Little Water Cay (Iguana Island)
Turks and Caicos
Little Water Cay is a small cay located near the Leeward area of Providenciales, and is best known as being a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana. The cay has a small tour dock, welcome center, and nature paths, and is a popular stop on boat charters operating on the eastern side of Providenciales.
Little Water Cay is part of the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve, which is inside the greater Princess Alexandra National Park, which includes sites such as the famous Grace Bay Beach, and the Bight Reef snorkeling site. Little Water Cay and adjacent Half Moon Bay Lagoon are managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust, and guides are usually onsite at the cay to inform visitors and protect the iguanas and environment.
The cay is a fun and interesting attraction for all ages. The Turks and Caicos rock iguana is docile, and there are typically many of these fascinating lizards to be seen lounging in the coastal vegetation at the cay. The general Caicos Cays are an exceptional area for boat charters, and Little Water Cay is a great first stop. Little Water Cay, Half Moon Bay, Water Cay, and Pine Cay are connected by beach.
Getting to Little Water Cay
Little Water Cay is only 499 yards (456 meters) from Providenciales. It’s a short trip via a tour boat or kayak from the Leeward Marina area on Providenciales to the nearby island.
Big Blue Collective rents kayaks, but be aware of currents in the channel between Providenciales and Little Water Cay. However, due to the presence of boats and other people in the area, there are usually people to assist you if you have problems. Local companies offer package eco-tours which combine a visit to Iguana Island.
What You’ll See
The main and only attractions are the Turks and Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata), which are basically big lizards. They're everywhere on the island due to extensive conservation efforts. If you’re traveling by kayak, be sure to stop by the little islets nearby to see the wilder, smaller iguanas that inhabit these minuscule islands.
Little Water Cay has two sets of loop boardwalks installed, one on the north side and one on the south side of the island. Those kayaking will reach the southern boardwalk, whereas those arriving by boat depends on the operator and size of the boat. Both boardwalks offer a similar experience, although the northern part of the island offers several saline wetland ponds.
This is something that families, eco-tourists, and just the average person will find interesting. The total trip (if visiting the island only) is about 2-3 hours round trip.
Conservation Status
Unfortunately, these animals are classified as endangered. These lizards used to live on all the islands in the Turks and Caicos, but the introduction by humans of cats and dogs quickly led to their rapid decline and extinction on the other islands.
When visiting, DO NOT feed the iguanas and stay on the boardwalks. Please do not litter. Pets are prohibited.
Admission and Entry
Tourism to Little Water Cay is managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust. As a sensitive nature reserve, all access to the island must be through designated paths and boardwalks.
Admission to Little Water Cay and the boardwalk paths can be obtained at the visitor’s center on the island, through most tour and boat cruise providers, and at the National Trust office on Providenciales.
Three levels of admission are offered.
- Admission to the visitor’s center and the guided tour is $10.
- Admission to the visitor’s center, guided tour, and access to the extended trail is $15.
- Access to Half Moon Bay is $5.
For tickets and general inquiries, contact the Turks and Caicos National Trust at +1 (649) 941-5710.
Nature Reserve Map
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Tour Companies
