The Ultimate Guide to Turks & Caicos
The islands of Turks and Caicos are home to some of the world’s most pristine white sand beaches and quite possibly the “bluest” waters you will ever lay your eyes on. Located off a barrier reef, Turks is a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s very common to spot wildlife (such as sea turtles, stingrays, or even whales!) while boating around the country’s 40 different islands and cays. This guide is primarily focused on Providenciales, the main island for tourism, which hosts many luxury resorts and restaurants along the famous Grace Bay Beach. Whether your visit is filled with adventure or relaxation, there is something here for everyone. It’s a true paradise on Earth!
Jump to Section…
Things to Do
Restaurants
Hotels
Top Experiences
*Relaxing on Grace Bay Beach
*Boat rides around the other islands (honorable mention to Half Moon Bay)
*Snorkeling or Scuba Diving along the barrier reef
Things to Do
Grace Bay Beach
Ranked as one of the top beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal clear seas. It is one of the most popular places to base while staying on Providenciales, with luxury hotels and condos dotting miles of its shoreline. If you want to go for a swim, you’ll be delighted by the warm water temperatures that range from 82 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28-29 Celsius) in the summer and 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23-26 Celsius) in the winter. You can easily spend days on end relaxing and enjoying the endless ocean views.
Half Moon Bay & Little Water Cay (“Iguana Island”)
Half Moon Bay features the most stunning turquoise waters that rival even Grace Bay! This narrow strip of beach is located on Little Water Cay just north of Providenciales. The island is uninhabited and undeveloped, so it’s a very peaceful place to relax and soak in the views. You can also find a resident population of iguanas roaming around and baking in the sun, hence the nickname “Iguana Island”. It’s a great day trip and also a common stop on many boat tours!
Snorkeling
There are so many amazing places to scuba dive and snorkel around Providenciales! One of the most convenient locations would be Bight Reef (also known as the Coral Gardens). This reef is located steps away from many hotels and restaurants on Grace Bay Beach and is the perfect place for shore snorkeling. We saw a sea turtle, stingray, and many fish while we swam in those waters!
Another favorite for beach snorkeling is Smith’s Reef, which is located a little bit further west from the Bight. If you don’t mind hopping on a boat, there is also a beautiful reef in Grace Bay that features deep coral canyons ranging from 30 to 100 feet! We stopped here on one of our boat excursions and saw a wide range of fish through the clear waters.
Scuba Diving
If you want to take your reef exploration to the next level, we would recommend organizing a scuba diving tour to take you out to sea! The Islands are situated on a large underwater plateau that rises 7,000 feet above the ocean floor. At one point, the depth drops from 40 ft into the thousands at The Wall. It’s the perfect place to see aquatic marine life, like dolphins, sharks, and whales. Jojo the bottlenose dolphin is a frequent visitor to many of the boats that sail around the Bay. Also, the annual Humpback Whale migration is another spectacular event to see from underwater that takes place from late January through early March off the coast of Turks and Caicos. You can even dive around shipwrecks, like La Famille Express, during your visit. I would recommend checking out DiveProvo for scuba diving tours!
Water Sports & Fishing
If you enjoy being active, Turks and Caicos is a great destination to try some water sports! Not only is the sea calm and peaceful, but you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery while on your adventure. There are many companies that offer jet ski “sea”-faris,” which is a fun and fast-paced way to explore the islands. We booked a private boat to take us wake-boarding and tubing— it was definitely a highlight of our trip! TCI is also a great destination for fishing due to its location near the edge of the marine plateau. Reef and bottom fishing are great for families, while deep-sea and bone-fishing can be an exciting activity for those who are more skilled in the sport.
Sailing/Boat Excursions
For those who want to do it all, there are many options available for full and half-day boat rides that feature snorkeling, island-hopping, and a taste of conch! If you are looking for a more tranquil experience, booking a sailboat charter or sunset sail would be ideal. However, most of the other boats have fun features like diving boards or water slides that guests can take advantage of when anchored. Often-times the boat will pick you up directly at your hotel if you are staying on Grace Bay Beach, which adds additional convenience! Some good tour operators are Island Vibes, Caicos Dream, and Sail Provo.
