Berkley Island is a small and uninhabited island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands chain and is known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush foliage.
The island is also home to a number of rare and endangered species of animals, including the Bahama parrot and the sandhill crane. The isolation of Berkley Island has made it a popular spot for adventurers and nature lovers.
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What is Berkley Island?
Berkley Island lies in the Turks and Caicos Islands chain, about off shore from Providenciales. It is a small 1 ½ acre island that was originally colonized by George Hayes, an American trader.
The island has many sheltered coves along its coastline with lush vegetation growing throughout it; this makes it ideal for birding enthusiasts looking to see rare animals such as 16 species of seabirds (some experts estimate there are 30 different species) and endangered animals such as the Bahama Parrot.
The island is an extremely popular weekend destination for tourists, especially eco-tourists, especially during winter when there are no ferries available. Is it inhabited?
No. The island is uninhabited and undeveloped. It’s part of a wilderness managed by the Turks & Caicos National Trust. There are no structures on Berkley Island, simply extensive hammocks that have been left to recover over the years (many have not rotted away).
Most visitors enjoy exploring various areas of the island through Hammock walking tours offered during July though fall and January through.
What Are The Natural Attractions Of Berkley Island?
There is no regular delivery of electricity, water or even food to the island. There is a store that sells various local foods but due to their location in Paradise Beach and deep within South Caicos lagoon where many islands intersect with one another it does not have connectivity (not quite secluded without a lot more effort).
The nearest tavern for supplies/food/service options about 40 min Berkley Island offers visitors one of the most isolated tropical island experiences in all Turks and Caicos.
Its six miles by three-quarters of a mile lush coastline provides numerous secluded coves from where you can admire its dramatic cliffs and spectacular scenery.
There are 22 different species that make their home on Berkley, making it an ideal spot for bird watching enthusiasts (predominantly blackbills). Some prominent birds include 300 Iguanas , 500 Swallows, over 13 species of Caciques (birds), 80 Blackbirds, 25 Red Tailed Hawks and a host of hummingbirds.
There are 38 caves on the island that house some interesting critters such as bats and cave crickets. The only way to get here is by boat or airplane though now both landing areas have waterparks containing sharks so you’ll want to swim with caution!
What Is The History Of Berkley Island?
Teeming with wildlife that makes their home here in natural caves of low rock overhangs and crevices. On top of a plateau-like land mass surrounded by high cliffs there are coves galore allowing you to choose from several secluded beaches without leaving the beach or merely crossing paths with other local barefoot islanders.
The best hiking location for experienced hikers can be gotten to via the Exuma Walkways and other easy accessible trails , with several options for moderate difficulty.
You can also simply set off exploring on your own without worrying about getting lost or learning how to find food, drink or water sources.
Only a small network of roads connect certain sparsely populated regions of Berkley Island, so you are never too far from some assistance should you need it though there will be more isolated areas further in out toward the island’s back scenery. Are there any hazards to encounter along Berkley Island?
What makes up the interesting wildlife and flora of this area? There are several bats living amongst the winding tunnels of caves on Berkley, Black-and-Yellow Flying Squirrels and all sorts of snakes that include Malabar Brown Snakes , a very dangerous venomous variety known as The Boomslang . Other large reptiles include Eastern Indigo Snakes.
Who Owns Berkley Island?
The Berkley Island Heritage Foundation owns and maintains the majority of property on this upscale man-made island , but beyond that there are many individuals living their lives here on a permanent or seasonal basis, due in part to those who visited for various times over the years.
Basically most people do what they want without anyone making them go somewhere else though its assumed then you pay some sort of annual fee for which premise/resort resides within your chosen area in Berkley Island’s case you can choose to buy some real estate on the island or simply rent one of its many homes, condos and cottages that range anywhere from a rustic yet simple tiny cottage all the way up to amazing mansions.
Walk Around At Night By Yourself?
It is your own decision whether you would walk alone here while visiting in this area as (with rare exceptions) pretty much everyone Else seems content with not bothering any strangers here , but it’s my personal recommendation to not do so without at least employing one of Berkley Island Foundation employees as a guard or companion (who isn’t necessarily affiliated with the foundation) just in case you become lost, injured or have some mishap that requires medical attention.
There is also always security present along most sections of your chosen land . there are no other vehicles on the island apart from smaller boats and small aircraft.
Conclusion
I think that this lack of crime and police presence is one the reasons why it attracts people year after year willing to pay seemingly excessive fees for their comfy accommodations in summer breeze or even a place on the island where they can live all year.
The reason I have not listed Berkley Island’s “International District” among my favourite locations has little do to with what you’re probably thinking:
It’s because as most everything else, including this very area (which is a fairly decent size and in my opinion the nicest of all) is only accessible to those with real estate on, available or have already done some sort of residency test.
Thus your own comfy house here requires you attend most weekly visits that our residents make at certain randomly selected shrines throughout this area’s dozen locations just like many do their quarterly “maintenance” checkup/cleaning once per month while religiously paying.
FAQ
1.What Are The Benefits Of Owning Real Estate On Berkley Island?
Ans: Berkley Island is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in San Francisco County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 2,611.
2.How Do You Become A Resident Of Berkley Island?
Ans: Berkley Island is an uninhabited Canadian archipelago located in the Saint Lawrence River. It was charted in 1615 by Samuel de Champlain and named after Sir William Berkley, 1st Baronet, who was an English army officer and colonial governor of the Virginia Company.
The island is home to more than 60 bird species, including the bald eagle, the northern harrier, and the critically endangered eastern pipistrelle.
3.What Is The Weekly Visit Schedule For Residents Of Berkley Island?
Ans: Berkley Island is a small private island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is protected by the Rockefeller family and their preserve covers an area of 737 acres. The island has a private airstrip and it is accessible only by invitation. The island serves as a refuge for endangered animals, including the West Indian Manatee and the Cuban Solider Ants.
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