Turks and Caicos Travel Guide

About Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory nestled in the North Atlantic. It consists of two groups of tropical islands in the Caribbean: Turks island and Caicos Island.

Under that Turks island located in the eastern side includes Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Whereas Caicos island is in west to east like north, middle and east caicos.

Moreover islands are well known for their stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Providenciales, or Provo, is the most developed island and a popular tourist destination here. It includes many luxury resorts, restaurants, and shops.

Under the Turks island, Grand Turk is the capital island. It is home to the historic Cockburn Town and the Turks and Caicos National Museum. The islands witness a rich history of salt mining and fishing, and today tourism is the primary industry.

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10 Best Things to Do in the Turks and Caicos

1. Grace Bay Beach

Turks and Caicos is an Island which one must explore destination starting from its famous things like Grace Bay beach. As we knew that place which is full of beaches, under that Grace Bay Beach well known for its stunning white sand and clear turquoise waters. Grace Bay Beach is a must-visit spot for sunbathing, fishing excursions, boating, sailing, jet skiing, swimming, and paddle boarding. Never miss to enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving in the vibrant coral reefs nearby.

2. Chalk Sound National Park

Such a great natural scenic lagoon situated on the southwest of providenciales. It is a picturesque national park is home to a stunning turquoise lagoon dotted with tiny cays. However, the national park has shallow and brilliant turquoise water with hundreds of small rocky islands. Most recommended national park to explore long driving and twisty chalk sound drive for the panoramic views. Visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax and take in the breath-taking views.

3. Conch Bar Caves

Conch Bar Caves is located in the village of Conch Bar. There is no such massive non submerged cave system like this in the whole Caribbean. Here you can explore the beauty of the extensive limestone cave system at Conch Bar Caves National Park, including underground chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites. Moreover these limestone caves are home to rare wildfires like bats and crustaceans. You can take guided tours that are available to explore in depth and unique adventures.

4. Provo Golf Club

If you are a golf enthusiast, looking for an 18-hole championship golf course, Turks and Caicos may be best option to you. Golf club is well known for its natural, rugged layout through limestone outcroppings.  People come and enjoy playing a round at the highly acclaimed Provo Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course featuring lush fairways and challenging water hazards. However, Royal Turks and Caicos golf club combines a great spirit of golf with natural flora and fauna.

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5. Middle Caicos

Take a day trip to the largest island in the whole Turks and Caicos Islands. Where you can believe in a proper opportunity to explore the dramatic caves system and see the maze of caverns in the Indian Cave and Conch Bar Cave. As a travel seekers you can expect to explore its rugged coastline, secluded beaches, and charming local villages very easily.

6. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Never miss to experience the beauty of the Turks and Caicos coastline on horseback with a guided beach ride. Regions famous top travel activity, includes 3 stables of providenciales like Provo Ponies at Long bay, unique tours in blue hill and small stable at five cays. Horse riding can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here professionals and guided tours are available to provide basic instructions. Trot along the sand and splash in the surf for a memorable excursion. Keep in mind those who want horses, they book tickets well in advance for both morning and evening rides.

7. Sapodilla Bay

Situated in the south coast of the providenciales with a 275 meter long stretch of sheltered beach. Tranquil Sapodilla Bay is well known for a relaxing beach day, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and watching the sunset. Its shallow, calm and clear waters are perfect for families with young children. Sapodilla Bay offers domes of the great vocational villas, resorts and coastal cliffs. Its sheltered coast of Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay are warmer due to its local heat.

8. Fish Fry

Its weekly popular events are held in Turks and Caicos Providenciales. Held every Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Stubb’s Diamond Plaza, where you can taste fish fry along with local food and drinks and also experience lively music. Due to its local flavor combinations, products, and making immerse yourself in the Turks and Caicos cultures things get more popular even present days. Never miss to enjoy freshly grilled seafood, local music, and a festive atmosphere, while visiting the island.

9. Smith’s Reef

It is a Snorkelling or scuba diving site which is available in central Providenciales. Well known for the easiest and most convenient beach to access for snorkelling. Smith’s Reef, is a 5.6 km from Grace Bay where you can spot vibrant and easily accessible coral reefs like colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional octopus. Moreover green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and spotted eagle rays are available. Fish includes butterfly fish, queen angelfish, trumpet fish and French angelfish which you can explore beneath the sea.

