The view of the colonial cannon and ocean from the peak of Little Bluff Lookout
Little Bluff Lookout and Northwest Point, Salt Cay.
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Planning Your Salt Cay Day Trip

Note: It is not always possible to do a day trip to Salt Cay from Providenciales, as airline schedules often change and domestic flights are limited. You may need to book a combination of a domestic flight and a private boat charter to visit.
Breaking wave at North Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos
North Bay Beach, Salt Cay. Although much of the island's coastline is rocky to varying degrees, North Bay offers a beautiful and typically sheltered beach.

The tiny island of Salt Cay provides a unique experience—a Caribbean destination complete with exceptional beaches that remains unmarred by modern tourism development.

As part of the Turks Islands group, Salt Cay is found approximately 70 miles (114 km) southeast of Providenciales. The quiet island has a population of around 100.

Activities and Ambiance

See Also Things to Do on Salt Cay
See Also Exploring Salt Cay

Salt Cay’s primary draws are its world-renowned diving and humpback whale watching, yet the historical salt salinas and buildings, beautiful coastlines, and overall atmosphere are (in our opinion) just as much of an attraction.

The cay is laid-back and tranquil, and there simply isn’t the bustle and crowds that so many other destinations have. You will often have miles of secluded beach to yourself.

Booking Your Trip

See Also Getting to Salt Cay
See Also Getting Around Salt Cay
Sand and seashells at Balfour Town Beach
Balfour Town Beach, Salt Cay.

Planning a day trip to Salt Cay from Providenciales is typically more challenging than visiting some of the other main islands, such as Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos, for the day. Flights from Providenciales ($210–230 round-trip per person) are limited and connect through Grand Turk.

Caicos Express is the only airline that flies scheduled flights to Salt Cay. Flight time is about 30 minutes in the air, in addition to connection time on the tarmac at Grand Turk.

Once you're on the island, you will need to book transportation. Renting an off-road golf cart ($85–100 per day) is arguably the most fun option, yet it’s possible to cycle or walk. The island is 2.6 square miles (6.7 km²).

Due to the airfare, day trips to Salt Cay from Providenciales tend to be quite expensive. For a first day trip, it’s typically best to start with an excursion to the Garden Islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos, which are far more accessible (see Day Trip to North Caicos and Middle Caicos).

Overnight Stays

See Also Salt Cay Hotels and Villas
Sea salt in the salinas at Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos
The main Town Salina, with the White House in the background.

Depending on your interests, you may want to consider staying overnight or for a few days on the island.

If you simply want to see the island and historical sights, one day is typically sufficient (if you have a rental cart). However, if diving or whale watching are important, you may want extra time.

The only accommodations on Salt Cay are rental villas, and these tend to be reasonable in price when compared to the Providenciales offerings.

Businesses

Caicos Express Airways is the only airline to offer flights to Salt Cay.

Salt Cay Divers is the foremost dive and tour company.

There are a few small shops and restaurants where cold drinks and food can be found.