Highlands Bay South Caicos

Editor's Comments

Highlands Bay is an excellent place to explore, enjoy the vistas, and take photos. The beach and swimming conditions, however, are typically poor. Pelicans, ospreys, terns, and tropicbirds can often be seen riding the updrafts of the winds hitting the hills above the ocean.

4-star rating for Highlands Bay by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

Highlands Bay is a rugged, hard sand dune and limestone bluff coastline found on the southeast side of South Caicos.

The ocean here isn’t great for either swimming or snorkeling. Due to the eastern trade winds, the water is typically choppy, and the ocean floor is a combination of seaweed and rock.

The small coves and beaches here collect flotsam and seaweed. It’s often surprising what you can discover.

Highlands House

Standing lonely on a hill are the ruins of Highland Estate and Highlands House. Formerly the residence of one of the country’s salt proprietors, this decaying mansion displays the unique tropical architecture that defines many of the circa 1800s buildings on the salt-producing islands.

Precisely cut limestone blocks were mortared together and stuccoed over with a smooth “plaster” finish to protect against erosion. Wood stairs and ceiling paneling also remain, and reflect the skilled labor that built many of the colonial buildings and salt works in the Turks and Caicos.

Highlands House was refurbished a few times during its history.

The complex definitely deserves recognition as a protected historical site.

Hurricane Irma

In 2017, Hurricane Irma (and Maria shortly after) severely damaged the house.

Warnings & Regulations

Dangerous Currents

There may be dangerous currents in this area. Swim at your own risk.

Remote Location

This is an isolated area. Help may be far away in the event of an emergency, and there may be a higher risk of crime.

Risk of Falling

The cliffs here are brittle, crumbly, and very tall. Be careful near the edge and wear proper footwear.

Rough Roads

This area isn't suitable for many cars. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Drive at your own risk. Help may be far away.

No Lifeguard

There are no lifeguards present in this area. Swim at your own risk and know your own limits.

No Littering

It is illegal to litter or dump waste. This includes cigarette butts, bottles, cans, and plastic. Take trash with you.

No Rock Balancing

Leave stones in place. It is illegal to disturb a protected area. Moving rocks can compromise the local ecosystem.

Getting Here

As is the case with many of the beautiful coasts and beaches on South Caicos, there is no dedicated or “official” beach access for Highlands Bay.

An unpaved loop road circles the main central salina, and the eastern portion of this road leads near the Highlands area.

When driving from the main settlement of Cockburn Harbour, it’s easiest to travel on the southern route of the loop road. After leaving the paved roads of town (near the clinic), you should quickly pass Salterra Resort & Spa. Continue until you cross the culvert for the small inlet canal into the salinas and then keep left. After 0.8 miles (1.3 km), you will find the rough track to Highlands Bay on the right.

Satellite

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