My Travel Guide to Middle & North Caicos Islands
Welcome to my travel blog about Middle and North Caicos and the Dragon Cay Resort! If you're planning a trip to this beautiful Caribbean destination, you're in for a treat. In this blog, I'll be covering everything you need to know about excursions, activities, food, transportation, ferries, weather, beach access, and sights of interest.
First, let's start with a little background information about Middle and North Caicos. Located in the Turks and Caicos Islands, these two islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back Caribbean vibe. They are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax in paradise.
As for the Dragon Cay Resort, it's a luxurious, all-inclusive resort located on the beach in North Caicos. With a variety of room types, activities, and dining options, there's something for everyone at this resort.
Now, let's dive into all the amazing things you can do while visiting Middle and North Caicos.
Excursions and Activities:
One of the best things about Middle and North Caicos is the abundance of activities and excursions available. Whether you want to spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the island, there's something for everyone. Here are a few of the top activities and excursions to consider:
Snorkeling and Diving: With its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a paradise for snorkelers and divers. There are several dive operators on the islands that offer guided tours and rentals. Some popular dive sites include French Cay, West Caicos, and Smith's Reef.
Kiteboarding: Because of the high winds, pristine weather year round and crystal blue waters, Turks and Caicos is a legendary spot for kiteboarding and foil surfing.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Another great way to explore the waters around Middle and North Caicos is by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Rentals are available at several locations on the islands, and there are also guided tours available.
Hiking and Biking: If you're looking to get some exercise and explore the islands, there are several hiking and biking trails to check out. The North Caicos Ocean Hole is a popular spot for both activities, as is the Mudjin Harbor on Middle Caicos.
Horseback Riding: For a unique way to explore the islands, consider going horseback riding. There are several stables on the islands that offer guided tours through the countryside and along the beach.
Cultural Tours: To learn more about the history and culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands, consider taking a cultural tour. These tours typically include visits to local landmarks and museums, as well as opportunities to learn about the island's history and traditions.
Fishing: The Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their excellent fishing, and Middle and North Caicos are no exception. There are several fishing charters available that can take you out to sea to catch everything from snapper and grouper to tuna and wahoo.
Ferries:
If you're planning to visit Middle and North Caicos, one of the main transportation options you'll have is taking the ferry. These ferries operate between the various islands in the Turks and Caicos chain, and they are a convenient and affordable way to get around. There are several ferry companies that operate in the area, and most offer regular scheduled service between the different islands.
To get to Middle and North Caicos, you'll need to take a ferry from either Providenciales or Grand Turk. From Providenciales, you can take the Middle Caicos Co-op ferry, which leaves from the Leeward Marina and takes about 45 minutes to reach Middle Caicos. From there, you can catch a second ferry to North Caicos, which takes about an hour.
If you're coming from Grand Turk, you can take the North Caicos ferry, which leaves from the Bottle Creek Terminal and takes about 90 minutes to reach North Caicos. From there, you can catch a second ferry to Middle Caicos, which takes about an hour.
Ferries run regularly throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal. It's a good idea to check the schedule ahead of time and plan your trip accordingly.
Transportation:
Once you arrive on Middle and North Caicos, there are a few different transportation options available to get around the islands. The most common form of transportation is by taxi. There are several taxi companies on the islands that offer service to various destinations. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called for pickup, and fares are typically based on distance.
Another option for getting around the islands is by rental car. There are several rental car companies on Middle and North Caicos that offer a variety of vehicles for rent. This is a good option if you want more flexibility and independence during your trip. Jeeps are the most common rental vehicles on the islands. While the off road capabilities and high clearance are a plus, it is not completely necessary as many beaches are a short walk from the roads. Also, driving is on the right side of the road in TCI (Turks & Caicos Islands) and, in many vehicles, the steering wheel is on the right side. Something to consider when renting.
The islands are known for their fresh seafood, and you can find everything from lobster and conch to snapper and grouper on menus throughout the islands. Here are a few top restaurants to check out:
The Beach House: Located on the beach in North Caicos, The Beach House is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
Mango Reef Restaurant: Located in the Turtle Cove Marina on Providenciales, Mango Reef Restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
Big Al's Island Grill: Located in the heart of North Caicos, Big Al's Island Grill is a popular spot for lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of grilled meats and seafood, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
The Conch Bar Caves: Located on Middle Caicos, The Conch Bar Caves are a must-see attraction and a popular spot for dining. The restaurant is located in a series of underground caves, and the menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
The Saltmills: Located in the heart of Providenciales, The Saltmills is a popular spot for lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
In addition to these restaurants, there are also several local food stalls and vendors throughout the islands where you can try traditional Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and conch fritters. And if you're staying at the Dragon Cay Resort, you'll have access to a variety of dining options, including a beachside grill, a fine dining restaurant, and a poolside bar and grill.
The weather in Middle and North Caicos is typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The rainy season runs from May to November, with the wettest months typically being September and October. However, even during the rainy season, the showers are usually brief and the sun quickly returns.
The beaches in Middle and North Caicos are some of the best in the Caribbean, with soft white sands and crystal clear waters. There are several public beaches to choose from, including Sapodilla Bay Beach, Bottle Creek Beach, Bambarra Beach and Whitby Beach. Most of the beaches on the islands are relatively quiet and peaceful, making them perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
If you're staying at the Dragon Cay Resort, you'll have access to the resort's private beach, which is just steps from your room. The resort also has several beach cabanas and loungers available for guests to use, as well as a beach bar and restaurant.
In terms of beach access, most of the beaches on Middle and North Caicos are easily accessible by car or taxi. Some of the more remote beaches may require a short hike or boat ride to reach, but the effort is worth it for the secluded and peaceful setting. If you're staying at the Dragon Cay Resort, you'll have easy access to the resort's private beach, as well as shuttle service to and from the other beaches on the islands.
Overall, the weather, beaches, and beach access in Middle and North Caicos are top-notch, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind in the sun. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the islands, there's always something to do and see in this beautiful Caribbean destination.
