Little Water Cay (Iguana Island)
Turks and Caicos
Little Water Cay (also known as Iguana Island) is a small cay located near the Leeward area of Providenciales. It's best known for being a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana. The cay has a small tour dock, a 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, located inside the greater Princess Alexandra National Park (which includes sites such as the famous Grace Bay Beach and the Bight Reef snorkeling site). This cay and the adjacent Half Moon Bay lagoon are managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust. Guides are usually onsite at the cay to inform visitors and protect the iguanas and environment.
Turks and Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata) are docile animals. There are typically many of these fascinating lizards lounging in the coastal vegetation at the cay. The general Caicos Cays, which Little Water Cay is part of, are an exceptional area for boat charters. Little Water Cay is a great first stop, and is a fun and interesting attraction for all ages. A beach connects Little Water Cay, Half Moon Bay, Water Cay, and Pine Cay.
Getting to Little Water Cay
Little Water Cay is only 499 yards (456 m) from Providenciales. It’s a short trip via a tour boat or kayak from the Blue Haven Marina area on Providenciales to the nearby island.
Big Blue Collective rents kayaks you can use to access the cay. There are currents in the channel between Providenciales and Little Water Cay that you should be cautious of—however, given that boats and other people are typically present in the area, there's usually someone around to assist you if you have problems. Numerous local companies offer eco-tour packages that combine a visit to Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) with other activities.
What You’ll See
The main and only attraction on the island is the Turks and Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata). These iguanas are basically big lizards, and—thanks to extensive conservation efforts—they're everywhere on the island. If you’re traveling to Little Water Cay by kayak, be sure to stop by the little islets nearby to see the wilder iguanas that inhabit these tiny islands.
Little Water Cay has two sets of loop boardwalks installed—one on the north side (the north trail) and one on the south side (the south trail) of the island. Those kayaking from the marina will reach the southern boardwalk first. If you're arriving by boat, the docking point will depend on the operator and size of the boat. Both boardwalks offer a similar experience, but the northern part of the island offers several saline wetland ponds.
A trip to Little Water Cay is something that can appeal to anyone, and especially to families and eco-tourists. The total trip (if you're only visiting this island) is about 2–3 hours round trip.
Conservation Status
The Turks and Caicos rock iguana is an endangered species. These lizards used to live on all the islands in the Turks and Caicos, but the introduction of cats and dogs by humans quickly led to their rapid decline and extinction on many other islands.
Fortunately, conservation efforts seem to be helping—the iguanas were previously critically endangered, but have since been reclassified to a lower conservation status as their population has grown.
Little Water Cay is a protected nature sanctuary. Pets are prohibited on the island.
Admission and Entry
Tourism to Little Water Cay is managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust. All access to this sensitive nature reserve must be through designated paths and boardwalks.
Admission to Little Water Cay and the boardwalk paths can be obtained at the visitor center on the island, through most tour and boat cruise providers, and at the National Trust office at the Saltmills Plaza on Providenciales.
Three levels of admission are offered (2024 prices):
- Admission to the south trail is $20.
- Admission to the north trail is $20.
- Access to Half Moon Bay is $10.
For tickets and general inquiries, contact the Turks and Caicos National Trust.
Nature Reserve Map
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Tour Companies
