Turks and Caicos
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Turks and Caicos? This Turks and Caicos travel guide is your one-stop-shop for what to expect when exploring these beautiful islands!
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a British overseas territory comprising 40 islands and cays, lie at the southernmost end of The Bahamas chain and 575 miles southeast of Miami. Although this island chain is a lesser-explored destination in the Caribbean, it is famously known as the home to the third largest reef in the world and stunningly beuatiful beaches. It is the perfect destination if you are looking for scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, deep sea fishing, water sports & soaking up the sun all day long. We have broken down all the best places to eat, drink, sleep & things to do in this Turks and Caicos travel guide below.
Quick Tips
Language
English is the predominant language.
When To Visit
May through August, as prices are low, crowds are small and the weather is gorgeous.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Valid passport, proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Getting There
Flights to TCI are available from the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, The Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. All flights arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which is about an 80 minute flight from Miami. From there you can pick up a rental car or grab a taxi if staying nearby. However, if you are staying on a different TCI island, you will need to take a quick flight on one of the two local airlines, Caicos Express Airways or InterCaribbean.
What To Expect
Is it Safe?
Turks and Caicos is one of the safest countries in this region of the Caribbean, with crime being relatively rare. But as with any destination, you should exercise sensible precautions. The few violent crimes and robberies that do occur happen primarily on the island of Providenciales. Most other small islands see little to no crimes, especially against tourists.
Heels or no heels?
The TCI style is laid back and casual for the most part, as it is quite warm year round. Bring plenty of swimsuits, coverups, flip flops and sunhats for daytime wear. If you plan to hike or be adventurous, be sure to pack athletic clothes and/or water shoes. For the evenings, some restaurants tend to be a little more dressy, so you may want to consider some cute, beachy outfits.
WILL I NEED SUNBLOCK
Yes! Turks and Caicos has about 350 days of intense sunshine, so having plenty of protection is a necessity. Be sure to get reef safe sunscreen, as TCI is home to the 3rd largest reef in the world! Oh, and while you are at it, don’t forget bug spray! The mosquitoes seem to be everywhere.
How Long Should I Stay?
As long as humanly possible! We stayed for a full week and let us tell you, it was not long enough.
How do I get around?
There are no buses, trains or public transportation on the islands but you can easily get around by taxi, car rental or car service. Taxis are generally pretty expensive, but Sea Breeze Taxi and Tours is one of the most reasonable companies. Conch Cab is another popular taxi service that can be booked through an app, similar to Uber. Our recommendation? Rent a car. Parking is almost always accessible and it gives you the freedom to fully explore and experience the island(s). But be aware… the islands do not have traffic lights, you drive on the left side of the road, and wearing a seatbelt is necessary – unless you want to pay $250 per person caught without one.
What about Money?
CURRENCY
The U.S. dollar is the primary currency used on the islands.
COSTS
TCI is a fairly expensive destination, but there’s ways to save and still get the full experience. Fortunately, the beaches and the ocean are always free to enjoy. The time of year also determines how much you spend, with prices dipping quite a bit lower during off-peak months. If you really don’t want to worry about prices while on the trip, we recommend booking an all-inclusive resort.
TIPPING
Tipping is similar as in the U.S., about 15% – 18% for good service and 20% for excellent service. But be aware that some restaurants in the Turks & Caicos do add an extra service charge automatically to their bills. If you notice such a charge, but you believe that the service you received was excellent and warrants it, feel free to add a supplemental tip to the service charge.
Neighborhood Guide
Providenciales
This is the most developed and populated island in Turks and Caicos, offering some of the world’s best beaches (including the famous Grace Bay Beach) and a plethora of luxury hotels and resorts. All international flights to Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
South Caicos
South Caicos is geographically the last island to the east in the Caicos Islands group, and feels quite a bit more isolated than the rest of the country. It’s an ideal place for those looking for a quiet laid-back stay, or for those looking to explore its excellent reefs. If you are here to dive, be sure to check out the island’s primary dive company, Reef Divers.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk is the second most populated island in the country and home of the capital, Cockburn Town. Despite being quite a bit smaller than Providenciales, Grand Turk is a popular cruise destination, as it is known for its pristine beaches and an abundance of water activities.
