Anybody been to Salt Cay?

[scubawife]

I'm starting to think about possible destinations for my spring (March or April) trip and Salt Cay looks interesting. Nothing much to do but dive and relax. Has anyone been there? If so, where did you stay and who did you dive with? Was it worth the hassle of getting there?

[Tom Winters]

I saw it on the horizon from Grand Turk. Grand Turk was pretty much the quietest island I was ever on - then I read that people on Salt Cay go to Grand Turk for shopping and excitement. It sounds a little too relaxing even for me.

[Alex777]

I spent my honeymoon there (4 years ago). Salt Cay Divers was, and probably still is, the only dive operation. My wife and I were the only 2 divers. The dive op was very good - relaxed, friendly, etc. Start by phoning them. We phoned them to book our diving before we had our accomodation lined up (which shows our priorities!), and they booked that for us too - a beachfront place, essentially a motel, whose name I have forgotten. It was clean & in good repair. There was 1 restaurant open (excellent food & service) and 1 place to go for a drink at night.

You go to Salt Cay to DIVE - there's nothing else to do there. For a change of pace, you snorkel or swim. The diving is not challenging - reef & wall dives in clear, warm water. The reefs were in fine condition. Bring all the gear you need - don't plan on picking anything up on the island.

[scubawife]

Thanks Alex! When I was looking around the internet last night I found 2 dive shops - Salt Cay Divers and Reef Runners. There also seems to be a handful of simple but nice places to stay and a few decent restaurants. I'm a bit concerned about the small plane though. Can you bring your dive gear or are there low baggage weight restrictions?

Easy diving is fine as long as it's good. Lush reefs and lots of fish. Doesn't have to be deep or challenging.

[rpodos]

I just got to Grand Turk today. Yep... *quiet*. Most of the noise is made by Mitch, the owner of Blue Water Divers, who evidently wants to be a musician as much as a diver. :)

I'll ask around about Salt... I'll be on the internet most evenings for the next week, so let me know if there is anything specific you'd like me to check out.

BTW, for anyone who happens on this thread, I am going to be asking a LOT of questions about the whole area... I want to get beyond the standard moorings and dive sites. For instance, I was looking at a satellite map last night, and I was like "WHOA! What the heck THAT island to the southwest?" Great Inagua, third largest of the Bahamas! I have never even heard of a diver going there! And yes, a good reason why not, it's basically salt, but who knows about the diving? And I could SWEAR I say a huge pod of something on the approach to GT, but evidently it's a flat that nobody dives... everybody usually just does the wall here.

We'll see what we can find. :)

[grumpygrouper]

Hi
It has been three years since I have been to Salt Cay(but I have been diving there three times). I always dive with Salt Cay Divers, I have been very satisfied with them. They have been business the longest. The plane is a puddle jumper but I have carried 50# dive bag with out any problem. Once they tried to tell us our bags were overweight and that it was 30$ extra in cash. When we tried to pay in travelers checkes all of the sudden our bags were not that heavy.

I am thinking about making a trip to South Caicos and Salt Cay this fall.

[Zebra mussel]

I'm starting to think about possible destinations for my spring (March or April) trip and Salt Cay looks interesting. Nothing much to do but dive and relax. Has anyone been there? If so, where did you stay and who did you dive with? Was it worth the hassle of getting there?
We spent 5 or 6 days there a couple years ago. There are 2 Dive operations on the island....or at least there were at the time.It is VERY laid back. Not a particularly beautiful island,but very interesting in its own right. Its like you stepped back in time 100 years. Diving is good. Grand Turk is much better. We combined it on a trip to Grand Turk and South Caicos. You can fly to Grand Turk or arrange for a boat. In my opinion,it was worth going to and the planes were not a problem. If I went back,Iwould only spend a few days there and move to Grand Turk. There is NOTHING to do on Salt Cay. There are a couple of restaurants,but you need to tell them well in advance you are planning on eating with them....sometimes the day before. Anything more than a week there would get boring for me.....but thats just me. I dont remember the name of the place we stayed,but if you want to send me a private message,I will find it for you. The accomidations were very nice. It is a very friendly and safe place. Well worth the effort.

