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¤ Salt Cay History
¤ Diving on Salt Cay
¤ Enjoying the Island
¤ Traveling to Salt Cay
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Salt Cay History
Rich in history, Salt Cay was a major producer of salt from the 18th century through the mid-20th century and vestiges of that industry dot the landscape--windmills, salinas, and the seaside houses of the salt barons. The White House, home to the Herriot family for generations, remains a classic example of the Bermudian architecture common on the island. A tour of the house is an unforgettable visit to the past since it looks much the same today as it did 100 years ago. Other historic buildings include the Government House, and the beautiful Episcopal church.

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Diving on Salt Cay
It is the waters around Salt Cay that attract most visitors. Salt Cay Divers takes you to explore some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, abundant with marine life. Squid, lobsters, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and manta rays are often your underwater companions. When the weather is calm, the divemaster can take you to the Endymion, an unsalvaged 17th century British warship, lying in clear, shallow waters. From January to March, Salt Cay is on the migratory path of the humpback whale. Divers can share the waters with these giants, while the less adventurous can observe them from the deck of Hyacinth Cottage, or on a boat operated by one of the islanders. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is available on the unspoiled North Beach, where sometimes the only footprints are yours. Coral heads lie close to the surface, creating canyons to navigate and occasionally a super male parrot fish silently accompanies the lucky snorkeler. Visit www.saltcaydivers.tc for more information on diving on Salt Cay.

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Enjoying the Island
For those more comfortable on dry land, the ocean is a soothing backdrop to the respectable sport of lounging. Hyacinth Cottage's deck is the perfect place to pass the time with a good book, or with a good friend or two, playing cards or just talking.

While Salt Cay has no malls or grocery stores, it has a variety of dining opportunities, from the friendly ambiance of restaurants to the pleasure of eating on a resident's porch. You can have someone cook conch dinners and deliver them, or just order flan or bread pudding to finish off a meal you've cooked yourselves. Many visitors bring well-stocked coolers and take advantage of the cottage's cooking facilities, including a gas grill. Food can also be ordered from Grand Turk in advance of your stay. You can find more information about Salt Cay at www.saltcay.org

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Traveling to Salt Cay
Most visitors come through Providenciales. Transportation can be arranged from Grand Turk. For information and reservations, contact Salt Cay Divers at scdivers@tciway.tc or the Turks & Caicos tourist board at TCI.tourism@tciway.tc.

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Hyacinth Cottage Rental Inquiries:
scdivers@tciway.tc
phone: 649 946 6906
fax: 649 946 6940

Tuesday, February 7, 2012