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Turks and Caicos is a group of roughly shallow coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean. These stunningly beautiful islands offer visitors turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches.
Each major island has its own flare. The main island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to luxury resorts and restaurants. North Caicos is known for its powdery beaches, historical plantations, and laid-back vibe. Surrounded by national parks, the extraordinary beauty of these islands is protected. Ensuring fun in the sun for all who visit.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are kings in the Turks and Caicos. The crystal clear water and lack of waves are perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. And because of the shallow nature of the islands, the water has a high salinity allowing even the novice snorkeler to float.
One of the primary draws for divers is the 14-mile barrier reef on Grand Turks’ north shore. Here the ocean floor geography creates a sheer 7000-foot underwater drop-off populated with tropical fish, and coral, some endemic to the island.
It’s easy to feel at home in the Turks and Caicos. The awe-inspiring beauty and unique lifestyle are perfect for a weekend getaway or a rejuvenating respite from city life.
There are plenty of things to do to keep everyone entertained in the Turks and Caicos and with so many excursions and tours, it is easy to island hop for a complete Caribbean experience.
1. Reef Snorkeling
Imagine spending a half-day sailing aboard a luxury catamaran to Explore the majestic waters surrounding Turks and Caicos. Snorkel crystal blue waters of the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef. There are several snorkeling excursions throughout the islands. The unique splendor and diversity of marine life diversity, such as the parrot fish or the fascinating Caribbean reef sharks make the time an adventure.
Round out the day napping on the beach or with a picnic lunch and rum punch. before returning to your hotel for a lazy evening.
2. Spend the day Scuba Diving
The island waters around the Turks and Caicos were made for scuba and because of the shallow nature, the diving is perfect year-round. In fact, some of the best diving can be found on Provo, Grand Turk, and French Cay.
The unique biodiversity of the area provides a list of sea creatures and geological formations that will keep even the most seasons divers oohing and ahhing for hours.
Led by locals experienced in both diving and boating, scuba divers will experience the fragile coral reefs that support our planet. And it is not uncommon to see a wide variety of marine life including the colorful Parrotfish, or the strange trumpet fish. Depending on the location, divers will see rays, sea turtles, or even reef sharks. If you visit the island at the beginning of the year, you may see the massive humpback whales and even swim with bottle-nosed dolphins as they enjoy their winter vacation in the islands’ waters.
3. Love Buggy Island Tour
Instead of a jet ski, try one of the best excursions on Providenciales, a half a day exploring the Island in a Scoot Coupe – open air ‘Love Buggy.’
You’ll see around 85 percent of the island. Learn about the island’s early history and connection to the Pirates of the time. Stop by the Cheshire Hall Plantation and hear about its importance in shaping the island’s history. You will also see other majestic Island Plantation Mansions, and before a stop at Junkanoo Museum. Tour Turtle Bay and Grace Bay before stopping for a meal.
Lunch is at the local hotspot Da Conch Shack. Here you can choose from all things Conch including Choch Salad, fresh fish sandwiches, or if you prefer, grilled chicken. Don’t forget the rum punch and a little something sweet for dessert. This is a great way to enjoy the sun, and island breezes, while learning about the culture that has created these amazing lands.
4. Watch Sunset On A Catamaran Yacht
Of course, everyone has seen a sunset. But if you have never seen the Sun set over the ocean, then this excursion is a must. There is nothing more serene and romantic than watching a brilliant orange sun dip quietly below the sea’s edge while the sails of the Catamaran flap quietly in the soft breezes.
And while you watch the sunset on your Catamaran Cruise off the coastline of Grace Bay, enjoy a glass of Champagne. As you sail, dine on local favorites and boat-styled appetizers, including fresh conch fritters before returning to shore. The total time of this experience is roughly two hours. The tour is operated by Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports Ltd. This private or small group sunset cruise is strictly for those 18-and-over.
