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Oct 1, 2024 • 11 min read
Why does everyone want to visit Turks and Caicos? Because the islands have mastered blending opulence with relaxation. With 40 stunning islands and cays, this tropical paradise boasts pristine beaches and some of the clearest turquoise waters in the world. Providenciales, affectionately known as “Provo,” is the islands’ lively hub, featuring luxurious resorts and smart shopping spots. Meanwhile, the smaller cays offer an intimate escape with their untouched charm.
However, Turks and Caicos is more than just its breathtaking scenery. Its rich cultural tapestry comes alive through events like Maskanoo and the Junkanoo festival, where you can experience energetic parades and intricate costumes celebrating the islands’ African heritage. From lounging on Grace Bay’s powdery sands to diving the dramatic walls around Grand Turk and savoring fresh local seafood, Turks and Caicos promises an unforgettable mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
When should I go to Turks and Caicos?
The prime time to visit Turks and Caicos is between December and April, when the weather is at its finest – warm, sunny, and with little chance of rain – perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With steady winds, it’s ideal for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. During these months, boating companies also provide whale-watching tours from Salt Cay, Grand Turk, and Provo (January to early April is whale-watching season). Consequently, this period also serves as peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher accommodation rates.
If you’re looking to experience fewer crowds and score some great deals, consider visiting later in the year, from June to December. Be aware that hurricane season runs from June to November. However, this season hosts the most major events. For instance, November brings the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival to Grace Bay. December in TCI comes alive with the festive spirit of Maskanoo, a cultural celebration brimming with traditional drumbeats, whistling horns, and joyful singing filling the air. The streets of Provo are packed with colorful parades, dancers in elaborate headdresses, and stilt walkers weaving through the crowd. The excitement builds toward the Junkanoo New Year’s Eve festival in Grace Bay, where everyone wears their most elaborate, hand-crafted costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and bright colors. Live bands provide the backdrop with “rake-n-scrape” (a traditional music style), fireworks light up the sky, and parades march through the streets to ring in the new year.
How much time should I spend in Turks and Caicos?
Four to five days is ideal for enjoying the best of Provo. You can spend two or more days exploring Grace Bay, relaxing on its sweeping stretch of ivory-white sand and checking out the local restaurants, galleries, spas, and shops in Regent Village and Saltmills Plaza. Additionally, set aside some time to go horseback riding on Long Bay Beach. Spend another day snorkeling at Bight Reef or Smith’s Reef. On your final day, explore Chalk Sound National Park, where you can kayak through its striking turquoise waters or take a boat tour to Iguana Island (Little Water Cay) off the coast of Provo.
If you can spare six to seven days, you can explore the other islands. A 30-minute flight to Grand Turk gives you the opportunity to visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum or snorkel the famous Grand Turk wall. From there, you can also take a ferry to Salt Cay for whale-watching (in season). There isn’t much else to do here if you’re not a water sports enthusiast. North and Middle Caicos, just a 30-minute ferry from Providenciales, are ideal for exploring the limestone caves of Middle Caicos and relaxing on the unspoiled beach at Mudjin Harbor. Other islands like Pine Cay or Parrot Cay are not as easy to reach and entail limited activities unless you’re staying at the luxury resorts there.
Is it easy to get in and around Turks and Caicos?
You can fly nonstop from several major cities in the US (including Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York) and from London. The main gateway into the Turks and Caicos Islands is Howard Hamilton International Airport (formerly the Providenciales International Airport, or PLS). It was renamed in 2023, but PLS is still widely recognized internationally. Additionally, Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways operate regional flights from Provo to Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay.
Ferry services, although limited, also connect the islands. You can take a ferry from Provo to North Caicos ($65 round trip) and South Caicos ($130 round trip). Grand Turk has a major cruise port, so most visitors arrive that way.
If you are staying on Provo, you may find it convenient to have a car, especially if you’ll be doing extensive exploring. Car and jeep rental rates average $40 to $100 per day on Provo, depending on the vehicle, plus a $15 surcharge as a government tax. On the other islands, car rental isn’t as essential.
Taxis are available at the airports on both Provo and Grand Turk. For trips between Provo’s airport and most Grace Bay resorts, taxi fares typically range from $28 to $34 for two people and around $16 from the airport to Turtle Cove. On Grand Turk, you can expect the fare from the airport to Cockburn Town to be between $9 and $12. On the smaller islands, scooters, bicycles, and walking are popular modes of transportation. Most accommodations on these islands will offer airport transfers.
Top things to do in Turks and Caicos
Get a snapshot of the culture at the Thursday Fish Fry
This is the place to get a snapshot of Turks and Caicos culture: the Thursday Fish Fry, a lively open-air event held on Thursday evenings at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in The Bight, Provo. It’s where locals gather, and visitors dive into the island’s culinary delights. Enjoy a spread of local favorites, including crispy fried fish, conch in various styles, succulent lobster, and flavorful sides like peas and rice, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. Stroll the stalls offering handmade crafts, unique jewelry, and art inspired by the islands, along with imported clothing and souvenirs. Quench your thirst with Turk’s Head beer, the signature Gully Wash cocktail, or opt for sodas, juices, and fresh coconut water.
The Fish Fry buzzes with energy from live bands and cultural performances, including Junkanoo dances by the We Funk band and traditional rake-n-scrape music. While the best Junkanoo experience is at the Maskanoo event on December 26, the Fish Fry offers a taste of this vibrant festival once a week, inviting spectators to join in.
