Tyrrel Bay

Marinas near Tyrrel Bay

Introduction:

Tyrrel Bay is a quiet, idyllic tropical outpost on the southwest side of the island of Carriacou Island, which is 33 miles to the northwest of the island of Grenada. Protected from all directions except the west, Tyrrel Bay has an anchorage that is very popular as a hideout with cruising boaters when the wind is clocking out of the north, and Hillsborough Bay (located on the west side of the island of Carriacou) becomes untenable.

History:

One of the first visitors to the island (aside from the native Carib Indians), Christopher Columbus first sailed by Grenada in 1498 and named the island “Concepcion.” Later, the lush tropical growth on the island would lead Spanish sailors to call it “Granada. Eventually, the French would adapt Granada to Grenade, and even later, the British would further adapt the name to its present-day form, Grenada.

The French and British struggled with each other for many years to control the island, but eventually in 1783, the island was handed over to the British for good. Fort George and Fort Frederick, which still stand guard over St. Georges Harbor, are historical objects of that struggle.

In the late 1970s, a political struggle came about in an attempt to set up a socialist government in Grenada. The United States and other Eastern Caribbean States intervened with military force and in 1984, an election restored the democratic government.

Navigating the Water:

Entering and leaving the Tyrrel Bay area is easy, but there are two reefs that cruising boaters must be aware of. The first is on the north side of the bay, and has depths of 4 to 5 feet. Many people run around on this reef every year. It is visible as the slightly lighter area in the top part of the bay shown in the image above near the large white yacht. The second is located on the south side of the bay near the Carriacou Yacht Club and Tyrrel Bay Haul Out facility.

Arriving from offshore, simply set a course of 90 degrees true, which will lead you directly into the center of the harbor from the following coordinate: N12 27.437 W61 30.400. Once inside, you can drop the hook in 8 to 16 feet of water, or make arrangements to tie up at the Carriacou Yacht Club, described below.

Tyrrel Bay Haul-Out and the Carriacou Yacht Club are both located on the southern end of Tyrrel Bay behind a large reef that dominates the southern portion of the harbor. Tyrrel Bay Haul-Out has a Travelift that can handle boats up to 50-tons, and a repair yard that is accomplished in many types of yacht repair. The Carriacou Yacht Club is right next door and has transient slips (call ahead for reservations) and offers laundry facilities, restrooms/showers, bar and lounge, Internet access, phone and facsimile.

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:

Grenada and its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique are known for their spectacular clear waters. Activities both above and below the water entice visitors to these islands year after year. Located outside of the hurricane belt at 12 N, our islands provide smooth sailing and safe anchorage, all year round.

Carriacou, the Gateway to the Grenadines, is the perfect starting point for a sailing vacation up the islands, and we have many companieswho will arrange bare boats, crewed yachts or charters to suit your vacation needs. For the seabound, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique boast a year round list of regattas and races. One of the most notable yachting events is the Annual La Source Grenada Sailing Festival that is held towards the end of January.

For a detailed calendar of events for the Grenada area, see our “Helpful Links” section below for more details.

[i]Information Courtesy Grenada Board of Tourism[/i]

Transportation:

The Port Saline International Airport is located on the south end of the main island of Grenada and it offers daily regional and international commercial jet service from major carriers including American Airlines, British Airways, Condor and Virgin Atlantic. You may also choose from a variety of regional turboprop and smaller carriers than can shuttle you between other islands in the windwards and beyond

Helpful Links:

Grenada Board of Tourism

Guide to Grenada

Grenada Travel Guide

Grenada Calendar of Events

Port Salines International Airport