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Turks & Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), hiding at the southern tip of the Bahamian Archipelago, elude most travelers' radars. Yet this sparsely populated string of low sand cays boasts some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs and beaches, and has built itself into a true luxury-tourism destination. The pace of life is easygoing, the local welcome genuine and the diving truly out of this world.

Providenciales is the bustling epicenter of all this, but beyond its flash beaches and world-class resorts, you'll find local festivals, jungle-wrapped ruins, perfect seaside bars and even traces of Europe's first discovery of the New World.

Venture to the less populated islands, and you'll be enchanted by colorful postcards of fading colonial glories, gobsmacked by the annual migration of thousands of humpback whales, spoiled with your pick of deserted beaches and all but forced to abandon the pace of modern life.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Turks & Caicos.

  • See

    Wade's Green Plantation

    Granted to Loyalist Wade Stubbs by King George III in 1789 as compensation for the loss of his Florida estate, this cotton and sisal plantation struggled on until 1814, when hurricanes, boll weevils and the harsh climate led Stubbs to abandon both the estate and his slaves. Quickly claimed by dry tropical forest, it's the best-preserved plantation anywhere in the Caribbean. Out-of-hours visits can be arranged (including Saturdays, but not Sundays) and guided tours are included. Bring insect repellent: the forest is home to clouds of small-yet-utterly-ferocious mosquitoes.

  • See

    Grace Bay Beach

    Several kilometers long – the frequently boasted '12 miles' (19km) only applies if you measure the entire northern coast of Provo, which is, admittedly, one unbroken beach – this world-famous stretch of coast is powdered with white sand and close enough to the reef wall to see the Atlantic breakers. Though it’s studded with hotels and resorts, its sheer size means that finding your own square of paradise is a snap.

  • See

    Chalk Sound National Park

    Chalk Sound sums up Provo: a startlingly turquoise 5km lagoon studded with tiny cays sheltering Turks and Caicos rock iguanas, but marred by less-than-scenic development. It can be a delightful place to kayak (no powered craft are allowed) in the company of bonefish, barracuda, rays and lemon sharks, but isn't easy to access, as there are no launching places. Head to Las Brisas Restaurant at Neptune Villas (www.neptunevillastci.com) to rent kayaks, paddleboards and canoes (US$35 for one hour and US$10 additional hours) or take a pontoon boat tour; it's ideally located at the southern end of Chalk Sound.

  • See

    Turk's Head Brewery

    TCI's only brewery produces six excellent varieties, including the strong IPA 'Down Da Road' and a seasonal stout. Brewery tours are a popular way to see the process and taste a paddle of beers, but you can also visit the tap room and sample the brews outside tour times.

  • See

    East Bay Islands Reserve

    The beautiful, protected cays off North Caicos' northeast coast are a refuge for iguanas, birds and sea creatures. With sandy beaches and coral to the north, and mangroves to the south, they're delightful to explore in a kayak or boat.

  • See

    Bambarra Beach

    Bring a picnic to enjoy at the tables provided on this broad, fine-sand beach. The water is shallow a long way out, and usually calm, so it's a good choice for families. The beach is reached by a 1km track from the town of Bambarra.

  • See

    Conch Bar Caves National Park

    The largest cave system on dry land found anywhere in the Bahamian Archipelago, Conch Bar is accessible with National Trust guides on a pricey 30-minute tour. Call for access outside normal hours.

  • See

    Pumpkin Bluff

    Much of North Caicos' shore is mudflats, but this beautiful spot on the northern coast has lovely fine sand, and is excellent for snorkeling. A foundered cargo ship adds to the allure.

  • See

    Long Bay Beach

    This windy, less frequented beach on Provo's southern shore is ideal for kitesurfing.

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