North and Middle Caicos Island Tours
Found in the center of the Turks and Caicos, the islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos offer many of the country's most interesting natural features. Together, they are relatively large compared to the archipelago's other islands and are known locally as the garden islands. They offer what is now a rarity in the Caribbean—islands that remain largely undeveloped and still reflect the old way of life.
Several businesses on Providenciales offer organized tours and day trips to North Caicos and Middle Caicos, which either begin with a ferry ride or a private boat transfer from Providenciales. Excursions tend to be small and often private (though a few companies, such as TCI Coastal Tours, offer shared tours).
If you want to book a private charter and have more say in the sights that you visit, browse our pages on the sights, activities, and beaches to gather ideas before contacting a tour company.
Along with simple land tours by car or van, e-biking tours, guided cycling trips, and kayak or stand-up paddleboard excursions to the remote and beautiful wetlands can also be arranged.
Interesting Locations
The beauty of visiting North Caicos and Middle Caicos is that it's common for their most popular attractions to see remarkably few visitors. Bambarra Beach, Mudjin Harbour, and Indian Cave are among the most popular locations to visit and, most times, you'll largely have these sights to yourself. Other interesting locations that are easy to visit by car or land tour are Flamingo Pond Overlook, Cottage Pond, Wade's Green Plantation, and the Conch Bar Caves.
Quite a few difficult-to-access yet spectacular cays are found off North Caicos and Middle Caicos. Uninhabited (and many are part of a protected nature reserve), these locations are havens for wildlife. Bay Cay, East Bay Cay, Joe Grant Cay, and Man O' War Bush are a few of the amazing and remote islands that can be visited.
If you’d rather keep it a bit more tranquil, a simple visit to the beach or a snorkeling spot can be arranged as well. Mudjin Harbour, Horsestable Beach, Cedar Point and Hollywood Beach are only a few of the spectacular coasts that are waiting for you to enjoy.
Tour Times and Trip Duration
North Caicos is a 25–35 minute boat ride from Providenciales, and it can take about as long to drive from North Caicos to Middle Caicos (a causeway road connects the two islands). As such, organized tours and self-guided trips tend to be full-day excursions of 6 hours or more.
There’s plenty to see on both islands, so plan to spend the day. If your schedule doesn’t allow for a long trip, tour operators may be able to adjust tour times upon request.
Inclusions
Tours typically include inter-island transportation, ground transportation (if applicable) on North Caicos and Middle Caicos, refreshments, and a local lunch in the base price. All Turks and Caicos tours are required to charge 12% tourism tax on tours. This may or may not be included in the base price.
Caves and Sinkholes
Middle Caicos is home to some beautiful Karst cave systems. The largest is the famous Conch Bar Caves, a spectacular network of miles of tunnels. To protect the sensitive geology and fauna, all tours are guided.
Indian Cave, an open gallery cave with circular sinkhole skylights, is another interesting stop. This feature supports papaya and ficus trees, which fight their way to the light through the openings in the limestone ceiling.
Cottage Pond on North Caicos is a small sinkhole pond with an impressive depth of about 255 feet (78 m). A variety of birdlife is found here.
Guided Bicycle Tours
Another way to experience North and Middle Caicos is on a guided cycling tour or e-bike tour.
The typical route navigates the western side of North Caicos, and includes stops at Sandy Point, Kew, Wade’s Green, Cottage Pond, Flamingo Pond Overlook, Whitby, and Pumpkin Bluff. This tour covers 12–15 miles (19-24 km), and is suitable for most age and endurance levels.
Custom adventures to the more remote sights and beaches are available as well.
Island Cuisine and Lunch
A local Turks and Caicos lunch is usually included on island tours, and the food here is typically more authentic than what you can find on Providenciales. The fish and vegetables used in these dishes are often harvested the same day they are prepared.
Tour Companies
