Turks and Caicos is a group of small tropical isles along the clear waters of the Caribbean. Although a bit smaller, the island of Providenciales is a top destination for travelers and honeymooners in search of peace and alone time. While island hopping, you will discover the broad variety of adventures these islands have to offer. Scuba diving, white sand beaches and populated areas with locals included. Turks and Caicos is surely a must visit heaven on earth.
These are the top sights for lots of fun:
Grace Bay
Grace Bay with its calm sea, white sand and beautiful atmosphere is the go-to beach destination which has not yet been overcrowded by mass tourism. For those with enough time, visiting the island of Caicos, which is just a 20 to 30-minute ferry ride away, is worth it. Especially be sure to see the beaches of North Caicos, which make a unique paradise.
Surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches with sea access, one can enjoy his/her time in the calm water with mild wind and by looking at corals from the shore. But the most eye-catching thing is the dazzling color of the water that illuminates from the bottom, which shines even in cloudy weather.
Grace Bay is the main beach with the length of roughly 19 km and is filled with fine, flour-like sand. It's a unique attraction due to the peculiar colors of the sea, illuminated by headlights. Even though the height of some buildings ruins the beautiful scenery, one can still find places where hotels were built with nature in mind.
Being so vast, the beach offers both rough and calm spots. In some areas, the sea terrain makes it possible to access the shore by boat, in others it does not. Ideal water temperatures and beautiful backdrops are perfect for endless walks. Given its size, it is common to find yourself completely alone where privacy and relaxation are guaranteed.
Sail Beluga
Sail Beluga is a must do for catamaran sailors and scuba divers. It is ideal for groups of 4-8, as there is a lot of space on this flawless pontoon. The captain and his staff are keen to share their favorite diving spots and the trip is completed with watermelons and other various snacks along the way--the perfect way to end such a trip.
Spending the whole day sailing and getting to know Captain Nick and his trusted crew, who have lots of fun stories about the island, ensures an exceptional sailing experience. If it gets late, a luxurious dinner on board is included in this fun catamaran cruise. Be sure to try this catamaran adventure if you’re in Turks and Caicos.
Taylor Bay
Taylor Bay cannot be easily found if you're touring the whole island, but once you find it, you'll realize it's worth the hassle. Following the tour guide's map should do the trick. There is a walkway of about a meter in the undergrowth just before the last of the Sunset Bay Villa Drive (after Ocean Point Drive). You can park right in front of the pass, at the two machines. Not surrounded by any local communities, this place always looks a bit deserted. A sunscreen is advisable as there are only a few pines that offer shade. The shallow and warm water is filled with wonderful colors.
After Grace Bay, it is the next best beach on the island but harder to access, being hidden in a cove. Its isolation, few people, and the crystal clear water makes this place a true paradise which is perfect for those seeking a quiet place to relax, so this isolation makes sense. Do not give up if you cannot find it immediately; take a local guide to find the little path that serves as the walkway to get there.
Chalk Sound
Chalk Sound is a surreal place: a large inlet of mangroves and sea with almost fluorescent colors that makes it an amazing site to discover. It's completely surrounded by beautiful villas and a tranquility that offers an unforgettable tourist attraction in Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a beautiful lagoon with shades of blue and turquoise and where the colors change with time, from the morning to lunchtime. It offers a view of multiple villas, all remote enough to not bother each other. Renting a house in this place is a good choice because of the great views.
You can visit the complex called the "Neptune Villas." Once you arrive at the wharf, you can rent a boat to go around the national park (at a cost of $50). From this side, you can admire the scenery of the small islands scattered in the lagoon - immersed in a sea of sparkling colors that change with the water level. It is a unique show! You can also stop at the beach or the pool and eat in the "Las Brisas" restaurant, which offers a covered terrace overlooking the lagoon.
It is worth stopping for some pictures and reveling at the amazing sun and sand. It is difficult to find viewpoints to see the landscape, but a good solution is stopping in at Las Brisas and enjoying the good view from the terrace. You can also book a boat ride or rent a canoe. It is located in the south of the island. There are probably other photographic points on the Chalk Sound Drive that need exploring so get there and find them. It is definitely a must-do side trip while visiting Sapodilla and Taylor Bay.
Sapodilla Bay
The Sapodilla Bay is a turquoise-colored bay that is great for swimming and suitable for children. The only tourists you’ll meet here are those renting villas behind the beach. Nearby you can find a bar / restaurant in a fantastic panoramic position on the Bay. Do not miss the famous Conch, a smaller version of Grace Bay as it has the same color in the sea. There are some amazing villas with private access to the sea. It is also close to a site that is marked as an "archeological" area of Turks and Caicos, since it's a place where carvings done by pioneers from the eighteenth century have been dug.
This famous beach is next to a small police station situated in the southwest part of the island, which is not marked. Even though the terrain is rough (lots of sharp stones and holes), it can be reached by car. On the right, a small bay with sand that looks like gray and pink dust can be seen (try picking it up to feel the texture). The bay, with its clear, animated water has a ground that appears uneven, but always feels soft under your feet. A visit to this part of Turks and Caicos Islands, where the water is a beautiful beautiful blue, will make you want to stay in the water and just be one with nature.
Leeward Beach
The Leeward Beach has a residential area of villas that are located opposite of the beach. The area is located at the tip that looks like the Little Water Cay and goes from Emerald Point Pelican Bight. It can be accessed by car and you can look through the villas while passing them. Parking is possible on a small street next to five abandoned villas. After passing a chain, only sand and vegetation can be seen, like a small mirage.
The sea has various shades of turquoise and reflects the color of the sky. However, it is not an ideal place for those who want to snorkel, since there is no reef. The place does not offer much more besides sand, but the pristine water and its colors and sand dunes offer a unique and spectacular view.
Due to its closeness to the Little Water Cay channel, the sea is a bit rough and the spot is windy. However, according to most tourists, it is considered to be the most beautiful beach in Providenciales.
You can also access the beach if you are coming from the Venetian Condo or finding another passage between the villas. From here, the sea is always calm, and even in this very beautiful backdrop you can see a great contrast between the sun, the sea, and the blinding sand. Few people can be found here and it would be peaceful if the place wasn't occasionally marred by boats heading out for excursions to the nearby bay and islands.
Our Lady of Divine Providence
A visit to the Our Lady of Divine Providence is another must-do while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. You can attend the solemn Holy Mass offered every Sunday morning in a super-modern church in Providenciales. You can observe the faith and devotion of those present; the highlight of the mass which is very touching for this small populace.
It's away from the resort areas and you'll have to rent a car to access the church. There are Masses in Spanish, English, and Creole. The church is new and quite moving. After finding this place of worship in a small island like this, you'll get a feeling of fulfillment.
Long Bay Beach
The Long Bay Beach is truly amazing and impressive. It's one of those places you have to experience for yourself. It is the only beach on the entire coastline and there are almost only villas and thousands of conch remains - an amazing sight! It is less breezy than Grace Bay. The sea is typical of the island: shallow and crystal clear.
You will remember this beach as a paradise place, for there is no one around and you can frolic in peace. Currently there is no beach infrastructure, but tourists still come and explore it for its tranquil ambiance and intimate charm, which is ideal for honeymooners or those seeking privacy.
Little Water Cay
The Little Water Cay is also known as the ‘Island of the Iguanas’. It's a dreamy island filled with fine white sand. Tour it with a trusted guide and you will be led to a place with many iguanas on its shorelines. A lot of different species can be found here. The tour lasts about 15-20 minutes and there is nothing else to explore on the island.
After the tour ends, the boat departs at a dive site in the reef. The beach is beautiful, just like in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean (some scenes were shot here). The water is calm, turquoise colored, and has perfect sand. Plus, you have to go out and meet the tame iguanas that can be found there.
Coral Gardens Reef
The Coral Gardens Reef is located in the western part of Grace Bay. It is open to the public and easy to access due to its closeness to the shoreline area of Turks and Caicos.
It is safe to snorkel or dive around here because there are buoys and peaks surrounding the area and the circular path, preventing anyone from going inside (likely to keep people from causing damages). It is filled with fish and even huge barracudas and some colorful corals can be seen. It's free, convenient, and definitely worth a visit.
Bight Reef
The Bight Reef is composed of a single reef in front of the beach of the Coral Gardens. It is easily accessible from the beach area. The coral does not have the colors you might expect and there are a few fish here but nothing too exceptional. The place is quite busy for the locals who offer services for snorkeling and other tours.
The site is fairly small but still probably the most popular reef in Providenciales. The entire reef is surrounded by a fence with vacationers swimming around it. Compared with other reefs it does not have much, but you can easily find the ramp or cape. Plus it is the only place with lots of people on the beach.
Princess Alexandra National Park
The Princess Alexandra National Park is a peaceful park that encompasses the area of hotels and condominiums for this island. There are two reefs that you can explore: one in Turtle Cove and the other one along the Coral Bay, but they are not as rich as the other reefs you can find on this side of the Grand Turk. However, the government is making a considerable effort to keep them in good health. You can walk the beach from one inlet to the other and admire a wonderful place is covered with white sand and a turquoise sea. It is a place with lots of people and a great spot for swimming in the sea. Besides the natural beauty, there is nothing special in the park (beach), and no toilets or places for shopping. The beach is wonderful, but it is not surrounded by much, so you should bring food and drinks to the place because you won't want to leave once you're there.
The Turks and Caicos Islands tour is one of the best options if you want to explore the Caribbean territory. It is also ideal for certified divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. You can have a great vacation, meet a few locals and have a taste of their exotic conch salad which is served everywhere you go.
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