Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos and The Best Things to Do There

Providenciales clear kayak photoshoot
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Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 different islands and cays. These coral islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas.

The islands are quite diverse. Out of the 40, only 9 of the islands are inhabited. The diversity of the islands makes experiencing them a grand adventure. To get the full experience, you’ll want to visit every island on the chain. However, you don’t have to do it all in one trip!

Here are some tips for visiting Turks and Caicos. These tips will help you make the most of your first visit to these breathtaking islands (yes, you’ll want to go back!).

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos and The Best Things to Do There

Our Trip To Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Of the 40+ islands that make up Turks and Caicos, Providenciales is the main island for tourism. This is where we spent our time, and it did not disappoint!

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos

It is the third largest island in the chain of islands. It is home to the Providenciales International Airport where we flew into, making it the gateway to the other islands of Turks and Caicos.

We traveled there in February and the weather was beautiful.

Best Beaches in Providenciales

Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is one that you won’t want to miss. It is often referred to as the best beach in the world. Grace Bay Beach boasts calm waters, palm trees, and gorgeous white sands.

Best Beaches in Providenciales

Sapodilla Bay Beach was absolutely incredible. We spent a day here hanging out, enjoying great food, and chatting with the locals. The water is the clearest blue that you can imagine!

We also took our clear kayak photos here with and wow, just look how beautiful these photos are.

Sapodilla Bay Beach clear kayak

Leeward Beach is another popular beach on the northeast end of Providenciales. If you start from Leeward beach, you can walk a 7-mile stretch across Grace Bay Beach, Bight Beach, and Smith’s Reef and Turtle Cove.

It’s an excellent way to experience the bright sands and blue waters of multiple beaches while getting some sunshine and exercise!

Best Resorts in Providenciales

We stayed at Beaches Resorts on the island of Providenciales. As an all-inclusive vacation experience, this is one of the most popular luxury resorts on the islands.

Best Resorts in Providenciales

The resort is made up of 21 restaurants, along with land and water sports and plenty of other family -friendly activities that are all included in the price.

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos - Beaches Resorts

This is one of the most expensive resorts we’ve ever stayed at. Turks & Caicos overall is quite expensive though, so this isn’t surprising.

Other places to stay in Turks & Caicos

Consider booking an Airbnb or a vacation rental right on the beach. There are so many options to choose from.

Rental and Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos

Things to Do in Providenciales

Perhaps our favorite activity on the beautiful island of Providenciales was a clear glass kayak photoshoot. It was a whole new way to experience such amazing blue water. Plus, it provided incredible photos that our family will treasure for a lifetime! I would definitely recommend giving it a try on your visit to the island.

Things to Do in Providenciales

Other fantastic activities include swimming, snorkeling, trying the delicious food, and enjoying the resorts. 

If you’re a golfer, don’t miss checking out the Provo Golf Club. This beautiful club attracts many visitors to the island.

The island is also full of incredible historic attractions. Some of these include Chalk Sound National Park, Cheshire Hall Plantation, Sapodilla Bay Rock Carvings, and Turk’s Head Brewery.

Restaurants in Providenciales

The island is so filled with mouth-watering food that you will have a hard time choosing! From seafood restaurants to steak dinners to vegetarian options to gourmet coffee shops, you won’t be disappointed by the delightful cuisine options of the island.

Some of the top-visited restaurants on the island include

Restaurants in Providenciales | Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos

Shopping on Providenciales

If you love to shop, Providenciales is the island for you. It offers the best options for shopping out of all the islands of Turks and Caicos. On Providenciales, you can find anything from souvenirs and gifts to arts and crafts to jewelry and fashion. The local shops are an experience you won’t soon forget.

Getting around Providenciales

Car rental and taxi are generally the best ways to get around the island. Getting the benefit of having your own vehicle to take you wherever you want to go.

However, since the island is small, waiting for a taxi doesn’t take very long, so this is also a good option.

Both options are expensive, so make sure to choose wisely.

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos: Reasons to Visit

The Beaches

Some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world are found within the islands. You can sink your toes into the bright, fluffy, white sand while taking in the views of the brilliant, turquoise tides. Pictures of these vivid beaches look almost too good to be true. Trust me, though, they’re even more beautiful up close!

The beaches above are among the most popular beaches to visit in Turks and Caicos.

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos - the beaches

The Food

For food connoisseurs, the islands of Turks and Caicos are a must. Within the islands, you’ll experience a whole world of unique dining opportunities. The diversity of the islands is seen in part by their many options of restaurant and dining choices.

