Salt Cay Turks and Caicos Islands
Often referred to as the “Island that time forgot”. Less than one hundred years ago a thriving salt industry supported a community of 1100 people. Now home to about 80 souls from around the world who enjoy a peaceful coexistence with the sea and sky. More recently Salt Cay is referred to as “The Island you cannot forget!”
Sunrise over the Salt Cay salt pans
Salt Cay supported a whaling company in the mid-1800’s. Now, whales pass by undisturbed during January through March on the way to their winter breeding grounds on the Mouchoir Banks. Plan ahead to extend your stay in the Turks and Caicos Islands and include a few days on Salt Cay to “See the Whales”.
South of Salt Cay, you can dive the Endymion Wreck, a 140 foot (43m) wooden-hulled British warship which sank in 1790 after hitting the reef.
Welcome to the Salt Cay airport building
Often referred to as the “Island that time forgot”. Less than one hundred years ago a thriving salt industry supported a community of 1100 people. Now home to about 80 souls from around the world who enjoy a peaceful coexistence with the sea and sky.
If low key is the vacation you are seeking you can enjoy no less than five dining establishments from gourmet to authentic “island” cuisine and ten guest houses with selections from the funky to the luxurious - Salt Cay style. A list of privacy-seeking celebrities have graced the shores since movie stars Madeleine Carroll and Sterling Hayden converged in 1942 to film Bahama Passage.
A house on Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
A day trip on Salt Cay to view just a small slice of life truly away from it all can be the highlight of your Turks & Caicos Islands experience. Few destinations afford the opportunity to meet the people who live there - people with a story to tell and a genuine smile. On Salt Cay you will find the friendliest people in the world.
On their way to the Silver Banks to mate and calf, January through March is prime whale watching time. The humpbacks are playing so close by you can see them from shore and hear them with your ear in the water. No longer hunted for “oil” they are now enjoyed by a privileged few who can spend a day with them.
Donkey walking past a Boutique on Salt Cay
Salt Cay’s reef is still pristine, less travelled and part of the third largest reef system in the world. The top of the reef starts in only 20 to 35 feet (6 - 11m) of water. The walls have a gradual slope or a sheer drop to 7,000 feet (2,100m). Dive sites are just 5 or 10 minutes from the dock. Northwest Wall, Kelly’s Folly and Turtle Garden offer wall diving at its finest. Huge gorgonians, brilliant coral and sponges form a backdrop for a family of spotted eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, huge moray eels and jewel-like fishes. You can arrange to dive the HMS Endymion, a 1790’s British war ship resting in just 40 feet (12m) of water. Magnificent songs by the Humpbacks can be heard on most every dive.
Snorkelling, right off the beach, is unsurpassed. The Bluff, Point Pleasant and Aquarium sites offer opportunities to watch a line of squid, tarpon, barracuda, many brilliant fish, as well as colourful coral heads and fans.
Remnants of a windmill on the salt pans
You can enjoy exploring Salt Cay with bicycle or golf cart rentals.
Island Hopping: To truly experience the essence of the Turks and Caicos you need to explore the different islands and preferably stay a night or two. Enjoy the pure wilderness of Middle and East Caicos, soak up the ambience of Salt Cay and discover why settling in the TCI has never been for the feint hearted. Join Amphibious Adventures on a memorable adventure to the far-flung corners of the archipelago or ask about planning your next multi-island vacation.
Windows on the White House on Salt Cay
Salt Cay can be reached by plane from Providenciales on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call Caicos Express Airways for the schedule and Saturday flights. A new dock is being constructed to allow boat ferry service from Grand Turk. Flights from Grand Turk may also be available. Please contact one of the businesses below for further information and local knowledge.
Salt Cay photos have been provided by Amphibious Adventures.
Salt Cay Business Directory
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Caicos Express Airways
Flights to Salt Cay ($160 RT per person, subject to change) +1-649-232-1982.
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Dive Salt Cay and More
Weeklong / Weekend Retreats, Getaway Packages, accommodations, dining, excursions included. Call Haidee +1-772-713-9502 www.DiveSaltCayandMore.com.
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Island Thyme Bistro
Breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinners, full bar, weekly special events. Visit the website for the blog and the newsletter.
Contact details for Island Thyme Bistro -
Salt Cay Divers
Day trips planned, whale watching, diving and snorkelling. Call Debbie +1-649-241-1009 www.SaltCayDivers.tc
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Tours from Providenciales
Amphibious Adventures - Day and multi-day guided trips to explore Salt Cay and Big Sand Cay.
Contact details for Amphibious Adventures
