Nestled deep in the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos is known for its crystal-clear blue sea, white sand beaches, and some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling.
Turks and Caicos, part of the British West Indies, has been on my wish list for years. Since it is only about a three-hour flight from where I live on the US East Coast, I’m not sure what took me so long to get to these gorgeous islands. Now that I’ve been to Turks and Caicos, I’m plotting a way to return soon.
About Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos are a chain of islands. The most popular is Providenciales, also known as Provo. That’s where my family and I spent all our time during our visit, but if I am lucky enough to find my way back, I would love to explore the other islands, each with its own vibe and things to do.
The Turks and Caicos are an excellent choice for all types of travelers. Those who don’t want to do anything but sit back and relax with a cocktail can’t go wrong with a trip to Turks and Caicos. Meanwhile, those who want to explore the ocean depths or take an ATV for a spin will find they have plenty to do as well.
With white sand and crystal clear blue water, Turks & Caicos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
Grace Bay
When I first saw the beach in Turks and Caicos, it took my breath away. I’ve been to beaches on five continents, and the beaches on Turks and Caicos are the most tranquil, beautiful beaches I’ve seen. I thought I would get used to the sight, but every morning I was on the island, I stopped to savor the beauty of the beach—and to appreciate that such a place was real. I was fortunate to stay at a resort just off one of Provo’s prettiest places, Grace Bay. However, since Grace Bay is a public beach, anyone can visit. I thought that might make this world-famous beach seem crowded, but since Provo is a relatively small island, Grace Bay never felt too crowded during my week-long stay.
Turks & Caicos has stunning beaches. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
Scuba Diving & SnorkelingÂ
The Turks and Caicos have some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to their crystal-clear blue waters. You can see a wide array of marine wildlife, including sharks. The coral reefs are as stunning as the wildlife.
Each of the Turks and Caicos’ islands has dive shops, so you don’t necessarily need to go to Provo for world-class diving if you prefer a different scene. The sites around each island are different, so serious divers might want to research before they go, but you can’t go wrong with any location. Visitors who aren’t up for diving can snorkel to get a taste of what’s under the ocean’s surface.
Turks & Caicos has some of the best diving in the world. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
On my visit, my husband and daughter went scuba diving and loved the experience. My husband had been diving a few times before and said there was a noticeable difference in how much he could see on this trip compared to other dives in murkier water. I went snorkeling with my son. We both loved seeing colorful, active fish.
Turks & Caicos is a great family destination. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
Whale Watching
If you would rather see marine life from the comfort of a boat, booking a whale-watching trip is a great way to see these majestic creatures up close. Every winter, between December and February, humpback whales make their way to the Turks and Caicos as part of their annual migration to their breeding grounds in the Dominican Republic. The whales pass by Provo and Turks and Caicos’ other islands.
The Turks and Caicos are a great destination for all types of water sports. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
Exploring the Island
Exploring the Turks and Caicos by ATV is popular for those who can draw themselves away from the water. One of the highlights is catching a glimpse of the house the Prince owned there for many years, complete with a purple driveway. Â Princess Alexandra National Park, nature reserve cays near Leeward Going Through channel, and Cheshire Hall Plantation are other attractions on the island.
Thursday Night Fish Fry
The Thursday Night Fish Fry in Provo is legendary. Many travelers make it a point to be on the island for at least one Thursday during their trip to participate in this delicious Turks and Caicos tradition. Participating in a treasured local tradition isn’t easy, but this one is easy to find, and tourists are welcomed with open arms.
Resorts
Many visitors are drawn to Turks and Caicos for its world-class resorts. While it’s unnecessary to stay at a resort to have a great trip, I stayed at one and would do it again. I stayed at Beaches Turks & Caicos All Inclusive with my family, which had everything I had hoped for.
Turks & Caicos is known for world-class resorts. Photo courtesy Beaches Resorts
Aside from the convenience of unlimited food and drink, Beaches also includes unlimited access to water sports like stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, sail boating, and easy access to Grace Bay and other public beaches. Certified divers can also go on unlimited dives, and non-certified divers can get certified right at the resort.
Another all-inclusive resort you might consider is Club Med Turkoise. This all inclusive Turkoise resort is an adult-only paradise where you can disconnect and enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters of Grace Bay. Soak up the ambiance of the world’s most beautiful beach, sip a cocktail, explore marine life, and spend evenings enjoying delicious gourmet cuisine.
Although the price to stay at Beaches is on the higher end for many travelers, when I compared costs with a friend who went to Turks and Caicos around the same time as me, who stayed somewhere else, she paid about the same, if not more, for all of these activities and meals separately.
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Plan a Trip to Turks and CaicosÂ
Turks & Caicos is a fantastic destination for adventure and relaxation. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and I feel so fortunate to have experienced Provo with my family. The only downside to my trip is that since experiencing the stunning beaches of Turks and Caicos, no other beach has come close. They have all been in competition for second best. When I return, I plan on exploring more of the islands.
We welcome you to explore Wander With Wonder for more great Caribbean destinations and our favorite beach vacation spots.
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