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PROS AND CONS | Carriacou is only a short hop onwards from Grenada so it is just as easy to reach yet surprisingly, mass tourism has not infiltrated in the same way. Hotels are minimal but small rustic guest houses are plentiful. The island is quiet and pretty much shuts down at about 9pm yet, surprisingly, internet access here is as good as London! This is an island for doing a couple of calm lazy dives in a day then chilling out in the peaceful atmosphere.
SCUBA DIVING | The marine life and conditions around Carriacou are much the same as around Grenada. However, we saw more large pelagic animals on these reefs, which may have been luck but we suspect it was because the waters just off Hillsborough are a marine reserve and the reefs are a little more protected from Atlantic currents. Carriacou has three new wrecks, each scuttled to create dive sites. The reefs that fringe the small islands in the bay are interesting sites with varied terrain and some very interesting swim-throughs and channels that attract pelagic fish.
OPINION | This little island is a funny one, a real step back in time to a style of Caribbean island that retains far more of that idealised tropical Caribbean atmosphere. Although facilities are minimal, there is enough to keep most people happy. We certainly enjoyed our few days there and wished for a few more.
The dive operator in Hillsborough is Carriacou Silver Diving run by Max and Claudia. These two are highly professional yet very relaxed and the atmosphere in their garden clad dive centre is completely charming – plus they also run one of the best restaurants on the island.
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