Hidden Gems of the Caribbean

North of Haiti and East of Cuba you will find the Turks and Caicos Islands. The island of Providenciales (Provo to the locals) is home to Grace Bay, consistently voted the best beach in the world. It is the very image of paradise with its white sandy bays and crystal blue waters. However, it is the slightly lesser known Islands of North and Middle Caicos that I would like to draw your attention to today.

A short ferry ride (30-40 minutes) from the Walkin Marina Provo will find you in the idyllic Sandy Point Marina in North Caicos. The population of these islands has dwindled over the years. Many of the local inhabitants have migrated to the larger islands of Provo or Grand Turk, in search of more profitable employment. This has left the Islands largely undeveloped and untouched; although larger than Providenciales and Grand Turk, the population sits just under 2000 residents. The small population combined with the large areas makes this a welcome change from the heavily commercialised larger Islands.

I was fortunate to visit whilst on a work trip in the region. I hired a car and explored the islands for an entire day. The only people I saw were at the ferry port when I arrived and one lonely fisherman that was casting a line out over the bridge that connects the two Islands.

The virgin beaches were unlike anything I have seen before, or since. I spent hours walking the coast venturing into caves and hidden inlets. I had a great time pretending I was Tom Hanks from Castaway, such was the feeling of isolation. Sadly, I could not find Wilson.

The original inhabitants of these islands were known as the Tainos people. It is thought that these islanders migrated from the southern parts of the Caribbean. However, with the arrival of the Spanish in the 1400s, the population was largely killed off or enslaved. Over the next few hundred years, the Islands were Colonised by the British and American settlers. The land was mostly used for farming and Plantations. The many ruins of which you can still explore today.

The Islands are steeped in a rich history which can really be felt whilst exploring. This is a must-see destination for any traveller in search of adventure off the beaten track. Or indeed anyone looking to get away from the tourist traps of the larger Islands.

If Empty beaches, fresh fried Conch, and adventure are your thing, then a visit should definitely be on the cards. However, I would be quick as in the last few years the popularity of these islands has grown. As is normally the way with these little spots of paradise, development is underway to bring the islands to the masses. When this happens, the unstoppable tide of commercialism will not be far behind.

Useful Tips for Getting Around:

Bikes, Cars, and Kayaks are all available for hire at the Marina where you arrive, all for a reasonable amount. Tours can also be arranged in advance, just inquire at the ferry port. If you decided to go it alone (definitely the more fun option) be sure that you have a plentiful supply of water before setting off. Shops and petrol stations are almost non-existent so once you set out it will be difficult to find supplies. There are a few beach Cafes from which you can get food. This is normally fish that has been caught that morning. Well worth a stop if you find yourself nearby. The Islands are very safe so there is no need to worry about any crime. As already stated, you will often not see anyone for the duration of your visit.