Argyle offers a specific cultural point of reference: the history of the Carriacou Museum. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing this place from the other cultural and natural attractions of the wider destination of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The museum is located in Argyle; the beaches, reefs and festivals in the overview below describe the wider destination.
The Carriacou Museum in Argyle
The Carriacou Museum was founded in 1976. In 1989, after three locations in Hillsborough, it moved to its location on Paterson Street. These milestones provide a clear timeline for the museum’s history: its founding was followed by its move to Argyle. The Carriacou Museum’s collection included Indigenous and African artefacts, as well as colonial-era documents, furniture, glassware and ceramics.
In the past, school groups from Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique occasionally visited the museum on field trips. This describes past or occasional visits, not a regular public programme. As of 9 September 2026, the museum was temporarily closed: Hurricane Beryl had severely damaged the building and collection on 1 July 2024. Confirm its current visitor status before planning a visit.
Culture in the wider destination of Carriacou and Petite Martinique
Traditional wooden boatbuilding is still practised in Windward on Carriacou. It uses methods passed down by Scottish boatbuilders. Traditional sloops and schooners built on Carriacou are part of the island’s Regatta Festival in August. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the latest dates and programme.
The Big Drum Dance, also known as the Nation Dance, is another cultural tradition on Carriacou. It is performed at weddings, boat blessings, tombstone feasts and Maroons; performances depend on local ceremonies and the festival programme. Shakespeare Mas is a carnival masquerade unique to Carriacou. These traditions are complemented by the annual Maroon and String Band Music Festival: the three-day event brings together local cuisine, crafts, music and dance. For specific trip planning, check the latest festival dates and programme.
Beaches, reefs and activities
On Carriacou, Paradise Beach has calm water and a stretch of white sand. Sandy Island offers snorkelling and a shallow natural pool for swimming. The island is about a five-minute boat ride from Paradise Beach; sea conditions and boat arrangements may vary. This lets you compare two different water experiences without assuming a particular connection or availability.
The reef at Anse La Roche is home to parrotfish, grunts and lobsters; rays are also occasionally spotted there. The site is recommended for snorkelling and beginner dives. Sightings are not guaranteed, and you should check conditions and local offerings on site. The protected Oyster Bed Mangrove serves a different purpose: it is a nursery for many fish species. Guided boat tours are offered in the area; confirm current availability and boating conditions.
On Petite Martinique, Piton offers a hike with summit views of the island and nearby Grenadine islands. Check local conditions and access before setting out. At Sanchez Beach, activities listed include sailing, surfing, diving, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. Mang Beach is associated with swimming and family picnics. The Whitsuntide Regatta on Petite Martinique also features local boat races and onshore activities; you can confirm dates and the programme in advance. Piton was also once the setting for a Maroon celebration known as the “Sugaring of the Piton”.
Getting around the wider destination
Hillsborough is Carriacou’s main town and ferry terminal. Carriacou is about a 90-minute boat ride from St. George’s, Grenada’s capital; schedules and weather conditions may vary. Petite Martinique is a short boat ride from Carriacou, but no exact duration is specified. Check current connections before your trip. This information provides context for the wider journey and does not describe travel to Argyle.
For the wider destination overview: Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
