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Travel Guide: Turks & Caicos

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Twenty years ago, few people had heard of Turks and Caicos. Today, the collection of over a hundred tropical islands, cays, and rocks in the North Caribbean regularly tops lists of the most luxurious vacation destinations in the world. Fortunately, unlike many other destinations, Turks & Caicos has managed to rise to fame while gracefully retaining its small island charm, unspoiled natural beauty, and elite-level exclusivity. 

The Turks & Caicos islands draw discerning visitors from far and wide all year round thanks to its pleasant climate, world-class beaches (including Grace Bay Beach, regularly voted number one in the world), quaint, historic fishing villages, and distinctive range of upmarket amenities and international dining. The islands are also incredibly calm due to a low population density, boast the world's third-largest barrier reef, and have a rich cultural heritage of mixed beliefs, customs, and religions. 

Long established itself as one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the world, Turks and Caicos is a collection of 40 islands in the north Caribbean featuring some of the most secluded and naturally beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. Its crystal-clear ocean houses the third-largest barrier reef in the world, providing first-rate swimming, snorkeling, and diving directly off of the beach. Quaint, historic fishing villages hum with easygoing Caribbean vibes yet offer a range of upmarket amenities for international tourists. An incredibly low population density gives guests the ultimate in peace, solitude, and privacy while residing in the most blissful natural setting.

EliteLyfe offers a select portfolio of luxury experiences for our travellers to enjoy.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Grace Bay Beach

Widely acclaimed as one of the most stunning natural beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is a haven of clean turquoise water, soft white sand, and no rocks, seaweed, or pollution. Located on the north coast of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is the home of several upscale beach clubs and has easy access to world-class shopping and dining.

Leeward Beach

As part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, Leeward Beach is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful stretches of sand in Providenciales. Found toward the northeast of the island, the beach is significantly less developed and is an ideal spot for spending a day in absolute peace and seclusion.

Sapodilla Bay Hill

When compared to the vibrant northern coast, the southern coast of Providenciales provides a more peaceful and romantic setting. The small sheltered cove is a locals’ favorite due to its calm, shallow water that is perfect for children and bathing.

Long Bay Beach

Located on the quieter southern coast of Providenciales, Long Bay Beach is a stunning white-sand beach that is known as a kiteboarding hotspot due to its constant east southeast trade winds. The 3-mile (4.8km) stretch of beach is also ideal for simply laying back and watching the action or heading to Long Bay Hills for scenic horseback riding.

Our Favourite: Smith’s Reef

Shallow water, gentle tides, and the crystal-clear sea make Smith’s Reef the perfect place for scuba diving or snorkeling. You can expect to discover a wealth of colorful fish and interesting marine life with basic snorkeling gear, while those who venture a little further may encounter green turtles, hawksbill turtles, southern brown stingrays, and majestic spotted eagle rays.

TOP ACTIVITIES

Fishing Charters

The possibilities for fishing in Turks and Caicos Islands are almost endless. This group of small Caribbean Islands boast some of the best fishing spots in the region and the waters here are world-renowned for their sport fishing and bone fishing Avid anglers and freshmen alike will be amazed at how plentiful the catches are around the Turks and Caicos Islands. Half-day and full day fish charters are available.

  • Deep Sea Fishing

These waters are fantastic fishing grounds to troll for tuna, mahi, wahoo, marlin, sailfish and many other species

  • Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is a great way to enjoy a day on the water, fishing for grouper and snapper or snorkelling the pristine waters for lobster and conch.

Boat Tours

Hop on board on an excursion to experience more of the beautiful waters, amazing reef and vibrant fish with full or half day private trips.

Whether you’re looking to snorkel, island hop, take a chance on cliff jumping, or visit the abandoned ship wrecks, this is your opportunity. You can soak in the views while doing it on different private charters.

  • Half Day Charter

One of our Day Charter Catamarans glides up to the beach and comes to rest in front of you, a large stairway lowers down to the water's edge and you casually walk up and are greeted by a big smile and a warm welcome aboard.