Gourmet, elegant venues. Local seafood joints. Authentic international cuisines – your biggest problem will be deciding where to stop for a meal!

If you really want a memorable experience, you can even go deep-sea sport fishing and have your own catch prepared at a local restaurant!

The Wildlife

As you travel through the islands of Turks and Caicos, you’ll be amazed at the jaw-dropping wildlife that’s everywhere! Boating through the islands is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of a host of incredible animals. In fact, you might even see Jojo the dolphin — one of the islands’ most loved residents swimming by

Sea life aren’t the only incredible creatures around, though. In fact, most of the wildlife of the islands is made up of reptiles and amphibians. Iguanas, lizards, and geckos make their home in these beautiful tropical islands. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to get too close!

You can find iguanas at Iguana Beach which is a short boat ride from Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales.

Family Time

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a fabulous destination for quality family time. Between the calm, brilliant, blue beaches and the variety of activities, there’s something that everyone will love. Kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and fishing are just a few of the options.

Turks and Caicos family time

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos: Things to Do

Fishing

Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just trying your hand at it for the first time, Turks and Caicos will offer an excellent fishing adventure.

Like most locations, you’ll need a license to fish. However, these are usually obtained by the excursion operator. If you’re not fishing with a local tour business, make sure you know where you can fish and where you can’t.

On Providenciales (the most populated island), there are quite a few natural parks and nature reserves. It’s illegal not only to fish, but also to collect conch or lobster in these areas. Many popular beaches also do not allow fishing. Make sure to keep this in mind.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the most memorable activities for both kids and adults! Some of the most popular snorkeling sites are on Providenciales. These include the Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and of course, gorgeous reefs!

Things to do in Turks and Caicos

Sailing

After a brisk swim or snorkel tour, relax on the tranquil waters with a sailing trip. Visit the uninhabited cays and peek at the 1700s cannons still seen in the shallow waters. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Jojo the dolphin!

More to do on the islands

There’s truly something for everyone on the islands. If you want a unique experience, you can snorkel with the humpback whales of Salt Cay. For a deeper adventure, try scuba diving at the Grand Turk Wall. It’s 7,000 feet deep and attracts divers from all over the world!

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos: Where To Stay

After a full day in the sun, you can relax at one of the grand resorts on the island . Or, for a more rustic experience, try beach camping.

Airbnb

The islands are filled with stunning rentals. You can search for your best fit here

Kid listening to seashell

Tips for Visiting Turks and Caicos: Traveling throughout the islands

There are a few different ways to travel from island to island.

  1. By Air – You can travel by air from Provo International Airport (PLS) to some of the other islands, like Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay. Most air trips are about 10-25 minutes.
  2. Domestic Ferry – Ferry routes are an easy way to travel between the islands. The routes are serviced by small passenger ferries. Large car ferries do not exist in the country.

Tips For Visiting Turks & Caicos: Other Tips

1. Getting around

It’s easy to travel by taxi through the islands. Since the islands are small and there is an abundance of taxis, you usually won’t have to wait more than 20 minutes for a ride.

Other options include renting a car, renting a scooter or moped, or private transport. There is no public transportation such as train, bus, or subway service on the islands.

2. Consider Taking Food With You

Purchasing food on the islands can be expensive. Because the water around the islands is created by reverse osmosis, there are no significant fresh water sources. Most electricity is produced by diesel generators.

This makes growing food difficult on the islands and results in higher food prices. However, you can take some of your own food and snacks on your flight to help cut the cost.

3. All beaches are free to access

Free beaches? Okay! Turks and Caicos don’t have any private beaches. While you aren’t guaranteed access to parking, you’ll never have to pay to enter the brilliant beaches on the islands

Turks and Caicos free beaches

Tips For Visiting Turks & Caicos: Commonly Asked Questions

What language is spoken?

English is the official language of the islands. Most residents of the islands know at least basic English. Other common languages spoken on the island are Spanish, French, and Italian.

What is the currency used?

They use the U.S. dollar so you don’t have to worry about changing money or anything of that sort.

When is the best time to go?

Unlike many vacation destinations, the weather in the Turks and Caicos is incredible all year. The weather usually hovers between 75F degrees and 95F degrees.

Water temperature is around 80F degrees. While you can enjoy the islands almost any time of year, you may want to avoid September and October, as they are peak hurricane season.

Overall thoughts on Turks & Caicos

In conclusion, Turks and Caicos has it all. Our visit was incredible, and we can’t wait to go back and explore these breathtaking islands. Whether you’re looking for a deep diving adventure or a week at the spa, the islands offer an exciting escape for anyone!

Kay, The Mom Trotter

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