Little Water Cay, Turks and Caicos - Image 1
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Little Water Cay Turks and Caicos

5
·6 reviews·, Turks and Caicos Islands

Home to endangered rock iguanas, Little Water Cay offers a unique wildlife encounter amidst pristine turquoise waters and nature trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning

Iguanas are active

CrowdMedium
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Little Water Cay, Turks and Caicos - Image 1

Little Water Cay Turks and Caicos

Best Time

Mid-morning

Iguanas are active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Home to endangered rock iguanas, Little Water Cay offers a unique wildlife encounter amidst pristine turquoise waters and nature trails.

5
(6 reviews)

"A must-do for iguana lovers and nature enthusiasts visiting Turks and Caicos!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Neutral Colors

Iguanas are attracted to bright colors; opt for muted tones to avoid them nibbling! :shirt:

Be Patient with Iguanas

Sit quietly, and the iguanas will often come right up to you. :e_symbol:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas

Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas

Little Water Cay

Get up close with the endemic and endangered rock iguanas in their natural habitat. They are surprisingly approachable!

Nature Boardwalks

Nature Boardwalks

Little Water Cay

Explore the island's unique flora and fauna along well-maintained boardwalks and nature paths.

Pristine Turquoise Waters

Pristine Turquoise Waters

Surrounding Little Water Cay

Enjoy the stunningly clear, shallow turquoise waters perfect for wading and admiring the scenery.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Iguanas

Little Water Cay, also known as Iguana Island, is a protected sanctuary for the endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana. These docile creatures are accustomed to visitors, so expect them to approach you! Wear neutral colors to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the iguanas, as they can mistake bright hues for food. InstagramReddit

Island Hopping Essential

This cay is a popular stop on many boat charters and island-hopping tours from Providenciales. Consider booking an excursion that includes Little Water Cay for a hassle-free visit. Kayaking is also an option for the more adventurous! TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Mid-morning
Why
Iguanas are active
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Less intense sun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you want the real Turks and Caicos Islands experience then Caicos 🇹🇨 Dream Tours excursion is a must add to your #bucketlist when #traveling to #turksandcaicos #sanelatravels #travellife Huge thanks to Rowmel ( better known as Rico Swavey) and captain/chef Qwii for hospitality and educational experience while exploring this beautiful island. #islandvibes #foryou
@sanelatravels
316.5K likes • 6.6M views

Wear Neutral Colors

Iguanas are attracted to bright colors; opt for muted tones to avoid them nibbling! :shirt:

Be Patient with Iguanas

Sit quietly, and the iguanas will often come right up to you. :e_symbol:

Who’s going to Turks and Caicos!? 🇹🇨 ✨ Don’t miss these gorgeous spots! (Providenciales) • Long Bay Beach 🌊 • Grace Bay Beach 🌊 • Half Moon Bay 🌊 • Sand Dollar Cove 🌊 • Little Water Cay 🏝️ • Fort George Cay 🏝️ For the best experience, explore by private boat charter ✨ #beautifuldestinations #turksandcaicos
jervezlee._
0 likes • 32.2K views
Explore the charm of Little Water Cay, fondly dubbed Iguana Island, on our Sand Dollar excursion. 🌴🦎 Little Water Cay is best known as a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana and is part of the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve. It is a popular stop on boat charters and fun for visitors of all ages. Float around the shallow turquoise waters or learn more about the fascinating inh...
alexandraresort
232 likes • 11K views

Book a Boat Tour

Many charters include Little Water Cay; it's an easy way to visit. :boat:

Entry Fee Applies

There's a small government-run fee for entry to the island. :moneybag:

One of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen — 📍Little Water Cay, Iguana Island, Turks and Caicos Islands #emeraldwater #turksandcaicos #caribbean #caribbeantravel #beautifuldestinations #solotravel #solotraveler
natashaburnettjm
78 likes • 893 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Neutral Colors

Iguanas are attracted to bright colors; opt for muted tones to avoid them nibbling! :shirt:

Be Patient with Iguanas

Sit quietly, and the iguanas will often come right up to you. :e_symbol:

Book a Boat Tour

Many charters include Little Water Cay; it's an easy way to visit. :boat:

Entry Fee Applies

There's a small government-run fee for entry to the island. :moneybag:

Snorkeling Potential

Some visitors report good snorkeling opportunities right off the beach. :fish:

What Travellers Say

5
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Little Water Cay is a charming stop, primarily known for its population of Turks and Caicos rock iguanas. Visitors enjoy the unique opportunity to see these endangered creatures up close and explore the island's nature paths. While some find it a highlight, others suggest not dedicating too much time from a boat tour to fully appreciate other activities.

"We did a boat tour and stopped at Iguana island. Cool, little place, but don't waste a lot of your time from the tour there. Warning - the iguana like bright colors, so they tried to bite at our toes."

Vicky (A couple of Memory Makers)

"Nice govt run island. There is a fee for entry. Informative walking tour with guide. We saw 10 or so iguanas during the walk. They were used to being around humans so they walk right in front of you..... Definitely worth the trip if you're passing by to dive or snorkel."

