From gorgeous sunsets to luxury resorts, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor’s top picks for a memorable trip.
Coco Bistro
This elegant Providenciales restaurant is popular with vacationers and locals alike for its French- and West Indies-inspired cuisine.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Stand-up Paddleboarding
The latest rage on Providenciales is the perfect way to explore the island’s lush mangroves. You can also rent a board on Grace Bay.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Grand Turk
The atmospheric capital of the Turks and Caicos brims with old Caribbean charm and has beautiful beaches protected by magnificent reefs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Music
Celebrated local musician Quinton Dean performs at different venues around Providenciales—when he’s not off touring with Prince. Catch a performance if you can.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Grace Bay
One of the world’s best beaches, Grace Bay has twelve miles of powdery white sand that frame a calm stretch of turquoise sea. Despite its popularity, you’re sure to find some solitude.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Scuba Diving
Long before luxury resorts attracted beach-goers, divers came to the Turks and Caicos for superb reefs along the Columbus Passage.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Sunsets
Gorgeous sunsets can be experienced all over, but the poolside view from Amanyara, a Fodor’s Choice resort on Providenciales’ far west end, is especially spectacular.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Family Fun
Shallow waters, fine sand, and loads of kid-friendly activities make Providenciales one of the Caribbean’s best family destinations.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Local Color
To see real island culture, go where the locals go: Bugaloo’s in Five Cays. Here, you can feast on conch with your feet in the sand and hear live music on Sundays.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Half Moon Bay
Accessible only by boat, this natural sandbar rivals Grace Bay for beauty. Go with Caicos Dream Tours for a truly memorable experience.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Stingray Encounter
Wade into the shallow waters around Gibbs Cay, a small, uninhabited islet off Grand Turk, to swim with stingrays in a natural environment.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Whale-watching
From January through April, humpback whales pass so close to Salt Cay that you can see them from the beach. On some days, you can even snorkel with them.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Spas
The spas in the Turks and Caicos are some of the Caribbean’s finest. Many feature invigorating local conch scrubs and relaxing open-air massages.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide
Seven Stars
Gorgeous inside and out, Seven Stars is the best luxury resort on Providenciales. Even if you don’t stay here, be sure to splurge on sundowner drinks on The Deck.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide