Mudjin Harbour
There's a secret cave, a wide beach, and a coastal trail that winds along limestone cliffs at this natural harbour.
Day Trips
Nature, History & Adventure
Get Off the Beaten Path
The Turks and Caicos Islands comprises eight main islands and nearly 100 more named rocks and cays. Most visitors choose to stay on Providenciales, but there's plenty to see on the other family islands, from awe-inspiring sea cliffs on Middle Caicos to the country's colonial beachfront capital on Grand Turk.
Short travel distances and regular domestic flights and ferries make it fairly straightforward to plan a day trip to several of the main islands.
Boundless Nature
North and Middle Caicos
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are the largest islands in the country, yet collectively are home to less than 2,000 people. These islands are the most popular day trip destination from Providenciales and offer endless opportunities for exploration, from their ancient caves and old plantations to ponds where Caribbean flamingos dwell.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos are connected by road, making it easy to see both islands in a single day. A passenger ferry runs between Providenciales and North Caicos several times per day.
Grand Turk
Grand Turk is the second most populated island in the country and home to its quiet beachfront capital city, Cockburn Town. In place of the hustle and bustle found in most capital cities are small colonial buildings, roads navigable by golf cart, and the incredible Cockburn Town Beach.
Historical sights await visitors to Grand Turk, where you can find the country's only lighthouse, the national museum, and salinas that once produced the world's finest sea salt. Semi-wild donkeys roam the island, and it's common to see them strolling through the capital. Return flights from Providenciales run several times per day.
Wild Coasts and Fishing
South Caicos
South Caicos is the last of the Caicos Islands to the east, and is located across the deep Columbus Passage from Grand Turk. This former salt-producing island offers visitors great fishing and wild coastlines that boast the country’s trademark turquoise water. Go kayaking at Jerry Camp, hike to Highlands Bay, or lounge on the beautiful Cove Beach.
Both a passenger ferry and daily flights from Providenciales serve South Caicos, and the flight time is less than 25 minutes.
Salt Cay
The tiny island of Salt Cay has less than 100 inhabitants, and is the ultimate getaway for those looking for a quiet retreat with few distractions, great beaches, and phenomenal reefs. Between December and April, the island offers epic humpback whale watching.
While domestic flights from Providenciales and a small community passenger ferry from Grand Turk service the island, there is no daily service to and from Salt Cay. Currently, the only way to do a day trip to this peaceful island is via a charter flight or private boat.
Island Attractions
Attractions vary by island, and many are free to visit. Some attractions on North Caicos and Middle Caicos (such as Conch Bar Caves and Wade's Green Plantation) require a guide to visit, and it's best to call ahead if they're high on your list of things to do.
Several Grand Turk attractions (including the Turks and Caicos National Museum) only open when a cruise ship is in port.
Governor's Beach
Governor's Beach is Grand Turk's best beach, and is conveniently located near the island's airport.
Highlands Bay
This elevated area of South Caicos has a beach, rugged cliffs, and beautiful sand dunes that overlook infinite sea.
Bambarra Beach
Bambarra Beach is the top beach on Middle Caicos, with very shallow water, a wide shoreline, and tall trees for shade.
Conch Bar Caves
Guided tours allow you to glimpse inside the Conch Bar Caves, the largest dry cave system in the Bahamas–Turks and Caicos chain.
Grand Turk Lighthouse
The Grand Turk Lighthouse is perhaps the country's most recognizable landmark, and its grounds are an interesting historical site.
The National Museum
This museum's exhibits tell the story of the country's salt industry days, its first explorers, and its earliest inhabitants: the Lucayans.
Wade's Green Plantation
This cotton plantation from the 1800s is the best preserved historical agricultural site in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Gibbs Cay
Located near Grand Turk, Gibbs Cay is the top place in Turks and Caicos to swim with southern brown stingrays.
Inter-Island Travel
The main inhabited islands of the Turks and Caicos are connected by domestic flight or passenger ferry. Scheduled and charter domestic flights via small turbo-prop planes are offered by two local airlines, interCaribbean and Caicos Express Airways, and flights within the islands are typically 25 minutes or less. Domestic flights tend to book up a few weeks in advance, so book early if you plan to fly.
Passenger ferry service is offered to North Caicos and to South Caicos from Providenciales. In the case of North Caicos, the 30-minute scenic passenger ferry is the more popular and simpler method of getting to the island.
Domestic Flights & Ferries
North Caicos Ferry
Things to Know
It's highly recommended that you rent your own transportation when visiting the other main inhabited islands. Rental cars are the primary way of navigating South Caicos, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos, whereas Salt Cay and Grand Turk can be explored by golf cart. Taxis are expensive and their availability varies by island.
Dining and shopping options on the other islands are much more limited than on Providenciales, and many businesses close on Sundays or open by reservation.
Charter Day Trips
If exploring an uninhabited cay is more your flavor, consider chartering a boat for the day. There are dozens of amazing cays and islands where you can discover flourishing reefs and ecosystems and pristine beaches wandered by few.
Boat Cruises
Half-Day & Full-Day Boat Tours
Shared boat tours are a cost-effective way of exploring the popular cays near Providenciales, such as Little Water Cay and Water Cay.
Private Boat Charters and Tours
Private charters allow you to go the distance to less explored islands like West Caicos and French Cay, or to simply stay out for longer.
Sailing Charters
Move on island time with a laid-back sail. Sailboats visit many of the same attractions as power vessels, but at a more relaxed pace.
Snorkeling Charters & Cruises
If you want to see the best reefs, book a snorkeling cruise. The country's best snorkeling is typically only accessible by boat.
Yacht Charters
With more upscale amenities than the standard vessel, private yachts offer a luxurious and comfortable ride to islands near and far.
Top Boating Destinations
Every cay, island, and rock in Turks and Caicos is unique. Some are known for their great beaches, while others have interesting wildlife, great reefs, or centuries-old historical artifacts hiding in plain sight.
Given their proximity to Providenciales and to one another, it's possible to see most of the Caicos Cays—such as Fort George Cay, Little Water Cay, and Pine Cay—in a single day. The more distant islands of West Caicos and French Cay require their own dedicated trip.
Little Water Cay (Iguana Island)
This small island is a sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos rock iguana, the country's largest native and non-extinct land animal.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is one of the country's best beaches, with beautiful shallow water, a heavenly lagoon, and sand dunes to explore.
French Cay
Some of the best scuba diving in Turks and Caicos is found at French Cay, a protected island 18 miles (29 km) south of Providenciales.
West Caicos
West Caicos has a bit of everything. Explore fascinating historical and natural features on land and fabulous snorkeling along the coast.
Fort George Cay
At this quiet cay near Providenciales, you can snorkel around submerged 1700s-era cannons once used to fend off pirates.
Sand Dollar Cove
Natural water movement creates incredible ocean sandbars that come and go with the years at this popular charter destination.
Booking Your Day Trip
While it's possible to organize a day trip to another island with just a few days notice, it's best to book your flights, rental car, or boat charter in advance. The availability of rental vehicles on other islands is limited, and the more popular boat charter companies can book up months in advance.
If you're traveling via domestic flight, booking a refundable ticket class will give you more flexibility if you need to reschedule your day trip or if bad weather is forecasted.