Plan Your Trip to Turks and Caicos: Best of Turks and Caicos Tourism
Turks and Caicos
Essential Turks and Caicos
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How to spend 3 days in Turks and Caicos
A relaxing and adventurous honeymoon in Turks and Caicos
Pine Cay Turks And Caicos219There was no better place to recharge than Pine Cay’s beachside cottages. Pine Cay is a private island just 20 minutes (by boat) from the airport. Our cottage came with its own golf cart, and meals were included. Make sure to call in advance to reserve one of the glass-bottomed kayaks so you can paddle and explore the reef from above the waves.
Grand Turk Diving406After kayaking above the water, you’ll want to dip below it. Our Grand Turk Diving divemaster, Smitty, expertly guided us from the shallows inside and around the reef to the marine depth beyond, known by diving experts around the globe as The Wall. This area is known for green sea turtles, but keep an eye out for the wide variety of other sea life, ranging from tiny lemon sharks to massive manta rays.
Grace Bay Beach7,449Grace Bay Beach is world-famous for its powdered sugar sand and extraordinary ocean views. You can easily Uber or drive to it on the northeast side of the island. Don’t bother lugging gear with you; local vendors sell bottled water and snacks and rent beach accouterments. The island uses the U.S. dollar, so it’s easy to prepare. Bring $20 per person daily in five-dollar bills for convenient tips.
Tropical Shades12Need a beach lounger? How about a sunfish sailboat? We relied on local equipment rental Tropical Shades, and boy, did they ever deliver! When we opted to head over to Leeward Beach, Tropical Shades already had loungers, an umbrella, and a table set up when we arrived. Reach out in advance to let them know you will be there, and then you can message owner Kareem directly on WhatsApp for delivery anywhere on the island.
Big Blue Collective1,871Not only did we get to swim with dolphins on this half-day boat trip, but we also spotted a pod of whales. Though dolphins are year-round residents of TCI, humpback whales are only there from December to April during their migration. Book a private half-day trip for your best chances of a whale sighting, and stay flexible on timing. They’ll call you if they think your chances are better on a different day or time.
Unicorn Bookstore25It’s easy to grab a beach read from the locally owned Unicorn Bookstore in central Provo. They also offer a selection of locally made jewelry and gorgeous maps. If you’d like to save space in your luggage, you can email them before you leave home, and they’ll place a special order for the book or magazine of your choice. Plan to give them at least two weeks since the mail operates on island time.
Bay Bistro3,262We arrived at Bay Bistro just in time to savor the sunset over homemade pina coladas. Email for reservations when planning dinner on their dreamy porch (waterfront views for miles) or going to the prix fixe weekend brunch (which comes with your choice of a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, or a Bloody Caesar made with Clamato). I ordered banana pancakes with coconut-encrusted bananas, but my husband loved their lobster benedict enough to order it twice!
SUI-REN240Our party of two made an evening reservation at this well-known Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant to make the most of the magical after-dark ambiance, where hundreds of lofted candles create a romantic outdoor dining experience. On Friday nights, they offer sushi specials from 6 to 8 pm. My favorite dish was their Lamb Shank Rendang, but save room for their deservedly famous sweet potato donuts!
Browse collections
Fall in Turks and CaicosSee what makes the place so magical this time of year
Drinks with a viewBars where the views are as good as the drinks
Do a deep diveThe best diving and snorkeling spots
Turks and Caicos on a dimeEats and activities that won’t break the bank
All about beachesFrom world-class faves to hidden gems
Restaurants off the resortVenture out to these local spots
Soak up the cultureAttractions and landmarks in Providenciales
Calling all birdwatchersWildlife sanctuaries and prime viewing spots
Ways to bliss outSpas, wellness resorts, and yoga classes
Adventures on landOutdoor fun that doesn’t require a snorkel
If you’re feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
More sunny beach getaways
Turks and Caicos Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Turks and Caicos
April S
Rent a car!!! The island is a desert. On hot days, which was practically every day, you will be toast walking or riding a bike.
giggyice
This destination is not for the people who love sensory overload! Laid back but we found plenty to do!
MoDeFo
The island is still pretty low key! It's not a party destination by any stretch of the word. It's an extremely relaxing place where the sand is soft and gorgeous and the water is warm and inviting.
Les666
I can say without any doubt it is the most beautiful place ever.
h3tna
It is a gorgeous island - very small and intimate. The beaches are heavenly as is the island itself.
cmonka13
We were completely blown away by Turks and Caicos. It was the best vacation that I have ever had!
What is the best way to get there?
flying
The Turks and Caicos Islands have two international airports: Providenciales International Airport and Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport. However, Providenciales International Airport is the only one with regular flights.
Do I need a visa?
If you are traveling from the United States you do not need a visa. If you are traveling from overseas, check your country’s requirements here.
When is the best time to visit?
Though Turks and Caicos is beautiful all year long, the best time to visit for first timers may be between February to April, when average daily temperatures range between highs of 81-82° F (27-28° C) and lows of 73-75° F (23-24° C). Plus, the main tourist time is over, the weather is still toasty warm, and hurricane season is still a few months away.
Get around
taxi and rideshare
Turks and Caicos has its own cab company, Conch Cab. No ride-sharing cars are available.
driving
The easiest way to get around the island is to rent a car. There is no public transportation. Those who are feeling a bit more adventurous can also rent scooters for the duration of their stay.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Daylight Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Turks and Caicos is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
U.S. dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
There are ATMs but you may have to search.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
In bars and restaurants, tips are often included, however, it’s important to check the final statement. If tips are not included, use the following guide:
Bartender
$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail.
Restaurant
15-20%
Bellman
$1 to 3 per bag
Housekeeper
$2-$3 per night
Taxis/rideshare
15-20%
Shuttle driver
$1-$2 per person
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Public transport
Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.
- Turks and Caicos is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Turks and Caicos: