South Caicos

South Caicos is a small (21.2 square kilometres (8.2 sq mi), population 1,100) island in the Caribbean. It is known for scuba diving and fishing. It is less developed than some other islands, good for relaxing away from hectic tourism but less than ideal if you are looking for excitement and nightlife.

Understand

Salt production started in the early 1700s and continued until the 1960s. This was done by pumping sea water into ponds and then transferring it as it evaporated down into smaller holding ponds from which it was eventually raked into a basket. Ruins of the industry can be seen.

Visitor Information

South Caicos page on Visit Turks & Caicos Islands

Get in

By plane

The easiest way to get to South is flying with InterCaribbean from Providenciales.

🌍 South Caicos Airport (XSC ^IATA). Dora's Restaurant is in the airport. (updated Oct 2021)

By boat

Travelling between islands by boat is possible, but usually isn't very practical for tourists because there are limited scheduled trips. TCI Ferry sail from Providenciales to South Caicos once per week.

There is also a Dominican boat that makes regular trips between South and Puerto Plata, DR via Grand Turk. It is possible to hitch a ride for a fee, but it's not really a passenger boat. The journey is made about every 20 days and takes about 9 hours.

Get around

There is no public transport on South Caicos. There is a limited selection of rental cars and advance reservations are recommended. Bicycle rental is also available.

🌍 Harbour Adventures Rentals, ☏ +1649 243 2112. jeep and scooter rentals (updated Oct 2021)
Seaview Rentals (Seaview Supermarket), ☏ +1649 243 946 3219. car rentals (updated Oct 2021)
🌍 Cham-b Bicycle reantals, ☏ +1649 243 946 3422. bicycles can be rented from the Cham-b grocery store (updated Oct 2021)

See

🌍 Cockburn Harbour. The largest settlement with a population of 800. South Caicos Lighthouse was built in 1890.and is a 5m high solar powered lighthouse. (updated Aug 2020)
🌍 The Boiling Hole. A subterranean underwater fissure passage that was used by salt producers to feed sea water into their salt pans. (updated Oct 2021)

Do

Relax on the Beach. All are public and free, but access may be difficult.
- 🌍 Cove Beach. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Long Beach. 2km long. An abandoned Loran navigation station is nearby. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 East Bay. the most popular beach on the island. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Plandon Cay Cut Beach. lined by limestone cliffs. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Bell Sound. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Shark Bay. Two small beaches, good for hiking and beachcombing. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Highlands Bay. small bays which are good for beachcombing. The ruins of Highlands House are on the hill behind. (updated Oct 2021)
- 🌍 Valley Bay Beach. A hiking destination due to the poor road access. (updated Oct 2021)

Buy

There is a Scotia Bank ATM in Cockburn Harbour.

🌍 Seaview Supermarket. Food and some hardware. Also rents cars. (updated Oct 2021)
🌍 Super Value Supermarket. (updated Oct 2021)

Eat

Also see sleep for the restaurants in hotels and resorts.

🌍 Sunset Cafe, Swann St, Cockburn Harbour TKCA 1ZZ. Seafood restaurant (updated Oct 2021)

Drink

Sleep

🌍 Ocean and Beach Resort. Hotel and Dolphin Grill restaurant built in 2006 (updated Oct 2021)
🌍 East Bay Resort. 480 acres of land, a PADI dive shop, BLU Bar & Grill (updated Oct 2021)
🌍 Sailrock Resort (Bell Sound), ☏ +1649 946 3777. Luxury suites and villas with kitchens. Great House Restaurant and Cove Restaurant are onsite and both have bars. (updated Oct 2021)