  • Private Half-Day Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel

Experience Caribbean relaxation and actual Sailing on our half-day catamaran sailing and snorkeling excursion. Operated by the friendliest and most talented crew in the Turks and Caicos you can rest assured that they will attend to your comfort and enjoyment from the moment you step on the Island Magic or Island Spirit in Providenciales.

  • Private Full-Day, Sail, Snorkel & Beach Barbeque

This full-day private charter includes beach BBQ. Whether it be birthdays, weddings, family celebration, business outing, anniversary, reward/incentive trips, or just a simple getaway for the day, consider making Private Sail, Snorkel & Beach BBQ your first choice whilst visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands.

  • Sunset Cruise

These sunset cruises are for those who want to have a great couple of hours on the water, the ambiance of the ocean rushing past and some great drinks. The bow is set near the island that allows to see the sun dip below the ocean.

Jetski Tours

Jet skiing can be an exciting way to spend an afternoon on the clear waters of the Turks and Caicos.

  • Caicos Cays Seafari

Experience the wonders of the gorgeous Cays that lay between Providenciales and North Caicos with their azure waters and pristine beaches not accessible by boat. 

  • Ghost Freighter

Zip around the famous La Famille Express, a general cargo ship that ran aground during Hurricane Frances in 2004 and now sits in 7 feet of water. This ship serves as a visual landmark for boaters and a hidden attraction of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Paddle Sup - Kayak Ecotour

The Turks and Caicos is an exceptional destination for kayaking and paddle boarding There's a tremendous variety of settings and sights.

from verdant mangrove wetlands. to sheltered and sandy lagoons Paddle boarding is a great way to see the sea life in the marshes and mangrove wetlands around Providenciales. Generally, it's most pleasant

to paddle board in calm, windless conditions. Kayaks tend to be better in choppy and windy conditions. and for long distance travel, so choose the right tool for the job for paddle board wave riding, smooth, rolling waves are best

Island Hopping

Take a relaxing boat cruise to one or two of our many cays is the most popular activity You'll have several options for boats to choose from.

Large catamarans are a popular choice for boat cruises due to shallow draft afforded.

Seasonal Tour: Available mid Jan – mid April

  • Private Whale Watching Charter in Grand Turk

Our whale watching adventure gives you a front row seat to one of the most impressive shows on earth. You might be lucky enough to witness these beautiful, impressive and gentle humpback whales put on a repertoire of mind blowing behaviours.

Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is one of the most popular watersports in the Turks and Caicos. At the excellent Long Bay Beach on Providenciales. there can be dozens of kites in the air on a windy day Purely from a kiter's perspective. November through May probably offers the best wind. Keep in mind that the average wind differences between the months isn't great and top conditions may be had at any time of the year.

  • Private Kiteboarding Lessons

Private kite lesson with one student per instructor. The best way for the instructor to cater to your direct strengths and weaknesses to get you up and riding as quick as possible

  • Semi-Private Kiteboarding Lessons

Lessons with highly experienced multi-lingual IKO instructors (Male & Female). Semi-private is for up to max 3 people from the same group sharing a lesson with one instructor.

Subwing

A new sport that is still being discovered by many. Subwinging is like 'flying underwater' and is fast becoming our guests favorite activity.

You can explore the underwater world whilst being gently towed behind the boat It's a great way to see a large area of reef without having to use any energy.

Scuba Diving

The Turks and Caicos is renowned for miles of exquisite barrier reefs, walls. clear water and abundant wildlife. Many of the dive sites accessed off Providenciales are in protected areas. mainly in the Princess Alexandra National Park. Northwest Point Marine National Park and the West Caicos Marine National Park.

  • PADI Resort Experience (Discover Scuba Diving) / SSI Basic Diver

Learn to dive today –A briefing is given which covers the principles of diving, equipment and some basic skills with experienced instructors. There is then some skill practice at a shallow depth off the back of the boat on a one to one basis designed to help make you feel more comfortable breathing underwater.

