East Bay Islands National Park
North Caicos
East Bay Islands National Park is found off the northeast coast of North Caicos and next to Bottle Creek, and is composed of the uninhabited wetland islands of Bay Cay, East Bay Cay, and Major Hill Cay. The total area of this protected region, which includes water, is 8,746 acres (3,539 hectares). The national park has been given the NP5 code designation by the Turks and Caicos Government.
The main activities in this area are kayaking and day boat trips.
Sights and Scenery
The north and northeast coasts of Bay Cay and East Bay Cay offer excellent casuarina tree-lined beaches. The southeastern section of the beach on East Bay is spectacular, and comparable to many of the top beaches in the country.
The southern sides of these cays consist of sheltered mangrove wetlands and interior landlocked ponds. An abundance of bird life and other wildlife can be found in these areas.
Nearly the entirety of the dry ground on these islands is low-elevation, sandy coastal vegetation terrain. This landscape supports a beautiful array of salt-resistant trees, including sea grape trees, thatch palms, joe wood trees, and sapodilla trees.
The unique and interesting Highas Cay is located near the national park. Although not inside the park, this scenic and uninhabited island is worth a visit if you're in the area.
How to Visit the National Park
North Caicos and Middle Caicos do not have an extensive tourism industry compared to Providenciales.
Consequently, the charter and excursion options to visit East Bay Islands National Park are limited.
All boat charters that operate from North Caicos offer custom adventures, so tours of the national park are an option.
Due to the shallow depths that surround the area, a shallow draft vessel—such as a flats fishing boat—is necessary.
Big Blue Collective, the largest eco-tour operator in the Turks and Caicos, maintains a fleet of kayaks and paddleboards on North Caicos and can arrange bespoke adventures.
Tour Companies
