Dragon Cay

Turks and Caicos

Dragon Cay at Mudjin Harbour Beach, Middle Caicos.

Dragon Cay is a small limestone ironshore island at the famous Mudjin Harbour beach on Middle Caicos. This cay (and Mudjin Harbour) is one of the top scenic spots in the Turks and Caicos, and a favorite location for landscape and travel photography. It is also a beautiful destination to explore on a day trip from Providenciales.

Dragon Cay is found about 200 feet (70 m) off the main beach at Mudjin Harbour, and is connected to the mainland by a sandbar exposed under most tide conditions. The location is one of the top 10 beaches in the Turks and Caicos.

Dragon Cay is the centerpiece to most Mudjin Harbour photos—when viewed from the beach, the outline of this rock resembles a dragon with its head pointing east. A little beach, protected and overshadowed by the island, can be found on the interior side of the cay.

Much of the coasts in the Turks and Caicos consist of unparalleled white-sand beaches with gentle dune backdrops. Mudjin Harbour is one of the few outliers, and is somewhat reminiscent of famous Caribbean beaches, such as Horseshoe Bay Beach and Stonehole Bay Beach in Bermuda and Bottom Bay in Barbados, which are framed by majestic cliffs.

Warnings & Regulations

Dangerous Currents

Visiting the cay or snorkeling when there's a swell is dangerous. Powerful wave wash over the sandbar can easily drag you into adjacent water or razor-sharp rocks.

Risk of Falling

Beware of loose rocks, crevices, and other hazards in this area. Watch where you step and wear proper footwear.

Sea Urchins

Sea urchins are found here. Watch where you step and do not touch them. Spines are painful and difficult to remove.

Sharp Rocks

There are sharp rocks here that are painful or dangerous to step on. Wear proper footwear and watch your step.

Do Not Climb

Much of the rock on this cay is razor-sharp limestone. Do not climb, as a slip or fall can result in serious injuries or death.

No Lifeguard

There are no lifeguards present in this area. Swim at your own risk and know your own limits.

Snorkeling and Reefs

Ironshore limestone rock at Dragon Cay.

Mudjin Harbour offers a bittersweet snorkeling situation. Weather and ocean conditions are typically too rough for pleasant snorkeling. Yet when the ocean is calm, the underwater visibility is incredible and the sights are amazing.

Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay are located quite close to the edge of the Caicos Islands underwater plateau. The edge here, or wall, drops from about 40 feet (12 m) into the thousands.

The depth transitions and vibrant blue water support corals, fish, and larger sea creatures.

Other Island Attractions

North Caicos and Middle Caicos have several tiny island attractions. In addition to Dragon Cay, there are Three Marys Cays and the beautiful Bay Cay near Horsestable Beach in the East Bay Islands National Park.

Dangers

Large wave breaking at Dragon Cay, Turks and Caicos

Wave breaking over Dragon Cay.

Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay is an exquisite coastal region, yet there are quite a few dangers and hazards to be aware of.

The coastal region that surrounds Mudjin Harbour and the Crossing Place Trail is home to the poisonous coral sumac tree, which can cause skin rashes if touched.

One of the few recorded shark attacks in the Turks and Caicos occurred off of Dragon Cay in 2011. In this situation, a swimmer off of the northern side of the cay received a strike to his shoulder in low visibility conditions. He received local medical care and 18 stitches.

Satellite

⤢