Planning a Day Trip to 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 North Caicos and Middle Caicos, Provo’s lush neighbours.
These islands, the two largest in our island chain, have long been known to Turks Islanders as the garden or green isles. North Caicos, in particular, boasts lush, verdant landscapes abundant with unique plant life. Middle Caicos is best known for dramatic cliffs and 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 offer ample opportunities for blissful relaxation and island adventure, without the crowds.
Get ready to explore secluded beaches, breathtaking limestone cliffs, historic plantations, crystal-clear waters, and so much more. Let’s dive into how to make the most out of your day in North and Middle Caicos!
Getting to North and Middle Caicos
Know Before You Go
Before you head off on your day trip adventure, there are a couple things we recommend planning before you go. We advise that you book your ferry ride or private boat tour and rent a car or reserve a taxi for the day, in advance. The main ferry is operated by Caribbean Cruisin’, check the schedule in advance. Having these two items set up beforehand will ensure you avoid disappointment as ferries can fill up and car rentals are limited. You can drive to Middle Caicos via the scenic causeway connecting the two islands. Many of the sites we recommend below are sites maintained by the Turks and Caicos National Trust. Be sure to check opening times, fees and regulations before you go.
Now that you’re ready to start your adventure in North and Middle Caicos, you’ll need to hop on a short ferry boat ride from Heaving Down Rock at the eastern tip of Providenciales. The journey is a scenic experience in itself as you pass a number of islands and cays on your cruise over to North Caicos. Once you arrive at Sandy Point Marina or Bellefield Landing in North Caicos, you can hop into your rental car or hired taxi to explore the islands at your own pace.
From historical sites to natural wonders, North Caicos sets the stage for an unforgettable day trip filled with exploration and discovery, and plenty of time to relax on secluded beaches. Here are our top picks for things to do on a day trip to North and Middle Caicos.
The Best Spots to Visit in North Caicos
Cottage Pond & Wade’s Green Plantation
Begin your North Caicos and Middle Caicos adventure just moments from Bellefield Landing or Sandy Point Marina. Nearest to Bellefield Landing in the North Caicos settlement of Kew is Wade’s Green Plantation, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history as one of the oldest and best preserved plantations in Turks and Caicos. The sprawling estate features well-preserved ruins that tell tales of its past as a thriving cotton plantation in the late 1700s. The site has unpaved paths leading to the different areas with plaques explaining their use. This spot also offers naturalists an opportunity to view many of the plants grown in TCI.
Just a couple of minutes away off Sandy Point Rd, Cottage Pond is a 150-foot deep blue hole surrounded by lush greenery, which creates a little hidden oasis. While there is not much to see beyond this feature, it is a quick stop and offers the rare opportunity to see a tropical blue hole.
Three Marys Cays
Continuing your North Caicos and Middle Caicos adventure, next stop is at Three Marys Cays. This northeast attraction and protected sanctuary is home to three remarkable limestone cays and just a few minutes from Cottage Pond and Wade’s Green Plantation. The cays are surrounded by crystal-clear water, making it the perfect spot for an early picnic and a quick dip, your first North Caicos snorkel session, or a scenic photoshoot.
The beauty of Three Marys Cays is the area’s proximity to other landmarks and points of attraction in the northeast area. From here you can cruise over to Pumpkin Bluff Pond, a protected nature reserve where flamingos feed in the shallow waters and a number of other species of birds congregate. A birdwatcher’s dream, 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
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.
Bottle Creek and The Middle Caicos Causeway
One of the most iconic features of North and Middle is the Middle Caicos Causeway, a stunning stretch of road that connects the two islands together. As visitors drive along this scenic route, they are treated to panoramic vistas of Bottle Creek’s lush mangrove forests and serene wetlands teeming with wildlife. The causeway serves as not only a practical transportation link but also as a gateway to experiencing the unspoiled beauty that Middle Caicos has to offer.
The Best Spots to Visit in Middle Caicos
Mudjin Harbour
Mudjin Harbour is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Marvel at the dramatic limestone cliffs that frame the turquoise waters below. Stroll the pristine beach below and you can make your way to Dragon Cay, a unique rock formation surrounded by the harbour’s clear swells. A narrow sand spit visible at low tide makes way for visitors to walk the sandbar out to the cay.
The entrance to the beach here is framed by a large open cave called The Amphitheatre, carved into the cliff by the ocean over time. From here, you can experience Mudjin from a different vantage point with a short trek along the Crossing Place Trail. This footpath takes you to the top of Mudjin Harbour’s limestone cliffs where you’ll witness unmatched views. You will also find the Circle of Hope monument with the statue of the praying hands. On your way out, stop by the Mudjin Bar & Grill at Dragon Cay Resort for a rum punch or one of the Turks Head Brewery’s local craft beers.
Indian Cave and Conch Bar Caves
Balance out your coastal adventures with a visit inland to Middle Caicos’ whimsical caves, Indian Cave and Conch Bar caves. As you head east away from Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay Resort, Indian Cave is located on your left hand side and is free to visit . This limestone cave 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.
Continuing along the main road you will arrive at The Conch Bar caves, named after the nearby settlement of Conch Bar. They form 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 about an hour to complete.
Tip: Bring along sturdy footwear and cash for entry fees for exploring Conch Bar Caves.
Bambarra Beach
There’s no better way to follow up a morning hike or swim at Mudjin than with a visit to Bambarra Beach on the central north coast of Middle Caicos. 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 at this picturesque beach. And 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.
Your Day Trip to North and Middle Caicos
Thrilled by the prospect of exploring the picturesque and relatively untouched isles of North and Middle Caicos? Make sure to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and camera for a memorable day of discovering the historical sites, areas of natural beauty, wildlife and diverse coastlines of North and Middle Caicos.
There is so much to see and explore you won’t be able to get it all into one day! We recommend picking a few of our recommendations above and leave time to lounge on the beach and dine at one of the quaint local restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying some authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine during your out-island visit. From jerk chicken to freshly caught lobster, each bite offers a taste of local flavours that cannot be missed. Plan your visit today and discover the hidden gems of Turks and Caicos Islands waiting for you in North and Middle Caicos!