10. Turks and Caicos National Museum

Considered as the country’s only museum situated in the historical front street in Cockburn Town, Grand Turk. Built in 1991 which exhibits the oldest European shipwreck and Molasses Reef wreck. Another major center of indigenous peoples of the Turks and Caicos called The Tainos. There are a number of exhibits available covering early Europeans and Loyalist settlers.

Turks and Caicos Map

Getting Around

As per visitors review and opinion getting around to Turks and Caicos either through Taxi or Rental Car. There is no such public transportations are available.

1. Car

Much recommended transportation to travel inside of the island, much crucial if you are staying on one of the larger islands. While booking a Taxi you should remember some of the points like present gas price, driving on the left side and Car selection. Usually the rental period goes to 8 hours maximum with valid U.S license or International driving permits.

2. Taxi

Taxis are available in the Provo and Grand Turk islands. Usually the price one way from Provo airport is around $ 16 to $ 86 and the airport to Grace Bay ranges from $ 28 to $ 34. You can also expect taxis from larger islands like Grand Turk, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. Be careful while booking unofficial taxis or jitney services, usually they drive recklessly and rip off tourists.

3. Bike and Scooters

Such affordable and less costly mode of transportations usually available in many resorts and hotels as a complimentary use. You can visit nearby places like Salt Cay, golf carts are perfectly suitable for this. Here you have to follow some rules like wearing a helmet and single rides.

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Best Time to Visit

April and June months are more recommended due to warm temperature and light sunny conditions Turks. During these months the temperature is around 84 to 87 degree Celsius and someday you can expect little rain.

If you are a person who likes snorkelling and scuba diving in order to explore coral life, then you should visit between Decembers to May. When there is a higher chance of sunshine and more opportunities to get sea turtles, rays, dolphins and humpback whales.

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Getting Here

Total 11 countries International flights arrive in Turks and Caicos. Suppose if you come from the United States, flights are available from cities like Washington, D.C, New York, Miami and Toronto.

Each flight from different countries and cities will arrive in the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). From here onwards, visitors should take extra flights to Caicos express or InterCaribbean, which travel daily.

Even some Visitors choose cruise ships instead of flights. Cheapest mode of transportation which reaches at the island’s ship terminal named Grand Turk cruise center at southern end of the Turk. Interestingly you can wish to make inter island travel by boat here.

10 Interesting Facts about Turks and Caicos

1. The Turks and Caicos is not located in the Caribbean, it is in the Atlantic.

2. Blue Mountain on Providenciales and Flamingo hill on East Caicos are considered the highest point in the Turks and Caicos (156 feet).

3. The water temperature is almost like a bathtub. During summer water temperature is around 82-84 degrees and during winter it is a little cooler like 74 to 78 degrees.

4. Salt has been exported from Turks and Caicos. Exporting salt to many locations in the country before Europeans arrived.

5. There are a good number of underwater cave systems available here like cottage ponds and the boiling hole.

6. More than half of the coastlines are soft sand. More than 250 miles of beach are soft sand in nature.

7. Over the last 300 years the place was controlled by the Spanish, French and British.

8. There are over 80 miles of handmade dividing walls in the salt ponds on the island.

9. There are less or no lakes and rivers in Turks and Caicos to see. Freshwater supplies depend on rainfall.

10. Last but not least, it is a British territory that uses American currency.

Turks and Caicos weather and Climate

Turks and Caicos island generally experience pleasant, warm and consistent weather conditions throughout the year.

You can expect very little distinction here compared to other countries like the U.K, Canada and the United States.

Normally May to October are months considered as hot while November to April months are known as cool. During these periods temperature will be constant, which is around 10 degree Celsius. Therefore activities like hiking, cycling and water related activities are more popular during these periods.

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Turks and Caicos is the main economy region to countries tourism. Offering a wide variety of resorts, all-inclusive resorts, beachfront properties and beaches makes lifelong memorable destinations in every backpacker’s life. Never miss to enjoy activities like water sports, scuba diving or snorkelling and nature feelings.

Q: What is Turks and Caicos meaning?

A: Turks and Caicos means “string of island” derived from language of indigenous Lucayan people.

Q: Is Turks and Caicos safe?

A: Crime rate relatively very low, especially when it comes to tourism. British territory which was monitored by the British police force. You can expect very less chance of theft, pickpocketing and crime rates here.

Q: Where is Turks and Caicos located?

A: Turks and Caicos is an British oversea territory located in the north Atlantic. It consist of 2 groups island lying southeast of the Bahamas like Turks island and Caicos island.