Curious about the Top Things to Do in Turks and Caicos? This guide covers everything to do on the island Providenciales plus the top things to do at the popular mega-resort Beaches Turks and Caicos. Wherever you are staying, start here with planning your trip to this magical island with gorgeous turquoise waters.
Planning a trip to Beaches Resorts? Also, read my Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Guide and Unpaid Review, Beaches Turks and Caicos Restaurant Guide, plus my Top 20 Favorite Moments from my trip.
Top Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
There are so many fabulous things to do in Turks and Caicos. Whether you are looking for a relaxing laid-back beach vacation with lots of beach and pool time, or a more adventurous time exploring the island or the glistening turquoise waters surrounding it, you can't go wrong with this perfect tropical paradise. Whether you are staying at a luxury resort or vacation rental.
This island chain is the kind of place where you just can't help but stare in awe. The water and beaches are some of the prettiest in the world. If you are lucky enough to see it, you'll tell stories for years about how electric the water is.
Are you planning your trip now? Look no further for a guide that covers everything you'd want to do on Providenciales, including exploring the land and sea. The island has legendary Snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. This guide has all of the best things to do on the island overall, plus the can't miss activities at popular resorts like Beaches Turks & Caicos.
Where is Turks and Caicos?
If you aren't familiar with Turks and Caicos, it's eight main islands, an archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. It's close to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. It's the end of the Bahamas island chain. Providenciales, also known as Provo, is the main tourist spot, but the other visited islands include Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos.
What is Turks and Caicos popular for?
Turks and Caicos is a beloved, world-class vacation spot known for its luxury accommodations and family-friendly resort, Beaches Turks and Caicos. It's known for its electric blue water, Grace Bay Beach, high-end resorts, and dining. It's also known for water activities including being a top dive and snorkeling spot in the world.
This tropical island is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the luxury accommodations, but it's also a great place to explore an interesting history and the ideal place for watersports of all kinds. Let's dive into the list of everything fun to do on the island from the land to the sea. Sure, a drink in your hand on the beach is fabulous, but this is a great way to have some adventures beyond the resort.
10 Top Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
Explore Gorgeous Beaches
The white sand beaches in Turks and Caicos are legendary. Visiting the most famous beach, Grace Bay Beach has to be at the top of any list of things to do in Turks and Caicos because it's on so many lists of top beaches in the world. Many have even called it the World's Best Beach. With its pristine white beaches, and vibrant, yet crystal clear turquoise water, it is truly a site to see. The photos of the beach look enhanced, but they aren't. The sand is powdering soft and the views are incredible.
The 12-mile beach is now lined with luxury resorts, but there are still some quieter spots you can scope out if you walk a little. It's a great place for kids to play in the sand and also swim because the waves are generally pretty gentle and the water is clean.
Grace Bay Beach can get a bit crowded because of its popularity, so if you like a quieter beach there are even more options. You can rent a car to explore some of these options.
If you like to get off the beaten path, there are 11 other named beaches on Turks and Caicos including Sapodilla Bay Beach, Half Moon Bay, Malcolm's Road Beach, Babalua Beach, Taylor Bay Beach, Hidden Beach, Bight Beach, Beach at Smith's Reef, Four Boys Beach, Long Bay Beach and Leeward Beach.
Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay Beach (shown below) are known for their shallow, warm waters. Smiths Reef is known for snorkeling and Long Bay Beach is known for kiteboarding. If you like to find beaches, off the beaten path, there are ones for everyone in Turks and Caicos.
Snorkel or Scuba
Turks and Caicos is home to one of the best barrier reefs in the world. It's well-known as a top scuba diving destination and is also known for having wonderful snorkeling. If you are a diver or interested in it at all, Beaches has dive boats and even dive training you can do during the week. "The Grand Turk Wall" is one of the best diving spots in the world. You can also dive at West Caicos Marine National Park.
If scuba is a bit much for you, snorkeling the reefs can be just as enjoyable. There are dozens of gorgeous snorkeling sites, some that you can access from the beach and some that you need a boat to take you to. Coral Gardens, also known as Bight Reef, is one of the most popular spots located near the Princess Alexandra National Park. Sightings of green sea turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, and colorful fish are common. Beaches has a daily snorkel trip that is included in your all-inclusive price so it's a great way to try it out. Here are a few companies that do tours too.
