Let's Explore Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos Travel Guide, Transportation, Accommodations, Food, Dishes, Hidden Attractions, and much more...

Turks & Caicos at a glance

The Turks and Caicos are a British territory of 8 main islands and many small cays south of the Bahamas. Like the Bahamas, they are flat coral islands with beautiful beaches and dramatic undersea scenery. For its long coral reefs, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) ranks the islands among the top 5 most popular scuba destinations.

Turks & Caicos Do's

TCI is predominantly Christian, and can be quite conservative, especially in islands beyond Provo. Save swimwear for the beach.
The island beaches are mostly clean and locals like it that way – take all trash out with you.
Locals are well used to overseas visitors, but basic politeness and respectful behavior will go a long way.
You can’t visit the islands without checking out the wildlife. Turks and Caicos is full of marshes and salt ponds that are the homes to over 170 species of birds,

Turks & Caicos Dont's

Haggling is not a recognized part of doing business in TCI.
The tap water is safe to drink, but many people suggest you avoid it at all costs. The piped water in the hotels originates from reverse osmosis desalination. This means it usually doesn’t taste very good due to the sulfur dioxide recycling process.
Many resorts will mark up the costs of bottled water to sell to their guests. Instead, you’ll find that the jug water in the islands’ modern stores is much cheaper.
If you plan on participating in water excursions, many of them won’t allow you to join if you’re not equipped with coral-safe sunscreen.

Turks & Caicos Quick Facts

SIM Card/Internet

Because the U.S. operates on a different cell-phone standard than the rest of the world, your typical cell phone from back home won’t work in most Caribbean destinations unless your service provider offers an international plan. Buy an unlocked GSM world phone and use local SIM cards: This is your best option if you travel overseas frequently. Internet services in the Turks and Caicos Islands are easy to access. There are numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants on Providenciales offering free WiFi. You can easily connect to the internet highway at a number of island restaurants.

Turks & Caicos Fun Guides

Transportation in Turks & Caicos

The best way to get around Turks & Caicos is either by car or taxi. There is no public transportation on the islands, and as the attractions, restaurants, and hotels are spread out, walking is not an option. You can rent a car at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Provo. If you choose to island-hop, you’ll need to head to one of the many smaller airports, like Grand Turks’ JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT). Cheaper ferries are also available by charter to travel between islands.

By Taxi

Taxis are available on all the inhabited islands. Cabs are unmetered and pricing is set (but not cheap): confirm the price before setting out. Prices from the airport to the major resorts on Providenciales are advertised on the wall outside the airport taxi rank; it should be somewhere around US$25–40 for two people. Also in Provo, taxis take the form of minibusses seating up to 12 people, allowing relatively cheap rides for a group.

By Rental Car

he islands’ attractions are spread out from one another, so you’ll want to rent a car if you plan on exploring. This is especially vital if you’re staying on one of the larger islands. But be warned: Driving is on the left, road conditions are spotty and gas prices are relatively high. Car selection and prices tend to be the best on Provo. Because Grand Turk is home to the cruise ship port, the usual rental period is eight hours (to cater to daytrippers) and rates are higher than Provo. If you try to rent a car on North Caicos, Middle Caicos, or South Caicos, you’ll likely encounter high prices and minimal selection. You can drive with your U.S. license or an international driving permit for up to one month.

By Ferry

TCI Ferry Service, which has supplanted the regular short-trip planes to North and Middle Caicos, has two routes: Providenciales to North Caicos Several times daily (adult/child return US$55/30, 30 minutes) and Providenciales to South Caicos Three times weekly (adult/child US$110/70, 90 minutes).

By Bicycle

While the flat topography of the islands invites cycling, it’s only possible to rent decent bikes on Provo, where cycling is often dangerous and unpleasant, unless you stick to the Grace Bay area (and stay vigilant). Long-distance cycling through deserted North and Middle Caicos on a decent road bike hired in Provo is a very appealing option but takes a little more organization. Aging cruiser bikes can be rented on Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

By Plane

Air is the quickest and most convenient way to get from Provo to Grand Turk and all islands further than North and Middle Caicos. TCI’s main carrier is the interCaribbean.