North and Middle Caicos
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are found in the center of the Caicos Islands archipelago, and collectively make up most of the land mass in Turks and Caicos. Compared to Grand Turk and Providenciales, these islands are sparsely populated, with a total population less than 2000 people. North Caicos and Middle Caicos are ideal for the adventurous and outdoor-loving traveler. Miles of secluded beaches and rugged ocean cliffs line the north coasts of the islands. Hiking, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are top activities here.
Ambergris Cay
This private island, located on the remote south-eastern edge of the Caicos Islands archipelago, is a favorite among the richland famous. It is the home to a breathtaking, all-inclusive property with ten beachfront suites and seven villas, as well as a large private runway in case you need to land your private jet…
Accomodations
There are all types of accommodations in Turks and Caicos, from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to airBnB rentals & more. A couple factors to consider include location, amenities, and whether you want to do an all-inclusive or rent a private villa. While the upfront costs of staying at an all-inclusive resort might feel high at first glance, it allows you to stick to your vacation budget and enjoy every moment without feeling the pain of each purchasing decision. If you choose to rent your own villa, you’ll find that food, gas, and tours are expensive in Turks and Caicos, but you will also have a lot more flexibility to fully explore the islands.
Where we stayed: Endless Blue Villa
This incredible eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom luxury vacation villa is straight out of a movie! Spacious interiors, top-of-the-line appliances, and quality furniture over all three levels provide for a turn-key transition to your home away from home. Massive pool and entertaining space open out onto your custom-built dock where kayak, paddleboard, or Sailboat await. Brand new tropical landscaping, a beautifully designed parking area, a security gate with fencing and top rail, and exterior lighting have all been added during the recent renovation. It’s proximity to Las Brisas restaurant and both Sapodilla and Taylor Bay beaches confirms an ideal location for you and your family to enjoy the best that Turks and Caicos have to offer.
Osprey Beach Hotel, Cockburn Town
Located in Grand Turk, The Osprey is an affordable option and quite popular among divers. The hotel has a variety of dive packages available with all three dive shops on Grand Turk (Blue Water Divers, Grand Turk Diving Company, and Oasis Divers). The hotel offers 33 spacious accommodations with cozy bedding and private balconies overlooking the ocean or the atrium. It is conveniently located right on Osprey Beach, giving you easy access to endless tropical destination activities.
Grace Bay Club
Located on the famous Grace Bay Beach, this hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Turks and Caicos. The luxurious resort offers the largest beachfront access of any resort, and features all ocean-front suites. To top it off, it is divided into three separate sections that caters to discerning travelers of all tastes: There’s an adults-only section (The Hotel), a family-friendly section (The Villas Suites), and an exclusive, ultra-luxe resort-within-a-resort (The Estate).
The Shore Club
This exclusive Providenciales resort on Long Bay Beach features four pools, three restaurants, three bars, the Dune Spa, shopping, free use of non-motorized water sports equipment, a Kids Club & more. Rooms are suites and villas. It is conveniently located next to a golf course, the Regent Village Shopping Mall, the Salt Mills Plaza, the Chalk Sound and the Northwest Point National Park.
The Sands at Grace Bay
This luxury resort on Providenciales offers 114 suites and is ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations. Its picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach make it the ultimate accommodations for your next beach vacation.
The Ritz Carlton Turks and Caicos
Prepare yourself to be pampered in the Ritz Carlton’s internationally renowned standard of luxury. Here you’ll find lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites, a collection of gourmet dining options–including BLT Steak Restaurant, island-inspired spa treatments, and adults-only recreation pools with private cabanas. If that already sounds like the perfect hotel experience, The Ritz Carlton is one of the only hotels in Turks and Caicos to deliver luxury casino entertainment.
Things To Do
Enjoy the Beaches
Tropical island getaways just don’t get much prettier than a visit to this British territory, which is known for its pristine white-sand beaches. In fact, the main activities TCI is known for includes snorkeling, scuba diving, boating and soaking up the sun – and where better to do all of this than at the beach! The most famous beaches on the Turks and Caicos Islands are Grace Bay Beach, Long Bay Beach, Leeward Beach, and Governor’s Beach. The beaches offer plenty of water sport activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, kiteboarding, catamaran tours, and more. Tourists can enjoy the numerous public beaches or take a charter boat to the country’s remote islands to experience the island’s secluded beaches.
