Wildlife· Carriacou· Windward Islands
Oyster Bed Mangrove Lagoon (Tyrrel Bay)
12° 28.0′ N · 61° 29.1′ W · approximate
The protected mangrove lagoon at the north end of Tyrrel Bay, where mangrove oysters grow on the prop roots. Pure Grenada calls them a rare sight in this region. The lagoon is a nursery for many reef fish and a quiet spot for wading birds.
Practical
Coordinate is approx: the centroid of the OpenStreetMap wetland polygon at the Oyster Bed, inside the Tyrrel Bay mangrove. It is part of the Sandy Island Oyster Bed Marine Protected Area (Dive Carriacou says the MPA's beaches, mangroves and uninhabited islands are full of bird and marine life). Pure Grenada: hundreds of protected acres, calm sheltered water, a fish nursery, a variety of birds and occasional small jellyfish; guided boat tours meet in Tyrrel Bay. A dinghy or kayak explore is also possible (kayaks for hire from Dive Carriacou in Tyrrel Bay). Go slowly, don't touch or harvest the oysters, and don't tie to or cut mangrove roots. The lagoon also serves as a hurricane hole (see the separate hurricane-hole entry); in storm season it can be crowded with boats tied into the mangroves. Many derelict boats line the bay, so watch for wrecks and lines in the shallows.
Best for
A calm dinghy or kayak nature trip from the anchorage
Nearby
- Henrietta's Bakery (L'Esterre)0.2 NM away
- Tyrell Bay Marina and Boatyard (150-ton Travelift)0.2 NM away
- Tyrrel Bay Chandleries (Budget Marine and Island Water World)0.3 NM away
- Banana Jo Bar (Paradise Beach)0.4 NM away
- Off the Hook Bar and Grill (Paradise Beach)0.4 NM away
- Tyrrel Bay Ferry Dock0.4 NM away
- Tyrrel Bay Mangrove Hurricane Hole (Oyster Bed)0.4 NM away
- Alexis Food Store (Tyrrel Bay)0.5 NM away