Best Dishes in Turks & Caicos

Local food in Turks & Caicos is mostly Creole-style and can be found at inexpensive eateries across the islands. Local cuisine employs rare species, bananas, citrus, corn, and ocean salt. Because the territories are situated in the Caribbean zone and belong to the United Kingdom, many elements from these cultures can be found in the local diet. The variety of meat ranges from fish, fish roe, crabs, and lobster, to poultry, pork, and beef. Meat is typically served with local corn, rice, and vegetables and is topped with local sauces and spices.

Cracked Conch – The national dish of the Turks & Caicos is the cracked conch. Conch is pounded with a meat tenderizer and then seasoned, coated in flour batter, and deep-fried until golden brown.
Johnny Cake – Johnny cake, a pan-baked and slightly sweetened cornbread, largely took the place of wheat bread in the past. The name ‘johnny cake’ is derived from “journey cake”, as this baked good preserved well and was a staple for long fishing and sloop trading trips.
Conch Fritters – Conch fritters are small bites of local queen conch meat fried in a savory batter with a combination of peppery seasonings (hot goat pepper, hot sauce, and sea salt) and commonly used vegetables in the Bahamian diet, which grow abundantly among our islands.
Pan-Poached Fresh Grouper – Fish, including grouper, snapper, jacks, and tunas are some of the top catches, and would be pan-poached, fried, and made into stews.

Best Accommodations in Turks & Caicos

From magnificent villas and secluded hideaways to award-winning luxury hotels in Turks and Caicos and all-inclusive resorts for families. Many hotels and resorts work with dive & tour operators so that hotel and dive packages can be created and tailored to your requirements. Arrangements for golfing, scooter, golf cart, car, or bicycle hire can easily be made for you as well as all water sports and excursions. A select number of hotels and resorts offer in-house fitness rooms and spas for ultimate relaxation and well-being. Mobile services are also available through most properties. Whether you choose an all-inclusive, resort suite condo, private villa, or inn, most hotels offer wonderful dining experiences. We also offer 70+ Turks and Caicos local restaurants throughout the islands. Visitors are encouraged to go and explore the local and international cuisine while in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Turks & Caicos Top Tourist Attractions

The world-famous Grace Bay Beach is located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales. This pristine beach is the hallmark of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the recipient of many designations, awards, and accolades. The entirety of Grace Bay is excellent and breath-taking, with clean turquoise water and soft white sand, and no rocks, seaweed, or pollution.

Smith’s Reef is a beautiful snorkeling site off central Providenciales and comprises several distinct reef systems and coral heads. The outer reefs at Smith’s Reef are the best easily-accessible beach snorkeling site on the island.

Salt Cay is truly an example of an island time forgot. There’s simply none of the tourism development, all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, spas or golf courses that define so many of the other Caribbean destinations. Three small restaurants, specializing in fresh seafood, complete the island’s dining scene.

Turks & Caicos Hidden Gems

Countless sailors and shipwreck victims made markings on rocks when they found themselves on Sapodilla Hill on the island of Providenciales in the Northwestern Caicos Islands. Etched into the craggy chalk rocks and boulders strewn across the hill are names, dates, and small designs left by unlucky sailors that found themselves marooned on the island, heading to the hill for a better vantage point from which to spot ships. Some of the rocks were left with just a crude name and date carved into the stone, while others featured little boats or buildings to tell their tales. Most of the carvings were left between the mid-1700s to the mid-1800s.

The islands of Turks and Caicos have limestone foundations, so sinkholes are not uncommon, but none are as impressive as one known simply as “The Hole.” On the island of Providenciales, this sinkhole was discovered by road builders when they almost drove their equipment into the massive cavern. The Hole is about 50 feet across and 60 feet down to the water in the bottom.

In 2004, in the midst of Hurricane Frances, a privately-owned freighter broke loose from its mooring and drifted into the Caribbean Sea. La Famille Express rests on a reef in a few feet of water, abandoned and desolate. It was built in 1952 by the Russian Navy as a cargo ship, the Fort Shevchenko. It was sold to an islander in the mid-1990s, but not before witnessing the Cuban Missile Crisis first-hand in 1962.

