North Caicos Turks and Caicos Islands
North Caicos is often referred to as the “Garden Island” of the Turks and Caicos. The approximately 2,500 year round residents on North Caicos enjoy slightly more rainfall than the other islands in the archipelago due to its more northerly location. This additional precipitation, along with a rich layer of soil, means North Caicos residents enjoy home–grown produce, mostly consisting of fruit such as mango and papaya. North Caicos tomatoes are especially popular and you’ll often see residents of Providenciales returning with a box for their own table.
Sandy Point Marina on North Caicos is just opposite Parrot Cay Resort
Getting to North Caicos has never been easier; recently established ferry service makes the trip quick and painless. For $30 to $40 US you can get a round trip from Provo to North which takes around thirty minutes each way. Before you go to North it’s wise to have already arranged for transportation on the other side. With that accomplished, the ferry will drop you off at Sandy Point Marina, just opposite Parrot Cay, where your cab or rental car will be waiting to meet you. Bicycles and scooters are also available, roads are well paved with very little traffic. There is a little café and gift shop where you can get a snack and a cold drink. Grab some bottles of water for your car, it’s never wise to go anywhere in the Caribbean without!
Surrounded by lush vegetation Cottage Pond (255 feet deep) is one of the ‘must see’ natural wonders of North Caicos
When you leave Sandy Point you’ll pass Cottage Pond on the right. The pond is actually a very deep vertical cave and is home to a family of least grebes (small water birds) who dive and feed around the edges of the pond. The pond attracts a variety of bird life, according to local birders it’s best to park at the entrance and walk in. The short road has a tight turnaround so be aware of that when parking.
In the quaint settlement of Kew look for Liza, the sole remaining donkey on North Caicos
Just past Cottage Pond you will come to an intersection at Minorca. A right turn will take you into the village of Kew; keep your eyes open for Liza, the last remaining donkey on North Caicos. You will notice Kew has many large trees and orchards; this is owing to fresh groundwater and a healthy amount of topsoil. Wades Green Plantation is what remains of a Loyalist plantation. The most informative way to enjoy the plantation is to arrange for a guided tour with one of the Eco-Tour companies. You can also take a self guided tour with the help of pre–purchased pamphlets (the pamphlets cover the cost of entry to the Plantation). It’s a bit of a trek to get to Wades Green so don’t be alarmed if it feels like you’re driving for a very long way into the bush. Approximately one mile off the main road you will reach the Wades Green parking lot and from there the entire Plantation is a very easy one mile round trip stroll from the main gate, from site to site, and back to your car. Once back on the main road you can carry on to the Government Agricultural Station to pick up some fresh organically grown produce.
Field roads leading in to Wades Green Plantation founded in 1789 by Wade Stubbs
If you turn left from Minorca you will be heading towards Hollywood Park. Another left at the very next intersection, beside the park, will take you into the seaside village of Whitby. Along the beach here you can find places to stay and restaurants.
On Wades Green Plantation cotton was farmed successfully for 30 years
West of Whitby you can follow a series of roads to get to Three Mary Cays where you’ll find a protected snorkeling area. Turn East and you’ll find Horsestable Beach which offers perfect opportunities to photograph the turquoise waters and you’ll find more snorkeling just offshore.
Returning to the main road you will come to Flamingo Pond Overlook. There are plenty of greater flamingos (the flock numbers about 1,000 members) and other water fowl, but be aware you will need binoculars to view the birds and a good lens to capture any photos. There is often someone at the Overlook willing to rent binoculars, but if you have your own it’s best to bring them.
The Great House is located on the highest point of land on the 860 acre Loyalist–era plantation
Major Hill Settlement is a little further east, and where the North Caicos International Airport is located. You’ll then pass through Bottle Creek where you’ll be able to stop for water and snacks or a meal, and fill up your car at one of several gas stations. The lagoon of Bottle Creek and East Bay Cay makes for very pretty pictures.
The powder soft sand of Whitby Beach stretches on for seven miles along the northshore of North Caicos
Continuing East from Bottle Creek as you approach the causeway to Middle Caicos you’ll pass just north of the Pine Yard of Ready Money, which was formerly a lumberyard and is now the base for a conservation project intended to protect the trees. The causeway will take you to Middle Caicos where you can enjoy a meal, check out the caves and take some stunning pictures of Mudjin Harbour, arguably the most beautiful point in these islands.
Superb snorkelling at Three Mary Cays just west of Whitby
If you feel like one day doesn’t give you enough time to explore and enjoy all these two islands have to offer, there are plenty of great places to book in for a night or two. Or longer! And if you get lost or feel like you need some additional information, don’t hesitate to ask... the residents of North and Middle Caicos will be happy to help and can offer you plenty of additional tips on what to see and how to see it.
Greater Flamingos are spotted along the North to Middle Caicos Causeway at the Fish Ponds — Photograph by Kim Mortimer
North Caicos Business Directory
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Auto / Car Rentals – Taxi Tours
Al’s Auto Rentals +1-649-331-1947 / 946-7248. Easy Car Rental +1-649-232-2137 / 343-5220. M & M Taxi & Tours +1-649-231-6285 / 341-6025. Old Nick Rent A Car +1-649-331-8269 / 232-1053 / 946-7358. Pelican Car Rentals +1-649-241-2076 / 241-8275 / 241-8275.
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Back Country Fishing Guide – Boat Building
Gibbs North Caicos Boats +1-649-232-4141.
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Beach Cruises – Boat Charters – Snorkle Tour
Beach Cruiser Charters +1-649-946-7113 / 241-6340.
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Eco Tours and Sailing Trips
Amphibious Adventures — Specializing in day and multi-day trips to North and Middle Caicos including historical walking tours around the Wades Green / Kew area on North Caicos and sailing trips from Providenciales to North Caicos, Bottle Creek and East Bay Cay. Accommodation options include camping on the beach, staying in a hotel or experiencing a local guesthouse in one of the villages.
Contact details for Amphibious Adventures -
Ferry Service – Boat Charters
MV My Girl Ferry Service +1-649-241-0599. TCI Ferry / Caribbean Cruisin’ +1-649-946-5406 / 231-4191.
Contact details for Caribbean Cruisin’ Ltd. - TCI Ferry Service -
Groceries and Gifts
Al’s Grocery +1-649-946-7248 / 241-1355 / 431-1355. KJ Foods +1-649-946-7705. My Dee’s Variety +1-649-243-2344. Victoria Gift Shop +1-649-946-7113 / 241-6370 / 244-4186.
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Restaurants
My Dee’s Restaurant +1-649-946-7059 / 245-1239. Silver Palm Restaurant +1-649-946-7113 / 244-4186.
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Spirits – Sodas – Water
Liquors Plus +1-649-946-7761 / 232-7101.
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Vacation Accommodations
Caicos Beach Condos +1-649-241-4778. Hollywood Beach Suites +1-649-231-1020 +1-800-551-2256. La Villa Rose +1-649-243-3207 / 946-7142. Pelican Beach Hotel +1-649-946-7112. Villa Cecilia +1-649-781-953-5909 / 243-8691.
