West Caicos is an uninhabited island of 9 square miles. Currently plans are underway to develop a small, exclusive community with yacht harbour and airport on a small portion of the island. See below. While the east coast boasts some of the most spectacular beach in the country, the west coast is ironshore (limestone weathered into jagged rock) and is dotted with small sandy coves, perfect for picnics.   West Caicos was cleared in the 1890's for salinas and the cultivation of sisal. The island still contains the ruins of those activities complete with railroad tracks, engines and old stone buildings. In the center of the island is Lake Catherine where flocks of pink flamingos can be sighted. A fantastic spot for star-gazing during an overnight campout on the beach.   West Caicos offers some of the most beautiful diving spots in the country and is therefore one of the favorite destinations for the dive operators from Providenciales. Dive sites are situated along the wall of the Caicos Bank, some marked with anchor buoys by the local dive operators and watersports association. The wall drops off to a 7000 foot abyss. Large animals are frequently seen cruising in the deep blue, ranging in size from the majestic eagle rays and manta rays to anything as big as a humpback whale. See the big anchor embeded in the coral in a dive through a tunnel. Top side of the wall ranges from 40 to 90 feet offering a variety of diving for every level of diver.