Top 13 Things to do in Turks and Caicos in 2025
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Find the best things to do and the most popular places in Turks and Caicos.
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If you’re looking for beaches that seem to have emerged from your most sensational dreams, vistas that stop your breath, and adventure underwater as well as on top of it, getaway to Turks and Caicos, just a two-hour flight from Miami.
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are an autonomous British Territory in the Caribbean Sea, part of the forty-island Lucayan Archipelago. The two groups of islands, Caicos, the larger group, and Turks, the smaller group, are just southeast of the Bahamas and north of Hispaniola.
Like other tropical islands, TCI is a tourist destination with a lot to talk about, most of it happening around the water. Swimming and sunbathing are just the beginning: scuba diving and snorkeling through coral reefs, exploring the archipelago by boat, and kayaking and SUP boarding past rays and turtles are just some of the things to do in Turks and Caicos.
Beaches, especially at Grace Bay, featuring silky sand and clear aqua waters will, one way or another, occupy most of your time on Turks and Caicos. But there is more than that: Visit Providenciales and Cockburn Town to immerse yourself in the territory’s deep and fascinating history, spend a day parasailing, or touring a nearby attraction like the Conch Bar Cave systems.
Swim and Lounge
Turks and Caicos features some of the best swimming and beach lounging you will find anywhere. Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales is our top pick, but we loved Governor’s Beach on Grand Turk and Whitby Beach on North Caicos as well. Keep your eyes open for marine life as you swim: Dolphins, stingrays, and even humpback whales can all be spotted up close and personal.
To take either your lounging or beach fun seriously, check out all that is available at our favorite Turks and Caicos All Inclusive Resorts.
Scuba Dive and Snorkel
With the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world and the sheer walls of the Caicos Banks, the underwater world of Turks and Caicos is magical. Not only do the coral reefs and differing terrain in the numerous protected reserves and national parks make for great dives, but the sea life is abundant and vibrant.
You will see the usual bright tropical reef prowlers like parrotfish, triggerfish, and blue tangs, along with the creatures that like to hide away, like banded coral shrimp and spiny lobsters.
If you like the bigger creatures, there are plenty of reef sharks, rays, and even turtles around. In the winter months, from January to April, humpback whales migrate past Turks and Caicos for those looking for more technical diving in the deep water off of the main islands.
Dive into our full guides on:
Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos Aggressor II Liveaboard
Turks and Caicos Explorer II Liveaboard
Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos
Kayak and SUP
Turks and Caicos is paradise for any type of paddler. Whether you prefer SUPing or kayaking, there is a magical out of the way place perfect for you! Cruising through crystal clear water, you can watch the underwater life pass under and around you. Or bring a snorkel, mask, and anchor and hop in for a closer look.
With protected nature reserves and national parks, along with mangrove forests and cays strung together, the water is calm, and there are excursions for any level of paddler.
Dive into our full Paddling Guide to Turks and Caicos.
Explore the Conch Bar Caves
Conch Bar Caves, located near Conch Bar Village in Middle Caicos, is one of the most expansive cave complexes in the world, meandering more than a mile and a half into the earth.
Guided tours of the caves are available each weekday until 3 PM.
It is a dazzling and humbling experience to explore these caves. Crystal stalactites and stalagmites radiate around you, bats flutter overhead, and lagoons nestled deep in the labyrinthine grotto glisten with mystery. Bring a headlamp and a bottle of water, and mind your tour guide for safety.
Set Sail on a Catamaran Cruise
For romance and breathtaking views, try a sunset cruise aboard a luxury catamaran from Grace Bay, a tradition in the Caribbean. Many of these memorable sunset sails include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, or even dinner. This is popular, and there are many providers on the islands. You can join in a group tour or charter the catamaran for your own private outing.
The Ritz Carlton’s Lady Grace catamaran is famous for its experiences. Other resorts like Beaches, Alexandra Resort, and Club Med can organize a cruise or excursion for you.
Plan a half-day or full-day snorkeling and island hopping excursion. Turks and Caicos has beautiful cays, bays, nature reserves, and national parks to explore, and the best way to do it is by boat.
Sightsee on Grand Turk Island
Cockburn Town on Grand Turk Island was founded by salt miners in the seventeenth century and has been the capital of TCI since 1766. True to its roots, Cockburn Town features a Salt House Museum sprinkled with artifacts that recollect the island’s salt mining past.
