VACATION DETAILS

South Caicos Island, at the southeastern end of the Caicos group 20 mi/32 km west of Grand Turk, has herds of wild horses, places for diving and superb deep-sea fishing. It was hit extremely hard by Hurricane Ike in 2008. South Caicos has begun to see a change with several projects that have begun over recent years, including the Sailrock Resort and the East Bay Resort. Rental cars, bicycles and walking are the main transportation choices for visitors. There are no buses or public transport of any kind.

The South Caicos Regatta takes place each May at Cockburn Harbour. Other sights include the Highlands (a 19th-century house) and Sail Rock Hills (the view from the ridge is worth the 150-ft/45-m climb), which gives a perspective over turquoise Belle Sound—an excellent locale for bonefishing. Flamingoes can be seen strutting around in the Salinas east of town. The waterfront is the scene of a fish processing plant, where in the mid-afternoon, handmade boats skim for conch and lobster.

Divers will want to check out Eagles' Nest and a Convair 29A airplane wreck at the south end of the island. South Caicos is also home to the Centre for Marine Resource Studies. The educational institution offers courses and fieldwork for undergraduates in marine biology.

Flights are currently offered to South Caicos from both Providenciales and Grand Turk, and a passenger ferry service runs from Providenciales as well. Day trips can be arranged to the natural reserves on Long Cay and Six Hill Cay and to the diving and fishing areas of Big Ambergris and Little Ambergris Cay. Hotels and restaurants are limited.