5. Go Clear Kayaking
Kayaking is extremely relaxing in the Turks and Caicos islands. There are numerous scenic beaches and shallow waters. If you are tired of paddling, you can easily climb on board the kayak for a relaxing float. And while many of the hotels in the islands rent watercraft, one of the most amazing experiences is to see the world from a clear kayak.
Clear kayaking is all the rage on the islands.
Your transparent kayak will allow you to spot various marine life as you navigate the waters of Mangrove Cay or Chaulk Island National Park.
With a clear kayak, you will be able to safely see turtles, stingrays, and even small sharks.
Your experienced guides from My Time Tours will also show you the coastal creatures that are endemic to the cay, including rock iguanas and dozens of colorful bird species. Transparent kayak tours are usually conducted in small groups for safety and individual attention.
6. Swim With Rays At Gibbs Cay
Gibbs Cay Island, also called Stingray City, is part of the land and Sea National Park. Those who visit will be greeted with white sand beaches and pristine waters filled with stingrays. The shallow reef of Gibbs Cay offers swimmers and snorkelers the amazing chance to share the waters with southern stingrays.
On a two-hour highly-rated swim with the rays at Gibbs Cay excursion, you will enjoy the luxury of a spacious yacht on your way to the uninhabited Gibbs Cay. Your boat crew, from Exclusive Escapes, will show you how to conch dive for your lunch.
You will learn the technique of quietly slipping into the warm shallow waters to walk or swim with the gentle local rays. Gain insight into the biology and daily habits of these majestic sea creatures.
Swimming with the Rays at Gibbs Cay is a memorable and humbling experience.
7. Visit Pirates Cove
Have you ever wanted to be a pirate? The Caribbean was full of pirates in the 17th and 18th Centuries and the Turks and Caicos islands were awash with shipwrecks of these sea-faring devils.
On this fun and exciting private two-and-a-half-hour ATV adventure, you will visit Pirate Cove, a known shelter for shipwrecked pirates. And you will catch a glimpse of the artifacts and engravings from that era. This unique excursion is operated by Tropical Tours, Ltd.
While touring between sites you can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking views of West Caicos and Osprey Rock. Even if you have never ridden an ATV, you will have a blast with your experienced local historian and guide at your side.
8. Eco-Tour Turtle Paddleboarding
On this one-and-a-half-hour stand-up paddleboard journey through National Marine Park. With paddle in hand, you will steer your board through the hidden trails and shallows of Providenciales’ beautiful Mangrove and Iguana Island.
Our capable guides from SUP Provo & Kite Provo, will lead the way through the island’s ultramarine waters as you share the shallows with sharks, eagle rays, conchs, and turtles. Overhead, egrets and pelicans monitor your progress.
Return through Middle Caicos for an enjoyable experience. Paddleboard tours are an excellent way to view the local marine and coastal inhabitants without leaving a trace.
9. Learn to Kiteboard
Even wanted to learn to kiteboard? What better place than the Turks & Caicos islands?
This unique island excursion provides a one-hour private kiteboarding lesson from a certified instructor. Beginners can work on the basics and those with some experience can enhance their skills. Even if you are an expert at this difficult sport, your island instructor is bound to have a few tips.
Conducted at Long Bay Beach in Long Bay Hills, the hour includes a safety briefing and equipment overview. Once you have sailed on your board across crystalline turquoise, the waters back home will never look the same.
10. Parasailing in Grace Bay
Imagine flying high above the transparent waters of the Caribbean -traveling near flying birds that dip with the ocean breeze.
Provo’s Grace Bay Beach offers soft sand and stunning views. In fact, it is one of the western Caribbean’s most beautiful places. But through a Grace Bay Parasailing Experience, you will gain a new perspective.
This small group excursion, operated by Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports Ltd., will provide you with a safety orientation, a one-hour boat ride, and 10 to 15 minutes of loft time for an unforgettable experience.
