Riven with sea inlets and lagoons populated by pink flamingos, lush North Caicos is the Turks and Caicos’s second-largest island and lies about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from its eastern neighbor, Providenciales. Dotted with small settlements and former plantations, the quiet island boasts long sandy beaches with coral reefs for swimming and snorkeling.
While the high-end resort scene is elsewhere, North Caicos is a tranquil tropical escape with quaint settlements and stone ruins of plantations steeped in the charm of a bygone era. Rent a jeep to explore the island’s dramatically changing landscapes, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs and tall grasses, and spot pink flamingos, iguanas, and osprey.xa0 Book a local boat cruise or kayak tour to enjoy the coastlines and partake in snorkeling, mountain biking, or scuba diving at Three Mary Cays, a trio of protected ironshore islets surrounded by healthy coral.
- North Caicos is an ideal spot for nature and beach lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for all types of terrain.
- Some resorts and restaurants offer wheelchair access, however, most don’t.
- Grocery stores are limited, though some souvenir shops sell local produce.
North Caicos lies about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from its eastern neighbor, Providenciales, separated by the dotted islets of Caicos Cays. Directly east is Middle Caicos. Take a ferry or chartered boat from Providenciales.
North Caicos has a pleasant tropical climate year-round. Peak season on the archipelago is from December and April, while the rainy season lasts from June through November. Most hurricanes fall in the months of August and September.
Located in the north-central area of the island, is an enchanting haven for West Indian flamingos. An enormous pond in the middle of marshes, Flamingo Pond Outlook attracts legions of the supremely elegant birds, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Climb to the overlook, which is about 300 feet (91 meters) from the main pond, for the best view of them, as they endlessly feed and preen themselves.
