South Caicos

South Caicos is the seventh largest island in the Turks and Caicos islands archipelago, with a land area of 21.2 km² (8 sq mi). The population was estimated at 1579 in 2006. Together with uninhabited East Caicos and a number of smaller islands, it forms the South Caicos and East Caicos District, with a total area of 136.8 km² (53 sq mi). All islands in the east and south of Caicos Bank belong to this district, except French Cay, which belongs to Providenciales and West Caicos. The larger ones of these islands are McCartney Cay (11.4 km²), Little Ambergris Cay (6.6 km²), Big Ambergris Cay (4.3 km²), and Long Cay (immediately south of South Caicos, 1.0 km²). Between South Cacios and the Amgergris Cays are the Six Hill Cays (0.0914 km²)n and the Fish Cays (0.1044 km²). South of the Ambergris Cays are Bush Cay (0.0814 km²), Seal Cays, Pear Cay (0.0138 km²), Shot Cay (0.0004 km²), White Cay (0.0343 km²), South Rock, Whale Breaker, and Swimmer Rock (submerged), and southwest, West Sand Spit (submerged).

There are four communities:

• Cockburn Harbour (the district capital), pop. 811
• Out North, pop. 706
• The Flat, pop. contained in Out North
• Highlands, pop. 62

South Caicos is known for excellent fishing, both deep sea and bone fishing, and scuba diving. Boston University's School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies is located in Cockburn Harbour and focuses on marine ecology and natural resource management. The Annual South Caicos Regatta is a large celebration that features island-wide parties, boat races, and other games. Currently, tourism is virtually nonexistent on South Caicos.

External links

• South Caicos at TCIMall