Nick Piano

"There is some great snorkelling right off the beach here"

Rob

What People Like

Close iguana encounters
Beautiful natural setting
Informative nature paths

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Short visit duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Little Water Cay is by booking a boat tour or private charter from Providenciales. Many excursions include it as a stop. Kayaking is also an option for those seeking a more active adventure. TikTokInstagram

While it's part of many organized tours, some visitors have kayaked to Little Water Cay. It's a nature preserve, so access is typically managed through tours or designated entry points. Instagram

Travel time varies depending on your departure point and mode of transport, but it's generally a short boat ride from Providenciales, often part of a half-day or full-day excursion. TikTok

Public transportation is not available for reaching Little Water Cay. Access is primarily through boat tours, charters, or private vessels. TikTok

No, Little Water Cay is a small island and is not accessible by car. You will need to travel by boat or kayak. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a small entry fee for Little Water Cay, as it is a government-run nature preserve. This fee helps maintain the island and protect the iguanas. Reddit

If you are visiting as part of a boat tour or charter, tickets are usually included in the tour package. If you plan to visit independently via kayak, confirm any specific entry requirements or fees. Instagram

Little Water Cay is typically accessible during daylight hours as part of boat tours. Specific operating hours are not usually advertised as it's a natural preserve. Instagram

Yes, informative walking tours with guides are often available on Little Water Cay, providing insights into the island's ecosystem and the rock iguanas. Reddit

The entry fee generally covers access to the island, its nature paths, boardwalks, and viewing platforms. Guided tours may sometimes be an additional cost or included in specific excursion packages. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is observing the Turks and Caicos rock iguanas. You can also walk the nature paths and boardwalks, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and some visitors report good snorkeling nearby. InstagramReddit

The Turks and Caicos rock iguanas are generally docile and accustomed to humans. However, they can be attracted to bright colors and may try to bite toes if provoked or if you wear bright clothing. Reddit

It's recommended to wear neutral-colored clothing to avoid attracting the iguanas. Comfortable walking shoes are also advisable for exploring the nature paths. Reddit

While the primary focus is the iguanas, some visitors have mentioned good snorkeling opportunities right off the beach. The shallow turquoise waters are also pleasant for wading. Reddit

Yes, Little Water Cay is generally considered fun for visitors of all ages. Children can be fascinated by the iguanas and the nature trails. Adult supervision is recommended. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photos are of the Turks and Caicos rock iguanas up close. The island's natural beauty, boardwalks, and turquoise waters also make for great shots. Instagram+1

There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but always be respectful of the wildlife and the natural environment. Avoid using flash directly on the iguanas. Instagram

Mid-morning or afternoon can offer good lighting. The iguanas are often more active during these times. Golden hour light can also be beautiful if your tour schedule allows. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary in protected areas. It's best to check with your tour operator or local authorities before flying a drone over Little Water Cay. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're interested in wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing iguanas from a respectful distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Little Water Cay is a fantastic destination for families! The chance to see iguanas up close is often a huge hit with children, making it an exciting and educational experience. Instagram The boardwalks and nature paths are easy to navigate, making it suitable for little legs. Remember to pack neutral-colored clothing to avoid any curious iguana nibbles and keep an eye on the kids to ensure they maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife. Reddit It's a great stop on a boat tour that offers a memorable encounter with nature.

🚤 Boat Tour Enthusiasts

If you're planning a boat tour or charter in Turks and Caicos, Little Water Cay is a very common and worthwhile stop. Many excursions from Providenciales include a visit to this 'Iguana Island.' TikTokInstagram It's an easy addition to a day of island hopping, snorkeling, or beach hopping, offering a unique wildlife encounter without requiring a significant time commitment from your tour. Reddit The island's accessibility by water makes it a convenient and popular destination for tour operators.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Star Attraction: Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas

Little Water Cay is renowned as a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata), one of the few remaining indigenous land animals in the Turks and Caicos Islands. These reptiles are endangered, and the cay plays a crucial role in their conservation. Visitors often describe the iguanas as docile and surprisingly approachable, with many coming right up to people who sit patiently. Instagram+1 It's a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat, and many travelers find this interaction to be the highlight of their visit. Reddit

When visiting, it's important to remember that these are wild animals. While they are accustomed to humans, they can be attracted to bright colors. Travelers are advised to wear neutral-toned clothing to avoid drawing unwanted attention, as iguanas have been known to nibble at bright shoes or clothing. Reddit Respecting their space and not feeding them is paramount to ensuring their continued well-being and the preservation of their population. Instagram

Exploring Little Water Cay: Boardwalks and Nature

The island features well-maintained boardwalks and nature paths that allow visitors to explore the unique ecosystem of Little Water Cay without disturbing the environment. These paths wind through the island's vegetation, offering opportunities to spot not only the rock iguanas but also various plant species and birdlife. Instagram The infrastructure is designed to provide scenic viewpoints and educational insights into the cay's natural heritage. Instagram

Many visitors appreciate the ease of navigation provided by the boardwalks, making it accessible for most people. The paths lead through the dense tropical foliage, offering a glimpse into the island's natural beauty. Instagram Some travelers have also noted that there are opportunities for snorkeling in the shallow, clear waters surrounding the cay, adding another dimension to the experience beyond just iguana watching. Reddit