Overview
Petite Martinique is the northernmost inhabited island of Grenada and one of the smallest in the entire Grenadines chain, covering roughly 2.4 square kilometres. Despite its size, it has a strong identity: the community has historically made its living from fishing, boat-building, and — more quietly — inter-island trading. The pace of life is genuinely slow, and the island's single main settlement clusters along the western waterfront.
The island sits just east of Petite St. Vincent (a private-island resort) and a short water-taxi ride from Carriacou, which is itself Grenada's second-largest dependency. Most visitors arrive as day-trippers or as part of a sailing itinerary, but a small number of guesthouses make a short stay possible for those who want to experience daily island life rather than just pass through.
There are no airports, no large hotels, and no curated tourist attractions in the conventional sense. What Petite Martinique offers is authenticity: a working waterfront, friendly locals, and a vantage point over some of the most beautiful sailing water in the southeastern Caribbean.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Petite Martinique is part of Grenada, so entry requirements are those of Grenada. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Grenada Immigration Division's official website before you travel.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat — shade is limited on the waterfront
- Cash in Eastern Caribbean Dollars; ATMs are not reliably available on the island (bring what you need from Carriacou or the Grenada mainland)
- Insect repellent for evenings
- A light rain layer even in dry season; short squalls can appear quickly
- Modest clothing for walking through the village; swimwear is for the beach
Health
There is no hospital on Petite Martinique. The nearest meaningful medical facilities are on Carriacou. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Bring any prescription medication you require in sufficient supply.
Getting There
By Ferry or Water Taxi from Carriacou
The primary route for most visitors is a short water-taxi or ferry crossing from Hillsborough, Carriacou. The crossing takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Schedules and operators vary; verify current options locally in Hillsborough or through your accommodation.
By Private or Charter Boat
Petite Martinique is a recognised stop on Grenadines sailing itineraries. The anchorage on the western side of the island is commonly used by charter yachts working between Grenada and St. Vincent. Customs and immigration for Grenada should be completed on Carriacou before proceeding.
Reaching Carriacou
Osprey Lines operates a fast ferry service between Grenada's main island (St. George's) and Carriacou, with a stop at Petite Martinique on some runs — verify the current schedule directly with Osprey or at the St. George's ferry terminal. Small inter-island aircraft also serve Carriacou's Lauriston Airport from Maurice Bishop International Airport on the Grenada mainland; there is no airstrip on Petite Martinique itself.
Getting Around
Petite Martinique is small enough to walk end to end in under an hour on flat terrain. There are no car-rental agencies and no taxis in the conventional sense. The main road runs along the western waterfront and connects the settlement's key points — a few small shops, the jetty, and the community centre area.
For travel to neighbouring islands (particularly Petite St. Vincent or Carriacou), arrange water-taxi transport through your guesthouse or at the waterfront; local boat operators are generally visible near the jetty.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Petite Martinique consists of a small number of guesthouses run by local families. Facilities are basic by international standards — expect clean, functional rooms rather than resort amenities. Advance booking is strongly recommended given the limited number of beds available.
Because accommodation options change and specific establishment details are best verified on the ground, ask locally in Carriacou or contact the Grenada Tourism Authority for an up-to-date list of licensed guesthouses on the island before you arrive.
Yachties anchoring offshore should check current guidelines for the anchorage; the Grenada Yacht Club and local cruising guides carry reasonably current information.
Things to See & Do
Snorkelling and Swimming
The waters around Petite Martinique are clear and relatively shallow near shore. Local residents can point visitors toward spots suitable for snorkelling; bring your own gear as rental equipment is not reliably available.
Watching Boat-Building
Traditional wooden boat-building has been practiced on Petite Martinique for generations and is one of the island's defining crafts. If boats are under construction during your visit — which is not guaranteed — watching the process is a genuinely rare experience. Be respectful of workers and ask before photographing.
Walking the Waterfront
A stroll along the main waterfront gives a complete picture of daily life: fishing boats moored offshore, men repairing nets, small shops selling provisions. There is no formal walking tour; the island is simply lived-in and observable.
Day Trips to Nearby Islands
Using Petite Martinique as a base for a day trip to Carriacou (Hillsborough's Saturday market is worth timing a visit around) or for snorkelling near the Tobago Cays (further north, reachable by charter) is a practical way to extend the experience.
Food & Drink
Eating options on Petite Martinique are limited to a small number of local rum shops and informal eateries. Menus are simple and depend on what is fresh and available — fish, ground provisions, rice, and locally grown produce feature regularly. Do not expect fixed menus or set opening hours; ask at your guesthouse about where and when meals are served on any given day.
Rum is the default spirit throughout the Grenadines. Local rum shops serve as social hubs and are welcoming of visitors who approach with respect and a willingness to engage in conversation rather than simply consume.
Bring some non-perishable food supplies from Carriacou if you have specific dietary requirements, as the range of goods in the island's small shops is modest.
Practical Information
Money
Bring sufficient Eastern Caribbean Dollars from Carriacou or the Grenada mainland. There are no ATMs reliably operating on Petite Martinique. Card payment is not widely available.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage exists via Grenada's main networks (Digicel and Flow are the primary providers) but can be inconsistent. Wi-Fi is not widely available. Download offline maps and any information you need before arrival.
Emergency Contacts
For emergencies, the relevant authority is Grenada's national emergency services. Verify current emergency numbers through official Grenada government channels before you travel. The nearest police presence and clinic are on Carriacou.
Electricity
Grenada uses 220–240V, 50Hz with UK-style three-pin plugs. Bring a universal adapter if needed.
Waste and Environment
The island has limited waste-management infrastructure. Carry out any non-biodegradable rubbish and use reef-safe products to protect the marine environment.
Safety
Petite Martinique is a small, community-oriented island with a generally peaceful atmosphere. Serious crime is uncommon, but common-sense precautions apply anywhere: do not leave valuables unattended on the beach or in open boats.
The primary practical safety considerations relate to the sea. Water-taxi crossings can be rough during periods of elevated swell, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season (June through November). Check sea conditions before any crossing and defer to local boat operators' judgment about whether conditions are safe.
Hurricane season warrants genuine attention for anyone planning travel between June and November; monitor official meteorological advisories if travelling during this period.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Petite Martinique has a close-knit community where most families have known each other for generations. Visitors are generally welcomed, but the island is not set up for tourism and residents are not service workers — they are going about their lives. A respectful, unhurried approach to interactions will be appreciated far more than any transactional mindset.
The island's Catholic faith is central to community life; the church is a focal point. If religious events or services are taking place, observe quietly or ask whether visitors are welcome rather than assuming access.
Big Drum Nation ceremonies — a form of African-derived cultural performance found across the Grenadines, particularly on Carriacou — are part of the broader cultural heritage of this region. Opportunities to observe these on Petite Martinique itself are rare and occasion-specific.