Elsewhere on Grand Turk, find the magnificent Pillory Beach, Hampton Bay, and Sandy Bay – exquisite beaches you will not want to leave. They are all part of Christopher Columbus Landfall National Park: The island is believed to be among the first places that Christopher Columbus landed when he encountered the Americas. The park stretches more than a thousand acres and features fishing and some of the most appealing beaches in the Caribbean.
Be sure to leave time to explore the history at the Turks and Caicos National Museum, along with the oceanside setting and quaint shopping in Cockburn Town.
Swim with the Stingrays at Stingray City
Just a mile east of Grand Turk and Cockburn Town is the small island of Gibbs Cay. Visitors call this place “Stingray City” for its abundance of marine marvels.
Wade into the water, and the stingrays will give you a nice wet welcome. The stingrays at Gibbs Cay are used to being adored by tourists (and locals). Tour guides and experts are even comfortable enough to pick them up.
We don’t recommend that for travelers, though. But you can feed them – in fact, you are encouraged to.
Soar over the beautiful coasline by Parasail
You will have no trouble finding parasailing in Grace Bay on Providenciales, one of the larger Caicos islands.
The turquoise bay waters are dotted with parasailing boats during the day: Commission one and take to the skies.
Grace Bay is a spectacular sight from ground level and even more awe-inspiring from two hundred feet high. There is no better view of the reef, the beaches, and, if you visit during the winter months, some of the larger marine life.
Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales and dolphins – they breed in Caribbean waters from January to April.
Spend a day at Chalk Sound Beach
You won’t be disappointed by the water anywhere in Turks and Caicos, but if you want to find some of the most gleaming and glass-clear water anywhere in the world, visit Chalk Sound Beach, also in Providenciales.
As a designated national wetland park, Chalk Sound Beach is a protected conservation area: motorized watercraft are prohibited, among other restrictions meant to keep the island pristine. It is perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding though!
Its shallow waters make it ideal for beach trips with children, and the miles of clear water make it a snorkeling destination as well.
Take the Ferry to North Caicos and Middle Caicos
From Providenciales (called “Provo” by locals), a short ferry trip will bring you to the serene islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos.
This is a boon for the off-the-beaten-path types: The islands are natural, secluded, quiet, and generally low on tourists. It is a highlight of the islands for paddlers.
History abounds on these islands: plantations dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth century mingle with mid-century churches and fin de siecle architecture. The views are to die for, and there are many of them.
Our pick is the unrefined majesty of Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos Island. Middle Caicos Island is also where you’ll find the aforementioned Conch Bar Caves.
Have the National Trust guide you through Cheshire Hall
Speaking of plantations, Cheshire Hall is the historical ruin of one of the largest and oldest plantations in TCI. This somber historical site is one of the only structures remaining from that time period. The buildings were constructed from locally cut limestone and ship graffiti remnants can still be seen inscribed on a lower exterior wall. Expert guides lead you through this pre-modern historical site.
The Turks and Caicos National Trust runs tours Mondays to Saturdays, with the first tour from 9 am – 11:30 am and another at 2:30 pm – 4 pm. Credit cards are not accepted for payment on site, either bring cash or pre-book your tour.
Lighten the mood with some bird watching and foraging: Cheshire Hall is known for its biological diversity.
Test your Luck at Casablanca Casino
There is no shortage of nightlife for TCI visitors. One of the most popular attractions is Casablanca Casino in Providenciales. Provo is more developed than much of the rest of TCI, and a bustling business district features shopping, restaurants, and this popular casino.
There are dozens of slot machines, but we recommend the more engaging blackjack and roulette. And if you’re not a gambler, Casablanca is still a destination for emptying bottles with some friends at the bar or in the lounge.
Try the Local Rum
It’s the Caribbean, so of course you must try a bit of the national beverage!
Bambarra Rum is the local brew of choice, and is available almost everywhere. Try some on ice, neat, with dinner, or bring a bottle back to your hotel or resort with you (although they likely have it there).
We highly recommend having some in a cocktail for an unforgettable mojito, punch, or Cuba libre. Best served with a side of reggae or calypso.
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Dive into Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a jewel of the Caribbean and a destination for any kind of traveler.
Vacationers will love TCI’s beaches and resorts and the seamless transitions in language, currency, and accommodations.
Students of the world will love the history and exploring the islands’ geography.
The daring will love Conch Bar Caves, scuba diving, as well as Middle and North Caicos Islands.
Families will love Chalk Sound Beach and the local water parks.
And every visitor will love the crystal clear turquoise waters and miles-long beaches..
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