Thursday Fish Fry
Every Thursday night there is a huge fish fry with different food and shop vendors that attracts locals and tourists alike. There’s an insane amount of energy as everyone socializes and dances to the music. Towards the end of the evening, there is typically a marching band that proceeds through the parking area. It’s a fun way to experience a local activity!
Mangrove Cay
The scenic red mangroves are located on an island northeast of Providenciales. Its shallow channels are home to a variety of birds and marine wildlife, such as small sharks, conch, starfish, and tiny schools of fish. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding is the perfect way to explore this unique wetlands ecosystem.
Bike-riding
Providenciales is a pretty small island, so biking is a good option for getting around and staying active. Most hotels offer bike rentals for free, which is an added bonus!
SUP/Kayak/Hobbie Cat
Similar to biking, a lot of hotels have free paddleboard, kayak, or hobbie cat rentals. Cool off and explore the water while breaking up a relaxing day at the beach!
Explore Downtown
The main shopping area has a ton of different stores and galleries that visitors can explore. Many local artists set up shop in this area, and it’s a cool place to find some unique and locally crafted souvenirs!
Restaurants
Coco Bistro
A trip to Turks and Caicos is incomplete without stopping at Coco Bistro! The restaurant is set in the midst of a palm grove and is the epitome of ambiance. You cannot leave without trying the famous coconut cream pie!
Bay Bistro
A beautiful, open-air restaurant set right on Grace Bay Beach at the Siobanne Hotel. You can choose to sit inside or outside, both being equally as lovely. This is a solid spot for ambiance, especially during sunset!
Infiniti Bar
Located at Grace Bay Club, this spot features the longest bar in the Caribbean at 90ft! Its infinity edge allows it to blend seamlessly into the horizon of Grace Bay for a gorgeous aesthetic. It’s an awesome place for dining, or to grab a drink before or after dinner!
Baci Ristorante
This restaurant serves up some great Italian food and peaceful serenity right on the water at Turtle Cove Marina! We loved the Penne alla Vodka con Pollo.
Da Conch Shack Restaurant and Rum Bar
Enjoy the chill island vibes and warm breeze at this casual outdoor restaurant right on the beach. Known for their fresh seafood and fun rum drinks, you can try a lot of local cuisine. They even have live music and dancing on Wednesday nights, which makes it a cool activity to spice up your weeknight!
Somewhere Cafe
Set right on the beach, Somewhere is a solid spot to grab Tex-Mex style food while visiting Bight Reef! The two outdoor decks provide great views of Grace Bay, so guests can feast their eyes on the scenery while also feasting on their quesadillas. You can also enjoy live music from local artists on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings.
Honorable Mentions We Didn’t Get to Try…
- Hemingways
- Kitchen 218
- Magnolias
- The Deck
- Mango Reef
Hotels
We chose to stay at the Windsong Resort for its location on Grace Bay Beach and proximity to Bight Reef. This was the perfect choice for our family because there was always something to do with snorkeling so close! One of my favorite experiences at the hotel was having breakfast right by the water every morning– it was the perfect way to start the day! The hotel offers suites with roof decks that have the best ocean views, which we hope to stay in on our next time around!
Honorable Mention to these other Luxury Hotels…
- Seven Stars – Large spa resort with a perfect location on Grace Bay Beach
- Grace Bay Club – Similar to the hotel above, this hotel is situated on a prime stretch of Grace Bay Beach and has great ambiance
- The Palms – Another Grace Bay Beach luxury resort that also boasts an incredible infinity pool
- COMO Parrot Cay – If you want more seclusion, look to this resort located on a private island just off of Providenciales
All-Inclusive
There are limited all-inclusive options on Providenciales because most rooms come kitchenette-style (plus, there are so many amazing restaurants to try!). Here is a list of some popular ones available:
- Beaches – One of the most famous hotels on the island, this resort is HUGE and perfect for families that want a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience
- Alexandra/Beach House/Blue Haven – All owned by the same parent company, these hotels provide shuttles to and from the other properties so you have more dining and beach options on any given day. Alexandria is located on a nice stretch of Grace Bay Beach closer to town. If seclusion and snorkeling are your priorities, then we’d recommend Beach House. Blue Haven is perfect for guests who prefer boating and close proximity to the marina.
That’s all I have for now! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the beauty of Providenciales and added it to your bucketlist. Comment below with your favorite places in Turks and Caicos.
