Sun, sand and fun. The Turks & Caicos Islands offer everything you need and is just a little over an hour from Miami which makes the area readily accessible from the eastern United States and Canada.
30 years ago, few people, outside of avid divers, would have been able to identify the Turks & Caicos Islands on a map of the Caribbean. But since then, the Islands have gone from being an area of incredible potential to being the leading luxury vacation destination in the Caribbean. The model upon which this success has been based has been a simple one – it is home to the most beautiful beaches in the world and has a low-density tourism.
The Best Beach in the World
When you Google the Turks & Caicos, it’s easy to understand the excitement surrounding the country. You are immediately greeted with images of the powdery white sand and the crystal-clear waters of Grace Bay Beach. This beach is consistently ranked one of, if not the best, in the world. Its beauty is the cornerstone upon which the Turks & Caicos tourist market is based. Boutique hotels and luxury villas stretch up and down the shoreline, allowing guests to enjoy the relatively unspoiled nature of the islands.
Beautiful By Nature
The Turks & Caicos is aptly marketed with the phrase “Beautiful by Nature” and the guest experience in the Islands is driven by this mantra. Potential guests are often told that if they are seeking an active nightlife, with throngs of people in a nightclub, this is not the destination for you. If your ideal vacation involves relaxing on the beach, sailing along uninhabited Cays, and detaching from the realities of the “real world” then you have found the right place.
Having really only started its development in the 1980s, with the opening of Club Med, the Islands slowly grew, focusing on the high-end market. This has evolved over time as the luxury villa market became a primary focus of the tourist industry, allowing guests to enjoy the Islands with the space and privacy that may not exist in a Resort environment. The focus on the luxury product has meant that guests have a choice of venues to suit their needs and their budget, all delivered within a beautiful, natural environment.
Island Hopping
While Providenciales and Grace Bay are at the heart of the tourist market here in the Turks & Caicos, they are only the start. From Providenciales, guests can travel east along the uninhabited small cays that stretch to North Caicos and enjoy unspoiled beaches that stretch for miles. These secluded beaches create a unique experience across the Caribbean, as their proximity means that only a ten-minute boat ride separates you from splendid isolation.
Further afield, guests can visit North and Middle Caicos. These large islands carry a long history as American Loyalists, fleeing the 13 colonies sought to establish plantations here (all of which ultimately failed), and the Taino Indians sought refuge in the cave systems of Middle Caicos. Through the work of the Turks & Caicos National Trust, guests can visit both the Indian Caves and Wades Green Plantation to learn about the history of the islands. One of the highlights of any trip to North and Middle Caicos is the stunning drive across the causeway that connects the two pieces of land. It traverses some of the most electric blue waters you will ever see. Shortly after the causeway you will find the incredible, elevated, natural rock formations of Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay. One of the most beautiful places in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Walking With Dinosaurs
A unique experience to the Turks & Caicos, and readily accessible from Provo (local term for Providenciales), is the trip to see the indigenous rock iguanas of the Islands at Little Water Cay, or Iguana Island. Under the stewardship of the National Trust, the iguana population has thrived on this small Island after the population was wiped out on other Islands through the introduction of domestic animals such as dogs and cats. These dinosaur-like creatures are definitely not going to be forgotten after your visit!
Getting Here
Airlift to the Turks & Caicos is as impressive as you are going to see in the Caribbean. With direct flights from all major airports on the East Coast (Boston, New York, Washington, Charlotte, Miami and Fort Lauderdale) as well as Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Toronto and Montreal it is incredibly easy to access the Islands.
Things To Know
- The United States Dollar is used as their currency.
- They are in the Eastern time zone.
- International flights land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
- Visitors are required to have a valid passport for entry to the country.
- Americans, Canadians and most Europeans do not require a visa to travel here as a tourist.
- As of May 1, 2022, there is no Covid-19 testing requirement to enter the Turks & Caicos, although at the time of writing tourists must still be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter the country.
- If you’re traveling with pets, you’ll need a veterinary certificate stating your animal is in good health.
- There are two fixed-base operators on Providenciales for private aircraft. Both offer fuel, immigration and customs clearance and other services.
Our Favourites
Dining
Something Casual – CocoVan – Set in a classic airstream trailer set amongst a coconut palm jungle, this casual restaurant has incredibly tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere and is adjacent to its famous sister restaurant Coco Bistro.
Sunday Afternoon Spot – Omar’s Beach Hut – There are few places nicer to spend a Sunday afternoon than Omar’s Beach Hut in Five Cays. With seating that stretches out into the water during high tide, this is the perfect place to enjoy live music and fresh island food.
Dreamy Sunsets – Magnolia – There are few places that offer a beautiful view over the barrier reef and spectacular sunsets like Magnolia. Perched over Turtle Cove Marina the restaurant has been a Provo staple for over two decades. Set amongst the original Erebus Hotel, the bar dates back to the early days of Provo’s development. If walls could talk these would tell the best stories on the Island.
Fine Dining – Indigo – One of the culinary highlights of any trip to the Turks & Caicos will be Indigo at Wymara Resort. A carefully thought out and fresh menu is the cornerstone of Chef Andrew Mirosch’s signature restaurant here in the Islands. Offering fish that is fresh, never frozen, and specific vegan and vegetarian options, the menu can cater to all patrons. The two highlights of the week are the Wednesday evening fish fry and the Saturday evening BBQ.
Excursions
Adrenaline – Wake2Wake – No one matches the adrenaline of Wake2Wake watersports. Their Instagram account alone is enough to convince guests to travel to the Turks & Caicos. Whether it is wakeboarding, wakesurfing, or diving off abandoned freighters, enthusiasts will get their blood pumping on a day out.
Fishing – Talbots Adventures – Nothing like a fourth-generation fisherman to guide you through the waters of the Turks & Caicos. Levardo Talbot does an amazing job, whether that is in high octane offshore fishing for Marlin, Tuna or Wahoo, or quietly stalking bonefish in the flats. Talbots Adventures will put you on the fish.
Relaxation – Sail Beluga – The gentle trade winds allow for guests to enjoy quiet days out on Sail Beluga. The 40-foot catamaran provides a uniquely personal and relaxing way to experience the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Accommodation
Beachfront Chic – Wymara Resort & Villas – Set on one of the widest stretches of Grace Bay Beach, Wymara Resort gives guests the best of experiences within a boutique 91-room resort. With two onsite restaurants, an award-winning spa, full services, and access to Grace Beach, it is an ideal getaway. Additionally, Wymara Villas offers larger groups the exclusivity and privacy of a Villa without sacrificing the 5-star service of the Resort.
Villas – TKCA Vacation Rentals – Regardless of whether guests are looking to set themselves on the kite surfing mecca of Long Bay Beach or have stunning views of the North Shore of Providenciales, TKCA are available to guide guests throughout the reservation process and while they are on Island.
Grace Bay Opulence – Vision Beach – This beautiful 5-bedroom villa sits on 240 feet of Grace Bay Beachfront and is ideally suited for large groups, capable of hosting up to 16 guests. The fully staffed property includes a private chef, outdoor pool table, heated pool, hot tub, expansive beach deck, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, a private dock space for boat charter pick-ups and access to Vision Kite on Long Bay for kite surfing access.
