The Turks and Caicos are world renowned for pristine beaches, warm waters, and year round sunshine. For many travellers the beaches are the top item on the agenda, but this string of islands has a bit more to offer – there are caves to visit, mangroves to kayak, and stretches of rugged terrain waiting to be explored via ATV. If you happen to be staying at a picturesque villa and vacation rentals in Turks & Caicos, we can understand if you don’t want to leave the premises, however, if you’re up for a bit of exploration, here are some places you won’t want to miss:
Attend the Fish Fry
The Thursday Fish Fry is the biggest event of the week and it’s a hit with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to sample some island food and you’ll find everything from grilled lobster to jerk chicken, and conch fritters to fried fish. The event takes place from 5-9 pm at the Children’s Park on the Lower Bight Road, adjacent to the Gansevoort Resort in Providenciales. You’ll definitely want to bring your appetite! You can read the reviews here.
Go island hopping
The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of forty islands, some of which are inhabited – including Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay – and some which aren’t. That being said, the uninhabited islands and smaller cays aren’t necessarily out of reach. Many boat tours and eco-tours will get you there, and each place has its own unique offerings. You can have a read here for a better understanding of each island.
Take an ATV tour
Another fun way to familiarize yourself with Turks and Caicos is to explore it by ATV. Froggie’s Ultimate Tours is a well-known name that will introduce you to an area of Providenciales that is away from the main streets, giving you access to unspoiled terrain and beaches. They cover areas like Northwest Point, Malcom Roads Beach and Blue Hills, where you’ll be able to spot some wildlife including pelicans and eagles.
Try your hand at water sports
There is no shortage of water sports to try in Turks and Caicos. First of all, let’s start with scuba diving and snorkelling – this is home to the third largest barrier reef system in the world, so you’ll want to make sure you get your head wet and see what’s beneath the surface. Then you have sports like kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (also known as SUP), which are great ways to explore the mangrove forests. And lastly for the thrill-seekers, you have sports like kite boarding, parasailing, jet skiing, and more. You can have a look here for more ideas of water sports to try.
Explore the Middle Caicos Caves
If there’s one spot you don’t want to miss when exploring the Middle Caicos Caves, it’s Conch Bar Caves National Park. This is the largest above water cave formation in the Caribbean, and it’s a sight to behold. The area is best explored with a knowledgeable eco-guide, especially if you want to learn a bit more of the history – cave system served as shelter for the native Lucayans – as well as the wildlife.
What activities would you recommend for anyone visiting Turks and Caicos?
