West Caicos Marine National Park

The incredible water of the West Caicos Marine National Park.

The West Caicos Marine National Park is a 981-acre (397-hectare) protected area off the west coast of West Caicos, and includes much of the ocean fronting the west side of the island. This national park is home to several of the country’s top dive sites, excellent snorkeling, and interesting geology.

The Wall and Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated on shallow submerged plateaus, and the edges of these plateaus, or walls, as they are commonly referred to as, are typically quite abrupt, with sheer and abrupt depth changes from 30-60 foot (9-18 m) at the top of the wall to great depths below.

Over a dozen popular dive sites are found in the West Caicos Marine National Park, including many of the sheerest wall dive sites in the Turks and Caicos. The drop-off at these sites is quite impressive, with 45-foot (14 m) depths falling away into the thousands. For information on experiencing these underwater sights and reefs, see Providenciales SCUBA Diving.

Cliffs and Coastal Snorkeling

The beach at Bernard Bay in the West Caicos Marine National Park.

The west coast of West Caicos experiences some of the clearest ocean water in the Turks and Caicos, and the coastal snorkeling is unmatched. The setting is unique—low limestone cliffs interspersed by small coves. The ocean floor of the coves is typically sandy, and beautiful patterns are created by the wave action. Several of the small coves offer interesting little caves, which are quite fun to snorkel in.

Elkhorn coral, purple and yellow sea fans, and colorful reef fish thrive along the coast, and due to the adjacent deeper water, it’s possible to see stingrays, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and turtles gliding by as well.

In addition, there's also excellent cliff jumping. You’ll be able to find spots with heights ranging up to about 25 feet (8 m).

Above: Lake Catherine in the foreground, with the causeway and Yankeetown, which is adjacent to the national park.   Top right:  Top left:  Fossilized coral and shell in the limestone bedding on the coast of the West Caicos Marine National Park.   Bottom right:  Top right:  West Caicos on a stormy day.  

Sights and Attractions on Land

Snorkeling at the cliffs of West Caicos.

Although not part of the marine national park, the abandoned ruins of the Victorian-era Yankee Town can be seen close to the coast. This site was the center of the short-lived sisal industry on West Caicos, and buildings, a steam traction engine, and primitive kerosene engines still stand the test of time and are hidden in the vegetation.

The nature reserve of Lake Catherine is adjacent to Yankee Town, and a man-made small-scale railroad causeway still divides this marine pond. Similar to the guano and sisal rail system on East Caicos, this transport infrastructure utilized rail carts pulled by donkeys, and transported the sisal crop from the fields to Yankee Town for processing, bailing, and export.

Today, Lake Catherine supports a wonderful diversity of wading birds, including flamingos, reddish egrets, great blue herons, and pelicans.

The limestone coastal cliffs fronting the West Caicos Marine National Park hides amazing fossilized marine life, and ancient corals and shells can be seen in the limestone bedding.

Guidelines

As in any protected area in the Turks and Caicos, littering and any type of fishing are prohibited. Removal of any natural objects or historical artifacts is likewise illegal.