Whitby is a small village on the central north coast of North Caicos and one of the island’s four settlements. The other three are Bottle Creek, Kew, and Sandy Point. The 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Pelican Beach borders Whitby and is also known as Whitby Beach and Whitby Cove.
Beach and Coastal Landscape
At the eastern end of Pelican Beach, Pelican Point juts out from the beach as a low rocky outcrop. A small snorkeling reef lies offshore. There are quiet beach areas at the central access point to Pelican Beach; parking is limited. Take this into account when planning and check the parking situation before your visit.
Nearby Destinations and Snorkeling
Three Marys Cays and Flamingo Pond Overlook are near Whitby. At Three Marys Cays, snorkeling may reveal coral, small colorful reef fish, and occasionally a stingray; wildlife sightings may vary. This makes Three Marys Cays a specific snorkeling experience, while Flamingo Pond Overlook is another nearby destination. These different points of interest can help you consider beach time and an excursion into the surrounding area as separate priorities.
Historical Traces in the Surrounding Area
The history of the wider area can also be understood in geographic terms. Musgrove Plantation was located south of the present-day settlement of Whitby, and Israel Hill between Whitby and Major Hill. Greenwich Hill, owned by Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Delancy, was a little east of Whitby. Several Loyalist cotton plantations once stood in the wider Whitby area. Remains of 18th-century plantation sites can still be seen in some places. The historical picture therefore includes both the locations of specific sites and evidence of earlier land use across the wider area.
Whitby as a Settlement and Tourist Center
Whitby is the tourist center of North Caicos. The village has a few small houses, shops, vacation villas, restaurants, and a small hotel. This mix highlights the village’s tourist role alongside its role as a settlement. Individual shops and services may change; check specific offerings before your visit.
The Wider Destination
The wider Turks and Caicos Islands destination offers a different scale: the archipelago comprises eight main islands and more than 40 cays; the figures may vary depending on how they are counted. The Turks and Caicos Islands have an extensive barrier reef and impressive underwater walls. Boat trips in the Turks and Caicos Islands visit uninhabited cays, beaches, and reefs. In addition to boat trips, activities offered in the Turks and Caicos Islands include jet skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, parasailing, E-foiling, and kiteboarding.
Discover more destinations: Sandy Point.
Return to the main travel overview: North Caicos.
