Welcome to Salt Cay
Discover Salt Cay!
Salt Cay is the smallest of the main inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos. With an area of only 2.6 square miles (6.7 km²) and a population of only 108 people, this island has a completely different character and persona than Providenciales and the other islands in the country. Located on the southeastern edge of the Turks and Caicos, Salt Cay is directly exposed to the constant trade winds and bears a unique weather-beaten landscape.
Salt Cay is truly an example of an island time forgot. There’s simply none of the tourism development, all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, spas, or golf courses that define so many of the other Caribbean destinations. A handful of small restaurants, specializing in fresh seafood, complete the island’s dining scene.
Day-to-day life is quiet. There are no paved roads and very few cars. From landing at the tiny and quaint Salt Cay Airport (SLX) (a perfect reflection of the island) to the stuccoed limestone block colonial buildings in Balfour Town, the entire Salt Cay experience is unique. Tranquility is an attraction in itself on Salt Cay, which is difficult to find elsewhere. See Activities and Attractions for ideas of things to do.
Secluded & Beautiful Beaches
Salt Cay is the perfect vacation destination for those who love to get out and explore.
For such a small island, there’s a surprising variance of beaches and coastlines to discover. Many coasts rarely see visitors, so you’ll likely have the beaches, bluffs, and hills to yourself.
The spectacular North Bay Beach, with crystal-clear water and white sand, is everything one could want in a tropical beach. Underwater here is beautiful too. Small and colorful snorkeling reefs contrast against the clean sandy bottom at several spots.
The east coast is a bit more rugged. Low cliffs, boulders strewn by previous storms, and the flotsam-covered Long Bay Beach offer a different aspect. When the ocean swell is up, impressive waves can be seen rolling in.
For those who’d like an entire tropical island to themselves, several beautiful and uninhabited cays, complete with pristine beaches, are found near Salt Cay. A day tour boat trip is the perfect way to discover paradise.
For birdwatchers, the mangroves and waterways of South Creek are a haven for herons, egrets, and ospreys.
The Salt Industry & Colonial Heritage
As the island’s name suggests, sea salt has played a major part in the history of Salt Cay.
Although one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos, Salt Cay was the site of a historic change in the country’s progression. After the initial discovery of the archipelago by Europeans in the late 1400s, the Turks and Caicos largely remained uninhabited until the 1600s, when colonization and sea salt collection began on Salt Cay by the Bermudians. It wasn’t long after this point in time that the other islands began to be settled.
The main settlement of Balfour Town was established in 1673 by Bermudians when they began developing the natural and shallow saline ponds into commercial Salt Cay Salinas worked by salt rakers. The revenue from salt exports continued to be the sole driver of the economy of the island for about 250 years, until the industry eventually declined in the early 1950s.
Today, there are historical sites located across Salt Cay. Low stone salina walls, channels, gates, and the remains of windmill pumps still tell the story of this bygone industry.
Hardy island donkeys and cattle, descendants of those worked during the salt days, still roam freely.
The Harriott White House, Salt Cay’s iconic edifice to the salt days, offers some of the finest British-Bermudian colonial architecture still remaining in the county.
The salt industry remains and the ecological value of Salt Cay has led to the island being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other centuries-old buildings, including The Halfway House and The Brown House, have been refurbished as accommodations.
Villas & Accommodations
Salt Cay doesn’t have any hotels or resorts. Keeping with the laid-back atmosphere, all of the accommodations on the island are boutique villas or guest houses.
There’s a small selection of vacation rentals to choose from when planning your trip. Book modern villas, little beach bungalows, or old colonial houses. Reservations and bookings typically take place directly with the lodging’s owner or manager, ensuring the best rates and service.
Accommodation amenities often include the complimentary use of bicycles—an excellent way to get around the small island.
Packages for scuba diving enthusiasts are available as well, and include dives, accommodation, meals, and the use of bicycles or golf carts, all under one price.
This little island is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Lounge on the beach, dive, snorkel, take photographs, or hike. Discover the old Caribbean.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Salt Cay’s main claim to fame today is its exceptional scuba diving.
The sheer wall dives, where the barrier reef drops from 40 feet (12 m) into the thousands, are some of the finest in the region. Coral, sea fans, and sponges are vibrant, and fish, stingrays, turtles, and sharks abound.
Many sites are found only minutes from shore, so you won’t have to endure long boat rides before you dive.
Snorkeling is excellent as well. There are many interesting shore sites to enjoy, and boat snorkeling trips allow access to spectacular reef sites.
Fishing and kayaking are other great ways to experience the island via a water sport.
Humpback Whale Watching
Ocean topography makes Salt Cay a prime location for watching humpback whales during the southern leg of their annual migration.
During the winter months, Atlantic humpback whales travel to the warm waters of two subterranean ocean banks found to the southeast of the Turks and Caicos, the Silver Banks and the Mouchoir Banks, to mate and give birth. Due to the deep Columbus Passage that separates the underwater Turks Islands plateau from the Caicos Islands plateau, whales are naturally funneled past Salt Cay.
It’s possible to see whales from land, but a whale watching tour allows for a much better view. Unlike many whale tours at other destinations, small boats (the same vessels used for diving) are favored. These low-impact boats are able to approach close without causing disturbance.
The highlight of a whale sighting is an in-water snorkeling encounter. One of the few places in the world that allows this practice (with warm water too), Salt Cay offers an unforgettable experience to swim with wild whales in their natural environment.
Due to weather conditions, the mood of the whales, and other considerations, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to jump in and snorkel. However, the opportunity often presents itself.
The humpback whale’s song can often be heard when diving or snorkeling at this time of the year.
Transportation, Dining, & Travel Information
The transport options on Salt Cay are a little different from what’s commonly seen at tropical destinations.
Due to the island’s limited size, off-road golf carts are the favored way to get around. The free use of golf carts is included with some vacation rentals.
Bicycles can be a good way to see the sights as well, and are available to rent. There are no taxis, buses, or rental cars. When making reservations for your lodging, inquire what transport options may be complimentary.
A few small restaurants are found on Salt Cay, so the dining options are limited. One choice is Coral Bar and Grill, which serves international favorites and features a bar.
There are no direct international flights to Salt Cay, so it’s necessary to take a domestic flight or ferry from either Providenciales or Grand Turk. There are several regularly scheduled routes to choose from.
