Rock Iguanas on Little Water Cay |
Little Water Cay:
A short boat trip to explore the Turks and Caicos rock iguana perserve. The rock iquanas, unique to the TCI, have been given an island to themselves in an effort to preserve them from ever encroaching development. Notice the remarkable difference in the look of male, female and youngsters. |
Wade's Green Managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust |
North Caicos:
A day trip from Pine Cay - spend the day strolling through the pastures of former plantation Wade’s Green. These ruins depict island life long ago and from which the native generations have blossomed and grown. Visit Cottage Pond, a bottomless cenote in the limestone rock, see the protected pink flamingos in their natural habitat, taste local food in a variety of local establishments along the way. Kayak in Bottle Creek or ride a bicycle through Kew. |
View of Middle Caicos shoreline looking toward the west. Aerial photography by Mark Woodring |
Middle Caicos:
A full day trip from Pine Cay. An historic trail used by natives of long ago, The Crossing Place coastal trail starts at the furthest east end of Middle Caicos, and the trail winds through from Lorimers to Bambarra and then along the shore to Conch Bar, over spectacular cliffs at Mudjin Harbour, following the shore to Blowing Hole and then to Crossing Place. From here, at low tide, residents would walk across the tidal flats to the lower end of Bottle Creek on North Caicos. |
Example of uncovered Taino Vesse |
Evidence of Lucayan sites on Middle Caicos date back to the early 1400’s. Several archeological expeditions have unearthed fossils and facts that lead to the belief that this island was once an epicenter for these ancient Indian tribes. The most renowned site, labeled M-6, can be accessed by a 2 hour hike to an interior lake region. |
| Numerous other green travel destinations await : Conch Bar caves, Cottage Pond, Indian Cave, Flamingo Pond, Haulover Plantation – all with special character and charm. The natural splendor of the settings are unsurpassed; the native flora and fauna revel in this yet unrivaled land. The key to truly experiencing this lies with the inhabitants. |
Middle Caicos, photo by Siri White |
The Middle Caicos people having thrived for several centuries in harmony with the land and sea, teeped in old world wisdom and idioms. The natives are filled with local legends and lore. Aside from opening their hearts and minds, the residents will open their homes to visitors for a sampling of the delectable local fare. Peas and rice, lobster, conch, chicken and the famous Middle Caicos grits are just a few of the appetizing selections. Several hand-made items are produced on island, such as woven baskets and hats, mosquito whips, whisk brooms and cloth dolls. |
Salt Cay, a world class historic site |
Salt Cay:
A day trip via airplane or an overnight exploration. Walking tours throughout Balfour Town, echoing the days of the salt merchants and salt rakers who made this island thrive in the 1800's. Essentially a living outdoor musuem, with some buildings dating back to the 1600's. See more on Salt Cay history by following this link. |
Front Street Grand Turk |
Grand Turk:
A day trip from Pine Cay via airplane or an overnight expedition to streets of colonial architecture in a pallet of pastels that make this historic island community a photographers dream. Take time to visit the reknowned Turks and Caicos National Museum which features an every growing collection of Taino treasures, messages found at sea in bottles, as well as some momentos recovered from old ship wrecks. |
Sapodilla Hill Carvings
Providenciales |
Providenciales:
A day trip from Middle Caicos or North Caicos via boat and taxi, bypass the luxury beach resorts and fancy shops and head for Blue Hills, the oldest settlement on the island of Providenciales. Enjoy nice island lunch of conch or lobster on the beach, also in the Blue Hills settlement. Visit the Cheshire Hall Plantation, one of the key historic attractions on Providenciales. This former cotton plantation had a high reputation because Caicos cotton was believed to be the best in the world. After only a few years, they were producing large yields of Sea Island Cotton, preferred by the expanding textile industries of England. On Sapodilla Hill, visit the rock carvings left by stranded shipmates off shipwrecks dating back to the 1600's. |
