South Caicos

South Caicos is the seventh largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, with a land area of 21.2 km² (8 sq mi). South Caicos is known for excellent fishing, both deep sea and bone fishing, and scuba diving. South Caicos was formerly a salt exporter, the island still hosts a network of salt pans as a reminder of the industry. Today, the island’s main income is derived from small scale commercial fishing.

The School for Field Studies, a global nonprofit, accredited by Boston University, has established a well-regarded Center for Marine Resource Studies in Cockburn Harbour. The Center's research focuses on marine ecology and natural resource management. The island hosts an Annual South Caicos Regatta, a large celebration that features parties, boat races, and other games. Though there is some real estate development, tourism is currently, virtually, nonexistent on South Caicos.

Geography

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 Hog cay (7.9 km²), McCartney Cay (3.5 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).