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West Caicos
Explore West Caicos
West Caicos is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands southwest of Providenciales. West Caicos has an area of 11 square miles (28 km 2 ) and has been uninhabited for over a century. The island is home to the 500 acres (2 km 2 ) Lake Catherine, a protected wildlife reserve, filled with pink roseate flamingoes, turtles and other indigenous wildlife.
Lake Catherine is connected to the sea through underground passages. Tides in the sea create an upsurge in Lake Catherine, which is visible as “boiling” above the cave mouths on the lakebed. The largest such cave mouth is Boiling Hole. The ocean off the west coast quickly drops off to over 7,000 ft (2,100 m). Different sea creatures live in these depths, from sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, gray nurse and reef sharks to humpback whales.
A luxury resort and residence development, the Ritz-Carlton Molasses Reef project, was started in 2006 and was intended to have a marina, private villas, and resort. However, due to the collapse of the main financial backer, Lehman Brothers, the construction was put on indefinite hold. More recently, European developers purchased the uncompleted Molasses Reef hotel project in 2012, and a development agreement was reached with the TCI Government. Attempts have been made to restart the luxury resort and condominium project, yet progress has been slow. Much of the unfinished infrastructure has been demolished, yet the site may remain as a Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand.
Your next vacation home or investment property awaits you on the Island of West Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands! This Caribbean Island calls out to the adventurous traveller due to its remarkable abundance of tropical flora and fauna, dramatic coastal terrain moulded by Mother Nature herself, and crystal-clear waters that play host to a thriving marine ecosystem in its depths.
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West Caicos WEST CAICOS OVERVIEW & REAL ESTATE
Brief history
According to local historians, the Taino and Lucayans – two tribes of skilled seafarers and fishermen – were among the first to call the island home. These two tribes made the area their territory from as early as 500 AD until the arrival of European settlers in 1512.
By the mid-1600s, many islands of the Caribbean, including West Caicos and other parts of the TCI, became hotspots for nefarious raiders of the high seas. Notorious pirates like the French buccaneer, Jean Thomas Dulaien, were said to have frequented the island’s shores as its natural coves, shallows, and inlets were excellent places for hiding from the law or dreadful storms.
Over the years, West Caicos and the rest of the TCI would change hands several times before becoming part of the British Overseas Territories in 1783.It is still under the British flag up to this day, with its population enjoying the benefits that come with British citizenship.
The allure
Even in pictures, it’s undeniable that West Caicos’ allure comes in the form of its rugged and intoxicating natural beauty; more so, when seen in person. Visitors are drawn to its unspoiled beaches, lush mangrove forests, and coastal cliffs that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape. Trade winds blow from the east, and since the island is on the TCI’s west flank and protected from the direct impact of these strong gusts, the waters surrounding the island are mostly calm and perfect for a variety of water activities. It is also these calmer waters that lend to the thriving marine environment and beautiful beaches.
For those who want to spend a vacation getaway in the TCI away from the more tourist-heavy islands, West Caicos is the perfect choice for a vacation home or rental. Still largely under development, West Caicos promises growth under the mantle of tourism, especially with the rise of clusters of homes, planned communities, and hotels in the area.
As mentioned earlier, Providenciales is West Caicos’ “next-island” neighbour. This relatively short distance allows for high mobility between the two islands and easy access to everything each island offers. Considered the most populous in the TCI, Providenciales is home to both the bustling tourist hub of Grace Bay and the TCI’s main airport, making it the premier gateway for travellers looking to enjoy the beauty and serenity of West Caicos. To the south, meanwhile, the smaller uninhabited islands of French Cay and Seal Cays punctuate the seascape, offering visitors more spots for their tropical adventures.
TURKS AND CAICOS REAL ESTATE
There’s a lot to look forward to when making a real estate investment in Turks and Caicos properties. You stand to be among the pioneers, growing along with the development in this area. Moreover, you have the chance to customize your West Caicos dream house from the ground up as most of the available properties at the moment are vacant lots that offer unbeatable views of the ocean. Some lots, meanwhile, are located near the historic Yankee Town which once served as the headquarters for the island’s short-lived sisal fibre industry.
The available parcels of real estate in the Turks and Caicos Islands also appeal to mostly foreigners who want a piece of their own TCI paradise. Most lots are quite large, allowing for spacious building plans; plus easy access to the ocean.
Turks & Caicos Islands Island Location Map
West Caicos LIVING IN WEST CAICOS
Development in the area
Unlike many of its neighbours, West Caicos remains largely uninhabited to this day, with only tourists and resort workers occasionally making the 20 min voyage to the island.
There have been plans to put up a hotel in West Caicos under the management of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton hotel group in 2006 but the project fell through the cracks due to financial concerns. However, a fresh group of developers have come in with plans to create a multi-use development that includes luxury villas and a private airport with the goal of attracting affluent vacationers and tourists. That said, West Caicos is prepping itself up for success – banking on increased tourism and major real estate developments on Providenciales, West Caicos seems like a natural “NEXT ISLAND” on investors radar in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
West Caicos, TCI is home to three important attractions that have been receiving growing attention from all over the world.
- WEST CAICOS MARINE NATIONAL PARK. Located off the island’s western coast, this is a 981-acre protected area considered one of the best marine sanctuaries on this side of the Caribbean.It has as many as 18 dive sites, each one teeming with marine life and a vast display of coral formations. The dive sites near the western part of the park have sheer drops from about 40 feet down to 6000 – perfect for adrenaline junkies looking to enjoy a thrilling dive. Meanwhile, the sites at the park’s northern and eastern sides are relatively shallow, making them great practising haunts for newbies.
- LAKE CATHERINE. This 2-mile saltwater lake is part of an extensive underwater cave system located right at the centre of the island. The cave system maintains the water level and tidal change of the lake, much like the Boiling Hole feature on the neighbouring island of South Caicos.The area surrounding Lake Catherine is best known for its population of wading birds, including flamingos, reddish egrets, great blue herons, and pelicans. That’s why it has developed a reputation for being one of the finest birdwatching regions in the TCI.
- YANKEE TOWN. Those wanting to see the Caribbean from a historical perspective will do well to give Yankee Town a visit.As mentioned earlier, it was once the epicentre of the long-gone industry of sisal fibre making in the TCI. Established by the West Caicos Sisal Company in 1891, Yankee Town functioned as the base of operations for sisal and cotton planting on the island. However, it ceased operations by 1903. Today, all that’s left of this settlement is an assortment of stone buildings, cisterns, wells, machinery, and train tracks – all of which give the island a certain charm.Do note, though, that Yankee Town is not an official tourist attraction. Many of the structures here are already in several degrees of disrepair and numerous deep wells and cisterns lie hidden in the underbrush. With no guides to help with navigation, extra caution is needed throughout one’s exploration of the area.
THINGS TO DO
Nature lovers, sun worshippers, and outdoor enthusiasts will want to try every activity available in West Caicos, TCI as it has everything they want to engage in and more. Choose your activity below:
- SNORKELING. West Caicos’ crystal-clear waters make the island perfect for underwater activities like snorkelling. This is particularly true for spots in its northern and eastern sides which are relatively shallower than in other areas. Additionally, West Caicos also has interesting geologic formations that visitors can explore, including cliffs that people may want to try diving from.
- SCUBA DIVING. West Caicos has an abundance of top-tier dive sites, making it a go-to destination for those looking to enjoy underwater adventures.Some of the best diving spots in this part of the Turks and Caicos Islands include Elephant Ear Canyon, which takes its name from an enormous orange-coloured elephant ear sponge; The Gullies, noted for its overhangs filled with black coral trees, anemones, and sponges; Driveway, which boasts entire swaths of vibrant coral reefs; Highway to Heaven, known for its field of garden eels and stingrays; Southwest Reef, home to countless eagle rays and sharks; and Molasses Reef, best known as the final resting place of a Spanish caravel that sank in 1513.
- HIKING. Landlubbers, meanwhile, will find hiking in West Caicos, TCI to be a breathtaking experience, given the beauty of places like Lake Catherine, the grandeur of the white cliffs fronting the island, and the turquoise waters that surround it. Remember, though, that given the relatively undeveloped nature of the island, it helps to bring enough water and food to your hikes and to be mindful of the cleanliness of the pristine surroundings.As with any other protected area in the TCI, littering and the removal of any natural objects or historical artefacts are prohibited on the island.
- BOATING. The calm waters and gentle breezes of West Caicos offer ideal conditions for relaxed boating. Visitors get the chance to take in amazing views of the turquoise waters and emerald-green isles surrounding West Caicos. There may also be the occasional sighting of humpback whales who typically pass by the area on their way to their breeding grounds every January to March.