Thursday Night Fish Fry
Every Thursday night, the biggest party on Providenciales is hosted at Bight Park – the Thursday Night Fish Fry! This is by far one of the best things to do on the island! Grab a rum or ice-cold beer, graze on fried fish and local specialities in the open air and dance to live music alongside locals. Restaurants from all over the island set up stalls to feed the crowds, while party-goers can browse handicrafts and watch high-energy dance groups as the sun goes down.
Spend a day on Grand Turk
If you have an extra day and are okay with spending a little bit of extra money, we highly recommend spending a day exploring Grand Turk! The small island of Grand Turk offers a different atmosphere to Providenciales, and combines historical elements with laid-back Caribbean charm. It is one of those laid back islands with tropical beaches, rich history, wild horses and donkeys, shipwrecks, incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, along with all sorts of other activities. There are no ferries between Providenciales and Grand Turk, so the only way to reach the island is via a domestic flight, which runs around $150 per person. Be sure to book your flights in advance, as well as a rental car for your day on Grand Turks. A couple must-not miss activities include Gibbs Bay (the home of endless wild stingrays), the Grand Turks Lighthouse, and the remains of the natural shallow salt salinas in the middle of the island.
Snorkeling
Known as the all-rounder of island activities, snorkeling is a must! Warm, shallow waters allow coral reefs to flourish just meters off the shore, making it a perfect activity for individuals of all ages. If you hope to spend much of your vacation snorkeling, consider staying at one of the villas in Turtle Cove, where you can walk out your back door to Smith’s Reef. Other top snorkeling spots include Coral Gardens Reef with its marked snorkel trail, and the area to the east just off Treasure Beach.
Scuba Diving
As home to the third largest reef in the world, serious divers hail Turks and Caicos as one of the best destinations for healthy reefs and deep water walls! The islands have put an emphasis on eco-tourism and protecting their reefs, so the thriving marine population will be around for generations to enjoy. In fact, there’s over 40 dive sites in TCI where you can experience some of the world’s most extraordinary underwater phenomena. Common marine life includes reef sharks, barracudas, humpback whales, bonefish, stingrays, tuna & more! Be sure to check out two of our favorite dive spots, the Grand Turk Wall and Smith’s Reef.
Water Sports
With miles and miles of turquoise blue waters dotted with picturesque views, watersports are an absolute must! From water skiing, to jet skiing to the popular kiteboarding, you’ll find plenty of watersports in TCI. Try a stand-up paddle board for a daily core workout, or take a stand up paddleboard tour that will wind you through mangrove channels that are filled with wildlife. Fly up on a parasail to get a bird’s eye view. Speed through the wake on a jet ski or wakeboard. Hang on tight for the bumpy ride on a wake tube pulled behind a boat, or try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing. If you are after the challenge of kiteboarding, be sure to head to Providenciales or South Caicos to find the best lessons and rentals.
Enjoy Grace Bay
Grace Bay Beach stretches over 12-miles along the coast of Providenciales and is considered one of the best beaches in the world thanks to its clean, beautiful beach and colorful sunsets. This is the home to most of the top all-inclusive resorts in TCI. Guests of these hotels can get umbrellas and chairs to lounge on the beach, but it’s public and open for everybody to enjoy. During the day swimming, snorkeling, and kayak rentals are popular activities. But stick around for the evening and get ready to be mind blown. The sunsets in Turks and Caicos are the most scenic in all the Caribbean, and Grace Bay is known to be the best place to witness the sun setting over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Deep Sea Fishing
You don’t have to look far to find an enthusiastic fishing charter captain, ready to show you the active spots for catching the big one! The island of Providenciales is the third largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands and one of the best places to start your fishing excursion. We recommend heading down to Turtle Cove Marina on the island’s northern shore to find several companies offering guided deep-sea fishing excursions. Before you know it, you will be venturing to the deep waters of Turks and Caicos, located just a short boat ride from the shore. You can expect to catch a wide range of fish, including sharks, marlin, barracudas, sailfish, & more. Be sure to have your catch cleaned and prepared so you can cook up a delicious fresh catch for dinner!
