Things to Do

Please note that like all businesses in Salt Cay, restaurants and bars are not consistently open, and can be seasonal. Our Property HOST will know which restaurants, bars, and other services are available a couple weeks prior to your stay. You are also welcome to reach out to us through our “contact us” page or through WhatApp for any questions.

Restaurants, Cafes, & Bars

Whale Watching Tours

Come experience the breathtaking beauty of the majestic North Atlantic Humpback Whales on your next vacation! These whales can be found in the crystal-clear waters of Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as in the nearby Silver Bank. Witness the same individuals that you might see on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Massachusetts, Maine, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, or the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

During their annual migratory route, which spans from December to mid-April, an estimated 3,000-5,000 humpback whales pass through the Silver Banks, making it the world's largest breeding and calving grounds, often called a nursery. Salt Cay, located in the heart of this route, is a 75 square mile shallow coral reef area, providing a safe haven for birthing and nursing due to the numerous coral heads that break the surface, protecting them from ocean swells.

The nearby Great Sand Cay has been the “emergency room” to many expecting humpback whales, making it an exciting place to spot these magnificent creatures both from the shores of Salt Cay and while on board a boat. These acrobatic whales are known for their playful nature, breaching, flipping, and tail lobbing, and can be observed for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Divers and snorkelers will also enjoy listening to the beautiful and mesmerizing “songs” of the male humpback whales. These songs may be a part of their mating behavior and typically last from 10-20 minutes.

Don't miss your chance to witness these incredible creatures up close and personal on your next tropical getaway!

Whale Watching from Salt Cay

Unlike whale watching excursions offered at other destinations, smaller boats, often the same vessels used for diving and fishing expeditions, are the boats used for whale watching. Although they may not be as comfortable as a purpose-built larger vessel, such boats are often able to provide a closer view of the whales.

Snorkeling with Whales

Depending on the mood of the whales, the ocean conditions, and other factors, it may be possible to snorkel with the whales.

If the opportunity presents, we highly recommend taking advantage of it. An in-water encounter will be an unforgettable experience.

Guidelines

  • Humpback whales are wild animals and thus may be unpredictable. Do not chase or closely approach whales.

  • Wear snorkeling vests when in the water.

  • As should be the practice with all animals, do not harass or disturb the whales.

Salt Cay Divers

Provider of scuba diving and snorkeling trips, whale watching excursions (seasonal), island trips, and eco-adventures (bird watching, hiking, and kayaking).

Crystal Seas Adventures

Crystal Seas Adventures offers custom diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and boat charters to the incredible waters, cays, and reefs around Grand Turk. Excursions are suitable and fun for all ages, and include drinks and rum punch, and the use of snorkel gear. Private tours can be created according to guest wishes and desired duration.

Diving

Are you ready to explore the vibrant and pristine underwater world of Salt Cay? Look no further than the island's famous walls that define most dive sites. These walls start at a depth of around 40-50ft (12-15m) and continue into the thousands, offering an unforgettable diving experience.

You'll be surrounded by a colorful array of sea life, including sharks, reef fish, and undamaged coral formations. With excellent visibility of up to 100ft (30m) or more, you'll feel like you're swimming in a crystal-clear aquarium.

Many of Salt Cay's dive sites are easily accessible by boat along the edge of the wall off the island's west coast. And for history buffs, the famous HMS Endymion wreck is a must-see. Located just 13 miles (20km) south of the island, this British warship sank in 1790 and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past with visible anchors, chains, and fittings. Nearby, you'll also find a 1900s wreck with a very early diesel engine, providing even more opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Come dive into the warm and inviting waters of Salt Cay and discover the underwater paradise that awaits you!

Salt Cay Divers

Salt Cay Divers is a well-known diving and snorkeling operation located on Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They offer a variety of dive trips, including wall dives and wreck dives, as well as PADI certification courses. The company has a reputation for providing high-quality and personalized diving experiences to its customers.

Snorkelling

Are you ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters around Salt Cay and explore the colorful world beneath the waves? While snorkeling from the beach can be fun, if you really want to discover the full beauty of the reefs and coral, then scuba diving is the way to go!

But don't worry, even if you're not certified, there are plenty of options for beach snorkeling. While the reefs and coral accessible from shore may not be as extensive as those found in deeper waters, there are still some fantastic spots to explore. The west end of North Bay is known for its vibrant coral and sea life, but keep an eye on ocean conditions as they can sometimes be a bit rough. For a more relaxing snorkeling experience, head to Deane's Dock or Balfour Town Beach, where the waters are typically calm and perfect for spotting colorful fish.

So grab your snorkel gear and get ready to immerse yourself in the underwater wonderland of Salt Cay!

Bird Watching

Salt Cay, often referred to as the 'Island of Salt', is a haven for birdwatchers with its unique ecosystem providing a habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner looking to explore the world of avian wonders, Salt Cay offers an unforgettable experience.

Our Birds

Among the bird species you might encounter during your birdwatching adventure in Salt Cay are:

Brown Pelicans: These large, majestic birds can often be seen diving for fish in the pristine waters surrounding the island.

Ospreys: Also known as sea hawks, these birds of prey are frequently sighted soaring in the skies over Salt Cay.

West Indian Flamingos: These striking, pink birds are a delight to watch. They are often seen in the island's salt ponds, particularly during the breeding season.

Bahama Woodstar: This hummingbird species, known for its beautiful plumage and rapid wing movement, is endemic to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

Preserving Our Avian Treasures

As part of our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Salt Cay, we promote sustainable birdwatching practices. We urge all our visitors to respect the birds and their habitats by minimizing disturbance, keeping a safe distance, and leaving no trace.