Golf

This 18-hole (par 72) championship Provo Golf Club course has challenging "target-style" course features rugged limestone outcroppings, lush, indigenous landscaping, beautifully manicured emerald greens, placid lakes abundant with resident and migratory birds and cooling trade winds. Put your swing to the test with their state-of-the-art Vl video coaching system, or take advantage of their three PGA trained professionals for private lessons or group clinics.

Massage

Massage is an excellent way to relax and relieve stress. Manipulative techniques can be used to help reduce muscle tension, improve the circulatory system and energy levels. Massages also help you feel better emotionally and provide wellness.

  • Knotty But Nice

Swedish massage is light to medium pressure delivered with long, gentle strokes.

  • Muscles in Knead

Swedish massage is light to medium pressure delivered with long, gentle strokes.

Horseback Riding

Fulfill your dream of horseback riding on the beach and into the shallow waters with a backdrop of white sand and turquoise water. All riding ability levels are welcomed.

  • Tranquility

This is a Private Tour with transportation. 

It’s for one hour on the beach and in the water. 

  • VIP

This is a private tour with VIP transportation and one free drink at Boogaloos Restaurant or Omar’s Beach Hut. Special scheduling arrangements can be made for this tour.

ATV Tour

A guided ATV tour is a great way to experience the wild side of the Turks and Caicos.

ATV tours visit the spectacular and undeveloped west side of Providenciales. primarily Northwest Point National Park, Malcom's Road Beach and West Harbour Bluff Tours departing from the Blue Hills area may also travel through the Wheeland Ponds region.

  • One Hour Tour

This tour includes a stop at Pelican Point where you may spot pelicans, our country’s national bird. The second stop is at Northwest Point where you can view Eagles nesting, and take pictures of the island scenic views.

  • Two Hour Tour

This tour includes off-trails to Northwest Point National Park where you can explore the park then to North West Point Beach where you spend 20-minutes to enjoy swimming or exploring the beach. Comes with a complimentary drink.

Hiking

Providenciales and all of the Caicos Islands offer beautiful and varied coastal hiking regions. Establish and dedicated hiking trails are still largely absent due to the limited development in the country, yet many

coasts offer open conditions.

Bird Watching

Due to extensive wetlands, flamingos, egrets. herons, ospreys and pelicans are common throughout the islands. In the interior dry brush lands and forests, smaller birds are the sights. including warblers, bananaquits, anis. mangrove cuckoos, Antillean night hawks. and the extravagant Bahamas woodstar hummingbird There are no scheduled birdwatching tours on Providenciales. Yet charters can be arranged with many of our local eco-tour businesses.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Coyaba

Divine dining in a lush tropical garden Coyaba is dedicated whenever possible to using artisanal products. sustainable purveyors, local fishermen and farmers. for inspiration in menu development.

The Signature Menu at Coyaba changes frequently and is offered along with nightly specials To excite the senses. the Chefs strive to offer unique experiences for those wishing to truly savor the flavours of the islands.

Schedule: Open for Dinner 6-10 pm

(Closed Tuesdays)

Coco Bristo

Set amidst the largest palm grove on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Coco Bistro is a food lover's fantasy in a one-of-a-kind setting Coco Bistro serves fresh local cuisine under a starlit sky and swaying coconut palms. 

Complementing the delightful island ambience is a culinary experience considered among the best in Turks and Caicos.

Schedule: Monday - Sunday 5:00pm - 10:00pm

  • Coco Van

Nestled into the grounds of Coco Bistro, Coco Van is a casual dining experience in the heart of Grace Bay Enjoy. Delicious food and drinks under a canopy of palms, served from their classic 1974 Airstream Kitchen. Menu varies depending on the best ingredients available each week.

Seven

Seven presents an exceptional gastronomic experience featuring fresh seafood and steak prepared in both local and international styles in a romantic. Candlelit setting.

Schedule: Open from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Closed Sundays) 

The Deck

Located at Seven Stars and perfect for lunch and cocktails. Savor casual open-air dining with a priceless view of Grace Bay guests favorite place for sundowners, ceviche and savory island-inspired fare.

Schedule: Open Daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Bugaloos

Bugaloos is a beach-side seafood restaurant in Five Cays, serving lunch and dinner. Enjoy their daily live entertainment outdoor fun games and horseback riding activities.