[scubawife]

Thanks for the info! rpodos, where have you stayed on Salt Cay, and how does the diving from Grand Turk to Salt Cay compare? We travel with our gear, an underwater camera set up and a video set up, so my biggest concern is the flight over and if we can bring all this stuff.

[rpodos]

Sorry for any confusion, sw (fellow NYer?)... I have not been to Salt Cay, but can ask around for any info you want here on Grand Turk.

Uh, and while I do intend to visit Salt Cay, I am very much a big fan of Grand Turk as of today. :)

[scubawife]

We've been kicking around the idea of Grand Turk as well. Especailly with the under 4 hr flt from JFK to Provo. When you get back, could you post or PM me about the diving, who you dived with, where you stayed, etc? If I can arrange 10 days and we do decide on Turks, then possibly split the time between Salt Cay and Grand Turk. Provo just doesn't really appeal to me, especially after reading about the longer boat trips to the better dive sites.

Again, thanks everyone for the info.

[ChikkenNoodul]

I ate at one of those restaurants on Salt Cay, can't remember the name right now - but the owner was a REAL character and we had a great time. The food was decent as well.

[sandrascuba]

We are a group of 10 that will be going to Salt Cay during mid-February 06. That's prime whale watching season there. They say you can hear the whales while underwater. We will be diving with Salt Cay Divers and staying at their property, the Tradewinds. Debbie at Salt Cay Divers has been very easy to work with. We made our inter-island flight arrangements the other day for travel from Provo to Salt Cay and back so here's the scoop about baggage and cost when I made those reservations for our group. Hope this helps. Sandra

"Round trip airfare per adult is $165. Breakdown is as follows: Provo/Salt Cay/Provo-$155 and $10 FIC Charge. Space is extremely limited on our planes. The more passengers we carry the less room for baggage. We allow 40 pounds free per person, and will charge excess baggage fees for every pound over the limit. (See rates below). We strongly recommend that you pack one small bag containing essentials. The other, larger bag(s) may have to follow you on the next available flight. We don't like to separate passengers from their bags, but if it becomes necessary we like to advise travelers in advance so you can plan and pack accordingly. If you are bringing any perishables, please pack them in your carry-on or in a cooler packed with ice or gel packs and taped shut. If you wish, you may color code your luggage with red and green ribbons; red for first priority; green for luggage that can wait for the next flight if necessary.

Excess baggage rates: domestic flights, except Salt Cay 40cents/lb. Salt Cay 50cents/lb. All Salt Cay bags are charged on a round trip basis upon check-in unless you are only purchasing a one-way ticket, in which case we charge 40 cents per pound.

Baggage for round trip charters will be charged on a round trip basis upon check-in for the outbound flight.

Patrina Moore Ross
Reservations Department
Air Turks & Caicos (2003) Ltd
Tel: (649) 946 4999
Fax:(649) 946 4040"

[reefsong]

We were in Grand Turk last October and had a really wonderful trip there. We took a day trip over to Salt Cay and it was certainly worth the look-see, but I would never stay there as a destination. It's absolutely tiny........I think there may be 50-60 people who actually live on the island. The island itself is dilapidated and sad, the reefs are nice (same as Grand Turk) and there are a few buildings of historical significance, all of which can be seen on a day trip. The boat ride over to Salt Cay can be arranged by Oasis Divers and takes about 45 minutes to get there, weather permitting. Ask for "Tim" at Oasis Divers if he's available and is willing to take you. His family is actually one of the settler families on Salt Cay and he can give a particularly unique and interesting perspective. We ate lunch at "Pat's Place" and had one of the most outstanding meals around......the best cracked conch EVER!! Grand Turk is itself a quiet, laid-back place and was really such a lovely dive destination with the great reefs just minutes off the beach, mom&pop kinds of places to stay with good food and friendly people. I'd only recommend the visit to Salt Cay using Grand Turk as a base, but never recommend that anyone actually stay there. Sorry, just being honest.

