Isolated Cays Around Providenciales Have Unique Histories
You’ll be dazzled by all the wondrous Turks and Caicos things to do, but one approach that will reap great rewards is to visit the local cays.
Some people like to collect stamps and coins.
For some on the adventurous side, their collections are a little more exotic and take them far away.
For these folks, the valuable thing they’re collecting can’t be held in their hands; it’s an experience, an island adventure.
What Are Turks and Caicos Cays?
Referred to in the Americas as “keys”, these low elevation islands are called “cays” in the Caicos Islands. They’re beautiful landscapes to traverse and capture with your camera lens. Some like Pine Cay or Little Water Cay are easy to reach by boat or kayak; others are a little more off the beaten track.
Where Do You Find These Cays?
Pine Cay
Cay names often reflect the island’s unique geography and wildlife. Pine Cay, situated between North Caicos and Providenciales, is a great example. It’s about a 20 minute boat ride from Providenciales and home to the rare Caicos Pine or Caribbean Pine, the only native species of pine in the Turks and Caicos. Pine Cay boasts a spectacular two mile long beach on its northern coast which is certainly one of the best beaches to be found in the islands.
French Cay
Some cays are named for the famous or infamous people that walked their shores. French Cay takes its name from pirate captain Françoise L’Olonnois who was rumored to have used the Cay as his lookout base. Located about 18 miles south of Providenciales, this beautiful cay is a protected wildlife sanctuary. While most of the coastline is rocky, there is a small beach off the north side. The cay offers some of the best diving sites in the islands.
Silly Cay
Silly Cay, a small 40 acre island in the channel connecting Chalk Sound Lagoon with the Caicos Banks, is named for an early 1900 entrepreneur. George Silly was a businessman who began turtle farming and cultivating sea sponge as well as starting a seafood cannery. While there are mostly mangrove wetlands here, there are a few picturesque beaches to explore.
Let’s Add Some Cays To Your Collection!
You can add some cays to your collection when you book with Turks and Caicos boat charter company Caicos Dream Tours. The Dream Day Getaway full day excursion takes you to several sites including Fort George Cay and Pine Cay. Create your own custom tour! Whether you seek superb snorkeling or you’ve a hankering for some history, you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll be amazed at the array of adventures that await you in the Caicos cays! There are so many wonderful things to do in the Turks and Caicos Islands; wildlife, beautiful beaches, and historical havens to fill the pages of your travel scrapbook to overflowing.