With its stunning islands, the Caribbean draws visitors from all over, and most of them go there for sunbathing, water sports, delicious food, and exciting adventures. If that sounds like something you've also been longing for, then the Turks and Caicos Islands should definitely be on your travel list.
Located off the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, less than 600 miles from Miami, the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to one of the world's largest coral reef systems. Diving is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular activities here.
Fishing is also great, and during the months of January to April, you can see humpback whales on their annual migration route.
While they may not be as famous as some of their Caribbean neighbors, this only adds to their allure since there are plenty of things to do, plenty of 5-start resorts to choose from, and you won't have to deal with the overcrowding that we've come to expect from some destinations.
These forty islands are a British Overseas Territory, however, only eight of them are inhabited. A paradise of wonders, from the silky sands and luxurious resorts of Grace Bay on Providenciales to the whale-dotted waters of Salt Cay in the south and the captivating colonial canons and harbors of Cockburn Town to the idyllic undersea reefs of Columbus Landfall.
The most developed island, Providenciales, is known as "Provo," and its stunning Grace Bay is one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The most dramatic coastline is found on Middle Caicos, the largest of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with limestone cliffs descending into turquoise waters.
Now that we've sparked your curiosity let's take a look at the top eight things to do here.
The Turks and Caicos Islands and especially Providenciales have so many fantastic beaches with crystal clear turquoise water – perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Grace Bay Beach is the most famous and popular one, but you can find lots of smaller and more private beaches. Best part is that they're open to the public, free to use, and never crowded, so you can always find your own little corner of paradise to sit back, relax and let your worries melt away under the tropical sun.
A few of the top beaches here include the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, the tranquil Sapodilla Bay, and Taylor Bay, Leeward Beach, Long Bay Beach, Bight Beach, Malcolm's Road Beach, Sandy Point Beach, and Bambarra Beach. You also shouldn't miss Mudjin Harbour, the sand bars at Fort George Cay and Pine Cay, and Little Ambergris Cay.
Between Providenciales and North Caicos, there is a lovely collection of little cays that offer miles of gorgeous white sand beaches where you can admire the stunning blue waters and snorkeling reefs and discover the Turks and Caicos Rock iguanas.
You can either get on a scheduled boat tour through your resort or go big with a luxury yacht charter. This way, you can visit the iguana sanctuary at the Little Water Cay, the sand bars and sunken canons at Fort George Cay, Water Cay's wonderfully peaceful beach, and the Leeward Reef snorkeling site.
If you tour the south coast of Providenciales, you'll get tons of other exciting things to see and do, like visit the iguana island of Bay Cay, go snorkeling at Turtle Rock, see the cave at West Harbour Bluff and go diving in West Caicos Marine National Park.
The reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands are not just stunning, they also offer a plethora of vibrant coral, fish and sea animals. Many tourists find that going on a snorkeling cruise is a terrific way to set out on an exciting underwater adventure since the offshore reefs are usually livelier than the ones close to the beach.
And while you're on your adventure, you might run into one of the local bottlenose dolphins. The friendliest and most popular one is JoJo the Dolphin – local celebrity and social media influencer.
At the Grace Bay and Leeward barrier reef snorkeling spots, you'll find colorful sea fans, intricate coral gullies and caves, turtles, stingrays, schools of fish, lobsters, and nurse sharks.
The Turks and Caicos Islands include an incredible network of mangrove wetlands and tidal canals, which serve as nurseries for a variety of sea life. A guided expedition into these shallow wetlands will provide you with the opportunity to observe them in their natural surroundings up close and personal.
It is not uncommon to encounter young sharks and turtles, barracudas, stingrays, conches, bonefish, and starfish, as well as birdlife.
If you've never been scuba diving, this is the place to start. There are several dive shops that offer open courses, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have so many stunning reefs to discover.
The best dive spots are in the Princess Alexandra National Park, West Caicos Marine National Park, and French Cay.
After swimming with marine life, you might start craving a bird's eye view of the barrier life, exquisite beaches, and glamorous resorts. Then all you have to do is book a tour with one of the many parasail boats on Grace Bay which will let you glide into an amazing experience at 200 feet in the air.
If you're fortunate enough to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands between the months of January and April when temperatures hover in the mid-20s and the trade winds bring a calming breeze from the Atlantic, going to Salt Cay is an absolute must.
Why, you ask? For some whale-spotting, of course! You can either gaze over the Turks Head passage or charter a whale-spotting boat. During this time, humpback whales are migrating to the warm waters of Silver Banks to give birth.
You have a spectacular show of splashing tails and fins to look forward to!
If you like golf, then you might already know that the Provo Golf Club is one of the best 18-hole championship courses in the Caribbean, and that praise is more than well-deserved. Picture a vast landscape of emerald-green fairways and chalk-white bunkers punctuated by palm trees, pine blooms, and coconut plants. Plus, you'll get to play in the company of herons and migrating flamingos.
If you get hungry, head to the Fairways Bar and feast on a medley of Caribbean delicacies.