T
How to Spend a Day in North and Middle Caicos
There’s no shortage of adventure waiting for travellers on Providenciales. But for those keen to travel off the beaten path, few adventures compare to a day trip to Provo’s lush neighbours, North Caicos and Middle Caicos.
These islands have long been known to Turks Islanders as the garden isles. North Caicos, in particular, boasts lush, verdant landscapes abundant with unique plant life. Both sister islands have stunning vistas. Life on North and Middle is significantly quieter than on Providenciales. With a combined population of less than 2,000, these scenic islands—the largest in the archipelago—offer ample opportunities for blissful relaxation and island adventure, without the crowds.
A quick 30-minute boat ride transports travellers from the eastern tip of Providenciales to North Caicos. Middle Caicos is connected via a scenic causeway. Keen to roadtrip across these lush, quiet islands? Here are Hummingbird Luxury’s top picks for things to do on a day trip to North and Middle Caicos.
Three Marys Cays, North Caicos
Begin your North Caicos and Middle Caicos adventure with a drive to Three Marys Cays. They are just a 12-minute drive from the ferry terminal at Bellefield Landing. This northeast attraction and protected sanctuary is home to three remarkable limestone cays. They are surrounded by crystal-clear water, making it the perfect spot for a picnic, North Caicos snorkel session, or scenic photoshoot.
The beauty of Three Marys Cays is the area’s proximity to other landmarks and points of attraction in the northeast area, including Cottage Pond and Pumpkin Bluff Pond, a protected nature reserve where flamingos feed in its shallow waters. Keep your eyes peeled for herons, egrets and the other coastal birds that call these cays home on your visit. As you make your way northwest, enjoy the talcum-coloured sand and larimar-tinted waves of Hollywood Beach, one of North Caicos’ prettiest stretches of coastline.
Tip: Stop for a bite to eat at a local eatery for authentic island fare. Our long time favourites: Miss B’s, Barracuda Beach Bar and Big Josh’s Bar and Grill.
Flamingo Pond Overlook, North Caicos
If you’re looking to see flamingos during your visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands, there’s no better pit stop than Flamingo Pond Overlook. This stop is located just outside the settlement of Whitby en route to Horsestable Beach. The viewpoint peers over a sprawling wetland ecosystem that makes for fantastic birdwatching. The wetland is home to a wide array of bird species, including herons, egrets, stilts, spoonbills, and of course, flamingos. From the overlook, the luckiest of visitors can see flocks of flamingos that number in the thousands, depending on the season. Given the distance between the overlook and the wetland, it’s worth packing a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope to get the best view of the birds.
Mudjin Harbour, Middle Caicos
Mudjin Harbour is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. This picturesque beach on Middle Caicos is a treat for travellers looking for vibrant turquoise waters and striking vistas. This stunning 4.8-kilometre beach is lined by tall limestone cliffs that look out onto Dragon Cay, a unique rock formation enveloping the harbour’s clear swells and narrow sand spit visible at low tide. To experience Mudjin from a different vantage point, trek along the Crossing Place Trail. This footpath that takes you to the top of the area’s limestone cliffs where you’ll witness unmatched views of the harbour, the Circle of Hope monument, and Mudjin’s neighbouring beaches. On your way out, stop by the Mudjin Bar & Grill for a rum punch or one of the Turks Head Brewery’s local craft beers.
Indian Cave and Conch Bar Caves, Middle Caicos
Balance out your coastal adventures with a visit inland to Middle Caicos’ whimsical caves, Indian Cave and Conch Bar caves. The Conch Bar caves are named after the nearby settlement of Conch Bar. They from the largest dry cave system in the Bahamas-Turks and Caicos island chain. These cave systems are home to several bat species, crustaceans, and archaeological remnants of the archipelago’s history. Entrance to the Conch Bar caves costs $20 USD and includes a guided tour that takes around an hour to complete.
Access to Indian Cave, on the other hand, is free. This limestone cave near Mudjin Harbour is full of life, from barn owls, bats, and giant blue land crabs to the papaya trees and short-leaved fig that grow under its large openings and magical, natural skylights.
Tip: Bring along sturdy footwear for exploring Conch Bar Caves.
Bambarra Beach, Middle Caicos
There’s no better way to follow up a morning swim session at Mudjin than with a visit to Bambarra Beach on the island’s central north coast. Neighbouring the historical settlement of Bambarra, the beach’s calm, clear and shallow waters make it the ideal setting for a post-lunch cooldown. Take a siesta under under the shade of the casuarina pines that line the beach. You can order up some cracked conch from one of the local vendors and recharge for the rest of your island vacation.
We recommend stopping by the Bambarra Beach Bar to sample their coconade—a mixture of coconut water, lemonade and gin—served up beachside in a fresh Middle Caicos coconut.
Plan Your Trip to North and Middle Caicos with Hummingbird Luxury
Thrilled by the prospect of exploring the picturesque and relatively untouched isles of North and Middle Caicos? Leave it to our team at Hummingbird Luxury to plan a phenomenal dual-island getaway that will acquaint you with the magic of these little-known isles.
If you’re staying elsewhere on Providenciales, we’re happy to show you around—our concierge services take the hassle of research and planning away, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island experience. Get in touch with us today to make the most of your stay in Turks and Caicos with a visit to North and Middle Caicos.