11. Kayack Little Water Cay
Little Water Cay, also known as Iguana Island, is a hidden gem in the Turks and Caicos. A short excursion that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
This unique two-and-a-half-hour tour, operated by Turks Aqua Adventures Shows you the way to Iguana Island and Mangrove Cay. Get an early morning start as your experienced local guide ensures you see the best of the iguana sanctuary and nursery. Drift through turquoise waters that are home to extraordinary marine life, pelicans, and pink flamingos.
12. Ride Horseback into the Sea
You’ve seen the movies, someone on horseback riding freely on the beach. Well, why not make it a reality?
The Beach Trail and Swim – Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, a one-and-a-half-hour tour of Cockburn Town – Provo’s capital city guided by tour operators, the island experts of Ride Da Rhythm.
Go sightseeing throughout Cockburn Town and Pillory Beach on this four-star Tripadvisor rated, guided Horseback Riding Experience. Even if you are new to these graceful creatures, a guide can help you mount and dismount.
One of the best stops on this jaunt is Pillory Beach, its white powdery sand makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Turks and Caicos. After the historical and ecological tour, cool off by swimming with your horse.
13. Private Whale Watching Charter Grand Turk
The Private Charter Whale Watching of Grand Turk is the quintessential experience on the islands. This three-and-a-half-hour, five-star rated tour, is provided by Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports Ltd.
On board the shaded deck of the 46′ Power Catamaran you will be ferried into deeper waters to a respectful distance, to glimpse these massive sea mammals.
Witness the gentle humpback whale’s acrobatic competitions or listen to the haunting calls through the hydrophone, all in search of a mate. watch a mother and newly born calf find their way. And on rare occasions, the humpback whales approach the boat allowing for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Seeing these massive but tender creatures, often so close you could touch them, has enriched lives and changed visitors’ perspectives on the marine world.
14. Explore North Caicos
The Island of North Caicos is a curious mix of pristine beaches, National Marine Parks, a craggy coastline, and island history. For a full-day trip, try the Explore North Caicos Tour.
Start the trip with an enjoyable 30 minute boat tour from Provo to the nearby North Caicos island.
Visit the white sands of Whitby Beach, and choose to snorkel at Three Mary’s Cays. This is also home to Chalk Sound, an unspoiled, natural lake populated with underwater cays.
North Caicos is also home to pink flamingos at Pink Flamingo Pond and sandpipers. And don’t forget the endemic iguanas. The lush island is also home to Caribbean history. Wade’s Green Plantation is one of the best examples of a historic island plantation. There are also pirate rock carvings made by shipwrecked sailors, overlooking Sapodilla Bay.
North Caicos and Taylor Bay with coral reefs for swimming and snorkeling and are a favorite of expats who fell in love with the electric blue waters and have moved to the islands.
15. Round of Golf Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club
If you are looking for a break from the brilliant sun and breathtaking scenery, try a round of golf at Provo Golf Club. This excitingly designed course is Turks and Caicos’ only 18-hole golf course.
This excursion includes a round of golf play for your foursome, at one of the top-ranked golf courses in the Caribbean and a self-driven GPS-enabled Golf buggy.
The Provo Golf Club also has putt and chipping greens for an easy warm-up before heading out for up to four hours of play. And golf clubs are available to rent on-site.
16. Scuba The Grand Turk Wall
The Grand Turk Wall is at the western end of Grand Turk Island and ten-minutes offshore. This awe-inspiring geological sight is where the continental shelf plunges deep into the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The visible wall is roughly 7000 feet. This amazing sight produced impressive arches, areas that support entire gardens of coral and incredible populations of sea life.
The Wall is definitely on every snorkeled scuba diver’s bucket list. The area is also popular for night diving – as the bioluminescence provides an otherworldly viewing. After The Wall, try a few minutes exploring the nearby rusted Mega One Triton shipwreck.
Get Adventurous on Your Trip to Turks and Caicos
While most people think of this idyllic Caribbean island as tranquil and the perfect place to rest, relax, and not much else, there’s far more to Turks and Caicos than meets the eye. Although the perfect spot for lazy beach days, when you’re ready to get your adrenaline pumping, these 16 excursions throughout Turks and Caicos are perfect!
