Caicos Islands

The Caicos Islands are the southern group of islands within the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Atlantic Ocean. They consist of a chain of low limestone islands and cays notable for beaches, coral reefs and marine habitats.

Tourism, especially beach- and reef-based activities such as snorkeling and diving, is the main economic driver on the larger islands; visitors also seek secluded beaches, birdwatching and local fishing communities. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is among the best-known resort beaches in the group.

Historically the islands have supported local fishing and salt-related industries on some islands; in recent decades tourism has become the dominant economic activity. Settlement patterns are concentrated on a few inhabited islands while others remain largely undeveloped.

Geographically the Caicos Islands sit in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean, south-east of the Bahamas and forming the southern portion of the Turks and Caicos territory. The landscape is predominantly flat limestone with mangroves, tidal flats and barrier reefs.

• Political geography: Forms the southern island group of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is part of the Lucayan Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Natural highlights: Known for extensive coral reefs, clear waters and beaches that support snorkeling, diving and marine tourism.
• Main hub: Providenciales is the main tourism and transport hub for the Caicos Islands, hosting the primary commercial airport and most resort infrastructure.

What to See #

• Providenciales: Hosts the main international gateway and the province's best-known resort beaches, including Grace Bay Beach, a long white-sand shoreline backed by resorts and reefs.
• North Caicos: Characterised by low-lying limestone terrain with wetlands and mangroves; supports local agriculture and small communities.
• Middle Caicos: Contains notable coastal karst features and cave systems; sparsely populated with traditional villages and rural landscapes.
• South Caicos: Has a history centered on fishing and sea-based industries and retains functioning fishing communities and small harbors.
• East Caicos: Largely uninhabited or very sparsely inhabited, with salt pans, tidal flats and natural habitats that are important for birdlife.