TCI Bone Fishing
This ‘catch-and-release’ sport is another popular fishing option in Turks and Caicos! Using a fly rod or spin casting technique, the aim is to lure in small, silver bonefish, recognizable by their short mouth and deeply forked tail. The fishing is done in the bonefish’s natural habitat – shallow mud flats, often near mangroves.
More Things To Do
Whale Watching
Every year, between late December and mid-January, the Turks and Caicos Islands are frequented by the annual migration of the North Atlantic Humpback Whales! So if visiting during this time, we absolutely recommend a whale watching excursion – or even an excursion to swim with the whales.
Boating
Between glass-bottom boats, catamaran tours, private charters, sailboat cruises, snorkeling excursions & more, the options abound for boating! If traveling with a group, we highly recommend renting a private boat or catamaran for a full day, which allows you to choose exactly which places you want to visit – private islands, shipwrecks, jumping cliffs, secluded beaches, etc. Additionally, catamaran day trips from Grace bay are a hugely popular choice and typically include snorkeling equipment, a small lunch, beer and cocktails, and beachfront pickup and drop-off. Sunset cruises are also popular and a wonderful (and romantic) way to experience the natural beauty of the islands.
Horseback Riding
A unique and memorable way to explore Long Bay Beach or Grace Bay Beach is on horseback! It is an excellent activity for all ages, and a wonderful way to explore the island or catch a breathtaking sunset. Be sure to book reservations in advance, as this is quite the popular activity among tourists.
Take a Day Trip to North and Middle Caicos
It’s easy to spend a full day exploring North Caicos, Middle Caicos or both! You can either hop on a quick ferry from Providenciales, or arrange the day through a specialized tour company. In Middle Caicos, be sure to visit Indian Cave, as well as Mudjin Harbor and Dragon Cay – known as the most photographed scenic coastline! Here, you will see famous conch bar caves, which were formed over thousands of years. The underground caverns run 15 miles long – the largest in the Caribbean! On North Caicos, be sure to see the flamingos, walk through Wades Green Plantation and relax at a gorgeous beachfront bar.
Visit Chalk Sound National Park
Located in a region in southern Providenciales, Chalk Sound National Park is one of the best places to visit in Turks and Caicos to enjoy the outdoors. Offering clear blue waters, an abundance of marine life and rocky cliffs lining the coastline of the Chalk Sound, it’s the perfect place to explore on a stand-up paddle board or kayak. You can expect relatively shallow waters and high visibility, allowing you to see fish, sea turtles and even sharks swimming beneath your paddleboard! (PS this is right where our AirBnB was located – check it out!).
Restaurants
A gorgeous spot with marina-side dining, beautiful views and festive lighting at night. The menu is heavy on seafood, including a grouper cooked in Indonesian curry and a variety of lobster specials when in season.
Coco Bistro offers a romantic, tropical atmosphere and some of the most highly regarded gourmet food in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s conveniently located in central Grace Bay, within walking distance to numerous hotels and resorts. Be sure to make reservations early, as its beautifully plated dishes and impactable service make for a very popular spot!
Located at The Sands on Grace Bay Beach, this gorgeous, water-front restaurant offers exquisite contemporary and Caribbean cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu offers a wide array of options, such as gourmet sandwiches, entrée salads, soft fish tacos, fresh grouper and more.Be sure to book reservations in advance!
Perhaps the most well known restaurant in the islands, Da Conch Shack is a Turks and Caicos icon. Located on Blue Hills Beach, patrons dine with their toes in the sand as they enjoy live music, island flavors, and all things conch — from fritters to chowder to salad. This trendy spot is a must-not-miss!
Located in Five Cays, Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl is a must on any visit to Turks and Caicos. Throw on your beach attire and get ready to chow down on delicious food right on the ocean, while listening to live music and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the rum punch!
Located in Five Cays beside the Fresh Fish Market, daily fresh, locally caught fish is the menu staple. You can expect island vibes, friendly service, amazing drinks & a true Turks and Caicos experience!
Mr. Grouper Restaurant
This local, Caribbean spot is considered one of the best restaurants in Turks and Caicos. At Mr. Grouper, you’ll get to enjoy dishes created by a local chef who understands how best to use local spices to truly enhance the ocean’s bounty. The restaurant’s most popular creations are its pan-fried snapper, spicy conch salad and — in season — a grilled lobster tail.
