The Turks and Caicos Islands are quickly becoming one of the most popular vacations spots in the Caribbean. Sitting east of the Bahamas, this picture-perfect tropical destination is more than just a place to sit around lying on the beach.
While the population of Turks and Caicos is only 32,000, these islands see over 600,000 visitors each year thanks to stunning natural visuals, world-class upscale resorts, an exciting nightlife, and unbeatable recreation.
If you’re planning on visiting, here’s a list of things to do on the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Beaches and Oceans
The number one reason people come to the Turks and Caicos Islands is to enjoy some of the most beautiful waters in the world. Every corner of the islands features perfect white-sand beaches and bright, turquoise waters that will make you feel like you were dropped into the middle of a postcard.
While you may be satisfied with a simple stroll down these pristine beaches or a casual swim in the ocean, Turks and Caicos is much more than that. Here are some more high-thrills adventures to take advantage of the perfect blue waters.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Turks and Caicos is one of the world’s prime scuba diving destinations. If you’re looking for things to do in Turks and Caicos, this is something that can’t be missed.
The islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Providenciales (known to locals as “Provo”), are each known for their spectacular wall diving. These islands sit atop two underwater limestone mountain plateaus that are divided by a 6,000-foot-deep chasm. As a result, the area is home to some of the best wall diving on the planet.
In addition to these stunning wall drops, you’ll find incredible barrier reefs complete with tube sponges, schools of fish, reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, and even humpback whales. The Turks and Caicos are home to the third-largest coral reef system in the world, so it’s worth a dip down below the surface to check it out.
If scuba diving is a little too extreme for your tastes, many boat tours offer snorkeling adventures that will help even the most beginner divers to experience the beauty of the coral reef.
Watersports and Eco Tours
It doesn’t end at scuba diving. When you come to the Turks and Caicos Islands, there’s a whole host of exciting watersports to keep the whole family entertained. And don’t worry about experience level—most excursions have options for beginners too.
Explore the area’s extensive mangrove channels by kayak. Take a paddleboarding tour through a beautiful national park and nature reserve. Take a ride on a gust of wind while kitesurfing. There’s no shortage of activities for thrill seekers.
If you prefer to take in adventure sitting down, take a boat tour or private charter around the islands. If you time your trip right, you may be lucky enough to witness the migration of humpback whales on a whale watching tour. There are also bike tours available to take in the sights on land.
For a complete guide of the adventures that await you in the Turks and Caicos Islands, check out our entire list of island eco adventures to keep your heart pounding the entire time.
Island Fish Fry
The Island Fish Fry is the perfect way to get a taste of the local Turks and Caicos cuisine. This free weekly event, which takes place in Provo every Thursday night from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., offers food from a wide variety of the most delicious local restaurants.
From island delicacies like perfectly cooked lobster, crab ‘n rice, freshly caught local fish, or hearty favorites like mac ‘n cheese, the Island Fish Fry will never have you leaving hungry.
The family-friendly event is also home to some of the islands’ best cultural acts. Every week, a host of local entertainers take the stage to impress the lively and diverse crowds of both locals and tourists. You’ll be on your feet all night dancing along with the local musicians—with different bands hitting the stage every week. Turks and Caicos is well known for ripsaw music, which prominently features the handsaw as the main instrument.
You’ll also find locally handcrafted goods like straw baskets and hats, fantastic storytellers, arts and crafts, and more activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.
Golf
What’s a relaxing tropical vacation without a round of golf? With a reputation as one of the most skill-testing courses in the Caribbean, the Provo Golf Club features 18 stunning holes of world-class golf. The course blends in to the natural surroundings of the island, showcasing limestone outcroppings, local wildlife, and natural water features.
You don’t have to worry about lugging your clubs to the island with you, as the Provo Golf Club offers brand new Taylor Made Club rentals that’ll keep you on the top of your game—and you’ll need to be, as 11 of the course’s 18 holes have water features that you’ll have to avoid. Although, if you do end up in the water, you’ll have a nice view of the island’s water birds, that include pelicans, flamingos, and herons.
If you’d prefer to play a shorter 9-hole course, the Waterloo Golf Club, located close to the Cruise Ship Center in Grand Turk, offers a quicker option. But book your tee time early—they only hold spots open for 36 golfers per day.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Unsurprisingly, Turks and Caicos cuisine is largely centered around seafood. The most famous local ingredient is conch, which is a type of sea snail. You’ll find it centrally featured at top local restaurants like Coco Bistro and Le Bouchon du Village.
When the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop. Every single night, no matter where you are, you’ll easily be able to find live Caribbean-style music, a karaoke bar, booze cruises, dance parties, and more. Whether it’s live Jazz, Rake ‘N Scrape, Ripsaw, or just a simple set of steel drums, you’ll never be far from live music.
To experience the best sights and sounds of Turks and Caicos, book a tour with Big Blue Collective now!