Exploring West Caicos

The uninhabited island of West Caicos is located 14 miles from Northwest Point, Providenciales and the westernmost landmass in the Turks and Caicos Islands. At just 9 square miles, West Caicos is full of historical significance and natural treasures to be discovered. With secluded white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling, cliff jumping and land-based adventures – it’s no surprise that West Caicos is one of our favourite destinations for a day trip.

The Rich History of West Caicos

Evidence of the sisal trade from the late 1800s can be seen in the stone ruins of plantations on the island, as well as the impressive Burrell steam traction engine in the most significant settlement remains at Yankee Town. In the 1850s there were Loyalist attempts at salt raking and in the 1890s the island was cleared to make way for sisal production. Both efforts failed due to mismanagement and the island was abandoned in the early 1900s.

More modern attempts at developing the island saw the attempt an oil company attempted to purchase West Caicos in the early 1970s as the site of an oil refinery. The deal fell through, thankfully. The latest effort was the West Caicos Reserve, a Ritz Carlton managed luxury resort which was well underway until the financial collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. While some infrastructure remains from the resort project, including a marina basin with docks, the unfinished hotel buildings were carefully demolished in 2021 and the island remains a haven for visitors on boat charters.

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Burrell Steam Engine at Yankee Town, West Caicos, Turks and Caicos

Lake Catherine Nature Reserve

Inland from Yankee Town is Lake Catherine, a spectacular 500-acre tidal lake situated in the heart of the island and one of the main attractions of West Caicos. It draws a variety of bird species, including large flocks of flamingos that can be spotted from the old railway line. Lake Catherine also features several blue holes with the largest being ‘Boiling Hole’. The lake is connected to the ocean through natural underground passages and as the tide rises the water bubbles, appearing to boil. Lake Catherine can be accessed via a short hike, or drive, from Yankee Town along the old railway line which once transported goods across the island.

There are many fascinating sights to explore along the dirt paths surrounding Lake Catherine. Inland tidal pools and smaller lakes, filled with brackish water, provide a habitat for various bird and marine species. Some of these pools are inhabited by minuscule red shrimp that move in and out with the changing tides. The native gumbo limbo trees, with their twisting and bending forms, bear witness to past storms, while orchids can be seen growing on wooden trunks. This area is full of discoveries waiting to be made!

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West Caicos Marine National Park

The waters of West Caicos are unmatched, transitioning from a deep cerulean blue at 7,000 ft to the stunning turquoise of the shallow shoreline. The West Caicos ‘wall’ is home to some of the islands’ best scuba diving sites, and the nearby coral reefs offer spectacular snorkeling opportunities. Diverse marine life can be observed here from different reef sharks, turtles and rays to dolphins and humpback whales. The proximity of deep water makes whale watching from the beach here a unique possibility, best enjoyed during the migration season from December through March.

The coast of West Caicos offers a variety of landscapes, from beautiful white sandy beaches at Bernard Bay in the west to rugged iron shore in the south. Fossilized corals can be found on the west side iron shore, remnants of a barrier reef that existed 100 million years ago now visible due to changes in sea levels. East Bay boasts large sand dunes, a shipwreck, and a lush forest of silver palms along its edge.

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Getting to West Caicos

West Caicos is accessible by boat, located just 10 miles away from Sapodilla Bay. Most day trips begin from Turtle Cove, Leeward, or the southern side of the island, making the journey last around 30-45 minutes. The ride across the shallow Caicos Banks is truly breathtaking, with opportunities to visit unique spots like Middle Cay, a part of the Five Cays, and admire Turtle Rock and Split Rock from a different perspective. A full-day excursion to West Caicos provides a glimpse into the fascinating history of the islands, and there is no better crew to embark on this adventure with. We have a special bond with West Caicos and access to a vehicle for on-land tours, allowing our guests to discover more of the island during their

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