KAYAKING, KAYAK RENTALS
Eco Tours, Activities in Turks & Caicos
The formation of the sedimentary Turks and Caicos produced a large intertidal zone amongst the islands and cays, and along their southern edge. This sometimes submerged area is the preferred home of the highly adapted red and black mangrove trees that in turn provide an amazing habitat for both marine and bird life. Big Blue has been exploring these areas in a responsible manner for over ten years, introducing guests to the coastal ecology and oceanic nurseries that are accessible only by non-motorized means.
Guests can expect to encounter a variety of juvenile fish including Lemon Sharks, Checkered Pufferfish, snappers, Sergeant Majors, Bonefish, Needlefish and much more. Young conch will utilize the prop roots of the red mangrove tree as a form of protection. Herons, Egrets, American Oystercatchers, and the national bird of the Turks and Caicos, the Brown Pelican all feed here.
In addition to the shallow mangrove laden areas the Caicos Islands are a kayaker's delight. The turquoise waters and interlinking cays and islands allow for beautiful and often protected paddling grounds. Experienced and aspiring kayakers can stretch their legs and explore for days. Big Blue Unlimited can set up a series of day trips or multi-day expeditions with options for accommodation on the outer islands or camping on the beach. Adventurous paddlers can ask about pre-dawn bird watching, overnight camping, and the opportunity to take part in a full day, guided kayak trip along the coast of the Caicos Cays and Islands
Kayaking
The Kayak Eco-Tour
Book ItBig Blue's most popular trip is an excellent introduction to the geography and ecology of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Start with a briefing from one of the knowledgeable guides before setting off into the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve on a single or tandem kayak. The trip is suitable for the whole family and beginners are welcome. The triangular route takes you into some vibrant mangrove channels, over to Little Water Cay for a tour of the iguana sanctuary, and onto a spectacular beach for a relaxing swim and a walk. Learn about the marine, bird and plant life that you encounter.
| Kayak Eco-tour | Time | Adults | Kids <12 | Kids <5 |
| 1/2-day | 4hrs | $115 | $75 | $35 |
Combined Snorkeling and Kayaking Adventure
Book It| Kayak Eco-tour | Time | Adults | Kids <12 |
| 1/2-day | 6hrs | $195 | $145 |
See 'Island Eco-tours' for more details
Kayak Rentals
Book It| Model | Hour | 1/2 Day | Full-Day | 3+ days | |
| Kayaks | Single | $15 | $45 | $70 | $50 |
| Kayaks | Tandem | $20 | $60 | $90 | $65 |
- All kayaks are available for rent by the hour, day or week
- Explore the waters and islands in the Nature Reserve your own pace
- Maps and dry bags provided
- Kayaks can also be delivered to your rental villa
Custom Kayak Adventures
Book ItThe Caicos Islands offer the avid kayaker a wide range of areas to explore. Using boats and trailers, kayaks can be transported across the archipelago to begin paddling almost anywhere. Utilize Big Blue's experience to explore off the beaten path. Below are some examples of where you can explore. Please contact Big Blue for a full price list and expanded itinerary options. Many of these trips are of course open to the determined and fit Stand Up Paddleboarder as well.
Frenchman's Creek Nature Reserve
Best approached from the sea, this inter tidal and inland waterway on the west end of Provo is a rich and vital ecosystem, supporting life on the reef a few miles away and is a breeding ground for herons, pelicans, and terns. The narrow mangrove channels open up onto spectacular beaches where a picnic lunch and shallow snorkeling can be enjoyed. A custom adventure to this side of the island can be combined with snorkeling, diving and a trip over to West Caicos.
Caicos Cays
This is a simple and cost effective way to open up those paddling arms and see some beautiful territory. The Cays stretch away from Big Blue's base at Leeward and run all the way up to North Caicos (approximately 10 miles). You can paddle on either side of the islands and gauge the route according to tide and wind direction. The east (Caicos Banks side) is shallow and includes more mangroves. The west side is deeper and runs along the beaches and reefs. There are numerous places where you can cross over between the two and complete a circumnavigation to suit your abilities.
East Bay Cays Nature Reserve
This spectacular and rarely visited area lies between the large Islands of North and Middle Caicos. It is made up of several cays with long sandy beaches on their windward side and shallow mangrove channels adjacent to Bottle Creek on the other. It can be accessed from either island and circumnavigated if desired. Both day and overnight trips are available.
RAMSAR
This protected area includes large parts of the wetlands on the southern sides of North, Middle and East Caicos. It is a mishmash of interconnecting channels that look like an extensive river delta. Many are lined with mangroves, others low lying rock or mud. The area is affected significantly by the tides and timing is essential. Although you can access the RAMSAR site from any of the islands (See snorkel kayak Adventure), to really explore its heart it is best to take boat support from Provo. As soon as you leave Provo you will understand the relative remoteness of the area. The southern coast all looks the same from a distance and the only other boats might be passing fishermen. Once you enter the labyrinth of mangroves it's a whole different world and stealthy passage is the way to go. Be on the lookout for bird and marine life including the beautiful reddish egrets and skittish pink flamingos. Although the marine life is generally small, dolphins have been spotted at the mouths of the channels. This is true Caribbean wilderness and there are so many possibilities that each trip seems to follow a different route.
Middle & East Caicos
The best place to launch on Middle Caicos is at the boat ramp in the small village of Lorimers. The creeks here connect out to the Windward-Going-Through and onto the beautiful waters on the east side of the island. There are some truly spectacular beaches, sand bars, and small islands in this area and on a long day trip you can push around the point to East Caicos. Better still take 2-3 days to explore this uninhabited region of the Caicos Islands and experience an unforgettable adventure.
See TCI google map for overview