Located right in Grace Bay, this beachy, casual, chic spot offers a lively atmosphere with a DJ or live music. They serve up delicious Tex-Mex dishes, such as fajitas, quesadillas, and conch tacos, all served surf side.
Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar
Contemporary European cuisine and gourmet seafood dishes are served up at this insta-worthy spot in Grace Bay. The elegant, ocean-front restaurant is located at the Grace Bay Club Resort on Providenciales and is a must-not-miss for sunset.
Located on Grace Bay Beach, Bay Bistro is an oceanfront dining experience with immaculate views and delicious international cuisine. Seafood is the main star of the menu, but Bay Bistro also has something for everyone including jerk lamb chops, a vegetable tart, and a menu for the kids.
Drink Spots
Sandbar
Claiming to serve the best rum punch on the island, this intimate beach bar is a must-not-miss! It is located on Grand Turk and is a very casual spot – no shoes, no shirt, no problem!
The iconic Turks & Caicos beach restaurant & bar that is a must on any TCI vacation. Whether you are after a great rum punch or a menu full of conch, this beachy spot is the place to be.
Magnolia
If you are looking to sip on cocktails while witnessing an out-of-this-world sunset, look no further! Situated high on a bluff overlooking the Turtle Cove Marina, Magnolia offers an impressive list of specialty wines and various cocktails, as well as mouthwatering desserts.
Bay Bistro
Just steps away from the gentle waves of Grace Bay Beach, Bay Bistro offers some of the island’s best panoramic ocean views! It is the ultimate location to enjoy your choice of sweet cocktails, vintage rums and other fine spirits, while watching an unbelievable sunset.
The Infiniti Bar
The Infiniti Bar is the longest bar in the Caribbean at 90 feet, stretching from the hotel to the shores of Grace Bay Beach. In fact, it is the first infinity-edge bar in the world, and therefore a must-not-miss! It is a seriously sophisticated spot for sunset drinks and the place to be every Friday night.
Somewhere Cafe Lounge
This beachfront two-story, open-air cafe and lounge offers patrons an oasis of casual sophistication immersed with island hospitality and charm. You can expect an extensive wine list, artisan cocktails, live music, and a stunning view overlooking the water of Grace Bay.
Flamingo Cafe
Also known as Ricky’s on the Beach, this beachfront bar and restaurant is located right on Grace Bay Beach and is one of our favorite places to grab drinks on any beach day! You can expect casual outdoor dining, daily drink specials, live music, and the option to take your cocktails in to-go cups back down to the beach.
Thursday Night Fish Fry
The biggest party on Providenciales, the Thursday Night Fish Fry at the Bight Park is a chance to grab a rum or ice-cold beer, graze on fried fish and local specialities in the open air and dance to live music alongside locals. Restaurants from all over the island set up stalls to feed the crowds, while party-goers can browse handicrafts and watch high-energy dance groups as the sun goes down.
Pink Bar
Inspired by the cotton candy colors of a Turks and Caicos sunset, this colorful bar is decorated with pops of fuchsia and has a cocktail list of suitably hued drinks to match. Don’t miss their daily happy hour from 5pm to 7pm, which offers major deals on all the top rosé wines.
Bugaloos Conch Crawl
Close to Chalk Sound and around 20 minutes by car from Grace Bay, this waterfront bar and restaurant comes alive at night. There’s live entertainment most evenings, including top local bands, fire dancers and more, plus it’s open late so you won’t find yourself heading back to the hotel hungry for more.
Danny Buoys
The place to be if you are after a lively night out that will likely lead you to the dance floor! Expect all the usual English pub classics, including pints all around, a daily happy hour, an up-for-it tourist crowd and some decent bar food. There are special events most nights, too, including soccer events, barbecues and Thursday’s legendary karaoke.
Jack’s Shack
Perfect island-style tiki bar on Grand Turk that serves up local dishes, including conch fritters and inventive shots and drinks. The owner fell in love on the island and stayed to set up this relaxing beachy-bar on the waterfront. Be sure to try the mojito!
Conclusion
Turks and Caicos is a must-not-miss Caribbean destination. Its pristine beaches, crystal clear ocean, thriving reef, and endless activities make it the perfect get-away for all. We hope you have enjoyed our Turks and Caicos travel guide. Please share with friends and family, and be sure to check out our destinations page for more!
