Top Catamaran Hurricane Hideouts: Grenada and Carriacou

Written by Keagan Steyn, Retired Captain and Yacht Broker

After living and sailing full-time on catamarans for over six years, my crew and I developed a reliable seasonal routine.

When hurricane season rolls in, we head south to Carriacou or Grenada. These two islands, part of the southernmost Windward islands, have become our trusted sanctuaries every year.

We haul the boat out, take care of maintenance projects we’ve been putting off, and ride out the season surrounded by like-minded cruisers doing the exact same thing.

And it’s not just about staying safe; it’s about having access to reliable marine services, stunning cruising grounds, and a great community to share the experience with.

Stay Safe: Choose the Southern Caribbean

The decision to return to Grenada and Carriacou each year isn’t just tradition; it’s a strategy. Both islands sit at the southern edge of the hurricane belt, around 12°N latitude. Statistically, they see far fewer direct hurricane hits than the northern and central Caribbean.

While nothing in the tropics is ever guaranteed, we’ve found Grenada and Carriacou to be a reliable safe haven. They’re far enough south to avoid the worst, but still close to the heart of the cruising world.

Catamaran-Friendly Haul-Outs and Services

Each year, we use the off-season to haul the boat and do all the work that’s hard to tackle while constantly on the move. Both Grenada and Carriacou have excellent facilities that are familiar with working on catamarans.

In Grenada, we’ve used Clarkes Court Boatyard, which has one of the biggest lifts in the region (great for larger cats), plus a full marine village with shops and contractors on-site. The variety of services available means you can get just about any project done, electronics, sails, engines, etc.

In Carriacou, Tyrell Bay Marina, is our top choice for a quieter, more laid-back environment. They have a solid lift capable of handling multihulls, and a growing network of skilled workers for fiberglass, rigging, bottom jobs, and more. We’ve hauled there several times and we could even stay on board while on the hard.

Protected Anchorages with Space to Swing

One of the many reasons catamaran owners love Grenada is the abundance of deep, well-protected anchorages with enough space for a wider beam. Bays like Prickly Bay, Mt. Hartman, and Clarkes Court have become seasonal neighborhoods. You can drop the hook in good holding, sleep well at night, and easily dinghy ashore for supplies, socials, or sundowners.

In Carriacou, Tyrell Bay, is a cruiser favorite due to its natural shelter and laid-back vibe. We’ve spent weeks anchored there, sometimes waiting for a weather window, sometimes just enjoying the slower pace.

A Community of Cruisers Who Get It

There’s something special about being surrounded by people who live the same lifestyle. Grenada, in particular, becomes a bustling seasonal hub from June to November. Between the daily VHF cruisers’ net, yoga sessions, boat talk over beers, and group hikes through the rainforest, we never feel isolated, even when we’re working through a major boat project.

In Carriacou, it’s a smaller crowd but just as welcoming. We’ve made lifelong friends over shared beers at the Slipway or while helping each other with haul-outs. It’s the kind of place where people still wave hello and offer help without being asked.

Provisioning and Living Aboard Comfortably

When we’re on the hard or staying put for a few months, having access to good food, tools and parts, and local flavor, matters. Grenada offers several large supermarkets (IGA, Foodland), a great fresh market in St. George’s, and well-stocked marine stores like, Island Water World. You can get most things here, and prices are manageable compared to many other islands.

Carriacou is smaller but sufficient. The basics are available, and you can always make a run to Grenada for a major stock-up if needed. That said, we’ve often been surprised by how much we don’t need when life slows down a bit in Carriacou.

Don’t Just Survive the Season—Enjoy It

It’s easy to think of hurricane season as stressful and as a hindrance to your cruising plans. When I worked full-time as a captain, it actually became something we looked forward to.

Once the boat work is complete, we had time to explore. Grenada is definitely a country that has plenty to explore. From epic waterfalls, black sand beaches, spice plantations, chocolate tours, rum distilleries, and dive sites (especially the underwater sculpture park), there was no shortage of adventures to keep us busy.

Carriacou offers amazing snorkeling, unspoiled beaches, and a chance to really disconnect. The island still has that old-school Caribbean charm, with friendly locals, low-key reggae nights, and stunning sunsets from the bow.

What Keeps Us Returning, Year after Year

Sailing and living aboard a catamaran means always being in tune with the seasons, the weather, and the needs of your boat. Over the years, Grenada and Carriacou have proven themselves to be more than just hurricane holes; they’ve become our seasonal home base. Whether we’re hauling out, refitting systems, or simply seeking shelter, these islands check every box: safe, scenic, affordable, and cruiser-friendly.

If you’re sailing the Caribbean on a catamaran and looking for a smart, solid place to ride out hurricane season, this is it. We hope to see you there!

To reach out to Keagan directly about his experiences in the Southern Caribbean, feel free to email him, Keagan@CatamaranCentral.com or give him a call, 571.271.7867