South Caicos

Introduction

South Caicos is the seventh largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, with a land area of 21.2 km2. South Caicos is known for excellent fishing, both deep sea and bone fishing, and scuba diving. South Caicos was formerly a salt exporter, the island still hosts a network of salt pans as a reminder of the industry. Today, the Island’s main income is derived from small scale commercial fishing.

Geography

Together with uninhabited East Caicos and a number of smaller islands, it forms the South Caicos and East Caicos District, with a total area of 136.8 km2. All islands in the east and south of Caicos Bank belong to this district, except French Cay, which belongs to Providenciales and West Caicos. The larger ones of these islands are Hog cay (7.9 km²), McCartney Cay (3.5 km²), Little Ambergris Cay (6.6 km²), Big Ambergris Cay (4.3 km²), and Long Cay (immediately south of South Caicos, 1.0 km²). Between South Cacios and the Amgergris Cays are the Six Hill Cays and the Fish Cays. South of the Ambergris Cays are Bush Cay, Seal Cays, Pear Cay, Shot Cay, White Cay, South Rock, Whale Breaker, and Swimmer Rock (submerged), and southwest, West Sand Spit (submerged).

Cities

• Cockburn Harbour
• Out North

Events and Festivals

Big South Regatta

Held over the last weekend in May, this traditional yacht regatta is open to amateurs and semi-pros. On shore there is nightly entertainment, including live music and cultural shows, plenty to keep all attendees occupied. The regatta is held on the island of South Caicos, which is easily reached from the main island of Providenciales.

Weather

South Caicos has a very pleasant and tropical climate with generally warm and humid weather. The seabreeze makes things relatively mild though and water is never far away. Temperatures generally average around 30 °C during the day yearround and 23 °C at night. December to May is the dry season, where July to October is the rainy season, but this generally means some showers at the end of the day instead of days of rain on end. Hurricanes are possible though from August to October.

Getting There

By Plane

The easiest way to get to South is on Air Turks & Caicos, which will cost $116 round trip from Provo or $85 round trip from Grand Turk.

By Boat

Traveling between islands by boat is possible, but usually isn't practical for tourists because there are no scheduled trips and requires knowing a local person making the journey.

External Links