Schedule

Open All Week 11:30 am – 10:00 pm

Weekends (Bar Stays Open Late)

Conch Shack

Serves the freshest local seafood on island. Their specialty is conch (of course) and local seafood - local fishermen catch grouper. snapper and

lobster when in season. They are also a place for amazing Island Jerk Chicken and other grilled features.

Schedule: 11 am – 9 pm, bar a little later. 

Las Brisas

Dine at their spacious deck. in picturesque gazebo or in an open air dining room as you take in the inimitable hues of the iridescent waters of Chalk Sound. Menu features Tapas and Mediterranean cuisine with a Caribbean splash.

Schedule: Open Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

SHOPPING

Turks and Caicos shopping can be an adventure and you'll never know what you may find. In recent years there's been a great increase in boutique Turks and Caicos arts and crafts, designer fashion, handmade jewellery and accessories. These locally-manufactured items have a much better connection to the islands.

FOTTAC

Flavors of the Turks and Caicos is a gift store that's located in the Regent Village on Grace Bay FOTTAC offers gifts and items that represent and speak of the

history of The Turks and Caicos. This beautiful store believes in proudly showcasing the island's culture and brigning a greater awareness of the islands to the world.

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

West Indie

Find your Endless Summer at West lndie. in the heart of Grace Bay, Providenciales in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. The West lndie brand has evolved from fine art and bespoke purses to encompass locally-made and designed apparel for the whole family. homewares. original art souvenirs and more. Every item is hand crafted or carefully curated with you in mind.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Conch Festival 

The culinary Conch Festival is held in November in the traditional fishing settlement of Blue Hills on Providenciales. This event celebrates the Queen Conch and everything it represent in the Turks and Caicos. Local restaurants vie in creating the best conch dishes, including conch fritters, salad and stew. international conch fusion flavours and much more.

Last weekend of November

Caribbean House Evolution

Another local event that's rapidly gaining attraction is the multiple day Caribbean House Evolution music festival. This mega party (by Turks and Caicos standards!) typically takes place over three days in mid-summer.

With a beach party, pool party and finally a boat party at the uninhabited island of Water Cay

Typically held 3rd weekend of July

Maskanoo

Maskanoo is a street festival held on Boxing Day (Dec 26) and combines elements of masquerades and traditional Bahamian-style Junkanoo.

Boxing Day 26 December

Wine Cellar Gold and Fishing Tournament

The annual Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament is another favorite event with locals and visitors alike. Hosted by the Wine Cellar. a local alcohol importer. this tournament offers a two day deep sea fishing

competition and one day golf challenge with prices totaling nearly $ 100.000.00

Held in March

FACTS AND TRAVEL TIPS

PEOPLE. Turks & Caicos Islanders are mostly descendants of Africans who were brought in to work the salt pans or the cotton plantations The expatriate population consists of British. Canadians. Americans. French. Bahamians. people from Hispaniola and virtually everywhere in the world.

LANGUAGE. the official language is English although several languages such as Spanish. Creole and Patois can be heard due to diversity of people living in the island.

US CURRENCY. The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Most hotels. restaurants and taxi services accept traveler's cheques. which can be cashed at local banks. Most credit cards are accepted and banks offer ATM's as well as cash advances on credit cards. 

DRIVING on the left is practiced in the island. Please be cautious when turning and using the roundabout

US PLUGS. 7 7 O volt/60 cycle. suitable for US appliances

TIPPING. there are no rules about tipping although it is customary to add 7-5% for good service.

SALES TAX. Turks and Caicos Islands does not have sales or luxury taxes 

TRAVELING WITH PETS. there are conditions which must be adhered to by law when bringing in controlled/regulated commodities to the islands.

LOBSTER SEASON. begins each year on August 07 and lasts through March 37.

PINK FLAMINGOS. On North Caicos in particular the tidal flats on the South side of the island attract scores of birds including wild Pink Flamingos that regularly inhabit the aptly named Flamingo Pond.

HURRICANE SEASON. runs from June 7 to November 30 each year

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