Share The Article
Let’s be honest, the term “undiscovered” gets thrown around a lot in the travel world. It often means you’ll just find slightly smaller crowds at the swim-up bar. But what if we told you there’s a place that’s the real deal? A sun-drenched, ruggedly beautiful island that has been virtually off-limits to direct travel from the U.S. for an entire generation.
You heard that right. For the first time in over 40 years, Americans can now hop on a nonstop flight and land in one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets: South Caicos, the forgotten gem of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What’s the Big Deal?
Picture this: An entire island, known for some of the most pristine ocean environments on the planet, that you couldn’t easily fly to. That all changed in March 2025 when American Airlines launched the first scheduled nonstop service from Miami (MIA) to South Caicos (XSC) since the early 1980s.
This isn’t just another new route on the map; it’s like finding a key to a secret garden. For decades, getting to South Caicos meant a connecting flight from the main island of Providenciales (“Provo”). That extra step was just enough to keep it preserved and wonderfully quiet. Now, that door has swung wide open for anyone looking for a truly authentic escape.
Welcome to the ‘Big South’
Forget what you think you know about the Turks and Caicos.
South Caicos, affectionately known as ‘The Big South,’ is Provo’s wilder, more adventurous sibling. You won’t find sprawling all-inclusive resorts, designer shopping plazas, or bustling nightlife here.
What you will find is a stunning, raw landscape defined by dramatic ocean-side bluffs, deserted white-sand beaches, and historical salt flats that shimmer in the sun. This is the fishing capital of the country, a place with a proud history that feels a world away from modern tourism. The island is dotted with roaming wild donkeys, remnants of the salt trade era, and the charming, quiet town of Cockburn Harbour feels like stepping back in time. It’s the Caribbean of yesterday, accessible today.
What Is There To Do In Paradise?
So, what do you actually do on an island famous for being quiet? You unplug. You breathe. You reconnect with what a vacation is supposed to be about, far from the curated experiences and scheduled activities of a typical resort.
The main attraction here is the stunning, untouched nature, both above and below the water. The sea is an impossible shade of turquoise, practically begging you to explore it. Grab a snorkel and float over vibrant coral reefs just offshore—no deep-sea excursions required. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard and glide over the calm, clear water to a deserted cay for a picnic lunch you’ll remember forever.
Of course, for those with a bigger sense of adventure, the island’s reputation is well-earned. It’s a world-class hotspot for divers, famous for a breathtaking 7,000-foot underwater wall. It’s also the fishing capital of the country, which adds to its authentic, salty-air charm that you can feel everywhere.
But you don’t need a tank on your back or a rod in your hand to fall in love with South Caicos. The real adventure is in the freedom.
It’s in beachcombing along a mile-long stretch of white sand and not seeing another footprint. It’s in watching a flamboyance of flamingos take flight from the historic salt pans. It’s in the simple, soul-stirring pleasure of finding your own perfect slice of paradise and having it all to yourself.
Travel Off Path Is Going!
This new flight has opened up a world of possibilities, and you know we couldn’t resist. The Travel Off Path team is packing its bags and heading straight to South Caicos to get the first-hand scoop on this incredible destination!
We’re on a mission to uncover all its secrets for you. We’ve even managed to snag a spot at a hush-hush beachfront resort location that we can’t wait to check out. Is it as amazing as it sounds? What are the must-do activities? And where can you find the best local food?
We’re going to find out and bring all the highlights (and maybe a little gossip) back directly to you. So, stay tuned! This is one journey you won’t want to miss.
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
Sign Up To Receive Our Twice Weekly Newsletter With Free Travel Hacks: The Upgrade!
️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.