Mudjin Harbour
Middle Caicos
Mudjin Harbor is a 3-mile (4.8 km) long section of beach and coastline on the north of Middle Caicos. It’s considered by many to be the finest landscape in the Turks and Caicos.
High limestone cliffs and interspersed beaches continue from Conch Bar out to Juniper Hole on the far northwest point of the island.
The main access to Mudjin Harbor Beach is located inside the Dragon Cay Resort. A small car park is located here, and a 500-foot (150 m) concrete walking path leads down to the beach. Several of the defining features of Mudjin Harbor are found in this vicinity: a large open-faced cave above the beach, an overlook at the top of the cliff, and the rocky Dragon Cay. Most visitors tend to spend several hours here, as there’s so much to see and explore.
Another great way to experience Mudjin Harbor is to walk the historical Crossing Place Trail. This hiking path leads across the hills, beaches, and cliffs of the area and was part of the link that traditionally connected the Caicos Islands.
Although impressive at all times, Mudjin Harbor is especially so when there’s a high ocean swell. The Caicos Islands sit on an underwater plateau that rises about 8,000 feet (2,500 m) from the surrounding ocean floor, and the edge of this plateau is located directly off of Mudjin Harbor, unlike much of the rest of the Caicos Islands coastline. Because of this, the ocean swells break right off the beach.
Mudjin Harbor isn’t really an excellent place for swimming for several reasons. Although some decent spots can be found in the small cove between Dragon Island and the open-faced cave, waves, rocks, and sea urchins are common in other places. Also, because of the nearby reefs, sharks can sometimes be seen close to shore. Although these are mainly grey reef sharks, swimmers may not like to share the water!
Origin of the Mudjin Harbour Name
The original name for this area was “Bermudian Harbour”, after the country it resembles. Over time, the name “Bermudian Harbour” was distorted to “Mudian Harbour”, and finally to Mudjin Harbour.
The Caves at Mudjin Harbour
Two popular caves are found at Mudjin Harbour.
The massive open-faced cave that fronts the beach can’t be missed, and provides great shade.
A smaller hidden cave can be found by following the stone path along the top of the cliffs. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when the path becomes stars that disappear into the ground!
Both of these cave features are what is known as flank margin caves, and were originally dry cave systems that formed when the ocean level was higher. At some point in time, the caves were broken into by an environmental action, possibly the action of the ocean.
Middle Caicos is home to a tremendous number of Karst process cave features large and small, and two of global significance. The nearby Conch Bar Caves is the largest dry cave system in the Turks and Caicos–Bahamas archipelagos, and the Middle Caicos Ocean Hole is likely the widest blue hole in the world.
Snorkeling at Mudjin Harbour
The barrier reef is quite close to Mudjin Harbour, and consequently, the snorkeling can be exceptional. However, ocean conditions aren’t always agreeable and more often than not are too rough. See North Caicos and Middle Caicos Snorkeling.
Dangers
Waves, currents, and sharp rocks can be a hazard to people who attempt to wade out to and climb Dragon Cay. In typical calm conditions, a sandbar leads out to Dragon Island, yet large waves can cause a powerful backwash around the island. Razor-sharp rocks surround the island as well, so great care should be taken so as not to fall or get become caught by the surf.
Although obvious, caution should be taken when climbing the cliffs around Mudjin Harbor. Many small holes and loose rocks are hidden in the vegetation along the tops of the cliffs.
Another minor concern for visitors is the poisonous Coral Sumac. This mid-sized tree can cause a nasty rash if touched and is quite common inland along the north coast of Middle Caicos. Many Coral Sumac trees grow along the first 200 feet (60 meters) of the beach path from the car park at Blue Horizon Resorts, so watch out for them. See Dangerous Plants, Insects and Animals in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mudjin Harbour Beach Access
The Main Access 🡓, which has free parking, is located at the Dragon Cay Resort and near the Mudjin Bar & Grill. This access leads to the beach, to the large open faced cave at the beach, Dragon Cay, the overlook above the beach, and the path that leads to the smaller beach cave with the stairs.