South Caicos is the most popular travel destination once known for fishing industry and today island boasts popular historical, cultural and scuba diving destination under Turks and Caicos Islands. South Caicos has great historical significance when it comes to salt pans, salt industry and process and bone fishing. From 1700 to 1960, regions got the “star of the salt industry” title and boasting more stunning beaches and vibrant coral reef systems. It’s fascinating history, popular coral reef, and colonial powers make it one of the great destinations in the world.
Related Search: Haida Gwaii, BC, Canada- Island’s of the People.
5 Best Things to Do in South Caicos
1. Learn its Early History and Inhabitants
It is very important to understand South Caicos history, especially from the point of salt production. Taino and Lucayan peoples were initially settled in this region before Europeans started to discover. Taino and Lucayan people’s major portions of history belong to the salt productions, developments, and supply, done by the most ancient time. The same legacy was passing from after Christopher Columbus stepped into this land, who reached Grand Turk. Slightly the number of European visitors has gone high and the power of European vying has also increased with Spanish, French, British and Dutch settlements. This legacy of salt production remained the lifeblood of South Caicos until 1960.
2. Visit South Caicos Salt Flats
Undoubtedly a region filled with vast areas of Salt Flats making it South Caicos once served as a major player of the Salt Industry. Moreover, this same legacy and history has remained in the expansive salt flats which we can see today. From the 18th to 19th century, the region played a significant role in the island’s economy and major contributions went to salt production and supply. Taking a leisurely stroll amidst the historical salt pans, visitors are more fortunate to see ruins of windmills and walls, and you will surely appreciate how rich the island’s salt industry is.
3. Explore Coral Reef System
Despite its Salt Industry, South Caicos is heaven for scuba divers where breathtaking coral reefs exist. Coral reefs in South Caicos have remained largely untouched by humans and considered as the healthiest and most beautiful and vibrant coral reefs throughout Turks and Caicos Islands. Approximately more than 50 different species of coral reefs available beneath the sea water including sea turtles, mahi mahi, spotted eagle rays, snapper and groupers. Interestingly, its water temperature ranging from 78 and 82 degrees (year round) helps visitors in an ideal climate to take scuba diving and snorkelling to see coral reefs. Additionally, never miss bone fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding along with snorkelling and diving to discover the most picturesque South Caicos backdrop.
4. Explore Historical Landmarks and Colonial Architectures
If you walk through South Caicos, you’ll be more fortunate to find many historical landmarks and colonial architecture. All these landmarks try to exhibit islands’ rich historical backgrounds and popular evidence of how culturally and historically rich it is. Along with visiting Old salt production sites, the island boasts major historical symbols such as Queen’s Parade Ground, Cockburn Harbour, and Salt Industry Ruins. Additionally backpackers even spend more time under Boiling Hole, and Old U.S Navy Base to understand more about the island’s interesting past. Hotels like Sail Rock and Salterra offer guided tours to boiling holes, salt flats and other major historical buildings.
5. Enjoy Local Culinary
Tasting delicious foods and cuisines could be a great idea to gain more travel adventures in South Caicos. Island offers more pleasant and authentic cuisine options ranging from local to international including seafood’s. Local restaurants such as Brine serve popular lobster, conch and Caribbean twists and Salterra, a casual beachside resort, serves a variety of spa and dining options. Besides this, visitors even try cooking class or take food tours, and this helps us to understand unique cooking methods and local ingredients. Never miss to try seafood here which is world famous and major restaurants of the island offer daily catches and dishes like fish tacos and conch fritters.
When to Go?
Best Months to reach this South Caicos usually between February and April. Between February to April, the season offers calm, pleasant and more consistent weather conditions. Despite that, the season also helps visitors to catch the best budget friendly resorts and take activities like historical salt tours, food tours and scuba diving to explore coral reefs.
Related Articles: Turtle Island, Fiji.