What to do, How to Get There, & More
Turks and Caicos 2025 Travel Guide
How to Get to Turks and Caicos, Things to Do & More
The Caribbean is dotted with islands that look like they came from a postcard, but the Turks and Caicos Islands stand out — which says a lot. Sugar-sand beaches, electric-blue water, and a vibrant underwater world to explore are a few things that keep visitors coming back and why the islands dub themselves “the world’s best-kept secret.”
This British territory is made up of 40 small islands that sit near the southern tip of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic.
A number of large, luxurious resorts and small boutique hotels welcome tourists, but most people are pleased to land and see that the Turks and Caicos Islands haven’t been nearly as discovered as some of their Caribbean neighbors. The crowd here is in search of a relaxing mixture of culture, nature, and waterside bliss.
If you’re planning a getaway to the TCI, we’re jealous. Get ready for the beach escape of a lifetime by reading what you need to know about this paradise below.
In this guide to Turks and Caicos:
Best Time to Visit Turks and Caicos
With an average of 350 sunny days a year, a better question is: when shouldn’t you visit the Turks and Caicos Islands? There are a few small weather considerations to make, as well as seasonality, to be aware of.
Being in the northern hemisphere, the seasons of Turks and Caicos are the same as the rest of North America — summer is between June and September, and winter is between December and March. There isn’t a huge variation in temperature here, though. In every month of the year, daily lows remain in the 70s and highs in the 80s (Fahrenheit); the summers heat up slightly, and the winters cool down within that range.
Peak seasons see a higher influx of tourists and follow normal patterns, such as around holidays and school breaks. This means December and January are busy with holiday visitors, as are March and April with spring breakers. Holiday weekends also get busy due to the ease of catching a flight from North America.
Despite the chance of more crowds during certain periods, the January to April timeframe is often considered the best for Turks and Caicos vacations. The weather is driest, mildest in temperature, and avoids the summer hurricane season. However, Turks and Caicos usually avoids hurricanes – and deal searchers can find great rates in July and August.
Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
If you’re looking for beaches that seem to have emerged from your most sensational dreams, vistas that stop your breath, and adventure underwater and on top of it, check out the Turks and Caicos Islands, just a two-hour flight from Miami.
Beaches, especially at Grace Bay featuring silky sand and clear aqua waters will, one way or another, occupy most of your time on these islands. Turks and Caicos is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips. And there is much more than that: Visit Providenciales and Cockburn Town to immerse yourself in the territory’s deep and fascinating history.
Fun in the Sun in Turks and Caicos
Top Turks and Caicos Activities
It’s probably no surprise that the things to do in the Turks and Caicos Islands mostly revolve around its stunning scenery.
Snorkeling and scuba diving remain highly popular here due to the warm waters and extensive reefs.
Various boat-based activities and above-water adventures are favorites, too.
There’s also shopping, culture, history, and, of course, beachside and poolside relaxation.
Best Beaches
The most famous beach in Turks and Caicos is Grace Bay Beach, located on the northern coast of Providenciales, the main island where you’ll find the airport and many resorts. This is a long, white-sand beach with unbelievably clear water. There is also a magnificent barrier reef protecting it, providing excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
The island of Middle Caicos has a beach called Mudjin Harbour, famous for sea cliffs and caves, along with more of the white sand and clear water visitors love. Behind the beach, the Conch Bar Caves offer a network of dry caverns to explore. If you’re really looking to get off the beaten path, Cedar Point Beach is a remote place on Middle Caicos with shifting, shallow sandbars surrounded by desert cays, creating an island landscape with water clarity that has to be seen to be believed.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Gliding above that unreal water is just as great as being in it. Rentals can be found along major beaches, while tours are also available – some offer clear kayaks for rent and on excursions, allowing you to see straight down into the underwater world.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the backcountry of mangroves and waterways, either. You can rent a paddleboard or take a tour with a guide to see the exotic interior of the island chain and even access uninhabited cays that boats can’t.
Scuba Diving
Check out our full review of the best dive sites in Turks and Caicos to find out exactly where to dive and what you might see — but here’s a quick preview.
Divers of all experience levels are drawn to the Turks and Caicos Islands from around the world — the chain sits on top of a 7,000-foot plateau that rises from the ocean floor. There are near-vertical reef walls in many locations with vibrant, colorful, marine life.
Most diving is boat-based here, as sites are usually too far offshore to enter from land. Visibility can reach an astonishing 200 feet (60 m), and water temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit 24-29 C). Divers may see sharks, whales, barracuda, rays, and a variety of reef fish. Two liveaboard dive boats ply the waters of the Turks and Caicos, the Turks and Caicos Explorer II, and the Turks and Caicos Aggressor II, both of which visit dive sites on Provo, West Caicos, and French Cay.
How to Get There
The majority of travelers to Turks and Caicos visit on a cruise ship. However, those who want more time on these scenic islands will fly into the international airport on Providenciales. Locals call it Provo, and it’s the main island where most resorts, restaurants, and infrastructure can be found, along with world-famous Grace Bay Beach.
A variety of airlines serve Providenciales International Airport with connections around North America. The major US carriers and budget airlines fly from big hubs like Miami, Orlando, and New York, while several Canadian airlines serve Montréal and Toronto. There’s also long-haul service to London.
If you’re lucky enough to be based elsewhere in the Caribbean, or you want to plan a multi-country trip, local airlines connect Turks and Caicos with the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and other islands.
On the ground, you’ll mostly have to take local ferries or domestic flights to travel between islands – North Caicos and Middle Caicos are the only two to be connected by a causeway. There are no buses, trains, or other public transportation, and most resorts will offer to arrange your transfers.
