Joseph
Turks and Caicos has a way of topping destination bucket lists. There is a good reason. With white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and friendly locals, it’s no secret why the low-lying Atlantic archipelago is a magnet for travelers from all over the world. In addition to being easy on the eyes, Turks and Caicos also have abundant adventure options for ocean lovers and land lovers alike. We recently spent a week in the Islands (British Overseas Territory) to direct your next project and make the most of your time abroad.
Heading there
Located about halfway between the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, there are two ways to get to the Turks and Caicos Islands: via Plane or cruise ship. Cruise ships deposit passengers on Grand Turk while international flights arrive at Providenciales International Airport on the island of Provo. If you want to visit one of the other islands, you will need to take a domestic flight or a passenger ferry. Most of the developed islands have airports or airstrips, so they are simple enough to get to. If you like to travel by sea, passenger ferries travel between Providenciales, North Caicos, Providenciales, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Ground transportation options include taxis and car rentals.
where to stay
While there are plenty of accommodation options, Amanara Resort checks all the boxes. Nestled on the secluded shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve in Providenciales, Amaniara is home to white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a variety of stunning tropical suites and villas. In addition to paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, Seabobs, and tennis courts, Amanyara hosts a unique “Legends Program.”
Through the Legends Program, Amanara features professional and world-renowned athletes to host clinics and classes in their respective sports. Past legends include 5x Grand Slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova, celebrity coach Irene Oprah, and world reserve rowing champion. Candice Appleby And five times in the NBA All-Star Kevin Love. With private romantic island getaways, an expansive wellness center, and five-star dining, Amanara has everything you could want in a luxury beach resort.
If Amanyara isn’t for the right comfort (or budget), there are a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs available on the island.
where do you eat
No vacation is complete without a comprehensive sampling of the local cuisine. Influenced by the cultures and traditions of the Taino people and contributions from Africa, Jamaica and the Bahamas, food in Turks and Caicos is just as diverse as it is delicious. Popular local fare includes Johnnycakes, oyster fritters, crab and rice, lionfish, lobster, chicken/fish, oysters, and a variety of local seafood. Must-try restaurants in Provo Coco Bistro, Da Conch Shack, Las Brisas, Danny Buoys, and Infiniti Bar.
what should be done
There is so much to do in Turks and Caicos that it is difficult to take a single trip. Must-do activities include snorkeling/snorkeling, outer island visits, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
snorkel / scuba diving
With nearly 340 miles of barrier reef surrounding the archipelago, Turks and Caicos is home to one of the world’s best reefs, making it a great place for snorkeling and/or snorkeling. If you bring your own equipment, there are a number of prime snorkeling sites right from the beach in Provo such as Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef. For the best experience, book a tour with a tour company to one of the outer reefs as they usually offer calmer waters and more vibrant reefs.
When it comes to diving, the Turks and Caicos Islands are world class. There are many sites worth visiting but The Wall is one of the most famous. The wall marks the transition between shallow waters and reefs and is located on top of subterranean plateaus, providing amazing diving.
Outer Island Visits
While Providenciales has a lot more to offer by way of adventure, the other islands are definitely worth a visit. The easiest way to get there is North and Central Caicos, where the ferry runs daily from Provo. From there, the best way to make the most of your day is to sign up for a tour. we chose Belmont car rental and tourswhich included a stop at famous beaches, a delicious lunch at Mudjin Bar and Grill, a tour of the Wades Green Plantation, and a visit to the famous Conch Bar Caves.
For those looking to get off the beaten track, popular must-see islands include South Caicos, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Little Water Cay. Do some research and plan a day to go exploring all that the archipelago has to offer.
Standup Paddle / Kayak
Turks and Caicos is an ideal location for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding – conditions are usually calm year-round. Popular areas include Grace Bay open water kayaking, Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve for exploring mangrove wetlands, scenic rocky islands in Chalk Sound National Park, Frenchmans Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve for spotting baby sharks and brown pelicans. There are plenty of rentals available on the island to tour on your own, otherwise, Big Blue Collective Offers an incredible educational eco tour.
fishing
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a fishing paradise, and the waters around Providenciales are ideal for rod-and-reel fishing, deep-sea sport fishing, and fishing. Each year the island hosts several fishing tournaments, and the flats around Providenciales and the Caicos Islands are home to world-class bone fishing. Go it alone or sign up for one of the many tours on offer – just remember that fishing licenses are required for anyone over 15 years old.
Hiking
Although the island is home to an impressive stretch of coastline, hiking options are limited albeit beautiful. The only official hiking trail is the Bird Rock Trail, which meanders through dry land and ends at a limestone cliff overlooking Bird Rock. Another option is to explore the coast at Northwest Point Marine National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot flamingos, herons, petrified oysters and corals in limestone beds. Another place worth visiting is Frenchman’s Creek, which offers views of wetlands, small sea caves, and karst craters.
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