Go Out on a Boat
One of the best Things to Do in Turks and Caicos is to get out on the water. Whether you pick a motorized boat or a sailboat, getting out on the gorgeous turquoise water is a must when visiting Turks and Caicos. It's one thing to see how beautiful it is from the beach, but getting out on the water is another thing entirely.
Boat tours often take visitors to some of the less inhabited islands around Provo. One of the more popular spots is called Iguana Island or Little Water Cay, where are can see native rock iguanas. There are small boat tours that do this.
If you are looking for a truly special experience, I highly recommend Sail Beluga, which runs charters for this beautiful sailboat. They will take you snorkeling, sailing, and to the most beautiful private beach you've ever seen.
And even if a boat charter is not in your budget, take the daily sailboat ride from Beaches or go to the activity desk and ask for a Hobie cat sailboat lesson. The guide will take you out for a quick lesson and tour of the water. It's gorgeous! Other resorts offer non-motorized boating like this too.
Stand-Up Paddle Board or Kayak
You can easily get from Providenciales to the mangroves, which are the perfect spot to stand-up paddle board and kayak. The mangroves are full of marine life and birds so you can easily see turtles, rays, baby sharks, and more. From personal experience, I'd recommend going on a day that's not too windy or you'll have trouble paddling.
Chalk Sound National Park is also a spectacular place to kayak with its crystal-clear waters. It's a landlocked lagoon, but it is magical. The water stretches forever and is mostly knee-deep. The visibility of the water is clear so you can see amazing fish, sting rays, and even lemon sharks. This company offers tours.
Tour the Island by Car
While getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos, there is also a lot to be seen by car and on land. Rent a car or tour driver and take a tour of the island to see all the best beaches and hidden gems with local history including Chalk Sound and, National Museum Park, Cheshire Hall Plantation, and Turks Head Brewery. If you get out, make sure to visit the legendary Da Conch Shack with all of the famous conch dishes of the island including conch salad, conch chowder, and cracked conch. There are also plenty of other high-end restaurants to try.
Potcake Place
Looking for a unique thing to do in Turks and Caicos? Visit Potcake Place, which is the beloved local animal rescue foundation that adopts their puppies to people on the island and in North America. You can visit to help socialize the puppies and even take them out on a walk.
Visit them from Monday to Saturday from 10-12:30 to take the dogs out for a walk. They also have a wishlist for donations and sell an adorable calendar. It's a fun way to help out on vacation.
Island Fish Fry
If you are looking for more of a local experience, visit the Turk's and Caicos Fish Fry on Thursdays from 5:30-9:30 it's a fun street party with vendors from the local Caribbean restaurants which includes authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine including fried fish, choice salad, crab and rice and in lobster season lobster with macaroni and cheese. It's at Diamond Plaza in the Bight. There's live music including calypso bands and junkanoo dancers and a great street party atmosphere. It's free but bring cash for the food and souvenirs. Also try the national drink, rum punch.
Deep Sea Fish
With all the water and boats, it's probably no surprise that fishing is another top thing to do in Turks and Caicos. Fishing charters cache everything from blue marlin, bonefish, wahoo, and sailfish. Here are a few local charters.
Watch the Sunset
One of the absolute best things to do in Turks and Caicos is watch the sunset. It's an especially gorgeous setting over the turquoise blue water with a drink in hand. Many of the beaches, including Grace Bay Beach, have a great view.
Take a Day Trip to Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos for Salt Cay
The Turks and Caicos islands consist of much more than just Provo. If you find yourself with a bit of wanderlust on the trip or looking for a bigger adventure, consider a day trip to Grand Turk which has more historical development including a colonial Cockburn Town with Victorian buildings, ruins, and Grand Turk Lighthouse. It's also where the cruise ships dock, so there are lots of tours that take place there, plus even the Caicos National Museum. You can even see pink flamingos close, whale watching, and swim with Humpback whales in season. It's also a great base spot to swim with stingrays at Gibbs Cay.
North Caicos and Middle Caicos is also a great day trip by passenger ferry where you can visit the Conch Bar Caves, Mudjin Harbour, Bambarra Beach, and more. There are even limestone cliffs that give these islands character.
