Salterra Beach
Home to the country's quintessential white sand and turquoise water, the idyllic Salterra Beach is among the island's best.
South Caicos
South Caicos
Paradise Found
About South Caicos
South Caicos is two things at once: a quiet fishing island and a burgeoning boutique tourism destination. Located on the southeastern end of the Turks and Caicos island chain, it is the smallest main island in the Caicos archipelago.
South Caicos is the Caribbean of Hemingway's writings—a place where you can trade the luxury shopping, casinos, and nightlife of Providenciales for fresh-caught seafood, warm hospitality, and sleepy harbors that once produced the world's finest sea salt.
Flying to South Caicos
It's possible to fly direct to South Caicos on American Airlines' twice weekly Miami—South Caicos (XSC) flight, the island's only international airlift. Daily domestic flights and a passenger ferry connect South Caicos to the main island of Providenciales, where nearly all international flights to Turks and Caicos land.
Many nationalities, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, can travel to South Caicos visa-free.
Islands of the
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos
All flights to South Caicos arrive at the South Caicos Airport (XSC). The airport welcomes daily domestic flights from Providenciales as well as a twice weekly international flight from Miami.
Find Your Flight
Wild Beaches, Untamed Beauty
There's a more rugged feel to the beaches on South Caicos (locally known as the Big South) than on the main island of Providenciales. Soft limestone dune cliffs line much of the island and create countless secluded beaches, many of which can go months without seeing a visitor.
You'll find tropical beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water and talcum-powder sand, as well as coasts with scenic hiking trails just steps from the shore.
Beaches of South Caicos
Where to Stay
South Caicos is home to one hotel and two luxury resorts, including the newly opened Salterra Resort & Spa. All of the hotels and resorts on South Caicos are located directly on or near the beach.
Both budget and high-end accommodation options exist on South Caicos. The luxury properties offer onsite dining, spa services, and shopping, as well as beautiful rooms, suites, and villas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All-inclusive packages and travel deals, including dining, are available from both resorts.
Restaurants & Dining
Fresh fish and seafood is what South Caicos—the center of the Turks and Caicos fishing industry—does best. Succulent Caribbean lobster, golden cracked conch, and traditionally prepared grouper are just a few must-try local dishes.
A handful of local restaurants serve up authentic island meals in the main town of Cockburn Harbour, while the luxury resorts offer the largest selection of restaurants and flavors spanning various cuisines.
South Caicos Dining
On Land or At Sea
A Whole World to Explore
Miles of pristine water and virtually untouched marine parks make South Caicos the ultimate playground for ocean lovers. Kayaking, sailing, bonefishing, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, and snorkeling are just a few ways that you can experience this exceptional eco-tourism destination, from the wetlands of the Bell Sound Nature Reserve to the reefs of the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park.
Onshore, quiet cycling roads and oceanside hiking trails open up to beautiful vistas. Marine and bird life, including ospreys, frigatebirds, and herons, abound.
Water Sports & Land Activities
South Caicos sees far fewer visitors than most Caribbean island destinations. Whether you're cycling along the coast or discovering exceptional flats fishing, it's common to have incredible bays and vistas all to yourself.
Bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear are provided by the larger resorts for guests to use.
Hiking
Hike to the island's top scenic vistas and coasts, from Highlands Bay to Plandon Cay Cut.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboard pristine bays and crystal-clear waters to your heart's content, without the crowds.
Fishing
Explore the island's unparalleled saltwater flats fishing and cast for bonefish, tarpon, barracuda, and more.
Boat Charters
Charter a boat to the rarely visited nearby reefs and bays with a South Caicos boat trip or tour.
Birdwatching
Discover the island's rich birdlife, from ospreys to flamingos, brown pelicans, egrets, and migratory birds.
Paddleboarding
Paddle the expansive marine environment off South Caicos solo or on a dedicated eco-tour.
Kayaking
Venture to picturesque mangrove channels and shimmering turquoise bays by kayak, a great sport for beginners.
Scuba Diving
Descend to magical reef environments with turtles, rays, corals, and more with scuba.
Cycling
Cruise above the ocean via an electric hydrofoil. E-foils, new and unique, are easy to learn.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Discover an incredible underwater world with scuba diving and snorkeling. Excellent scuba diving can be found off the eastern coast's reefs, where you'll encounter both the vibrant corals that form their foundation to the turtles, rays, fish, and sharks that call them home.
History & the Salt Trade
Long before tourism, the sea salt trade was the backbone of the Turks and Caicos economy. South Caicos was the industry's pearl, exporting nearly 2 million bushels of hand-raked salt per year (the most of any island in the territory).
It's possible to explore remnants of this fascinating historical period on South Caicos today, from the salinas and still-standing salt warehouses to the Boiling Hole cave used for salt production.
Descendants of animals worked during the salt production days, the semi-wild and hardy island donkeys can be spotted foraging for greenery throughout the brushlands.
South Caicos Salt Salinas
Day Trip to South Caicos
Come for the Day
It's easy to visit South Caicos for the day if you're staying on Providenciales or Grand Turk. There are daily domestic flights between Providenciales and South Caicos, and a once-daily round-trip flight from Grand Turk.
A popular day trip is visiting South Caicos with a day pass to the Sailrock resort. The day pass includes airfare from Providenciales, transportation to the resort, and use of the property's water sports equipment and bicycles.
Getting Around
Island Transportation
Rental cars, bicycles, and walking are the primary means of transportation on South Caicos. It's best to rent a car if you plan to leave the resort grounds during your vacation or are visiting South Caicos on a day trip.
There is no public transit and relatively few taxis available on South Caicos. To accommodate travelers, the luxury resorts offer complimentary airport transfers for their guests.