Turks and Caicos – Travel Guide
Turks and Caicos is an idyllic Caribbean destination, boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Known for its luxurious resorts and vibrant marine life, this tropical paradise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore the stunning Grace Bay Beach, renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, or dive into the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. With a rich local culture, delicious seafood, and warm hospitality, Turks and Caicos is an unforgettable escape for travelers seeking sun, sea, and serenity.
All about Turks and Caicos
Getting around Turks and Caicos
By Plane
There are three international airports in the Turks and Caicos, the main airport used by foreigners is the Providenciales International Airport in Provo, with smaller airports such as JAGS McCartney International Airport on Grand Turks, and South Caicos International Airport. Flying is one of the easiest ways to connect to the archipelago, however, this can be an expensive option.
By Taxi
Taxis are one of the only ways to get around the islands, however, they are not available on all of them. Grand Turk and Providenciales have taxis readily available at the airport and cruise ports. Fares from the airport in Provo cost between $16-$86 depending on your final destination, rates are negotiable and some drivers will give tours of the island for an extra fee. Taxis fees can add up, if you are staying on one of the more remote islands, walking around or taking shuttles from your resort are a better option.
By Car
Renting a car is a great way to explore the larger islands like Providenciales and Grand Turks. However, if staying on the smaller islands a car is really not necessary. Many of the attractions are spread out and having a car is the best option to explore at your own pace. Care can be rented on Providenciales, and Grand Turks along with other islands and can be rented by the day, week, or even hour. Major rental companies include Budget, Hertz, and National. There is a government tax on all hired cars $15.
By Bike or Scooter
Renting a bike or scooter is a great and fun way to get around the island. Having a bicycle or scooter allows visitors to easily access beaches, small towns, shops, and eateries. Many resorts will offer them for complimentary use for their guests. Taking a bike ride through town in Turtle Cove, Grace Bay, and The Bight is an amazing experience giving riders a different perspective of the island. There are rental companies located in the main towns. Golf carts are available on the smaller islands to zoom around the less populated areas.
By Ferry or Boat
Getting around the islands by ferries is provided on three routes Providenciales to North Caicos, Providenciales to South Caicos, and Grand Turk to Salt Cay. The longest and most popular journey is 30 minutes to North Caicos, there are multiple trips a day, however, there are less frequent trips made to Grand Turks and Salt Cay, maybe three a week. The journey costs about $25 for a one-way trip.
The islands offer many opportunities for boat excursions with island hopping, fishing trips, diving tours, and sunset cruises. There are options to rent catamarans and yachts for those who want to splash out on a romantic adventure.
Turks and Caicos FAQ
What are the Turks and Caicos known for?
The dazzling Turks and Caicos Islands are known for their impressive, dreamy beaches, including famous Grace Bay Beach, which has won Best Beach Destination a few times and has been voted the best beach in the world by Conde Nast. Long Bay Beach, Governor`s Beach, Sandy Point Beach, Pillory Beach, Mudjin Harbor, and Sandy Point Beach are amongst other favorites on the islands. These islands are simply incredible pieces of paradise with Cockburn Town on Grand Turk`s decorated with charming colonial architecture, a small seafront town with a scenic walk down Duke Street and Front Street dotted with unique shops, restaurants, and historical attractions. Luxurious beachfront resorts offer breathtaking vistas, endless stretches of sand lapped by tropical turquoise waters lead to world-class diving. The third-largest barrier reef in the world sits off the shores of the Turks and Caicos filled with astonishing vibrant coral reefs, protected marine parks, and spectacular marine life. Explore the islands Con Bar Caves, the largest above-ground cave structure in the Turks and Caicos and Bahamas archipelago. Horseback rides on the beach are iconic in Turks and Caicos, the horses even ride through the water. .
What are the best places to visit the Turks and Caicos?
Turks and Caicos are a tropical piece of paradise, nestled in a small archipelago nation, lying off the southeastern tip of the Bahamas. The perfect antidote to escape everyday life and discover one of the World`s best-kept secrets covered with spectacular secluded beaches, luxury beachside accommodations, world-class spas, delectable cuisine, and friendly people. Discover one of the largest reef systems in the entire world, visit historical and cultural sites, and soak in the quiet island life.
When is the best time to visit the Turks and Caicos?
The Turks and Caicos boast 350 days of sunshine with daily average temperatures that range from 75-95 degrees with beautiful year-round weather. The best time to visit is February through May which offers the best combination of weather, prices, and availability on the islands. Hurricane season is from June to November, and are most likely to cause disruptions to the islands between mid-August through September. The highest rainfalls from August through December. Late December to early March is the time to see the migrating humpback whales make an appearance. The hottest temperatures hit from April to October when the daily temperatures soar into the 90s, with daily afternoon tropical thunderstorms occurring.
How many days should I spend in the Turks and Caicos?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
Read More
Discover further essential tips for navigating the vibrant city. Learn about must-see attractions, dining hotspots, transportation options, and cultural insights.
What is the best way to get around the Turks and Caicos?
Due to no public transportation options on the Turks and Caicos, getting around is best done by renting a car. International named rental car agencies can be found at the airport, in some of the major towns and by the cruise port in Grand Turk. Having a car is a necessity if you wish to explore the island and see the hidden beaches, towns, and attractions which are spread out and can only be reached via driving. The roads can be rough and bumpy in some portions of the island, there are lots of roundabouts and no stoplights on the entire island. There are small ferry services that operate three routes; Providenciales to North Caicos, Providenciales to South Caicos and Grand Turk to Salt Cay. The trips take around 30 minutes and can be busy, making multiple trips per day.
What is the currency of the Turks and Caicos?
The official currency in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the US Dollar. US dollars are widely accepted in the service industry. There are ATMs found at airports, and banks throughout the islands.
Do people speak English in the Turks and Caicos?
The official language spoken in the Turks and Caicos Islands is an English based creole. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Creole guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Top Attractions
Grace Bay Beach
Experience this stunning Beach, famous for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Sapodilla Bay
Discover the tranquil waters of Sapodilla Bay, ideal for families and relaxation, with shallow waters perfect for wading and enjoying the sun.
Little Water Cay
A protected nature reserve home to the endangered rock iguana, offering guided tours to observe these fascinating creatures.
Conch Farm
Explore the world’s only conch farm, where you can learn about the life cycle of conch and its importance to the local economy and cuisine.
Unique Experiences
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Embark on a snorkeling adventure to explore the vibrant coral reefs of Turks and Caicos, swimming alongside colorful fish and discovering the underwater beauty of this tropical paradise.
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Paddle through the serene waters of the mangroves on a guided kayaking tour, observing local wildlife and enjoying the tranquility of nature in this stunning environment.
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Delight in a culinary experience featuring local flavors, sampling fresh seafood and traditional dishes while learning about the rich culinary heritage of Turks and Caicos from expert chefs.
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Dive into the crystal-clear waters on a scuba diving excursion, exploring the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes that make Turks and Caicos a diver’s paradise.
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Set off on an island-hopping adventure, visiting nearby cays and secluded beaches, where you can relax, swim, and soak in the natural beauty of the Caribbean.
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What to expect while traveling
