Whether you’re going on a family vacation to Turks & Caicos, having a romantic getaway on Providenciales, or taking all your friends on a tropical trip to the Caribbean, it’s sure to be a vacation that you’ll never forget. The islands offer fun for all ages and activity levels, especially for those who enjoy spending time in or near the water.
Not sure what to include in your itinerary for the upcoming trip? We have some ideas about attractions and entertainment that everyone should experience when visiting Turks & Caicos. You can pick and choose which ones fit the length of your vacation the guest’s tastes to ensure a great time that will be talked about for years to come.
Head to the Beaches
It almost goes without saying that spending time enjoying the relaxation of the beaches is a top activity for visitors to Turks & Caicos. This is also an easily attainable activity since there are vast numbers of white sand beaches across Providenciales. The sand is complemented by the deep blue waters of the Caribbean and views you can find nowhere else.
The most famous beach is Grace Bay Beach, which promises no crowds, miles of sand, and more transparent water than you could imagine. Of the beaches on the north coast, many are part of Princess Alexandra National Park, which offers wetland islands, barrier reefs, and shallow bays.
Parasailing is an exciting activity that can be had on Grace Bay Beach or you can go with something low key like shore snorkeling to take in the eagle rays, colorful fish, turtles, and small sharks that make their homes in the area. There are even a handful of remote beaches for those who want more of an adventure on their Turks and Caicos vacation.
Take Part in Fun Water Sports
Since beaches are all over Providenciales, there’s always a new water sport to try. Visitors to the island can try out snorkeling, enjoy kayaking, spend time scuba diving, or head out into the water on a paddleboard. If those don’t appeal, there are tons of other options like tubing, fishing, jet skiing, sailing, and flyboarding so everyone can have fun.
Scuba diving might be the most well-known water sport in Turks & Caicos, which features some of the best wall diving in the world. The waters of the area have many areas where the depth drops quickly from the reef to 7,000 feet. There’s plenty to see under the water thanks to the sand chutes, reef formations, and beautiful coral arches.
Snorkeling cruises abound in Providenciales and offer the chance to explore the coral heads and barrier reefs around the islands. There are also many locations to rent boats ranging from small jet boats to open skiffs, and power catamarans. For those who enjoy fishing, the area is also ideal for recreational and sport saltwater fishing minutes from the docks.
Board a Boat and Tour the Islands
Another way to enjoy the water of Turks & Caicos is by heading out on a boat cruise. There are various charters and tours you can select from that take you to all the most exciting sites on the islands. The type of vessel, the atmosphere of the tour, and provided activities will vary based on which company you tour with.
Many small cays are found on the east side of Providenciales with secluded, beautiful beaches, snorkeling reefs, and a chance to catch a glimpse of the rock iguana. A boat that goes farther out can take you to Fort George Cay, which has cannons from the 1700s when Fort Saint George was still standing.
West Caicos also offers plenty to see and do. There’s excellent snorkeling, ocean cliffs for an exhilarating jump into the water, and the historical site of Yankee Town to take in. To top off the day, try a sunset boat cruise. If it happens to be during the full moon, you may get lucky and see glowworms under the water.
Visit the Top Turks & Caicos Attractions
Providenciales offers a variety of attractions and at least some of them should be on your vacation itinerary. For instance, Chalk Sound National Park offers one of the most incredible landscapes in the entire country with hundreds of tiny islands and sparkling blue water.
While there aren’t loads of historical sites in Providenciales, visitors can spend time at Cheshire Hall Plantation, which was an old Loyalist cotton site. Caicos Conch Farm is a bit out of the way, but it is also worth visiting to get an idea of what past times were like in the country.
The only brewer in the country, Turk’s Head Brewery, is a great location to visit for tours and tastings. You can see how the factory operates and enjoy some of the best beer in the area at a reasonable price. Visitors can also spend time at the Hole in Long Bay Hills, which is a massive natural sinkhole in the limestone bedrock of the island. The chasm leads to the water below and is the result of the Karst process of dissolution, where somewhat acidic water erodes the soft stone.
Try Exciting Activities on Land
When you want a break from the water, there are tons of options. You can do some horseback riding, take in a game of golf at Provo Golf Club, or try hiking, cycling, tennis, or tours on ATVs. Cycling is a popular pastime in Providenciales and offers an easy way to explore places like Pine Cay, Salt Cay, and South Caicos.
There’s also excellent birdwatching in Turks & Caicos with a selection of birds like pelicans, flamingos, herons, egrets, and osprey to take in. There are also a few rare species to keep a watch for, like the frigate bird, the West Indian whistling duck, and the peregrine falcon.
Other activities outside of the water include scenic drives through Chalk Sound Drive and the Blue Hills, land tours by taxi, visiting rock inscriptions, and trying some of the local cuisines. With so many things to see and do, both in and out of the water, making an itinerary that meets your needs should be a breeze. Have a good time and enjoy the islands!