Sandy Island
Sink your toes into the softest white sand imaginable, fringed by swaying palm trees. Pure Caribbean bliss.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Surrounding Sandy Island
Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with colorful marine life and healthy coral formations.
Secluded Island Paradise
Sandy Island
Experience the tranquility of an uninhabited cay, often with very few other visitors, offering a true escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Sandy Island
Respecting the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat Trip Essential
Arrange a boat ride from Paradise Beach Club for a cheap trip if you dine there.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island.
⚓ Mooring Balls Available
Use the marine park mooring balls to protect the reef, but arrive early as they can fill up.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun is intense; bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat Trip Essential
Arrange a boat ride from Paradise Beach Club for a cheap trip if you dine there.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Recommended
Bring your own snorkel gear to explore the beautiful coral reefs surrounding the island.
⚓ Mooring Balls Available
Use the marine park mooring balls to protect the reef, but arrive early as they can fill up.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
The sun is intense; bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Sandy Island's breathtaking beauty, describing it as a true Caribbean paradise with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The tranquil, uninhabited nature of the cay is a major draw, offering a peaceful escape. Some note the importance of using mooring balls to protect the reef and the need to bring all supplies, as there are no facilities.
"We were here in June 2024 before the hurricane came through. Such a beautiful place and glad I was able to enjoy it."
Bradley Wynhof
"Great place to anchor or grab a ball. You need to find a sandy pach to drop the anchor. The balls are fairly new and in great condition. It costs 30ec or 12us a night . Great place for snorkeling or just a swim. The beach is easy to haul your dinghy a shore and go for a walk. Across the bay, there are a few restaurants and bars to choose from. There is a shuttle for Paradise Beach bar that will pick you up and return you to your boat."
Matt Kobs
"This is my favorite place to be when it comes to soaking up the sun and enjoying a beautiful beach. I spend 3 different days on Sandy and they were all amazing. I highly reccomend getting a boat ride from Paradise Beach Club to get there. It was a super cheap $20EC if you ate at the club or $40EC per person if not. Beautiful views, super cute hermit crabs, small pools to wade in, snorkeling, palm trees, all of it!"
Bethanea Kottwitz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandy Island is a small cay accessible by a short boat ride or kayak from Carriacou, typically from Paradise Beach. Many visitors arrange trips through local boat operators or charter services.
Yes, Sandy Island is located off the coast of Carriacou, which is part of the nation of Grenada.
Yes, it's possible to kayak to Sandy Island from Carriacou, which takes about 30 minutes and offers a scenic journey.
There are no regular public ferries to Sandy Island. Access is typically via private boat hire or organized excursions.
The closest major island is Carriacou itself, with Sandy Island being a small cay just off its coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a direct entry fee for Sandy Island itself, you will need to pay for boat transportation to get there. Mooring balls for boats cost around 30 EC or 12 USD per night.
Sandy Island is an uninhabited natural cay, so it doesn't have official opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours when boat services are available.
Yes, Sandy Island is part of a marine park and is a protected area, emphasizing the need for visitors to be environmentally conscious.
You can anchor at Sandy Island, but it's recommended to use the available mooring balls to protect the coral reefs.
Sandy Island is uninhabited and has no facilities. Visitors should bring all their own supplies, including food and water.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The main activities are swimming, sunbathing on the gorgeous beach, and snorkeling over the vibrant coral reefs.
Absolutely! Sandy Island is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities with clear waters and abundant marine life.
You can expect to see colorful fish and various coral species while snorkeling. Hermit crabs are also a common sight on the beach.
It can get busy with day-trippers, but often you can find yourself with very few other people, especially on weekdays or during the off-season.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, snorkel gear, water, snacks, and a camera. Remember to pack out all your trash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Sandy Island is uninhabited and has no restaurants or food vendors. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
There are restaurants and bars across the bay on Carriacou, such as at Paradise Beach Club, which may offer shuttle services.
Yes, a picnic is a great idea! Just be sure to bring all your supplies and take all your waste with you when you leave.
📸 📸 Photography
The powdery white sand, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and the small cay itself offer stunning postcard-perfect shots. Drone photography is also popular here.
Yes, drone shots of Sandy Island are very popular, showcasing its beauty from above with its unique shape and surrounding waters.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛵ Sailors and Cruisers
🐠 Snorkelers and Divers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Sandy Island: A Pristine Escape
+1Popular with sailors and day-trippers, Sandy Island offers a serene environment for relaxation, swimming, and especially snorkeling. The waters surrounding the island are crystal clear, revealing vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Caribbean.
Visitors are consistently struck by the island's postcard-perfect scenery. Many describe it as a place they've always imagined when thinking of a Caribbean paradise. The experience is enhanced by the understanding that this is a protected marine area, encouraging a mindful approach to enjoying its beauty.
+1Navigating to Sandy Island: Boat Trips and Marine Park Etiquette
For those who prefer a more active approach, kayaking to Sandy Island is a popular option, taking around 30 minutes and providing a unique perspective of the surrounding waters.
Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, it's crucial to be aware of the marine park regulations. The island is a protected area, and visitors are strongly encouraged to use the provided mooring balls to anchor their boats, thereby protecting the delicate coral reefs from damage. While Sandy Island is a natural wonder, it lacks any facilities. This means visitors must come prepared with everything they need, including food, water, and sun protection. The emphasis is on leaving no trace, ensuring that this pristine environment remains unspoiled for future generations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit