This Under-the-radar Island Near Turks and Caicos Has Glow Worms, Turquoise Waters, and No Crowds

Several of the islands within the Turks and Caicos archipelago have that rare combination of being easy to get to—Providenciales International Airport (PLS) offers direct flights from many major U.S. cities—while simultaneously feeling a world away from work emails, other travelers, and any of life’s everyday stressors. They also boast some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, with Provo’s Grace Bay often taking the top spot as the best of the best.

One look at the clear blue waters of Grace Bay may tempt you to plan a trip, but there’s a neighboring island that has similar beaches—possibly even better ones, depending on who you ask—but without any of the crowds that form from the main island’s roster of resorts and other services catering to tourists. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for witnessing an almost supernatural light show from glow worms, also known as Bermuda fireworms or Odontosyllis enopla, which illuminate a green light during the mating cycle.

The 800-acre private island of Pine Cay is just a 20-minute boat ride from Providenciales, and it’s home to the eponymous luxury resort, Pine Cay. “Socially distanced by design, we have 3 miles of privately owned beach to be shared among 30 privileged guests. There are no inhabitants other than our guests,” general manager Christian Langlade tells Travel + Leisure.

Yes, you may spot a few fellow travelers on the beach, but everyone has their own dedicated beach chair and tiki hut setup—and you’re encouraged to roam the island at your leisure, snorkeling directly off the pristine coast, casting for bonefish, or venturing out to a nearby sandbar. In fact, the only time you may run into other guests, outside of meals, is when everyone sets off on a cruise to see the glow worms in action.

“The glow worms happen every month during the three days after a full moon phase,” explains Langlade. “We have an organized excursion with a private boat that takes our guests to the most prolific area where the bioluminescent creatures transform dark shallow waters into otherworldly landscapes. This typically happens on the other side of the island, known as ‘the flats.’”

Although it’s certainly visually impressive, it’s also rooted in science. “Spawning females swim in slow circles secreting a bright bluish-green luminous mucus while releasing gametes. Males swim rapidly toward glowing females while emitting short flashes of light in advance of releasing their own gametes,” states a 2018 study published in the PLOS journal by several scientists associated with the American Museum of Natural History.

Even if your visit doesn’t align with the incredible glow worm light display, there are still several reasons to have Pine Cay on your vacation shortlist. “December to April offers excellent visibility, flat water, and the opportunity to see migrating humpback whales,” says Langlade, noting that his favorite time is May to August, “when waters warm up to a perfect temperature and proud mothers introduce their baby bottlenose dolphins.”