Turks and Caicos Islands Rock Iguana at Little Water Cay A Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana on Little Water Cay.
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Little Water Cay (Iguana Island)

Turks and Caicos
Location Information
Do Not Feed Iguanas
Do Not Take Shells or Coral
Do Not Touch Fish or Coral
Do Not Touch Iguanas
No Lifeguard
No Open Fires
No Rock Balancing
Stay on Paths
No Fishing
Watch for Boats
Editor's Comments
Little Water Cay is an excellent place to see the endemic Turks and Caicos rock iguana, as a small dock, boardwalk system, and welcome hut make access easy. Turks and Caicos National Trust guides onsite can provide tours.
5-star rating for Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
The beach at Little Water Cay
Beach on the north coast of Little Water Cay.

Little Water Cay is a small cay located near the Leeward area of Providenciales, and is best known as being a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana. The cay has a small tour dock, 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, which is inside the greater Princess Alexandra National Park, which includes sites such as the famous Grace Bay Beach, and the Bight Reef snorkeling site. Little Water Cay and adjacent Half Moon Bay Lagoon are managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust, and guides are usually onsite at the cay to inform visitors and protect the iguanas and environment.

The cay is a fun and interesting attraction for all ages. The Turks and Caicos rock iguana is docile, and there are typically many of these fascinating lizards to be seen lounging in the coastal vegetation at the cay. The general Caicos Cays are an exceptional area for boat charters, and Little Water Cay is a great first stop. Little Water Cay, Half Moon Bay, Water Cay, and Pine Cay are connected by beach.

Above: The iguanas on Little Water Cay are easy to approach.   Top right:  Top left:  A female Turks and Caicos Islands Rock Iguana.   Bottom right:  Top right:  Little Water Cay from the air.  

Getting to Little Water Cay

Little Water Cay is only 499 yards (456 meters) from Providenciales. It’s a short trip via a tour boat or kayak from the Leeward Marina area on Providenciales to the nearby island.

Big Blue Collective rents kayaks, but be aware of currents in the channel between Providenciales and Little Water Cay. However, due to the presence of boats and other people in the area, there are usually people to assist you if you have problems. Local companies offer package eco-tours which combine a visit to Iguana Island.

What You’ll See

Beautiful beach at Little Water Cay in the Turks and Caicos
The north side of Little Water Cays has several beautiful beaches and coves.

The main and only attractions are the Turks and Caicos rock iguanas (Cyclura carinata), which are basically big lizards. They're everywhere on the island due to extensive conservation efforts. If you’re traveling by kayak, be sure to stop by the little islets nearby to see the wilder, smaller iguanas that inhabit these minuscule islands.

Little Water Cay has two sets of loop boardwalks installed, one on the north side and one on the south side of the island. Those kayaking will reach the southern boardwalk, whereas those arriving by boat depends on the operator and size of the boat. Both boardwalks offer a similar experience, although the northern part of the island offers several saline wetland ponds.

This is something that families, eco-tourists, and just the average person will find interesting. The total trip (if visiting the island only) is about 2-3 hours round trip.

Conservation Status

Unfortunately, these animals are classified as endangered. These lizards used to live on all the islands in the Turks and Caicos, but the introduction by humans of cats and dogs quickly led to their rapid decline and extinction on the other islands.

When visiting, DO NOT feed the iguanas and stay on the boardwalks. Please do not litter. Pets are prohibited.

Admission and Entry

The visitor's center at Little Water Cay
The Visitor Center on Little Water Cay, funded by the European Union.

Tourism to Little Water Cay is managed by the Turks and Caicos National Trust. As a sensitive nature reserve, all access to the island must be through designated paths and boardwalks.

Admission to Little Water Cay and the boardwalk paths can be obtained at the visitor’s center on the island, through most tour and boat cruise providers, and at the National Trust office on Providenciales.

Three levels of admission are offered.

  • Admission to the visitor’s center and the guided tour is $10.
  • Admission to the visitor’s center, guided tour, and access to the extended trail is $15.
  • Access to Half Moon Bay is $5.

For tickets and general inquiries, contact the Turks and Caicos National Trust at +1 (649) 941-5710.

Nature Reserve Map

Tour Companies

Moana Charters
Moana Charters is a luxury private day charter company, based in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Discover amazing beaches, uninhabited cays, beautiful reefs, and much more. Choose from sporty Axopar day yachts, or a spacious and luxurious Windy yacht with air-conditioned cabin.
Big Blue Collective
Big Blue Collective's kayak ecotours and private charters all offer visits to Little Water Cay and Big Water Cay. Renowned for Rock Iguanas and Half Moon Bay, it is perhaps the shallow inside, that is most beguiling. Their kiteboarding downwiders, also often end here.
Rising Tide Tours
Rising Tide Tours features guided kayak and paddleboard eco-adventures to the mangrove wetlands and estuaries near Providenciales. Experience breathtaking crystal-clear water and see fish, birds, sharks, iguanas, turtles, conch, starfish, and much more.
Sail Beluga
Built by its current captain in 1982, the Beluga is a 40-foot Polynesian-style catamaran. Several different cruises are available, including visits to the spectacular beaches of the uninhabited Caicos Cays, snorkeling cruises, and the ever popular sunset sails.
Turks Ventures
Turks Ventures is a small eco-tour, water sports, and boat charter based on Providenciales, with a focus on fun and interesting tours to many beautiful locations in the Turks and Caicos. Excursions include an economical water taxi service to Half Moon Bay, Little Water Cay, and the floating bars.
Island Adventure TCI
Island Adventure TCI is a small and locally-owned eco-tour company that specializes in clear kayak wetland tours and private boat charters. Excursions are family-friendly, and are great for experiencing the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos.
Jedi Charters
Jedi Charters specializes in unpretentious and off-the-beaten-path boat excursions that are fully customized to guest preferences. Snorkel on beautiful reefs, explore deserted beaches, or experience an exhilarating kite downwind safari across the turquoise waters of the Caicos Islands.