South Caicos is more wild and rugged, with even more brilliant blue water if you are looking for something off the beaten path. There is also a spectacular ocean and wildlife.
Salt Cay has a fascinating history and remnants of the salt industry that used to be there.
Horseback Ride on the Beach
Horseback riding on the beach is a bucket list item and one of the top things to do in Turks and Caicos. Provo Ponies takes riders on a scenic horseback ride along the shallow waters of Long Bay on the south side of the island. The rescued horses are well trained and this activity is great, even for beginners.
Top Things to Do in Turks and Caicos at Beaches Resorts
There are so many fun things to do off the resort listed above, but if you are staying at a resort like Beaches Turks and Caicos, you'll also find so much stuff to do just on the resort! Here are some of the top things to do in Turks and Caicos at Beaches Resorts. You can get the best deals and exclusive sales at the resort, here.
Float in the Ocean
There are lots of official things to do in Turks and Caicos, but you can't go and not spend some time floating in the gorgeous turquoise-blue waters of Grace Bay. I recommend bringing your float from home (try these adorable turtle floats for the kids!) This circle float is also fabulous for adults and packs up very small. It's not as flashy as the kid's floats, but it works well.
Float in the Pool
You also can't go wrong with spending time floating in the gorgeous, heated pools at Beaches Turks and Caicos. There are so many pools to explore.
I'd highly recommend doing it with one of these lovely drinks from the swim-up bar.
Pirates Island Waterpark
Another huge thing to do in Turks and Caicos at Beaches Resorts is to go to the Pirate's Island Waterpark. This 45,00 square foot water park has three huge waterslides, 2 smaller ones, an entire small kids water play area with more slides, and a surf simulator. It's a fabulous perk that you can't miss during your trip to the island. It brings out the kids and the kids at heart.
Caribbean & Sesame Street Parade
Another fun and less expected thing to do in Turks and Caicos is to go to the Sesame Street parade which also features some fun Caribbean dancers, in addition to the Sesame Street characters. If you follow the parade it takes you to the street party which has Caribbean food and dancing. It's one of the more fun and authentic experiences at the resort.
Included Watersports
One of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos is to get out on the water in any way possible. Many resorts, like Beaches Turks, and Caicos, have included non-motorized watersports like kayaking, sailing, and more. Do something to get out of the water. Beaches also have a glass bottom boat ride and a daily snorkel boat tour, so you have many options, even if you don't want to pay for an extra excursion or private boat charter.
Fun Extras for Kids in Turks and Caicos
Sesame Street Breakfast
If you have small kids, one of the top things to do in Turks and Caicos for them is the adorable Sesame Street Breakfast the resort puts on. It's in a separate breakfast area with the entire room and tables decorated in cute Sesame Street stuff. They do such a nice job with it!
The kids get a one-on-one chance to meet all of the characters and it's super cute. Don't miss it, if you have kids in that age bracket.
Sesame Street Show
Another huge perk for kids is the Sesame Street show which is different each night! Make sure to take the time to go, as it's fun and easy for everyone.
Take the Train
A less-known thing to do in Turks and Caicos at Beaches for kids is riding the adorable train that goes around the resort every 30 minutes or so.
There is a schedule in the check-in offices or ask around and someone will help you get on it. My kids had a blast riding it around the entire resort and it's actually a fun way to see the resort without walking. It's a nice little break from being in the water too.
Playground
Another unexpected find at Beaches Turks and Caicos for kids is a recently remodeled and updated playground. It's in the Caribbean village near the kids' club and is also a great break from all of the water stuff.
Top Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
Whether you are looking to explore the island or stay on the resort Turks and Caicos is a fascinating and gorgeous place to explore. This island chain is filled with things to do that could keep you busy for months! Whether you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation or an adventure of a lifetime, this spot, tci, has you covered. I've been to the island three times and still have not done everything there is to do! There are truly endless adventures.
And if this post has helped you plan your trip, don't forget to check out the latest deals and specials to book your trip to Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Planning a Trip to Turks and Caicos? Read my Travel Guides:
- Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Guide and Unpaid Review
- Beaches Turks and Caicos Restaurant Guide
- Turks and Caicos Packing List
- Top 20 Favorite Moments 2023
- Top 20 Favorite Moments 2024
- Things to Love About Turks and Caicos
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