The Turks and Caicos features an amazing collection of secluded beaches.
The Turks and Caicos is an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This itinerary guide packs in a few more sights and activities than our
7 Night Guide for First Time Visitors, so there’s bit less relaxing on the beach.
Prior Reservations
In addition to your accommodation and flights, you may want to make some activity and dining reservations prior to arrival in the Turks and Caicos, as availability of some
boat charters,
horseback riding, and some fine dining restaurants are likely to be limited, especially during the winter to spring high season.
We advise
renting a car for the duration of your stay. On Providenciales, the rate for a compact or economy car typically come in well under $50 per day. North American drivers will primarily notice that we
drive on the left in the Turks and Caicos.
Every visitor to Providenciales should have a checklist of beaches to visit. At a minimum, we recommend
Grace Bay, the Stubb’s Point (also known as Pelican Beach or Sunset Beach) and Emerald Point (also known as Leeward Going Through) locations on
Leeward Beach,
Long Bay Beach, the
Bight Beach,
Sapodilla Bay, and
Taylor Bay.
Restaurants and Dining
Lunch at Provence restaurant in Grace Bay.
If great dining is important, you’ll want to make your
restaurant checklist as well. We advise making reservations well in advance for the popular fine dining restaurants.
It’s generally a simple and quick process to arrive at Providenciales. Budget 1-2 hours on arrival for clearing immigration and customs, picking up a rental car, and travelling to and checking into your accommodation.
Your arrival afternoon is a great time to stop by a
supermarket to pick up some groceries and supplies. If you’d like to buy alcohol,
Wine Cellar offers the widest selection, and
Turk’s Head Brewery offers the lowest prices for local beer by the case.
A great way to spend your first day in the Turks and Caicos is to simply enjoy some of our unparalleled beaches. Providenciales offers a great selection, but most will be happy simply spending most of the day at the world famous
Grace Bay.
Consider visiting one of the
shore snorkelling sites as well. Providenciales features two snorkelling reefs that are easy to access. The
Bight Reef is the most popular site, is easy to access, and is adjacent to great beach.
Smith’s Reef is nearby, yet it is a little more difficult to find the best reefs. The central outer section at Smith’s Reef is spectacular.
Day 2 – Boat Charter to the Caicos Cays
Snorkelling tour on the Caicos barrier reef.
Our top recommended activity is to take a
boat cruise or charter that visits the beautiful
cays, beaches and reefs around Providenciales.
There’s a wide variety of tour businesses and vessels to choose from, with both shared and private charters available, and most are excellent.
Although pricey, a
private charter is a great experience. You’ll be able to spend the day how you’d like, and avoid the crowds. See
Providenciales Boat Charters from information on selecting the right charter.
Day 3 – Day Trip to North Caicos and Middle Caicos
Wave breaking over Dragon Cay at Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos.
A great way to spend a day in the Turks and Caicos is to take a
day trip to North Caicos and Middle Caicos. These two sparsely populated islands are connected by a road causeway, and feature a wealth of natural sights and secluded beaches.
To get to North Caicos, take the small
passenger ferry from
Heaving Down Rock Marina to
Sandy Point on North Caicos, which is a fun and scenic ride itself. You’ll have to rent a car for the day on North Caicos for transport.
Another great way to spend a day on Providenciales is to explore a bit
by car.
The coastal residential region of
Turtle Tail on
Venetian Road offers a very scenic drive. Another interesting route is the coastal road in the old community of
Blue Hills.
Two great restaurants are found in the
Chalk Sound and
Five Cays area.
Las Brisas overlooks the turquoise Chalk Sound Lagoon, and Bugaloo’s is found on the beach at the fishing village of Five Cay.
A perfect way to end the day is on a
sunset cruise. There are several to choose from, including private and shared sailing charters.
Day 5 – Snorkelling, Diving, or Eco-adventure
Kayaking in the brilliant Chalk Sound National Park.
Outdoor and nature lovers should consider a day discovering our incredible marine environment. A dedicated
snorkelling safari that visits diverse reef systems is amazing, and usually stops at barrier reef sites, sheltered inshore reefs, and the majestic cliffs and unbelievable blue water of
West Caicos.
If you’d rather be above the water’s surface, try a
kayak or
stand up paddleboard adventure in the verdant mangrove wetlands of the Turks and Caicos.
Certified scuba divers should consider a
two tank dive.
Day 6 – More Beaches and Water Sports
Secluded beach at Northwest Point National Park on Providenciales.
Your final full day is perfect to fit in some of the activities that you may not have had the chance to do over the previous days.
The queue for airline check in and security are usually a little longer for departure than what they are for arrival. We advise arriving three hours prior to flight departure during the winter and spring months, and two hours prior to departure in the summer and fall months.
Extra Activities and Ideas
Sunset and sunrises can be amazing in the Turks and Caicos!
If you have a little extra time or want to substitute one of the prior recommendations, explore the following. Providenciales offers some great
water sports, and you vacation in the Turks and Caicos can be the perfect time to try one out.
Salt Cay and South Caicos are also great islands to visit on a
day trip. The tiny island of Salt Cay offers a laidback British Bermudian colonial atmosphere and great beaches. South Caicos has rugged landscapes, salinas, and old world charm.
Jet skis available as rentals by the hour or as guided tours, are quite exciting.
