The Turks and Caicos are comprised of 8 inhabited island and dozens of smaller uninhabited cays (pronounced keys), many of which offer hidden beaches and fun explorations pots for the adventurous.
Encompassing a 30-mile by 3-mile track of land, Providenciales is the main island and center of most of the tourism activity. It features world class hotels and resorts, villas, more than 50 restaurants of all types, spas, shopping, nightlife (including two casinos) and the TCI’s main airport and several marinas. The most famous feature of ‘Provo,’ as it is called, is Grace Bay Beach, an 8-miles stretch of pristine sand along the island’s north coast. The beach is lined with upscale resorts, shops and restaurants and is protected by a coral reef less than a half mile off shore. Diving, fishing and water sports are readily available on Provo. A championship-caliber 18 hole golf course offers a challenging track for golfers, and there are attractions and activities for the whole family scattered throughout the island.
On Provo you will find all the modern conveniences you need, as well as solitude and relaxation you might not expect from a developing island. “Secret” beaches on the island’s south side, Chalk Sound and northwest point areas provide a reason to explore. Take a taxi tour or rent a car to see the rest of the island outside your resort, and meet the island’s friendly locals in some of the original settlements like Blue Hills or the Bight.
Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos, and our most historic island. It features distinctive architecture and a charming setting. It is also home to a state of the art cruise ship terminal that features shops, attractions and the world’s largest Margaritaville bar and restaurant. Adventure seekers will love the activities available through the cruise ship terminal, such as dune buggy rides, eco tours, horseback riding, and snorkeling trips. Grand Turk is also home to some of the best scuba diving in TCI, with active dive spots just a short boat ride from the beach.
Grand Turk has an impressive museum that traces the islands’ history through the original Indian inhabitants, to Columbus’s first landfall, the days of the salt industry right up to John Glenn’s famous splash down off Grand Turk following the USA’s first manned space mission in 1962. A range of artifacts from ‘back in the day’ in island life, as well as ship wrecks (including what is reputed to be Columbus’ Pinta that was claimed by Molasses Reef off West Caicos), are on display there.
North Caicos is the ‘garden’ island of Turks and Caicos, owing to more rainfall than most of the islands and its ability to grow fresh vegetables and fruits. Offering a wonderful pristine beach of its own, North Caicos is a fun island to explore and meet locals. It has a quiet, relaxed pace to it, and people are genuinely friendly and welcoming. Be sure to see the flamingo on Flamingo Pond while you are there.
Ferry service is available from the Leeward end of Providenciales to Sandy Point, North Caicos, and Air Turks & Caicos offers daily flights to the airport there.
A new causeway connects Middle Caicos to North Caicos. The largest of the inhabited islands in terms of land, “Middle’ is home to less than 1000 people and has only a few guest houses. Home rentals are also available. It features a fantastic beach at Conch Bar and is known for its impressive cave structures that are great to explore. Rent a bike and ride along the path from Conch Bar to Bambarra, the site of an original settlement of freed slaves who shipwrecked en route from Africa in 1842 (when they set foot on Turks and Caicos they were immediately given freedom per UK law). Entertainment and activity is hard to come by on Middle (you might scare up domino game at the airport lounge), but there’ n better place to get away from it all and relax.
The “Big South,” South Caicos is the commercial fishing center of the Turks and Caicos. Small in size it offers a glimpse into the TCI’s past when conch and lobster were king, and sailors ruled the islands. There are a few guest houses and a new-ish hotel there, and surprisingly great diving right off sure (including a plane wreck site).
Salt Cay is a throwback in time with only 100 or so inhabitants and a handful of guest houses. It was once home to the thriving salt industry and there are a number of historic landmarks around the island, as well as remnants of the old salt flats used to harvest the once critical resource. Knows as ‘island time forgot’ visitors enjoy the laid back rhythm of Salt Cay, where house parties and small island ‘jump ups’ happen spontaneously when the rum starts to flow.
Excellent diving is available off Salt Cay and operators from Grand Turk can get you there for a day trip. During the winter (December- March) Salt Cay is also a great place to watch the graceful humpback whales migrate through the Columbus Passage (which separates Grand Turk and Salt Cay from the rest of the islands) as they head south to mate.
Pine Cay is home to the Meridian Club a small rustic hotel that guests love for its solitude (no phones!) The island has no cars and only a handful of private homes. Its beach is among the best in TCI and a great place for a day trip by boat from Providenciales.
On Parrot Cay the rich and famous play and relax at the world famous Parrot Cay hotel. Known for its celebrity homes (Bruce Willis, Donna Karan) and amazing spa, the island is off limits to non hotel guests or residents, but still fun to cruise by in a boat!
West Caicos is the future home of a Ritz Carlton hotel and villas. It also boasts excellent dive sites which can be reached by operators on Provo with a short boat ride.
Ambergris Cay is being developed as the Turks & Caicos Sporting Club, an idyllic setting of luxury homes and a private club for its members. Bone fishing enthusiasts love the shallow flats around Ambergris Cay.
>> Click here for more insight and planning information for North Caicos & Middle Caicos
