15 Best Things to do in Turks and Caicos
Looking for a vacation that mixes paradise-like beaches, incredible food, unraveled nature, and plenty of fun under the sun? Then Turks and Caicos is definitely for you! If you’re in the planning stages of your trip to this incredible tropical destination, here is a list of some of the best places and things to do in Turks and Caicos.
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Where to Stay in Turks and Caicos
- The Shore Club – Families can stay in gorgeous suites or villas at this luxury property. There’s an on-site spa, a kids’ club for ages 4-12, tennis, water sports, and four restaurants to choose from.
- Beaches Turks & Caicos – this is a popular choice for families. The property is divided into five different “villages” each with a different theme (we recommend staying in the Italian or Key West Villages). There’s a massive waterpark, 21 restaurants, a kids’ club, a teens’ club, and water sports right off the beach. Kids of all ages are sure to love it!
- Seven Stars Resort & Spa – one to three-bedroom suites offering either island or ocean views. Amenities include a heated saltwater pool (the only one on the island), water sports, tennis, pickleball, basketball, a fitness center, and a spa. There is no kids’ club, but babysitting services are available.
- Grace Bay Club – luxury all-suite property on the beach. The resort offers a variety of tours that include kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, golf, and diving. There’s a Club House and playgrounds (under 4 must be accompanied by an adult), Kids Town for ages 4-12, and teen events. One of the best resorts in Turks and Caicos!
The Best Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
This archipelago in the Caribbean is located southwest of the Bahamas and is made up of dozens of cays and islands, most of which are uninhabited. Turks & Caicos is surrounded by the Bight Reef (also known as the Coral Gardens). It is one of the largest coral reefs in the entire world, making it a dream come true for underwater adventures!
Make the most out of your time in this incredible destination in the Caribbean.
1. Visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum
If you want to learn all about Turks and Caicos and its culture and history, a great place to start is to visit its National Museum.
The museum is located inside Guinep House. This is one of the oldest buildings in the country and contains artifacts from the native Taino people and historical flags. There are many remnants from the period when Turks and Caicos was colonized.
You’ll also be able to see the remains of the Molasses Reef Wreck, a shipwreck from the early 16th century.
2. Kayak or paddleboard at Chalk Sound National Park
Chalk Sound National Park encompasses a gorgeous lagoon that is split from the ocean by a stretch of white sand and is dotted by tiny rocky islands. Being here will make you feel like you’re in paradise!
Since it’s mostly a lagoon, water sports are the main attraction. The best way to explore the national park is by renting a paddleboard or kayak in order to navigate the waters.
You will see lizards hanging out on the rocks as well as bonefish and barracudas in the water – stingrays and lemon sharks are often sighted swimming in the lagoon, too!
3. Relax at Grace Bay Beach
Located on the island of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos (and the entire world). Its soft white sand and strikingly clear turquoise water make it a natural attraction that shouldn’t be missed.
The beach is also surrounded by gorgeous coral reefs. This makes it the perfect go-to for sunbathing and relaxing in a beautiful setting. It’s also great for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Don’t miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with the marine life that resides in this part of the world.
As a fun fact, Jojo, an incredibly friendly bottle-nosed dolphin known to love interacting with humans lives here. He is considered a national treasure of Turks & Caicos. You may just get to meet him during our visit to Grace Bay Beach!
4. Swim with stingrays at Gibbs Cay
Located just off the coast of Grand Turk, Gibbs Cay is a small island that is also known as Stingray City. This is because stingrays love swimming around them.
Snorkeling is the main thing to do here and you’ll want to book a tour. Visitors are pretty much-guaranteed plenty of stingray sightings as they are incredibly used to humans and tend to be very friendly!
5. Go snorkeling at Coral Gardens
Located inside the Princess Alexandra National Park, Coral Gardens is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Turks and Caicos. This is thanks to the fascinating number of creatures you’ll be able to find here.
Colorful tropical fish, stingrays, sea turtles, and plenty of other animals are easy to spot at Coral Gardens. They are usually very each to approach and observe from a close distance.
