Our Favorite Things to Do & See In Pine Cay

If you’re looking for a digital detox, far away from city crowds and throngs of souvenir-hungry tourists, Pine Cay is the place to be. The small, privately owned island near Providenciales in Turks and Caicos is named after a native tree and home to a glorious two mile long beach of pure white sand, said to be one of the best in the archipelago. Pine Cay is uber chill with a relaxed vibe. It’s an unspoilt destination with a handful of villas and a recently revitalized luxury resort, now part of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux Collection. You won’t find shopping malls, nightclubs or even local markets here, on this island, nature is the only star of the show. But if you wish to spend lazy days snorkeling, kayaking, diving, hiking or biking, there are abundant outdoor activities on offer. Honeymooners are pretty happy here too, thanks to romantic sunset walks along the beach, incredible scenery, stargazing opportunities and deliciously fresh Caribbean cuisine.

Pine Cay: What Makes It So Special

 Tempted yet? You should be, Pine Cay is pure paradise. On this island, there are no busy towns to navigate, there are no touristy bars on street corners, heck, there aren’t even any cars! On Pine Cay, days are spent soaking up the Caribbean sunshine, bird watching, partaking in a spot of beach yoga or watching dolphins and iguanas in their natural habitats. It’s the laid-back lifestyle that’s the draw, so if its peace and tranquility you seek, you’ve found the perfect island.

Where is Pine Cay?

 If you’ve never heard of Pine Cay before, and many haven’t, it’s part of the Turks and Caicos islands, located east of Cuba and north of the Dominican Republic on a world map. Pine Cay is tucked away between Providenciales and North Caicos in an area known as the String of Cays. The privately-owned island comprises just 800 acres and it takes around 15 minutes to get here by boat from Providenciales, or it’s a quick hop, skip and jump via light aircraft!

The History of Pine Cay

 In days gone by, Pine Cay was on a major seafaring route for maritime explorers. It was also said to be a sanctuary for swashbuckling pirates. They were apparently attracted by the freshwater reserves, and Columbus is said to have stopped here to stock up on route to Cuba. The island was mainly uninhabited back then, aside from the wildlife and birdlife. However, more recently, in the 1970s, it began to attract overseas visitors who had begun to learn of the island’s natural treasures. Americans in particular fell in love with Pine Cay’s spun-sugar sands, aquarium blue waters and wildlife. In recent years, homeowners who own property here have fought to protect the island from over-development, and although there is now an exclusive resort on Pine Cay, it still retains its paradise vibe, thanks to the passionate residents.

Visiting Pine Cay Today

 Although once only accessible to travelers in the know, Pine Cay is becoming an increasing popular vacay destination. It’s an island jewel where you can digitally detox from stresses of the outside world and simply be at one with nature. The Pine Cay Resort caters to your every whim, whether you’re vacationing with friends, family or on your honeymoon. Enjoy starlit dining on the beach, poolside snacks and cocktails or indulge in a soothing massage at Sand Dollar Spa. Book a snorkeling or diving expedition to see coral reefs, resident dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat, or hop aboard a golf cart and head for Little Water Cay, home to dozens of sleepy rock iguanas. If you’re just visiting Pine Cay for the day, there are excursions from Providenciales transporting you to the idyllic sandy beach of the north shore for a day of sun and fun.

When to Visit Pine Cay

There’s plenty going on in Turks and Caicos throughout the year, so if you’re looking for the best times to visit, these months have cultural events which are both fun and interesting to experience. March: The Annual Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament attracts visitors from all across the Caribbean. It’s basically a one-day golf challenge and two-day deep sea fishing contest with prizes, plus if you participate, it raises money for local charities, so you’ll be doing your bit for the community. July: The Caribbean House Evolution Boat Party usually takes place in Turks and Caicos in late July. This fabulous Caribbean music festival spans three days and nights with a pool, beach and boat party at Water Cay. November: Travel here in November for the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival hosted by different businesses across Turks and Caicos. December: On Boxing Day evening each year, a huge street festival known as Maskanoo takes place at Grace Bay – it’s a bit like the Bahamian Junkanoo. Locals dress up in costume, there’s singing, dancing, live music and craft and street food vendors dotted along the road. If you happen to be vacationing on Turks and Caicos on New Year’s Eve, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display over Grace Bay Beach at midnight.

What You'll See When You Arrive at Pine Cay

 There are a few things you’ll notice upon arrival in Pine Cay. The first thing is that the beaches are soft and powdery white sand. The second thing is that the sea is a crystal-clear shade of aquamarine and the third is that this island is pretty much covered in lush vegetation. The buildings are low-rise to blend with the natural environment, and there are no roads, just sandy tracks. The island is rich in birdlife too, a variety of bird species reside here including the green heron. It’s a haven for bird watching enthusiasts, so remember to pack your camera!

Staying Safe & Fitting In While Visiting Pine Cay

As with any destination around the world, it’s always wise to keep valuables locked away in a hotel safe if you can. Crime is low on Pine Cay, but money, credit cards and flashy jewelry on display can be attractive and encourage petty crime anywhere. We recommend avoiding secluded beaches or anywhere off the beaten path after dark and if you’re planning to go diving solo or sailing in open waters, always let a partner, friend or resort staff know when to expect you back, just for everyone’s peace of mind.

Pine Cay Weather & Climate

 The Turks and Caicos islands are fortunate to receive beautiful weather year round, if you don’t count the odd storm here and there. Temperatures average out at 81°F/27°C and it only drops a few degrees lower than this in the coolest months. The sea water is always warm and inviting for swimming – great news if you’re planning to spend a lot of time partaking in water sports activities! Many visitors say that if you’re looking for great weather and reasonable room rates travel to Pine Cay in February, March or April. The so-called rainy season occurs during summer and fall. Be prepared for intermittent showers and storms during this time – the rains attract mosquitoes too, so bring plenty of insect repellent!

Getting To & Around Pine Cay

Turks and Caicos has two main airports – one is Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport, and the other, Providenciales International Airport. The former deals with domestic connections and the latter with international flights. Most visitors staying in the Pine Cay Resort arrive by guest boat from Providenciales which takes around 15 minutes. It’s worth considering that if you’re vacationing in a villa or staying with friends on the island, there are no regular passenger ferries. If you’re just visiting for the day, a few boat tours in Turks and Caicos make half and full day trips to Pine Cay. You can also reach Pine Cay another way, by light aircraft. The tiny island has its own airstrip, Pine Cay Airport, and small local airlines like Caicos Express and interCaribbean operate here. Upon your arrival in Pine Cay, you’ll notice that there are no tarmac roads or cars. This is because the island prides itself on sustainability and conservation practices. Anyway, it’s much more fun zipping around on an electric golf cart or bicycle! Don’t worry it’s literally a few miles from the north to the south of the island and even less mileage from east to west. In fact, the island is so small, you could practically walk to your accommodation, if you ditch the suitcases!