MIDDLE CAICOS ISLAND

The largest island in the Turks & Caicos chain, Middle Caicos has an area of 48 square miles. However, Middle Caicos is also the least populated island with less than 300 residents. It is a very lush island suitable for agriculture. From medicinal herbs to majestic fruit trees, Middle’s form of agriculture is a cultural feast to behold: Cassava, okra and guava, tamarinds, sapidillas and sugar apples, to name just a few. But the cornerstone of their crops is corn. Home grown and home ground, they use the pearly hearts to make their fabulous grits.

The foliage on Middle Caicos may catch your eye. "Old Man Cactus" is easily recognized because it stands much taller than plants around it and has a fuzzy white "beard" on top. There is also "Love Weed," which legend insists will predict the outcome of a relationship.

The three communities on Middle Caicos are Conch Bar, Lorimers, and Bambarra. The settlement of Bambarra was established on the north shore of Middle Caicos in 1842 by survivors of the shipwreck of the Gambia, a Spanish slaver bound for Cuba. "Bambarra" refers to the Bamberra people who lived on the shores of the Niger River in West Africa.

WATER SPORTS

Middle Caicos is known for bonefishing flats in the calm backwaters between the islands. Fishing trips, either deep sea, reef fishing or bonefishing, can be arranged with local native guides based from the Middle Caicos Coop. It is said that the most flavorful seafood comes from the deep waters surrounding Middle Caicos.

A less known local sport takes place off the shallow waters of Bambarra Beach. Sailing model sailboats, hand carved by local artisans is great way to stay cool and have mountains of fun. For more info click here.

Snorkelers enjoy the shallow clear waters of Bambarra Beach and various coral heads along the shore.

Kayaks are available for rent as well as pre-arranged eco-tours through the mangroves that team with creatures of both land and sea. Big Blue offers mountain biking and nature hikes.

Middle Caicos Crossing Place Trail

A magnificent coastal trail, has shared its treasures with many through the years by providing a means of livelihood and communication to the islands in between. The old coastal path has now been reopened from Conch Bar to a site along the western shores of Middle, known as Crossing Place, where settlers used to cross-over to North Caicos. A haven for those that love to hike, the 5 mile trail leads along coastal headlands, down beaches and through inland bush.

LUCAYAN INDIANS AND CAVES

Middle Caicos houses the largest above ground caves in all of the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos. The caves of Conch Bar were formed by an erosion of limestone.

Tours through the caves with local guides are arranged by contacting Middle Caicos Coop. If you aren't spending the night, be sure to call for day excursions to Middle Caicos and the caves during your visit to Turks and Caicos Islands. Suitable for all ages. Proper footware required.

Evidence of Lucayan sites on Middle date back to the early 1400’s. A very important Lucayan settlement was excavated in 1978 on Middle Caicos. The site contains a Taino ball court which is unknown elsewhere in the Lucayan islands. Several archeological expeditions have unearthed fossils and facts that lead to the belief that this island was once an epicenter for these ancient Indian tribes.