Petite Martinique Harbor

Marinas near Petite Martinique Harbor

Introduction:

Petite Martinique is the northernmost and last island in the Grenada island chain, and is located just 6 miles southeast of Union Island, which is in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chain to the north. A remote and isolated outpost, Petite Martinique is a beautiful place to drop the hook, row or motor ashore and enjoy a quiet sunset meal at one of the local restaurants.

History:

When Christopher Columbus sailed by Grenada in 1498, the island was already inhabited by the Carib Indians. The admiral dubbed the island Concepcion, but passing Spanish sailors found its lush green hills so evocative of Andalusia that they rejected this name in favor of Granada. The French then adapted Granada to Grenade, and the British followed suit, changing Grenade to Grenada (pronounced Gre-nay-da).

In 1877 Grenada became a Crown Colony, and in 1967 it became an associate state within the British Commonwealth before gaining independence in 1974. Despite the island's long history of British rule, the island's French heritage (both colonial and revolutionary) survives in its place names, its buildings, and its strong Catholicism. [i]Information Courtesy Bermuda board of Tourism[/i]

Navigating the Water:

The only anchorage in Petite Martinique is located on its northwest side, shown above. The rest of the island is either surrounded by reef or exposed to the prevailing winds.

This anchorage must be approached from the west, but if you come in from either the north or south end of the island there are islands and reefs to keep clear of. Once you have cleared these obstacles, you can simply point into the anchorage and set the hook, making sure the bottom you are dropping the anchor onto is sand, not coral.

Local Notices to Mariners:

See our “Local Notices to Mariners” blog for updates on the latest conditions and advisories for this area.

Things To Do/Local Events:

For a detailed calendar of events, see the “Helpful Links” section below.

Transportation:

Once you've arrived, traveling around is just as easy, with a variety of car rental companies, taxis and buses. In the capital town of St. George's, there are even water taxis who will take you across the Carenage, to the Esplande or even as far as Grand Anse Beach. 

Spend some time in Grenada's beautiful sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Daily Ferry services will carry you from Grenada to Carriacou and Petite Martinique and back all in one day. If you're in a hurry travel by air and get there within half an hour, or you can try out your sea legs on the ferry and enjoy the one and a half hour ride up the coast. 

[i]Information Courtesy Bermuda board of Tourism[/i]

Helpful Links:

Guide to Grenada

Grenada Board of Tourism

Grenada Calendar of Events