[sandrascuba]

Thanks for the input about Salt Cay. I really appreciate your honesty about the place. We are looking forward to the peace and quiet. We are taking our entertainment/friends with us so quiet will be fine. It doesn't sound like a destination to go alone for sure.

Thanks again for the tip.

Sandra

[reeldive]

I lived on Greater Inagua in the early 50,s as a 10-13 yr old boy. The best time of my life!!

I visited it last June. It hasn't changed much. we dove Hogsty reef on that trip. Fantastic Wall dive. Need to go back!!!

[reeldive]

Did you go to Salt Cay? What was it like? We are booked for the last week in Feb. I'll give a report when we get back. We are also thinking of buying a place there or on Greater Inagua in the Bahamas. Need to get back there (Inagua) There is no dive facillity on Inagua and as far as know, no place to fill, let alone rent tanks. I asked around on our June visit

[sandrascuba]

Reeldive: We will be on Salt Cay for a week beginning 2/8. I'll let you know how it goes. We are diving with Salt Cay Divers and staying at the Tradewinds.

Sandra

[reeldive]

Thanks Sandera, Looking forward to your report. we're booked at the Tradewinds as well. If you see a place with a sign over the door "The Twilight Zone" take some pic's for me will ya! We are planning to look at it. Post Pic,s please.

[sandrascuba]

OK will do.

Sandra

[sandrascuba]

We returned yesterday from Salt Cay. We stayed at the Tradewinds and dove with Salt Cay Divers. Our DM was Matt and we really liked him. He is very friendly and allows you to do your own thing within reason. Tell him we said "hi." He shot a short video of us diving and his wife, Abby, cooks in the Salt Cay Divers Restaurant, added music, titles, etc. Cost $50.

The Tradewinds are 5 bungalows all strung together, separated by rock walls. each bungalow has their own screened in porch and AC was not needed. The rooms are nicely decorated and each has slightly different appointments. We had the StingRay bungalow and it had a full kitchen, microwave, oven and nice seating area.

The weather was not very cooperative. The seas became very rough and a few dives were delayed or cancelled. The water temp ranged from 72 to 76.

We took our own fun. There were 10 of us on the trip - 6 divers, 4 non-divers. Everyone had a great time.

Food on the Island is expensive except at the dive shop or Green Flash. We ate at Pat's place and a few others. Food was good but $40 pp for dinner is a bit much. Food at the dive shop was fine.

One of the things you will need to do if you plan to eat somewhere other than in your cottage is to let them know you will be having meals with them and what you intend to order. All this is in advance, so they can shop and prepare meals. Most of the places to eat are in people's homes.

The diving was very nice. The walls are beautiful and the tops of the reefs full of life. The walls rival Bunaken Marine Park in Indonesia but seemed even steeper. We saw turtles on nearly every dive and a few sharks. The usual reef subjects were in abundance. The diving was easy and mostly deep.

We were fortunate that the weather cleared a few days and the seas calmed so we were able to spend a morning diving at Grand Turk. We dove the sites Tunnels and Coral Gardens. Both were a nice change from wall diving. We were not able to get out to the wreck but maybe next time. Please email me if you have specific questions. I'll do a formal trip report later with pictures.

Save diving and have fun.

Sandra

[reeldive]

Just got back!!Great trip I Loved the layed back Island life, much as I remember it from my childhood in the 50's ( Inagua in the Bahamas). The diveing was fantastic had some viz < 40' at the start as it was rough but no dives cancled. Most of the week was > 50 with 100+ on Fri and Sat. Got to dive the Endymion on Sat with flat seas WOWW!!!! Dove with all the DM's -- Matt, Trevor (poofish) and Olie.
Ate at the Coral Reef, The Green Flash, Island Tyme, and Pat's place. Cooked in the room at Trade Winds a couple of nights. Total food expense for the week was about $300 for two. I've done worse in Key Largo. Gonna post some pics

[scubawife]

Salt Cay sounds perfect, until the max of 40 lbs luggage limit and the excess baggage charges. We never take much for clothes (who needs lots of clothes at a dive destinations when you spend most of your day in a bathing suit and wetsuit?), but the camera & housing, back up camera and video & housing along with all the stuff that goes with them make it pretty close to impossible to get under 40 lbs total per person. And since I can't get the husband my husband to leave all that stuff at home ...

We went back to Cozumel and as always, had a great time. We're going to go to Curacao this summer, and probably Grand Turk next spring. The flights with Spirit via FLL make it much easier.

[sandrascuba]

If you plan on going to Grand Turk, you will have the same problem with over-weight and excess baggage weight fees.

Our group was over-weight and 3 bags ended up on Grand Turk. It really wasn't a problem and cost us $17 per couple to pay off the tab. Salt Cay Divers sent a boat to Grand Turk to get them. We used 2 planes (there were 10 of us) 5 in each plane. We sent the women with the dive bags and men with carry-on stuff. It all worked out fine.

I'm very glad we were able to experience Salt Cay. It really is the Island Time Forgot.

Sandra

[scubawife]

If you plan on going to Grand Turk, you will have the same problem with over-weight and excess baggage weight fees.

Our group was over-weight and 3 bags ended up on Grand Turk. It really wasn't a problem and cost us $17 per couple to pay off the tab. Salt Cay Divers sent a boat to Grand Turk to get them. We used 2 planes (there were 10 of us) 5 in each plane. We sent the women with the dive bags and men with carry-on stuff. It all worked out fine.

I'm very glad we were able to experience Salt Cay. It really is the Island Time Forgot.

Sandra

Not with Spirit. They are flying jets from FLL and the standard 2 bags, max 50 lbs each applies! We'll try Grand Turk first and then see after that for a future trip.

[sandrascuba]

Good plan. I hope it all works out for you.
Have a ball where ever you go.

Sandra

[reeldive]

We went to GT on Sprit from FT Lauderdale. New Planes. Bring your Credit card to pay for alcoholic drinks/snacks as they don't take cash aboard the plane. Soft drinks and juice are free. 2 bag 50# each limit plus 40# carry on makes it easy. Getting from GT to Salt Cay can be a bit more exciting. We had Salt Cay Divers pick us up and take us over by skiff. wet ride but part of the adventure. They've got a bigger boat that can make the crossing. $150 per trip to be divided by # of people on board. We returned to GT on the ATC puddle jumper as it was to rough for the skiff on the day we left. They didn't charge us the customary excess baggage. All in all we'll be doing it again as we enjoy the ROAD LESS TRAVLED and don't miss the lack of ammenities and pampering at the bigger resorts. Less people = better diving.

[scubawife]

We went to GT on Sprit from FT Lauderdale. New Planes. Bring your Credit card to pay for alcoholic drinks/snacks as they don't take cash aboard the plane. Soft drinks and juice are free. 2 bag 50# each limit plus 40# carry on makes it easy. Getting from GT to Salt Cay can be a bit more exciting. We had Salt Cay Divers pick us up and take us over by skiff. wet ride but part of the adventure. They've got a bigger boat that can make the crossing. $150 per trip to be divided by # of people on board. We returned to GT on the ATC puddle jumper as it was to rough for the skiff on the day we left. They didn't charge us the customary excess baggage. All in all we'll be doing it again as we enjoy the ROAD LESS TRAVLED and don't miss the lack of ammenities and pampering at the bigger resorts. Less people = better diving.

Great info, thanks! An airline that doesn't take cash onboard? Now that's a first. The card processing fees are probably close to the amounts charged.

[mikerault]

I have stayed at Salt Raker (Erica is great, takes good care of you) and at Osprey (Its a bit more modern and everyone is friendly). I have dove with Blue Water, Oasis and Sea Eye, all were fine and treated me well. There are over a dozen divesites within 5 minutes of the shore. You can go down to Bohio and rent a DPV to toodle out to the wall (about 400 yards out) for a shore dive. Plenty of snorkeling. Several resturants, good food.

Mike