Frigate Island: A Hidden Gem of the Grenadines
Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Frigate Island is a small, rocky islet located within the Grenadines. This secluded landmass sits strategically between the main island of Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou, serving as a quiet waypoint in a region known for its stunning maritime landscapes.
The island is part of the chain of small islands and cays that stretch between St. Vincent and Grenada, characterized by their rugged terrain and crystal-clear surrounding seas.
Geographic Location and Proximity
Frigate Island is defined by its close proximity to several other landmasses in the Grenadines. Its precise coordinates are 12°25′00″N 61°29′00″W.
The islet is positioned relative to its neighbors as follows:
- Large Island: Located 0.463 miles (0.745 km) to the south-west.
- Saline Island: Located 0.792 miles (1.275 km) to the north-east.
- Carriacou: Situated 1.596 miles (2.568 km) away.
- Ashton: Located one mile due north.
- Union Island: The nearest point is approximately half a mile away.
Maritime Navigation and Hazards
For sailors and yachters, the waters surrounding Frigate Island require careful navigation. Early pilot books—manuals used by mariners to navigate specific coastal areas—highlight several hazards and channels in the vicinity.
One notable hazard is a rock, approximately one foot high, located two cables (a cable is a maritime unit of length, typically 100 fathoms or about 600 feet) north-west of the island's northern point. Additionally, a narrow channel with a depth of 4 fathoms (approximately 24 feet) exists northward of Saline Island and southward of White Islet and Cassada Rock, the latter of which stands 20 feet high.
Archaeological Interest
Beyond its geography, Frigate Island has provided glimpses into the past. On February 7, 1971, Janet Wall of Manchester, Vermont, reported discovering a significant amount of pottery on a sand spit that extends northward from the island, suggesting previous human activity or deposits in the area.
Key Facts
- Location: The Grenadines, between Grenada and Carriacou.
- Terrain: Small, rocky islet.
- Closest Neighbor: Union Island (approx. 0.5 miles).
- Notable Find: Pottery discovered on a northern sand spit in 1971.
- Navigation: Features narrow channels and submerged rocks near the north point.
| Reference Point | Distance (Miles) | Distance (Kilometers) | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Island | 0.463 | 0.745 | North-East of Large Island |
| Saline Island | 0.792 | 1.275 | South-West of Saline Island |
| Carriacou | 1.596 | 2.568 | General Proximity |
| Ashton | 1.0 | 1.609 | South |
| Union Island | 0.5 | 0.805 | General Proximity |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Frigate Island located?
Frigate Island is a small rocky islet in the Grenadines, situated between the islands of Grenada and Carriacou.
What are the nearest islands to Frigate Island?
The closest landmasses include Union Island (half a mile away), Large Island (0.463 miles), and Saline Island (0.792 miles).
Are there any navigation hazards near the island?
Yes, there is a rock about one foot high located two cables north-west of the island's north point, and sailors must be mindful of the reef connecting White Islet and Cassada Rock.
Has any historical evidence been found on the island?
In February 1971, pottery was reported to have been found on a sand spit extending northward from the island.
How deep is the channel near Saline Island?
The narrow channel located northward of Saline Island and southward of Cassada Rock and White Islet has a depth of 4 fathoms.