Experience Turks and Caicos

Overview

The dazzling deluxe destination of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a tiny archipelago nation that lies off the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, stretching for 37 miles through the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The islands are home to opulent beachfront accommodations, world-class lush beaches, stellar spas, flavorsome cuisine, and incredible hospitality. A sought-after holiday destination for families, couples, and celebrities seeking complete relaxation, and island vibes in a hidden tropical paradise.

The islands offer bountiful experiences such as access to the third-largest barrier reef in the world leading to premier dive sites, captivating cultural and historical sites, copious water sports, and secret underground caves, the possibilities are endless for endless adventures to suit every traveler. All of this coupled with the chance to spend a blissful day at an assortment of immaculate beaches including Grace Bay which is consistently ranked the best beach in the world. Visitors are rewarded with a supreme beach holiday vacation destination when visiting the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. 

Things to see and do

The dazzling islands are home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, but that is not all that the islands have to offer. Sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, parasailing, spas, salons, golfing, shopping, and gambling are among a few of the activities to choose from. 

Head to the Princess Alexandra Marine Park, part of Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales where snorkelers can see rich marine life at Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef, a spectacular underwater park. Both sites can be accessed from the shore and the bay here is “JoJo’s” playground, a bottlenose dolphin, who loves interacting with humans.

Get out on the water! Watersports are one of the number one activities to enjoy in the Turks and Caicos. Choose from windsurfing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, and sailing, just to name a few. Some amazing eco-tours take visitors through the mangroves and shallow flats of teh nature reserves allowing excellent views of the amazing sea life, and birds of the islands. 

Go diving or snorkeling! Turks and Caicos is home to world-class diving sites and endless untouched miles of barrier reefs. Diving is exquisite here as the islands sit on an underwater plateau rising over 11,000 feet above the ocean floor, the edges lined by barrier reefs where numerous dive sites and sheltered inshore reefs are found. These underwater wonderlands are teeming with awe-inspiring sea life. 

Check out Columbus Passage a 22-mile wide pass located east of Grand Turks Island that separates the Turks from the Caicos. There are many marine animals in the past and divers might get the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, rays, and turtles depending on the time of year.

Visit the coastal path of Crossing Place Trail, a National Trust Heritage Site dating back to the 18th century, established by settlers and slaves. The path offers 5 miles of hiking and biking trails stretching from the village of Lorimers to the place where islanders crossed the sandbars to trade with the inhabitants of North Caicos. Take a walk or bike ride along the coastal headlands that pass hidden, secluded beaches, secret caves, and inland bush while absorbing some of the best views.

See the Grand Turk Lighthouse which dates back to 1852, it stands 60 feet tall at the highest point of Turk Island. It was inspired by President Fred Forth after several shipwrecks occurred offshore due to poor lighting. It protects the northern tip of the island and is an important landmark with an interesting history. The lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper’s house are both historic sites by the National Trust.

Visit Middle Caicos, which has a lot to offer nature lovers! Home to the Mudjin Harbour coastlinethat stretches for two miles and is filled with breathtaking cliffs and beaches, as well as the Conch Bar Caves, which are the largest above-ground cave system in the Bahamas—Turks and Caicos archipelago.

Conch Bar Caves are one of the biggest cave systems in the Caribbean, and they are found close to the Conch Bar village on Middle Caicos Island. The cave system spans 1.5 miles and can be accessed through the National Trust, with 20-30 minute guided tours offered. The caves are home to stalactites, stalagmites, lagoons, and colonies of bats.

Go and see the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas on Little Water Cay. 

Bird watchers will rejoice at the natural parks and nature reserves across the country, where flamingos, egrets, herons, ospreys, pelicans, and ducks can be regularly seen. Near Salt Cay and Grand Turk, thousands of humpback whales pass through the Turks Island Passage in late winter every year.

Visit the spectacular Salt House Museum in Grand Turk. A must-see museum, the salt industry was very important in the Turks and Caicos back in the 1900s when the islands were exporting as much as 140 million pounds of sea salt. Extracted from Salt Cay in the South Caicos, the remnants can be seen at this museum.

