Views
Castaways has some of the best views in the Caribbean. The majestic Atlantic view gives 120 degrees of sea horizon punctuated by White, Saline, Frigate, Large islands and many other small uninhabited islands. Yachts occasionally moor at these islands and people can be seen kite surf or diving among the reefs and turquoise sea.
To the south is mainland Grenada.
West from your rear sun terrace, views to the horizon are over the Caribbean Sea where you will see glorious sunsets most evenings unless shower clouds are being chased into the distance on the breeze.
From mid-morning each sunny day for a few hours, the normal blue ocean transforms into a patchwork of a hundred shades from indigo to kingfisher-turquoise as the sunlight cuts through the water to the shallows and coral reefs below. Our logo is photo-sampled from two totally different colours the sea was at the same moment.
At night the lack of light pollution means the sky comes alive with a million stars.
Sunrise can be watched from the comfort of your bed!
Climate
The weather is warm and sunny all year round, with air temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F). There are two six month seasons — dry and rainy, with the rainy season (June- Nov) bringing some tropical downpours which generally soon pass.
The sun is almost equatorial so it is potent and the year long twelve-hour days subside quickly into a dark night about six o’clock each evening.
The sea is constantly luke warm, very rarely has much of a swell and has almost no tide. Swimming anywhere along Tyrell Bay beach is a delight particularly in the early morning or just as the sun is setting when a few locals might also take to the water or rub in the sands to soften their skin.
Our easterly breeze comes from a couple of thousand miles of open ocean so the air couldn’t get any fresher. But it can blow the occasional rain straight into your east-facing rooms if you leave the verandah doors open.
Electricity
Castaways has ample UK-style 3-pin plug outlets at 220v.
Gas
The cooker hob is LPG gas. A spare gas bottle is always available should you run out.
How to get here
Maurice Bishop Airport in Grenada (GND) receives international flights from major airlines. From the UK, the most direct flights are currently with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways flying out of London Heathrow or Gatwick.
On arrival on Grenada there are a number of options, although depending on your flight time you may need to spend a night on Grenada before travelling onto Carriacou:
- SVG Air provides a shuttle service from Grenada to Lauriston Airport on Carriacou. Flight time is around 20 minutes. It’s a small plane so book your flight well in advance and be aware the baggage allowance is less than on your trans atlantic flight – SVG website.
- the Osprey ferry – Osprey Lines website No booking is required – pay at the quayside.*
- the Dolly C ferry – https://www.facebook.com/mvdollyc/. No booking required – pay at the quayside.*
*if your visit coincides with one of the festivals the ferries will get very busy so it is advisable to arrive early to ensure you get on, or if you have the opportunity, visit the Osprey office on the Carenage in St George’s in advance to purchase a ticket.
Car Hire
Whilst car hire is not essential, it is recommended to enable you to fully explore the island. There are a number of car hire options – details can be found at http://caribya.com/carriacou/rental.cars/. A temporary driving licence is required and can be obtained from the police station in Hillsborough, although if you have already hired a car on Grenada the licence obtained there will also cover you for Carriacou. We are happy to assist you with these arrangements on request.
Currency
The local currency is Eastern Caribbean Dollars (EC$). This needs to be obtained on arrival in Grenada and an ATM is available at Maurice Bishop Airport or exchange money at one of the banks. US$ are also accepted in many places.
Entry Requirements
Please check the latest entry requirements for international travellers including regarding Covid tests and quarantine here prior to booking – https://wwwpuregrenada.com
ATM locations
ATMs are available in Hillsborough (outside the Grenada Cooperative Bank and the Republic Bank) and next to the Alexis supermarket in Tyrell Bay
Fuel
The only petrol station on the island is in the centre of Hillsborough
Tourist Information
There is a tourist information office in the centre of Hillsborough.
Insects
On the hill there are far fewer bugs, but in common with all tropical places mosquitoes will be around at certain times of the year. Malaria isn’t a problem but mosquitoes can carry dengue fever and zika virus so taking the usual precautions of covering up or using repellent, particularly early morning and early evening, is sensible. Further information is available on the Foreign Office website – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-
The apartment is fully fly-screened so you can still enjoy the cooling breeze whilst keeping the insects out.
Being careful with food scraps or drink spillage will keep ants from invading.
Water
The water at Castaways comes from the sky and gets stored in a large cistern. Although safe to drink directly, as a safeguard all our water passes through a UV germicidal device to kill any microbes. Hot water is heated by the sun in a roof-mounted unit and is equally safe to drink.
Smoking
Smoking is permitted in the outside areas only.
