Mudjin Harbour
Middle Caicos
Mudjin Harbour is a three-mile-long (4.8 km) section of beach and coastline on the north side of Middle Caicos. It’s considered by many to be the finest landscape in the Turks and Caicos.
High limestone cliffs and interspersed beaches continue from Conch Bar out to Juniper Hole on the far northwest point of the island.
The main access to Mudjin Harbour Beach is located inside the Dragon Cay Resort. A small car park is located here, and a 500-foot (150 m) concrete walking path leads down to the beach. Several of the defining features of Mudjin Harbour are found in this vicinity: a large open-faced cave above the beach, an overlook at the top of the cliff, and the rocky Dragon Cay. Most visitors tend to spend several hours here, as there’s so much to see and explore.
Another great way to experience Mudjin Harbour is to walk the historical Crossing Place Trail. This hiking path leads across the hills, beaches, and cliffs of the area and was part of the link that traditionally connected the Caicos Islands.
Mudjin Harbour Beach
Although always impressive, Mudjin Harbour is especially so when there’s a high ocean swell. The Caicos Islands sit on an underwater plateau that rises about 8,000 feet (2,500 m) from the surrounding ocean floor. Rather unique in the Caicos Islands, the edge of this plateau is located directly off of Mudjin Harbour. Because of this, the ocean swells break right off the beach.
Mudjin Harbour isn’t really an excellent place for swimming for several reasons. Although some decent spots can be found in the small cove between Dragon Cay and the open-faced cave, waves, rocks, and sea urchins are common in other places. Because of the nearby reefs, sharks can sometimes be seen close to shore (mainly grey reef sharks).
Origin of Mudjin Harbour's Name
The original name for this area was Bermudian Harbour. It was named after the country it resembles. Over time, the name Bermudian Harbour was distorted to 'Mudian Harbour', and eventually became 'Mudjin Harbour'.
The Caves at Mudjin Harbour
Two popular caves are found at Mudjin Harbour.
The massive open-faced cave that fronts the beach can’t be missed, and provides great shade.
A smaller hidden cave can be found by following the stone path along the top of the cliffs. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when the path becomes stairs that disappear into the ground.
Both of these cave features are what is known as flank margin caves. They were originally dry cave systems that formed when the ocean level was higher. At some point in time, the caves were broken into by some environmental action, possibly wave action from the ocean.
Middle Caicos is home to a tremendous number of Karst process cave features, large and small. Two are globally significant. The nearby Conch Bar Caves is the largest dry cave system in the Turks and Caicos–Bahamas archipelago, and the Middle Caicos Ocean Hole is likely the widest blue hole on Earth.
Snorkeling at Mudjin Harbour
The barrier reef is quite close to Mudjin Harbour. Consequently, the snorkeling can be exceptional. However, ocean conditions aren’t always agreeable and more often than not are too rough. See North Caicos and Middle Caicos Snorkeling.
Dangers
Waves, currents, and sharp rocks can be hazardous to people who attempt to wade out to and climb Dragon Cay. In typical calm conditions, a sandbar leads out to Dragon Cay. However, large waves can cause a powerful backwash around the island. Razor-sharp rocks surround the island as well, so be careful not to fall or get caught in the surf.
Take caution when walking along the cliffs around Mudjin Harbour. Many small holes and loose rocks are hidden in the vegetation along the tops of the cliffs.
Another minor concern for visitors is poisonous coral sumac. This mid-sized tree can cause a severe rash if touched and is quite common inland along the north coast of Middle Caicos. Many coral sumac trees grow along the first 200 feet (60 m) of the beach path from the car park at Dragon Cay Resort, so watch out for them. See Dangerous Plants, Insects and Animals in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mudjin Harbour Beach Access
The Main Access, which has free parking, is located at the Dragon Cay Resort and near the Mudjin Bar & Grill. This access leads to the beach, to the large open-faced cave at the beach, Dragon Cay, the overlook above the beach, and the path that leads to the smaller beach cave with the stairs.