South Caicos
South Caicos, also known as the “Big South” is famous for its fishing, avian life and diving. Its fishing industry produces the majority of fish, lobster and conch packaged for domestic and international sales. Home to the School for Field Studies for marine biologists and underwater ecologists, the sleepy little harbour town of Cockburn Harbour was once the most active commercial community in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Historical features include 18th century Commissioner’s House, the Old Salt Works and the Boiling Hole. Like the ‘Salt Islands’ Grand Turk and Salt Cay of the Turks Islands, South Caicos was once one of the biggest producers of salt in the country. Featuring a vast array of classical architecture, narrow streets and quaint stone walls offer a true sense of Caribbean charm. South Caicos’ coral walls and reef system attract scuba divers from around the world, offering some of the best wall diving and encounters with large marine creatures such as sharks, eagle rays and loggerhead turtles. Around the area known as Bell Sound, with its seemingly endless view of the Caicos Banks, South Caicos offers some of the best fishing in the country and is increasingly popular with fly fishing enthusiasts. Investors looking for a unique location on the most southern corner of the Caicos Islands with a strong historical link to the Turks Islands will likely find South Caicos irresistible.INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SOUTH CAICOS
South Caicos is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. The crystalline waters teem with marine life, from colorful coral formations to an array of tropical fish and majestic sea turtles. Conch and lobster fishing are also integral to the island’s identity, contributing to the vibrant local cuisine. The laid-back atmosphere and untouched landscapes of South Caicos appeal to those seeking a tranquil retreat away from the bustling tourist hubs. Visitors often find solace in the unspoiled beaches, where powdery sands meet the gentle lapping of the Caribbean Sea.- Total Area: South Caicos encompasses approximately 8.2 square miles (21 square kilometers).
- Distance from Nearest City: The island is approximately 24 miles (39 kilometers) west of the Turks and Caicos capital Grand Turk.
- Neighboring Islands/Communities: South Caicos is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, sharing maritime borders with East Caicos and experiencing a daily inter-island ferry connection.
- Population: Not as densely populated as some of its sister islands, South Caicos is home to around 1,200 residents—a tight-knit community that preserves its unique cultural heritage.
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, there are specific phrases, proverbs, and terms unique to the region that add a distinct Turks and Caicos flavor to the spoken language. Each island’s natives have their individual pronunciation quirks, making it possible to discern a person’s hometown simply by listening to their speech.
- Climate: Located southeast of the Bahamas and just under 200 miles north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands bask in a subtropical climate. With latitudes ranging from 21 to 22 degrees, temperatures average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C) in winter (December to March) and exceed 80 degrees (26°C) from April to November. The islands fall in the path of annual hurricanes originating off the west coast of Africa, impacting the Caribbean Basin and the southeastern United States.
- Currency: US Dollar