I can't help with Grenada, but could with Carriacou if you let me know what you are looking for.

My wife and I spent two weeks in Grenada in February 2003 (refer to my trip report on this site, under Grenada, March 14). We stayed at the Blue Horizon hotel and absolutely loved it. Grenada is a wonderful island with very friendly people. I would encourage you to go to grenadaexplorer.com site to get good answers to any of your questions. I used this site exclusively when planning our trip and found it very very helpful. While we did not take the opportunity to go to Carriacou or St Vincent this trip we will next time. Wait until you see Grande Anse beach...one of the top three beaches in the Caribbean IMHO. Dave

JJDave

That's a great website. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks helper! I knew you were out there somewhere. We'll be in Carriacou for 2 nights and would like to see the island and get a snorkel trip to the Tobago cayes, and maybe, Sandy Is. We're thinking of Silver Beach Hotel, Scraper's Cottages (though there aren't any real photos of the place),and the Caribee Inn (though it's abit pricey). I hear good things about Blue Horizons, but we're concerned about it being too noisy with alot of little ones. Could people share their experiences with different hotels so we could make a good decision? Also, we're looking for a knowlegable and enjoyable guide to do some hiking on Grenada. Anything you friends can offer is helpful. Thanks for your help.

Chelsea....We don't have children and are always a little retisent about where we choose to stay as we don't like to have alot of screaming kids around. While there were some children at the Blue Horizon when we vacation there it did not pose a problem. The pool area is not open until 10:30 (I think, might have been 11:00) a.m. This eliminates the situation of children going to pool early in the morning, running around, shouting, splashing about. By prohibiting early morning pool activities your serentity in the early hours is left uninterupted. There is also a play area between the pool area at the reception office. The play area is far enough away that the noise of children playing would not be shattering. We took guided tours of the island through Henry's. We had a young lad named Ernest who was great...very knowledgable and accomodating of our wishes to see some places not on the standard tour. The individuals who have contributed to grenadaexplorer.com have often highly recommended Mandoo. I recommend visiting this site for more specific information on a holiday in Grenada.

Chelsea

You need to decide where you want to stay on Carriacou as the three you mention are all very different!

Caribee is very remote, towards the North of the island. Has a repuitation for excellence, but yes pricey. Not on the beach, and a longish (steep) hike to the beach, although lovely and quiet when you get there.

Silver Beach is close to the main town of Hillsborough. Normal beachside hotel, although like most things in Carriacou, on the simple side. Can walk into town from here, which means you have a selection of places to eat.

Scrapers is on Tyrrel Bay, which is the yachties bay in the South. Several local places to eat. Fairly simple accom over/behind Scraper's restaurant.

From both Scrapers and Silver Beach it should be easy to get to Sandy Island via a small boat, but quite a long way if you were to stay at Caribee. The snorkelling on Sandy Island is great - go early in the day for a deserted beach!

Carriacou is a great place, if you like a relaxed way of life. You need to book ahead for dinner everywhere - turning up is just not an option, and you may have little or no choice even when you book. Whatever you do, don't miss a lobster or fish dinner at Snagg's, which is located behind one of the redundant water towers in Hillsborough. There's no sign, but anyone should be able to direct you there, again make sure you book ahead. Snagg also runs a good water taxi service.

Wish I was there now........have a great time.