If you want to explore, you’ll need to either call a taxi or rent a car. Just remember that they drive on the left side here – it’s a big change if you haven’t done it before! There isn’t a single stoplight in the country, though, and this just adds to the laid-back environment.
Sweet Dreams in Turks and Caicos
Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos
By far, Providenciales is home to the most accommodation options. Luxury resorts line the picturesque northern coast, with a few other options scattered elsewhere on the island. Plenty of restaurants and shopping complement the scenery in Provo, too.
The island of Grand Turk, home to the capital, Cockburn Town, has a number of smaller hotels and inns as well. It represents the next most-popular choice for visitors besides Providenciales. The other islands and cays offer just a few accommodation options.
Our Favorite Luxury Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos – A high-end haven of well-appointed rooms, blissful swimming pools, and an ideal beachfront on Grace Bay.
Our Favorite Mid-Range Hotel: Villa del Mar Resort – Exceptional comfort can be found in this resort’s large, condo-style rooms, ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites on the oceanfront.
Our Favorite Budget-Friendly Hotel: The Lodgings Hotel SureStay by Best Western – If you don’t mind staying near the airport, just a short distance from Provo’s dining and beaches, you can save some serious money at this Best Western-affiliated property.
Where to Eat and Drink
Being home to so many resorts and a destination for international visitors, you’ll find a wide range of cuisines available in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Hotels and many restaurants offer exceptional dining experiences from award-winning chefs and cuisines from around the world. Local-style eateries serve the seafood so abundant in the islands’ own waters, especially shellfish.
Here are a few of the islands’ most popular restaurants:
- Da Conch Shack – An icon of Providenciales for many years, famous for its local seafood, especially conch served in many different ways. Live music is available Wednesdays thru Sundays at this beachfront bar and grill.
- Sui-Ren – This Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant on the southern shore of Providenciales makes for a romantic evening enjoying treats like ceviche and sushi.
- Coco Bistro – One of the most popular eateries on the island, Coco Bistro has mastered the combination of local fare, international flavors, and an haute-cuisine experience.
If you’re less worried about the food and more interested in a good drink, you won’t be disappointed in the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are also a handful of fun nightlife options if you’re looking to party. Here are a few favorite bars and clubs in the islands:
- Da Conch Shack – Not only one of the best restaurants, as mentioned above, but also by far one of the best places to drink, dance, and relax at a table on the sand.
- Blu Bar & Lounge – One of the most popular spots in Grace Bay for laid-back, beachside drinking and fun, with live music and karaoke nights.
- The Casino at the Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos – Play slots and table games while enjoying a drink, plus see live local bands play Thursday thru Saturday nights.
What to Know Before Going
If you’re already packing your reef-safe sunscreen and swimsuits, there are a few important things to know before heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Plan the perfect trip by being aware.
A Short History
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory, meaning they have a similar government status to the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, for example. The islands’ history is actually not quite clear, as there is some debate about key points in time.
A population of native Taino people is believed to have existed here for centuries, living in a simple society of farming and fishing. When the islands were ‘discovered’ by the Europeans is also debated – some believe that Grand Turk was where Columbus landed in 1492, while others believe it was Ponce de Leon who was first to arrive in 1512. Regardless, the islands were under the loose control of Spain, France, and Britain for the centuries following.
Eventually, the islands became a haven for Caribbean pirates, and that’s actually where the name Turks and Caicos comes from. Before development, the island was a center for the production of sea salt, cotton, sugar cane, and guano. It was only in recent decades that luxury tourism developed and became the main source of business in the territory.
Current Travel Information
The development of the visitor industry has made much of Turks and Caicos a modern place with the comforts that you’d expect on your dream vacation. Providenciales and Grand Turk, where most visitors stay, are the most developed, while outer islands have less infrastructure.
They drive on the left side of the road in Turks and Caicos, which may take some getting used to for those who rent a car. The main currency, however, is the US dollar, and the wall outlets use US-style plugs – familiarities appreciated by American tourists.
There are eight major islands, and six of them are inhabited. The weather is generally fantastic – hot and sunny with little rainfall, and hurricanes are rare. Water temperature should be warm and pleasant, even for the most sensitive swimmers.
Most travelers feel very safe here, and the US Department of State classifies Turks and Caicos as a Level 2 for safety, meaning ‘Exercise Increased Caution.’ This is due to a bit of crime, mostly in Providenciales and possibly targeting tourists, as well as for the limited medical facilities available. Use basic precautions to explore and relax safely, as you would anywhere.
Tips for Turks and Caicos Travel
Insider Information
- Locals are referred to as “belongers.”
- Turks and Caicos uses the U.S. dollar as their primary currency.
- English is the most common language on the islands.
- Leave the power adapters at home if you visit from the U.S.: Power outlets on the islands are the same as our 120 volt standard.
- If you plan to rent a car, know that traffic is oriented U.K.-style, on the left side of the road. It can take some getting used to.
What We Loved and Didn’t Love About Turks and Caicos Islands
We loved the water, the swimming, the snorkeling, sunset catamaran rides, and nearly everything to do with water, with one glaring exception:
The water from island taps is safe and potable, but it doesn’t taste very good. We found it to taste like sulfur. Bottled water on the islands is expensive and not much better. We recommend bringing a water bottle with a filter.
We loved exploring on foot! And it’s a good thing because:
Taxis charge per rider, not per trip, so it can get pricey.
We loved the locals! They were friendly, accommodating, helpful, and seemed to love TCI as much as we did. But we were a little jealous of them because:
We didn’t want to leave!
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