Relax on Grace Bay Beach
Often cited as one of the world’s best beaches, Grace Bay is the crown jewel of Provo. With powdery white sand and calm, clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just lounging with a view. The gentle waves and smooth sandy bottom also make it ideal for kayaking and Jet Skiing. If you’re staying at a nearby resort, non-motorized water sports may be complimentary. Grace Bay’s shoreline is also home to some of the best hotels and restaurants on Provo.
Snorkeling at Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef
Snorkeling is one of the best activities in Turks and Caicos, thanks to incredible reefs, wrecks, and coastlines to explore. Bight Reef, also known as Coral Gardens, is recognized as the top site. Located at the western end of Grace Bay, this easily accessible reef begins right off the beach and extends about 400ft (122m) into the clear waters, offering a great opportunity to see turtles, stingrays, and an abundance of colorful reef fish in shallow waters.
For a more secluded snorkeling experience, explore Smith’s Reef in the Turtle Cove area of Provo. This diverse reef system features three distinct beach access points, each offering different snorkeling environments, from coral heads close to shore to expansive reef networks further out. With fewer visitors than The Bight Reef, Smith’s Reef provides a quiet setting to encounter eagle rays, stingrays, turtles, lobsters, and a rich variety of fish.
Tour Turks and Caicos’ only brewery
Dive into the local flavor at Turk’s Head Brewery, the only brewery in Turks and Caicos. Founded in 2001 on Provo, this local hot spot serves an exciting selection of four distinct beers: Turk’s Head Lager, Turk’s Head Amber, Island Hopping Ale (IPA), and Turk’s Head Lite. Embark on a 30-minute guided tour, where you’ll stroll along a catwalk overlooking the bustling brewery hall, culminating in the tasting room. Here, you’ll sample all four craft brews and experience the island’s unique beer culture. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for fun souvenirs like branded shirts.
Explore Turks and Caicos’ cultural heritage at its museums
The Junkanoo Museum on Provo offers an immersive dive into the island’s musical culture. This two-room museum brings Junkanoo to life with an array of colorful costumes, instruments, and memorabilia from the popular local band We Funk. Owner Kitchener Penn often leads tours, sharing insights into Junkanoo’s history and its cultural impact. Visitors can try on elaborate costumes, ranging from early shredded paper designs to modern feathered versions, and even test out some instruments.
In contrast, the Turks and Caicos National Museum on Grand Turk provides a quieter yet equally fascinating experience. The museum features interactive exhibits and a charming gift shop, with highlights including artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck (the earliest European shipwreck in the Americas) and a collection of Taíno (Lucayan) artifacts. There’s also a 3D coral reef exhibit and a gallery dedicated to Grand Turk’s Space Race history.
My favorite thing to do
Without a doubt, my favorite activity in Turks and Caicos is exploring Grace Bay. This stunning beach captures the essence of TCI: luxury and relaxation. It’s ideal for unwinding and swimming, or enjoying activities like snorkeling, Jet Skiing, paddleboarding, and even horseback riding along the water.
Moreover, Grace Bay is more than just a beautiful beach. The area boasts some of the Caribbean’s best resorts, alongside top dining options and varied shopping. Regent Village and Saltmills Plaza are popular for finding everything from luxury goods to unique local crafts. It also features the finest spas and galleries in TCI. Grace Bay is home to many of Providenciales’ top restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.
How much money do I need for Turks and Caicos?
When compared to many other Caribbean islands, Turks and Caicos is relatively expensive. The official currency of TCI is the US dollar, so expect to spend about the same amount for most products and services as you would in the United States.
Hostel/budget accommodation: $120–200 per night (Limited budget options are available in TCI, especially on Provo.)
Mid-range hotel: $230–400 per night
High-end resort: $500+ per night
Meal at a local restaurant: $17–35
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $100–150
Beer at a bar: $7–10
Snorkeling tour: $100–200 per person
Car rental: $40–100 per day
How many islands can I visit in Turks and Caicos?
Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands and cays, but only nine are inhabited. The most popular islands to visit are Providenciales, Grand Turk, North, Middle, and South Caicos, along with lesser-known Salt Cay, Pine Cay, and Parrot Cay. Ferries and flights facilitate relatively easy travel between the islands.
Tips for exploring the islands beyond Provo
Plan your transportation carefully
Travel between islands typically involves domestic flights or ferries. Ensure you book your flights or ferry tickets in advance, as schedules can be limited, especially on ferries. On the smaller, remote islands like Salt Cay, Pine Cay, and Parrot Cay, confirm whether your resort or accommodation arranges transportation from Provo, as most of them will do so.
Consider renting a mode of transportation
On islands such as Grand Turk, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos, renting a scooter, golf cart, bicycle, or car (on Grand Turk) can be very helpful for getting around. Most accommodations offer bicycles for guests to use, especially if you’re visiting the cays, where many roads are unpaved. This allows exploration at your own pace and access to more remote areas. Remember, driving is on the left side of the road.
Bring essentials
On the smaller islands, grocery stores and shops offer a limited variety of goods. In fact, many Salt Cay residents travel to Grand Turk to stock up on certain groceries and products (or ship them over on the ferry). Hence, it’s wise to bring essentials such as sunscreen, water, insect repellent, and any necessary medications if you plan to visit or stay on these islands (outside the luxury resorts). Also, bring cash for convenience.
