Whale House Bay

Much of the vegetation here is low salt-resistant coastal plants.

Whale House Bay is a remote beach located on the northeastern side of Salt Cay. The coast is around 1400 feet long (430 m), and is found between the scenic Northeast Point to the north, and the flotsam-strewn Long Bay Beach to the south.

As is the case with most east coast beaches and coasts in the Turks and Caicos, the windward Whale House Bay is exposed to the eastern trade winds, so typically present are strong breezes and choppy ocean conditions.

In terms of ease of access, Whale House Bay is the most remote place on Salt Cay, and offers a better sense of isolation from development than other parts of the island do. The area is scenic, wild, and a great place to explore, take photos, and beach comb. Unsurprisingly, the rocky cay close off the coast here is named Whale Island.

As its name suggests, the area was once home to a whaling station, as was also the case with Taylor Hill to the south. During the winter months, humpback whales can be spotted off the coast.

When in the area, you may also be interested in looking at the nearby site of the inlet to the Gray Salina. Although a relatively minor feature, the ancient limestone stonework of this tiny salt pond feed canal is nevertheless beautiful, and a testament to the salt industry of days past.

Above: Aerial photo of Whale House Bay. The island, cattle, donkeys, and the Grey Salina inlet can be seen.   Top right:  Top left:  Feral Salt Cay donkeys foraging.   Bottom right:  Top right:  Inlet to the Grey Salina, Salt Cay. Although the concept of evaporating seawater to produce salt is simple, by the later 1800s an efficient system of separate brine pans was developed. Small inlet canals such as this one fed seawater into the salinas.  

Getting to Whale House Bay

Whale House Bay does not have any access tracks or paths leading to it. The easiest way to get to the beach is via foot from either Northeast Point or Long Bay, which both have drivable access routes. Due to the isolation, it’s advisable to bring plenty of drinking water.