TL;DR: Sandy Island is a tiny, uninhabited slice of heaven off Carriacou that looks like it was ripped straight from a screensaver – and yes, it’s as incredible as it sounds.
Forget the overcrowded beaches of Barbados or the touristy vibes of Jamaica. There’s a secret floating in the turquoise waters off Carriacou, Grenada that most travelers have never even heard of. Sandy Island is basically what happens when Mother Nature decides to show off – a 150-meter-long strip of powdery white sand surrounded by water so blue it hurts your eyes to look at.
What Makes Sandy Island So Special?
Picture this: You’re standing on what feels like your own private island (because most days, you basically will be), with nothing but crystal-clear water, swaying palm trees, and the kind of silence that makes you forget your phone exists. Sandy Island is world renowned for its postcard perfect looks, with gorgeous powdery white sand, swaying palm trees and sparkling turquoise waters.
This isn’t just another beach – it’s a genuine Robinson Crusoe experience. Sandy Island is a tiny uninhabited islet near the airport of Carriacou Island, and unlike those “pristine” beaches that turn out to be packed with selfie-stick wielding tourists, Sandy Island actually delivers on the deserted paradise promise.
The Snorkeling is Absolutely Insane
Let’s talk about what’s under the water, because holy cow. The best snorkeling is to the north end of the island on the Carriacou side. Lots of coral, drops off – just make sure to stay out of ‘boat lane’ – saw lots of fish, a turtle and even an octopus hiding out in it’s hole.
The coral reefs here are some of the best in the Grenadines, and you can literally walk right off the beach and into an underwater wonderland. We’re talking tropical fish that look like they escaped from Finding Nemo, sea turtles doing their graceful thing, and if you’re really lucky, you might spot an octopus playing hide-and-seek in the coral.
The Real Talk: Hurricane Beryl Recovery Update
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. Sandy Island was hard hit by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024. The Category 4 hurricane was brutal, and honestly, it looked pretty grim for a while.
But here’s the amazing part – the snorkeling off the east tip of the island is still very good. The vegetation from the middle of the island to the west tip is pretty much gone, but the eastern half still offers some shade. Nature is tough, and Sandy Island is bouncing back faster than anyone expected.
Birdlife at Sandy Island is abundant at the moment and turtle tracks can be spotted in more than one place on the island. Nature seems to be claiming back its own. The island is very much open for business and needs those tourist dollars now more than ever.
How to Actually Get There (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Getting to Sandy Island is part of the adventure, but don’t worry – it’s not some epic Lord of the Rings journey.
Step 1: Get to Carriacou
You’ve got two options:
- Fly: Fly to Grenada international airport (GND), next fly to Carriacou island airport (CRU). It’s about 20 minutes in a small plane (think scenic, not scary).
- Ferry: Take the Osprey from Grenada – it’s a 90-120 minute ride with some seriously gorgeous views. Adults: EC$80, Children (5-12): EC$50, Children (under 5): EC$10.
Step 2: Get to Sandy Island
A water taxi from Paradise Beach costs US$15 per person. This is expensive for a 5 minute ride, but it is worth it. Trust me, those five minutes on the water taxi will be some of the best money you’ve ever spent.
Pro tip: Book through Paradise Beach Club – they’ll sort out the boat ride and you can even arrange to have lunch waiting for you when you get back.
Where to Eat: Tim’s Beach BBQ (You HAVE to Try This)
Here’s where things get really good. There’s this legend named Tim who runs a little beach restaurant right on Sandy Island, and people rave about it like it’s their religion.
We ate lobsters and a delicious course meal prepared by Tim. We enjoyed the experience in Sandy Island so much that we went back a second time. What we got was not just exquisitely prepared fish (marlin grilled over hardwood, the flavor was divine) potatoes, salad and plantains, but beautiful presentation as well.
This isn’t your typical beach shack – Tim knows what he’s doing. Fresh lobster, perfectly grilled fish, and sides that’ll make you question every beach meal you’ve ever had. Plus, eating on a deserted island while waves lap at your feet? Yeah, that’s pretty much peak life right there.
When to Go (Timing is Everything)
The best time for a beach holiday on Sandy Island is the dry season from January to June. You’ll get less rain, calmer seas, and perfect conditions for snorkeling.
That said, there is no one during the hurricane season (from June to October), which means if you’re brave enough to visit during the off-season, you might literally have the entire island to yourself. Just check weather conditions first – Caribbean storms are no joke.
What to Bring (Don’t Be That Tourist)
- Snorkel gear: Essential. The underwater world here is too good to miss.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: The sun reflects off that white sand like nobody’s business.
- Water: Stay hydrated. There’s no convenience store on a deserted island.
- Cash: For the boat ride and Tim’s restaurant.
- Camera: But maybe put it down occasionally and just enjoy being present.
- Your trash: Seriously. Make sure to bring your garbage back with you! Let’s keep Sandy Island the special place of beauty that it is.
The Bottom Line
Sandy Island isn’t just another beach – it’s the kind of place that makes you understand why people quit their jobs and move to the Caribbean. It’s small enough that you can walk around the entire thing in 10 minutes, but beautiful enough that you could spend all day there and never get bored.
For as far as I can see, right to where the island finally ends and the water begins, there’s nothing but nature: a stripe of shoulder-high coconut palms and leafy sea grape bushes that gives away to sand streaked with pink grains and water as clear and impossibly blue as Windex.
Yes, it takes a bit of effort to get here. Yes, it’s more expensive than your local beach. But when you’re floating in water so clear you can see your toes, surrounded by nothing but the sound of gentle waves and maybe a pelican or two, you’ll understand why Sandy Island is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
And honestly? Let’s keep it that way.
Ready to escape to Sandy Island? Start planning your Carriacou adventure today – this little slice of paradise is waiting for you.