6. Get lost inside Conch Bar Caves
The Conch Bar Caves are one of the biggest cave systems in the entire Caribbean. They span a length of 1.5 miles and you’ll find them in Middle Caicos.
Guided tours are offered during weekdays. Over the span of half an hour, you’ll get to explore a good part of the caves, awe at stalactites and stalagmites, and even get to see cave-dwelling creatures such as bats! Only one path has been developed inside, which means the nature inside the caves is very much intact.
This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Turks and Caicos! There are no regular hours of operation because the caves don’t receive enough visitors in order to make a schedule worth it. With that said, you can arrange a tour at the Middle Caicos Co-op store.
7. Join the Thursday Fish Fry
Every Thursday at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in the Bight, some of the best chefs on the islands set up shop. This creates a gathering place where both locals and tourists alike can come and taste local dishes while listening to live music and enjoying time togehter.
8. Kayak at Mangrove Cay
Another great way to experience Turks and Caicos for those who love kayaking in beautiful settings is Mangrove Cay. This is a 286-acre cay features incredibly calm waters is surrounded by beautiful mangroves.
9. Get lost in Salt Cay
Salt Cay is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago and one that is rarely visited by tourists. For those who prefer getting off the beaten path and checking out quieter spots, this is one of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos.
Only about a hundred people live in Salt Cay. There are no paved roads or modern buildings anywhere aside from a few Colonial-style houses and a couple of restaurants. The island was once used for salt production. These days, it’s a place you can head to for secluded and beautiful beaches without the crowds.
10. Meet iguanas at Iguana Island
Officially known as Little Water Cay, Iguana Island is a place where Rock Iguanas love hanging out.
These iguanas are incredibly endangered, making seeing them with your own eyes a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They can easily be spotted by walking over boardwalks, which were created by humans in order to protect and provide them with a safe environment. Visitors can spend hours walking over the boardwalks in order to see them from a safe distance without disturbing their habitat!
You can reach Little Water Cay on a kayak or by hiring a boat. It makes for a great day trip. After observing the iguanas, you can also choose to relax at the dreamy beach the island offers. Or, swim in the ocean for a few hours before making your way back.
11. Snorkel in the Columbus Passage
The Columbus Passage is the marine corridor that separates the Caicos from the Turks islands.
Due to its perfect location, the Colombus Passage is a favorite migrating route for marine animals. Animals such as dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, stingrays, and plenty of others frequent these waters. Its an ideal spot to see some of the best marine wildlife the islands have to offer on a snorkeling or diving adventure.
12. Check out the Grand Turk Lighthouse
The Grand Turk Lighthouse isn’t only the only lighthouse on the Turks and Caicos islands, but it is one of the main attractions.
It was erected back in the 10th century, and even though it’s not in operation, it makes for a pretty scenic few hours. Visitors can freely walk around its ground and hike along a coastal trail immersing in the rich history if they wish.
13. Hike to Mudjin Harbor
Mudjin Harbor is a gorgeous beach lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful sceneries the islands have to offer.
You can technically reach Mudjin Harbor by car if you’re short on time. However, the ultimate way to truly live the experience is by hiking the Crossing Place Trail. This is a historical trail that was created during the 17th century for trading.
These days, the Crossing Place Trail is a National Heritage Site and visitors can walk over it in order to reach the harbor. Along the way they will pass beautiful landscapes such as caves, secluded white-sand beaches, and more.
14. Walk over to Dragon Cay
Close to Mudjin Harbor, you’ll also find Dragon Cay. This small island is made of limestone. Its shape looks like a dragon when you see it from across the beach.
From Mudjin Harbor, you can reach Dragon Cay by simply wading over the shallow waters during the low and middle tides. There’s a small beach in the interior of the island, too!
15. Shop till you drop at Alverna’s Craft Market
Located in Providenciales, Alverna’s Craft Market is a great spot in Turks and Caicos to go shopping. Here you’ll find souvenirs, local art, and all sorts of handmade crafts that are perfect to bring back home in order to remember your trip.
