\nSalt Cay, Turks & Caicos, is the tiniest, saltiest, donkeyest island we have found!<\/p>\n

After a challenging year at work with a relocation and new role, we had one goal: ultimate relaxation.\u00a0 The turquoise waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands beckoned.\u00a0 Not content to settle in with the holiday crowds, we opted to go off the beaten path passing up the popular island of Providenciales (Provo) for Salt Cay and Grand Turk.<\/p>\n

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Getting to Salt Cay is a multi-day adventure. On advice we stayed one night at Grace Bay on Providenciales (Provo) to pick up fresh groceries and load them up in a cooler bag. One couple we met tried to make the direct connection through Provo and got jammed in the immigration line up, missing their connection\u2026 predictably, the last of the evening.<\/p>\n

Graceway Gourmet will be a (pricey) must-make stop on Provo. \u00a0Having most of what\u00a0you would expect from a community-sized Whole Foods, we recommend packing your bags light from home and filling them up on arrival in Provo.\u00a0 Your puddle jumper to Salt Cay or Grand Turk has luggage weight limits and the shopping options are minimal once you arrive.<\/p>\n

The flight to Salt Cay takes around 20 minutes on a tiny single-prop 10-seater plane that touches down on Grand Turk on the way over. Keep your camera handy\u2026 The views of the blue, tranquil waters are incredible and may be a trip highlight!<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky, as we were, you may even get the co-pilot seat.<\/p>\n

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VISITING SALT CAY … NEED TO KNOW\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

OVERVIEW<\/p>\n

Salt Cay is an underdeveloped off-the-beaten-path getaway ideal for empty nesters (young or old) looking for quiet diving, snorkeling, or beach relaxation.\u00a0 Expectations of high-end modern amenities will leave you disappointed, but the stunning North Beach makes a few days on this tranquil island most worthwhile.<\/p>\n

FOOD & DRINK<\/p>\n

There are 3-4 restaurants on the island serving lunch and dinner daily.\u00a0 If you want dinner, you\u2019ll need to let them know your intent to join by around 2:00pm so they can prepare\u2026 your visit will no doubt be one of the highlights of their night.\u00a0Vegetarians will find tasty and authentic Caribbean Rice & Peas at Pat\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Several accommodations on the island include kitchens or kitchenettes.\u00a0 If you, like us, don\u2019t fancy Conch three ways and generally want to be in the drivers\u2019 seat for your meals we recommend packing some simple cooking supplies in and being self-sufficient.\u00a0 We enjoyed frequenting the restaurants for a happy hour cocktail and light appetizer.<\/p>\n

While we were there we discovered some great recipes. \u00a0 The Bajan Seasoning\u00a0is a\u00a0delicious caribbean marinade, the ‘secret-sauce’ of local cuisine. \u00a0For happy hour, the island’s slow afternoon pace inspired us to mix up the refreshing Coco Loco Cocktail.<\/a>\u00a0 It’s a must-try whether you’re in the caribbean, or just wishing!<\/p>\n

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BEACHES<\/p>\n

North Beach is the star of the island.\u00a0 Untouched and\u00a0undeveloped you can walk along it for ages. \u00a0For maximum beach enjoyment, we recommend staying up there.<\/p>\n

Snorkeling is easy and accessible from the leeward side of the island. \u00a0Walk-in sites are accessible at Lighthouse Point (our favourite), Deane’s Dock, and the “Swimming Pool” near the old government wharf.<\/p>\n

Snorkel gear is available for rental from the dive shop, though you may prefer to bring your own and use it as you please.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for our upcoming post on Salt Cay diving<\/em>!<\/p>\n

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TO-DO<\/p>\n

Relax! \u00a0If you are in a hurry on Salt Cay, you’re lost…<\/p>\n

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GETTING AROUND<\/p>\n

Your own two feet will be the most reliable, but not the only mode of transport on the island.<\/p>\n

Bicycles are available with many accommodations, and may be hired on island.<\/p>\n

Golf carts\u00a0(pricey)\u00a0are\u00a0available for rent and are recommended if you are staying several nights up at North Beach, as without it will be a 30 minute walk down a rocky\u00a0path. \u00a0Island living is tough on a golf cart, and replacement parts must make the same long journey you did to arrive. Expect your cart\u00a0to be in well-worn condition.<\/p>\n

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ISLAND INTERVIEW RATING<\/p>\n

We dream of retiring to an island paradise, and we love interviewing the candidates!<\/p>\n

For us, Salt Cay lacks the infrastructure to be a long term home. \u00a0Real Estate prices are a bargain for the caribbean, but existing structures offer only the basics. \u00a0 The gravel airstrip and lack of deep water mooring for a container ship or barge (building supplies) means even the most adventuresome home builders will run into logistics nightmares until the access improves.<\/p>\n

Island Livability\u00a0Score:\u00a02 \/ 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

That said, Salt Cay, and particular North Beach, is a gorgeous place to get off the grid for a few days and enjoy the sound of the lapping waves, without the crowds that come with a\u00a0typical built-up destination. We have great memories of riding off into the sunset on our golf cart with a drink for the road, going to explore the island’s views, among the donkeys.<\/p>\n

Island Dream Vacation\u00a0Score: 4 \/ 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

SAILS & SPICES TIPS<\/p>\n

\n
• Humpback Whales<\/strong>\u00a0– Salt Cay is a perfect escape during the cold winter months.\u00a0Between January and April you can\u00a0spot\u00a0migrating humpback whales, and if you are diving you can hear them underwater!<\/li>\n
• Pink Flamingos<\/strong> – Make it a point to try to find the elusive pink flamingos in the salinas before sunset.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  LAST WORD<\/p>\n

  Worth 2-3 days to enjoy North Beach, a good book,\u00a0and a bit of snorkelling or diving.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Salt Cay, Turks & Caicos, is the tiniest, saltiest, donkeyest island we have found! After a challenging year at work with a relocation and new role, we had one goal: ultimate relaxation.\u00a0 The turquoise waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands beckoned.\u00a0 Not content to settle in with the holiday crowds, we opted to go…<\/p>\n

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