Spread across forty coral islands, Turks and Caicos is one of the jewels of the Caribbean, and is becoming increasingly popular with those looking to visit somewhere a little off the beaten path. It’s ideal for a luxury vacation: you can find some amazing hotels, or you can stay in one of the many Turks and Caicos villas available for rent.
Less touristy than some of the other islands in the Caribbean, there’s plenty to see and do in Turks and Caicos- here are just a few of the fantastic sights, sounds, and tastes on offer.
1| Relax at Grace Bay in Provo
It just wouldn’t be a Caribbean vacation without a trip to the beach, and Grace Bay has it all. With an incredible 12 miles of sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun, or to indulge in the many water sports that are on offer. Another advantage of Grace Bay is just how close it is to all kinds of shops and restaurants, meaning it’s the perfect centrepiece to any day out.
2 |Eat All the Seafood You Can at Thursday Fish Fry in Provo
Seafood is a main staple of the Caribbean diet, since the ocean is all around. To celebrate that heritage, locals and tourists alike gather in Bight Park every Thursday night. There’s food from some of the islands’ top restaurants, as well as live music and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. If you love delicious food and to have a good time, then the Thursday Fish Fry is not to be missed.
3| Go Green in Turks and Caicos
If you follow me, you should know by now that green and luxury can go together… and this is the case where they really go hand in hand. Turks and Caicos smaller islands, in particular, are a great destination for ecotourism. You can camp, hike, trek in the National Parks, and spot rare wildlife. Many establishments in the islands are going green, and we love it.
4| Snorkel at Bright Reef Coral Gardens in Provo
Just a short walk away from Grace Bay is a footpath leading to a series of buoys out in the ocean. This is the Bright Reef coral garden, where you can snorkel your way around a huge variety of coral, as well as encountering many different kinds of tropical fish. There’s no need for a guide- all you need is your snorkel and a mask (that you can also easily rent in town), and you can follow the route for yourself.
5| Learn More About the Archipelago at Turks and Caicos National Museum
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, or you just want to spend some time indoors away from the summer heat, then the Turks and Caicos National Museum is a great place to visit. It’s small enough to take in during a short visit, but there’s lots on display, from information on the islands’ native flora and fauna, to information about former slavery and famous shipwrecks. Anyone interested in delving below the surface of Turks and Caicos should definitely make time for a trip to this museum during their stay.
6| Explore the Conch Bar Caves at Conch Bar, Middle Caicos
Not everything in Turks and Caicos is about the ocean- further inland, you’ll find the Conch Bar Caves, a breathtaking series of natural limestone caves that are the biggest of their kind in the whole of the Caribbean. Once a guano mine, and with a history stretching back to the times of the native Lucayan people, this is certainly a sight you’ll never forget. It’s advised that you book a guide for your visit, since there’s no natural light in the caves, and you’ll need someone to show you the way.
7| Go Off-the-Beaten-Path at Salt Cay
If the hustle and bustle of Provo isn’t your thing, then the town of Salt Cay is a great alternative. It still boasts plenty of fantastic beaches and opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, but it’s a more authentic-feeling place than the typical tourist traps. One popular dive spot is the wreck of the HMS Endymion, a former British warship, and in the winter, you might even spot a migrating humpback whale.
Turks and Caicos archipelago is still less known that the more popular archipelagos, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be for long so… what are you waiting for?
This post was written in collaboration with Luxury Retreats.
