The ocean at North Mouth channel, Bay Cay.
Kayaking at Bottle Creek in the national park.
Found off the northeast coast of North Caicos and next to Bottle Creek, East Bay Islands National Park (NP5) is comprised of the uninhabited wetlands islands of Bay Cay, East Bay Cay, and Major Hill Cay. Total area of this protected region, which includes water, is 8746 acres (3539 hectares).
The main activities in this area are kayaking and day boat trips.
There are miles of secluded beach to explore.
The north and northeast coasts of Bay Cay and East Bay Cay offer excellent casuarina tree lined beaches. The south-eastern section of the beach on East Bay is spectacular, and comparable to many of the top beaches in the country.
The southern sides of these cays consist of sheltered mangrove wetlands and interior landlocked ponds. An abundance of bird life and other wildlife can be found in these areas.
Nearly the entirety of the dry ground on these islands is low elevation sandy coastal vegetation terrain. This landscape supports a beautiful array of salt-resistant plants, including sea grapes, thatch palms, joe wood trees, and sapodillas.
As in all protected areas in the Turks and Caicos, certain rules and regulations apply.
It is illegal to take or harm any animal, plant, natural item or historical artefact. This includes seashells, animals, plants and flowers, coral and sand.
Littering and vandalism is against the law and punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Fishing and the collection of conch, lobster, crab and shellfish is illegal.
Looking across the East Bay Islands National Park.
Last reviewed by an editor on 11 September 2018.