Why Go
Made up of some forty low‑lying islands and cays south‑east of the Bahamas, the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) are synonymous with blindingly white beaches, gin‑clear sea and barefoot luxury. Most visitors base themselves on Providenciales (“Provo”), home to the famed Grace Bay Beach where miles of powdery sand meet water so blue it seems unreal. Off shore, vibrant coral reefs shelter tropical fish, eagle rays and nurse sharks, making snorkeling and diving effortless. Away from the resorts, you’ll find mangrove channels perfect for kayaking, limestone caves filled with stalagmites and secluded coves accessible only by boat. The islands remain delightfully uncrowded, offering privacy and personalized service at some of the Caribbean’s most indulgent hotels. Whether you come to do everything or nothing at all, TCI casts a spell.
How to Get There
Nearly all travelers fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS), which handles direct flights from North American gateways (New York, Miami, Toronto) and seasonal service from London. Smaller airports on Grand Turk (GDT) and South Caicos (XSC) serve inter‑island flights. Cruise ships dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center, where a purpose‑built beach and Margaritaville welcome day visitors. From Provo’s Heaving Down Rock ferry terminal, passenger ferries sail to North Caicos and South Caicos several times a day; charter boats can whisk you to uninhabited cays like Fort George and West Caicos. Taxis are plentiful on Providenciales, but renting a car is recommended for exploring at your own pace. Keep left when driving, and watch for wild donkeys on Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
Where to Stay
The Shore Club – Fronting the calm turquoise waters of Long Bay, this all‑suite resort channels modern beach‑house chic. Four pools, a tree‑house–like Dune Spa, tennis courts and complimentary water sports (kayaks, paddleboards) ensure plenty to do, while four restaurants range from Peruvian–Japanese fusion to relaxed Caribbean grill.
Seven Stars Resort & Spa – Set in the heart of Grace Bay, Seven Stars offers spacious suites with kitchens, a heated saltwater pool, tennis courts and complimentary bikes. Choose from beachfront dining at The Deck, upscale island fare at Seven or rum cocktails at The Farm stand‑up bar.
COMO Parrot Cay – Accessible only by boat, this 1,000‑acre private island retreat features beach houses and villas tucked among dunes and coconut palms. Wellness is at the core here, with daily yoga, a Shambhala Spa, nutritious cuisine and unspoiled beaches where hawksbill turtles nest.
Top Activities
Snorkel Smith’s Reef & the Bight Reef – Just off Grace Bay, these easily accessible reefs teem with angelfish, parrotfish, stingrays and the occasional hawksbill turtle. Bring your own gear or join a snorkeling charter to more remote sites.
Kayak & paddleboard through mangroves – Explore the shallow channels of Princess Alexandra National Park on a guided eco‑tour to spot juvenile sharks, turtles and iguanas. Calm waters make this ideal for beginners.
Explore Chalk Sound National Park – This landlocked lagoon on Provo’s southwest coast glows a surreal aquamarine. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to weave among tiny, uninhabited cays and spot bonefish in the clear shallows.
Day‑trip to North & Middle Caicos – Board a ferry for North Caicos, rent a car and drive across causeways to Middle Caicos. Highlights include the dramatic limestone cliffs and beaches at Mudjin Harbour, the vast Conch Bar Caves, flamingo ponds and the friendly villages of Bottle Creek and Whitby.
Visit the iguanas of Little Water Cay – Known locally as Iguana Island, this protected cay is home to the endangered rock iguana. A short boat ride from Provo brings you to boardwalk trails where you can observe these gentle reptiles.
Kiteboard or ride horses on Long Bay – Steady trade winds make this shallow bay ideal for beginners and seasoned kiteboarders alike. Provo Ponies offers horseback rides through the surf at sunset.
Watch whales at Salt Cay – Between January and April, humpback whales migrate through the Turks Island Passage. Join a day trip from Grand Turk or Provo to see these majestic creatures breach and fluke.
Can’t‑Miss Spots & Beaches
Grace Bay Beach – Frequently topping “world’s best” lists, this three‑mile crescent features powdery sand, gentle surf and a string of stylish resorts and restaurants.
Long Bay & Leeward Beach – On Provo’s south and east coasts respectively, these less crowded beaches offer shallow water perfect for kiteboarding, horseback riding and leisurely swims.
Half Moon Bay – A sand spit between uninhabited Water Cay and Little Water Cay, accessible only by boat or a long kayak paddle; its clear lagoon and sand dunes make it feel like a desert‑island fantasy.
Mudjin Harbour (Middle Caicos) – Waves crash dramatically against limestone cliffs and caves, with a crescent beach and offshore Dragon Cay providing a spectacular backdrop for photos.
Taylor Bay & Sapodilla Bay – Tucked on Provo’s southwest, these calm, shallow bays are ideal for families and sunset watchers.
Frenchman’s Creek & Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve – Hike or kayak through mangrove creeks and ponds to spot herons, egrets and other birdlife in a pristine wetland on Provo’s west side.
