The Turks and Caicos Islands are world-renowned for glorious platinum beaches, glistening turquoise waters and year-round sunshine. The opportunities for watersports and diving here are unparalleled, there’s no better playground than the warm waters of Turks and Caicos. Discover magical underwater worlds, stunning coastlines, vibrant nightlife, and fascinating history.
Sprinkled with tiddly cays, this inland lagoon has water so clear and turquoise it doesn’t look real – for an eyeful, head up to Picturesque Lane (which really does suit its name). Look out for the mushroom shaped islet, turtles, nurse sharks, orchids, and cacti. No motorised boats are allowed in the area, but you can kayak and paddleboard to explore the cays which is nothing short of incredible.
Started up in 2001 and based in central Provo, this is the nation’s only brewery who produce bottles, cans and kegs of Turk’s Head Lager, Turk’s Head Amber, Island Hopping Ale (IPA) and Turk’s Head Lite. Tours usually run Monday to Friday in the morning and afternoon, showing you the Brewery Hall and ending up in the Tasting Room.
You’ll find Smith’s Reef on the north coast of Providenciales, in Turtle Cove. This beautiful area is home to several coral reefs, shallow seagrass meadows and over 100 species of fish! You may also come across green turtles, eagles rays and barracudas, and the best part is access to the beach and reef is completely free.
Head over to Bight Children’s Park for the cultural melting pot that is the Thursday Fish Fry! Every Thursday from 5:30PM local restaurants set up stalls and entertainers perform to crowds, it’s a fantastic experience. You can expect to taste a variety of dishes, such as lobster mac ‘n cheese, as well as some ice-cold beverages.
Along the west coast of Grace Bay you’ll come across the Bight Reef, also known as Coral Gardens. This stunning reef is home to a huge variety of Marinelife, including several species of turtles and rays as well as dozens of tropical fish.
Head to Grand Turk and Salt Cay during migration season (January - April) to catch a glimpse of the majestic humpback whale. These graceful giants are a sight to behold, and there are several tour operators that are experts in getting the best views. Specifically, the best place to spot whales in the Columbus Passage which separates Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
If you’re flying over to visit Grand Turk, the museum in the capital city tells of the culture, history, and natural wonders across this island chain. Find out what life was like here in pre-Columbian times, learn the living conditions of slaves, browse 16th century maps, and read about the ships wrecked in local waters. There’s also interesting information on the nation’s animal, coral reefs and plant life.
In Downtown Provo, this former plantation was built using local limestone by loyalist Thomas Stubbs in the 18th century (inspired by his brother Wade, who owned the Wades’ Green Plantation in North Cacos). For a century, it was the most important building on the island, covering thousands of acres with hundreds of slaves working on it. These days only ruins remain, with some lovely footpaths winding around them and sightings of tropical flora and fauna.
Head to emerald-cloaked island of Middle Caicos to explore the Conch Bar Caves. Within these underground caverns you’ll discover mysterious lagoons, impressive cave structures and bat colonies. Afterwards, explore the surrounding beaches and limestone cliffs.
Visit the largest protected area on Grand Turk, The Columbus Landfall National Park. This area stretches along the island’s entire west coast and includes many gorgeous beaches, including Governer’s Beach, Cockburn Town Beach and Pillory Beach. These coastlines provide great scuba diving sites.