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The Caicos Group
There are six principal islands and numerous small cays, most of which are uninhabited. They are listed in order from west to east.
West Caicos: The westernmost island has an abrupt coastline leading to deep water that is ideal for fishing and scuba diving. Uninhabited, it is curently only visited by sailors, fishermen and thousands of seabirds.
Providenciales: This island is the centre of the country’s major tourist development. The main tourist centre lies around Turtle Cove, with its peaceful yacht basin, and Grace Bay.
Little Water Cay: Known for its variety of birdlife, this small cay is being developed as a nature resort.
Pine Cay: Pine Cay is inhabited mostly by tropical birds and iguanas, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caicos Islands, if not the whole Caribbean. The northern end has many freshwater lakes with species of saltwater fish brought here by Hurricane Donna in 1960. Part of the Caicos Cays National Underwater Park is located here. The reefs of the Caicos bank, with their rich variety of corals and vividly coloured fish, are a must-see.
Parrot Cay: Parrot Cay lies between Providenciales and North Caicos. Once a private island which used to be a hideout for legendary pirates such as Annie Bonnie and Mary Reid, it is now being developed into a modern resort.
North Caicos: Known as the ‘Garden Island’ of the Caicos, its fertile soils and water provide good farmland. It has miles of deserted white sand beaches along which hotels provide luxurious and peaceful accommodation. Flamingoes, ospreys, iguanas and various other wildlife can be seen at the island’s nature reserve.
Middle Caicos: Also known as Grand Caicos, this island is undeveloped. Blessed with a lovely coastline, to the west of Conch Bar the shoreline dips in and out with bluffs and small coves. Visitors should try not to miss the island’s spectacular caves.
East Caicos: East Caicos is uninhabited, but when flying to South Caicos, look down for the salmon in the translucent green water. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean are to be found here. In the northwest of the island, at Jacksonville, there is a series of caves with evidence of early petroglyphs.
South Caicos: The town of Cockburn Harbour is situated on a small ridge at the extreme southwest of the island of South Caicos. It was once the chief port for the shipment of salt from the islands. The town is a quiet and pleasant place to potter around in the evening. During the day, there are numerous beaches to explore and, as everywhere in the Turks & Caicos Group, there is superb diving, yachting and big-game fishing.
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