South Caicos Cycling
South Caicos is a relatively small island, meaning it's possible to use a bicycle as a primary mode of transportation. Bicycles are available for rent in Cockburn Harbour. Some resorts offer their guests complimentary use of bicycles.
Most of the roads in Cockburn Harbour are paved, along with the road leading to Salterra Resort & Spa, opening February 2025.
Unless you’re an avid cyclist, it's generally recommended to rent a scooter or Jeep instead of a bicycle, given the heat and that the rental costs are comparatively similar. While there are no dedicated cycle lanes or paths on South Caicos, the road traffic is a fraction of what you'll see on Providenciales, and many roads are limited to 20 mph (32 km/h).
Booking and Reservations
When renting a bicycle from one of the rental shops in Cockburn Harbour, it’s highly recommended that you reserve in advance. For rentals for non-resort guests, bicycles can usually be delivered free of charge to your hotel or villa, or to the ferry dock.
Safety
South Caicos experiences intense sun, which can lead to dehydration. Take plenty of water with you and always wear a helmet. Consider wearing a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust.
Traffic in Cockburn Harbour, the island’s main settlement, is limited to 20 mph (32 km/h). Within the block layout of this town, some roads are give-way junctions, whereas others have a right-of-way. The walls and trees here can obscure your visibility, so it's best to slow down as you approach junctions to watch for traffic.
Coasts and Beaches
South Caicos has some truly beautiful beaches and coasts that are highly recommended to visitors. Be advised that some of the paths are quite sandy, and cycling can be somewhat more difficult than on a normal unpaved or paved road.
Maps and Distances
Salterra Resort is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) from central Cockburn Harbour and about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the airport.
Sailrock Resort is located about 5 miles (8 km) from central Cockburn Harbour and around 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the airport.
Plandon Cay Cut Beach is one of the most scenic areas in the country, and well worth a visit. The beach is about 2.5 miles (4 km) north of Sailrock Resort and 8.5 miles (14 km) from Salterra.
Things to Remember
- Drive on the left.
- Wear a helmet and sunglasses.
- Be aware of junctions in Cockburn Harbour, as visibility is reduced.
- Take water with you, as the sun is extremely intense.