Check out the Turks and Caicos National Museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings on the island, it chronicles the history of the country. The museum touches base on topics such as slavery, the salt industry, and the island's natural environment. An interesting exhibit shows a collection of messages in bottles that have been retrieved from the shores all over the island.

Shopping

These islands offer shoppers some great opportunities, they are considered a great destination for travelers searching for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. One of the best places to shop in Turks and Caicos is on the island of Providenciales or ‘Provo’, this is one of the main towns on the islands where many resorts are located and unique shopping opportunities can be found. Visitors can find a good variety of shops on this island, Grace Bay is a popular spot for shopping with the main shopping and dining district located along Grace Bay Road, as well as The Regent Village, Ports of Call, and the Salt Mills Plaza. Grand Turk offers shoppers a great collection of goods like locally made arts and crafts, clothing, handwoven baskets, jewelry, leather goods, and other unique treasures. In Grand Turk, shoppers should head to the Grand Turk Cruise Center and around the Grand Turks and Caicos National Museum. 

Cuisine

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast a great deal of restaurants, many of which can be found on Providenciales Island. These fantastic dining opportunities offer food lovers fine dining, and imaginative cuisine from world-class chefs. The islands heavily rely on imported food products, and the food can be expensive, but there is a lot of variety with Asian, Caribbean, Mexican, Italian, and of course plenty of fresh fish and seafood. Some favorites on the island include conch, served up in several different ways including conch fritters and creamy conch chowder.

A weekly fish fry is held at Bight Park. This is a fun and unique way to absorb the local culture of the islands, and something every visitor should experience. Sample delicious fresh fish, seafood, and conch meals with sides such as mac and cheese and crab rice, prepared by excellent chefs from all over the island. There is live music to keep you entertained and nearby shops to pick up unique authentic souvenirs.

Beaches

The beaches on the Turks and Caicos islands are world famous with exceptional stretches of golden sandy beaches and sparkling shorelines, this is one of the main attractions. An undoubted activity in the Turks and Caicos is just simply relaxing at the world-renowned beaches, soaking up the sunshine, swimming in the crystal clear waters, and walking along the soft white sand. 

There are many attractive beaches to visit on the islands with the spectacular shores of Grace Bay Beach being number one!! It is frequently ranked the best beach in the world and has won awards from Tripadvisor, CNN, and Conde Nast Traveler. Grace Bay stretches for 5 pristine miles and is home to luxurious resorts and other attractions, it is part of the Princess Alexandra Marine Park filled with rich marine life, and is a great spot for bird watching and whale watching.

Sapodilla Bay is another stunning beach nestled on the ocean side of Chalk Sound on Providenciales, a spectacular strip of sand and some of the calmest waters on any of the islands. The water is shallow making it great for snorkeling and swimming. 

Governor’s Beach is located at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, another beautiful secluded beach offering plenty of shade from the trees and some of the clearest waters in the country, another one great for snorkeling. 

Sun Ray Beach is located on Providenciales, a short walk from the cruise port. This is a popular beach with day trippers and excursions and is backed by some good entertainment options like dining, and shopping. 

Bambarra Beach and Reef are located on Middle Caicos and off the beaten track in a secluded area. Beachgoers can spend a peaceful relaxing day here with great waters for snorkeling, and access to the nearby Pelican Cay where the waters are shallow. 

Nightlife

The Turks and Caicos Islands are not renowned for their nightlife, many visitors choose to relax and enjoy the spectacular sunsets while sipping cocktails on the beach or poolside. Many of the resorts and hotels offer great evening entertainment with dinners, drinks, live music, and dancing.

Grace Bay on Providenciales does have a casino which is a popular place in the evening, many resorts offer complimentary shuttle rides to the casino. The casino offers slot machines and live gaming tables including blackjack and roulette. There is a bar and lounge area to chill out and have drinks.

The Spirit of the Turks and Caicos, Bambarra Rum is an alcoholic beverage sold in many of the bars. It is the national drink and is used in rum punches and Mojitos, also sold are Bambarra Black, Bambarra Coconut Rum, and Bambarra two-year-old Silver Rum.

Happy Hour is a popular pastime on the islands, settling back in a bar stool or on the beach for sunset and cocktails.