North Caicos and Middle Caicos are the largest islands in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. These twin islands are connected by road, and are perfect for exploring miles of untouched beaches, fascinating historical sites, humbling caves, and quiet living.
With fewer than 2,000 inhabitants on North Caicos and only about 100 on Middle Caicos, these islands offer a truly unique experience: a Caribbean vacation in a place the masses have yet to discover.
Flights and a passenger ferry service connect North Caicos to the main island of Providenciales, where most visitors spend their vacation. There are no flights or ferries to Middle Caicos, though it's easy to drive to the island from North Caicos across the causeway.
The Providenciales—North Caicos Ferry is a scenic 30-minute trip that runs up to five times per day. Alternatively, flights from North Caicos to Providenciales are about 15 minutes long and are offered several times per week.
A day trip to North and Middle Caicos is one of our top recommended activities if you're staying on nearby Providenciales. Just one day is enough time to see many of the top attractions, from Mudjin Harbour's dramatic coastline to the ancient Indian Cave and Conch Bar Caves.
Most day trip visitors take the Providenciales—North Caicos Ferry, which offers round-trip fares for $70. Once on North Caicos, you'll need to rent a car to explore the islands.
There’s a vast amount of unspoiled Caribbean wilderness to discover on North Caicos and Middle Caicos. The two islands are an amazing destination for outdoor photography, boasting countless beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush landscapes that shelter Caribbean flamingos, ospreys, herons, and more.
On remote Middle Caicos, you'll find mesmerizing caves, sinkholes, and blue holes. The island is home to the Middle Caicos Ocean Hole, the widest blue hole in the world. On verdant North Caicos, the archipelago's Garden Island, beautiful wetlands and ponds as well as the best preserved historical plantation site, Wade's Green Plantation, await.
The southern mangrove wetlands of both islands belong to the massive Ramsar Nature Reserve, the largest protected area in the Turks and Caicos.
Sights & Attractions Ramsar Nature ReserveNorth Caicos and Middle Caicos offer many attractions and sites that you won't find elsewhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Given that few people visit these islands, it's common to have many of these historical, natural, and geological sites all to yourself.
Both North Caicos and Middle Caicos offer beautiful beaches that lack the large-scale development that is common throughout the Caribbean. Each coast offers visitors something different, whether it's echoing sea caves, knee-deep turquoise water that extends for miles, or snorkeling coral reefs that are just a few fin kicks from shore.
All the beaches on North Caicos and Middle Caicos are found on the northern coast of the islands. Most of them are located along the main road that carves through both islands, making it easy to visit several coasts in one trip.
Beaches of North Caicos Beaches of Middle Caicos
There are more than 1,300 years of human history on North and Middle Caicos. First inhabited by the indigenous Lucayan people (Taínos) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and later settled by American Loyalists who built the islands' cotton and sisal plantations during the 1800s, the twin islands are a step back in time to the country's early history.
Middle Caicos and the adjacent East Caicos likely supported the largest Taíno populations in the Caribbean region. You can explore a few of their past dwelling sites, such as Indian Cave and the Conch Bar Caves, easily during your visit. The overgrown ruins of the extensive Wade's Green Plantation and Haulover Plantation provide the best glimpse into the country's Loyalist past.
The Loyalists The Lucayans
North Caicos and Middle Caicos boast a remote and unblemished marine environment that's certainly worth exploring during your trip.
The peaceful shallows and sounds are spectacular for bonefishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while some beaches offer interesting snorkeling sites and coral reef formations teeming with life. On land, the top activities are birdwatching, hiking, and cycling.
North Caicos has three small hotels while Middle Caicos has one resort consisting of guest houses, keeping with the quiet nature of the islands. There are no large hotels, all-inclusive resorts, or spas. All of these properties are on or near a beach.
The accommodations on North Caicos and Middle Caicos offer a quieter and simpler retreat than what you'll find on the main island of Providenciales. Some offer a relaxing pool or an onsite restaurant, while others can include bicycles or kayaks for guests.
North and Middle Caicos were once the agricultural center of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Today, they are the source of most of the country's locally grown produce, from succulent papaya to sugar cane and coconuts.
The two islands offer a more limited selection of restaurants than Providenciales, but are great places to sample authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine. Several oceanview restaurants and inland eateries are found across the two islands that feature dishes created with freshly caught seafood and local produce.
