Things to See
1.
Flamingos
West Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos
4 star rating by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
The West Indian Flamingo (also known as the American Flamingo or the Caribbean Flamingo) is seen on all of the main islands in the Turks and Caicos.
The absolute best place in the Turks and Caicos to see flamingos is Lake Catherine on West Caicos, followed by Flamingo Pond Overlook on North Caicos and the salt ponds and Salinas on South Caicos.
The regions on Providenciales where you’re most likely to spot a flamingo are the remote west coast protected areas of Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve and the Frenchmans Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve. However, the only access into these expansive and secluded areas is by poor-condition unpaved roads.
Of the easily-accessible areas of Providenciales; flamingos are occasionally seen at the interior pond near the southern Leeward entrance gate, at Flamingo Lake near Turtle Tail, and on the ponds at the golf course.
There are countless ponds and wetlands on North and Middle Caicos, and flamingos are occasionally seen at almost every such site. It’s simply hit or miss whether they’ll be there or not.
Grand Turk and Salt Cay at times have a flamboyance or two of flamingos in the Salinas.
If you’re looking to photograph flamingos, the best conditions are found on South Caicos. Here, the majestic wading birds are a little less skittish than those in the remote ponds, and the salina walls allow for an easier approach.
2.
Conch Bar Caves
Middle Caicos
4 star rating by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos is the largest non-submerged cave system in the Bahamas-Turks and Caicos island chain and is a Turks and Caicos national park. The cave system is named after the village of Conch Bar nearby.
Current Site and Visitor Info
Largely due to graffiti, damage to sensitive cave features, and the harassment of bat populations, all visitors to Conch Bar Caves must be accompanied by a guide.
Conch Bar Caves does not have the developed paths, stairs and lighting that other tourist attraction caves have, so the visiting experience tends to be a bit more of an adventure. Handheld flashlights provide lighting, and tour guides usually have extras to loan to visitors.
The cave system is all generally on one level with no major ascents or descents, but some areas can be slippery and rough, so an in-depth tour might not be for everyone. It’s advisable to wear shoes or boots.
As is the usual practice for preserved caves, touching the formations and cave is forbidden as the oils and contaminates on human skin decay the rock surface and interrupt the natural processes of cave development. Care must also be taken during the day so as not to disturb the bats that live in the cave. All types of graffiti and vandalism are illegal and offenders can face stiff fines.
Middle Caicos doesn’t see large numbers of visitors, so Conch Bar Caves doesn’t have regular hours or guides on site. The entrance to the cave is gated, so all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. If you don’t have reservations, inquire at the Middle Caicos airport building near Conch Bar Caves, or visit the Middle Caicos Co-op store in Conch Bar Village. To make reservations, see the contact info for Middle Caicos Co-op at the bottom of this page.
The usual entrance and guided tour fee is $20 per person. Expect tours to take a little over an hour.
3.
Mudjin Harbour
Middle Caicos
4 star rating by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
Mudjin Harbor is a three-mile (4.8km) long section of beach and coastline on the north of Middle Caicos. It’s considered by many to be the finest landscape in the Turks and Caicos.
High limestone cliffs and interspersed beaches continue from Conch Bar out to Juniper Hole on the far northwest point of the island.
The main access to Mudjin Harbor Beach is located inside the Dragon Cay Resort. A small car park is located here, and a 500 foot (150m) concrete walking path leads down to the beach. Several of the defining features of Mudjin Harbor are found in this vicinity: a large open-faced cave above the beach, an overlook at the top of the cliff, and the rocky Dragon Cay. Most visitors tend to spend several hours here, as there’s so much to see and explore.
Another great way to experience Mudjin Harbor is to walk the historical Crossing Place Trail. This hiking path leads across the hills, beaches and cliffs of the area and was part of the link that traditionally connected the Caicos Islands.
Although impressive at all times, Mudjin Harbor is especially so when there’s a high ocean swell. The Caicos Islands sit on an underwater plateau that rises about 8000 feet (2500m) from the surrounding ocean floor, and the edge of this plateau is located directly off of Mudjin Harbor, unlike much of the rest of the Caicos Islands coastline. Because of this, the ocean swells break right off the beach.
Mudjin Harbor isn’t really an excellent place for swimming for several reasons. Although some decent spots can be found in the small cove between Dragon Island and the open-faced cave, waves, rocks, and sea urchins are common in other places. Also, because of the nearby reefs, sharks can sometimes be seen close to shore. Although these are mainly grey reef sharks, swimmers may not like to share the water!