If you want to experience the awe of spending time on the best beaches in the Atlantic and the Caribbean, there’s nowhere better to visit than Turks & Caicos islands. With so much blue water and white sand, it comes as no surprise that the location is home to many water sports and activities for those of all ages. Regardless of your interests, there are tons of things to do to fill a day on the water in Turks and Caicos.
Interesting Marine Life and Gorgeous Reefs
It might seem that there would only be so much to see while underwater, but Turks & Caicos proves that wrong. The islands feature a vibrant barrier reef and include hundreds of snorkeling sites for guests who want to get up close and personal with aquatic plants and animals.
One of the most important barrier reefs in the Caribbean is in Caicos, and it spans more than 150 miles. There are dive sites along over half of it, which are typically accessed from Providenciales so there’s always something new to see on vacation. You can expect to gaze out on dolphins, reef fish, sharks, and turtles, as well as both soft and hard coral formations.
The snorkeling reefs are home to all sorts of small creatures, from fish to stingrays. There are also plenty of animals that you’ll have to look hard for, like octopi, snails, lobsters, shrimp, and exotic worms.Those who want assistance with snorkeling can hire a charter or go on a boat excursion to explore the underwater world. What better way to enjoy a day on the water in Turks and Caicos?
Turks & Caicos is located on a limestone plateau that is submerged under the ocean, and this area features one of the best scuba diving areas in the entire world. There are breathtaking transitions in depth that can drop from 40 feet into thousands of feet in seconds.
Other Wildlife and Exploration of the Wetlands
Since this country has a low elevation and sits on a limestone foundation, it also offers a wide variety of wetlands. Many of the waterways there connect to the ocean and are the ideal spot for wildlife. Some of the things you might see include birds, conch, lemon sharks, and turtles.
Many options exist for enjoying the ecosystems of Turks & Caicos. Kayaks and paddleboards are a low-impact, quiet way to travel through small creeks and inlets. There are also guided tours, or you can rent equipment to head out on adventures to explore on your own.
The natural reserves on the island are also exceptional for anyone who enjoys watching birds flit around. Several national parks and nature reserves are located across the island and come with the potential to glimpse flamingos, egrets, pelicans, herons, and ospreys. Nearly 200,000 acres of protected land is found in the country across a considerable number of terrain types.
Time Out to Enjoy the Waves and Wind
Those who want to have some excitement in the water will find that kiteboarding is popular in Turks & Caicos, no matter your level of skill. If you’re just learning the sport, make sure to visit Providenciales Long Bay Beach where the water is shallow, the wind blows in the perfect direction, the sand is clean and white, and the area is safe for newcomers.
If you have some experience with kiteboarding already, the flats and waters of the private cays and islands can offer an experience you won’t soon forget. Many local tour operators offer kite down-winder safaris, which give visitors the chance to explore parts of the islands that most people will never get to see.
Kiteboarding isn’t the only sport that you can enjoy while spending a day on the water in Turks and Caicos. While it may not have the consistent conditions of top spots like Puerto Rico and Barbados, the country does have some fantastic waves that offer a surfing experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Learn a New Watersport or Improve an Old One
Those who are certified in things like kiteboarding and scuba diving should make sure to bring along their certifications. In some cases, proof of skill is required before businesses will offer excursions or rent you certain pieces of equipment. For scuba diving, that means a minimum of PADI Open Water, and for kiteboarding, it requires PASA or IKO level three.
Even if you’re new to water sports, you’ll have plenty to do on the islands. There are certified, professional instructors all over the beaches for a plethora of water sports. Some of the options include swimming, scuba diving, sailing, kiteboarding, free diving, windsurfing, and wakeboarding.
Options for Cruise Visitors in Turks & Caicos
If you’re coming to Turks & Caicos on a cruise ship, there are shore excursions provided by the cruise line, as well as options you can schedule independently. While choosing a cruise line offering is more straightforward, sometimes things like whale watching, diving, and snorkeling are better in a smaller group. Remember that some things may be available through independent operators that aren’t by the cruise line, so do a bit of research before the trip.
Where to Find Activities Across the Various Islands
While Turks & Caicos may be a relatively small country, that doesn’t mean that the activity choices are the same across various islands. As the location of Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales features most of the tourism and population of the country. Because of that, this island has the most things available to do on the beaches and in the water.
Grand Turk is the second most popular area, followed by other locations like Middle and North Caicos. All of them have their own charm, but for the widest variety of offerings, Providenciales is the way to go. You can always spend time visiting the other islands once you get to the country and get settled in.
There are hundreds of luxury rentals available on Providenciales with high-quality furnishings, top amenities, and staff to take care of all your needs. Many of them are right on the beach so you can have both privacy and entertainment all in one place. If you love the water, Turks & Caicos is the perfect place for your next tropical vacation!