Turks & Caicos Daily Costs

Budget: Less than $200

Accommodation:

Hotel or Hostel (single): $72
Double-occupancy room: $144

Food

Meals for one day: $27

Transportation

Taxis, local buses, train: $8.25
Intercity: $18

Entertainment

Entrance tickets & shows: $35

Tour of The Conch Farm: $10
1-hr Horseback ride: $70
1/2-day Snorkel trip: $110

Alcohol

Drinks for one day: $4.91

Mid-range: $200-500

Accommodation

Hotel or rental home (single): $164
Double-occupancy room: $328

Food

Meals for one day: $63

Transportation

Taxis or Car rental: $19
Intercity: $46

Entertainment

Entrance tickets & shows: $84

Tour of The Conch Farm: $10
1-hr Horseback ride: $70
1/2-day Snorkel trip: $110

Alcohol

Drinks for one day: $11

High-end (Luxury): More than $500

Accommodation

Resort or hotel (single): $315
Double-occupancy room: $630

Food

Meals for one day: $128

Transportation

Car Rentals or private driver: $41
Intercity: $110

Entertainment

Entrance tickets & shows: $188

Tour of The Conch Farm: $10
1-hr Horseback ride: $70
1/2-day Snorkel trip: $110

Alcohol

Drinks for one day: $23

Turks & Caicos Money-Saving Tips

Choose the right time of year – You’ll generally get better deals by traveling over the summer or fall — if you’re willing to live with a little risk. (Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.) Hotel rates are almost always lower during this wetter time of year. If you’re worried about hurricanes, consider staying on one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), which are outside the main hurricane belt.
Haggle – In many parts of the Caribbean, bargaining for a better deal is an essential part of everyday life. While you may not be able to negotiate much in a big duty-free store or a supermarket, where prices are generally fixed, there are plenty of open-air markets.
Don’t overtip – In some restaurants, a service charge will automatically be added to your bill; if so, you don’t need to leave an additional tip (unless you wish to further reward an exemplary waiter or waitress). Some resorts and hotels also add a service charge onto your bill to cover tips for various members of the staff.
Use public transportation – Many Caribbean islands have local public bus systems — usually small, colorful vans that serve the major routes and towns across the island. Fares on these vans tend to be extremely inexpensive.
Eat where the locals do – You’ll almost always find cheaper, more genuine local meals away from the hotels and touristy restaurants. Look for fish fry-ups on the beach or little roadside snackettes.

Useful Websites & Apps

Hotel booking – Booking.com via InteleTravel
Tours & activities – Viator or Shore Excursions Group
Ferry tickets & schedule – TCI Ferry

10 Cool Facts About Turks & Caicos

The origin of the name For many centuries previous to the 1800s, Islamic corsairs preyed on vessels in the Mediterranean and off the coasts of Europe and Africa. These raiders were often referred to as ‘Turks’, and the term went on to become a synonym with a pirate. Early mapmakers combined this with a version of the Lucayan word ‘cayo hico’, meaning string of islands. Together, they served as a warning to avoid the pirate islands.
The first islander habitants The first known inhabitants of the Turks and Caicos islands were Tainos (also called “Lucyans”). These original settlers appear to have arrived around the year 750 AD from other islands in the Caribbean.
The Turks and Caicos are located in the Atlantic With its beautiful turquoise waters, white sand beaches and tropical climate it would seem that the Turks and Caicos are located in the Caribbean. The islands are actually located in the Atlantic Ocean—the Caribbean Sea is a long way away; however, the Turks and Caicos is part of Caribbean culture. You can enjoy the great food, culture and hospitality of the region when you come and visit us.
The water temperature is almost like a bathtub The water is warm here. In the summer a dip in the surf at Grace Bay Beach will be almost like taking a bath—82 to 84 degrees. In the winter, the water temperature is a little cooler at about 74 to 78 degrees.
Only conch farm Providenciales is home to the only commercial one in the world!
Salt has been exported for centuries The Turks and Caicos Islands exported salt before the Europeans arrived. Many locations in the country accumulate natural sea salt. The local Tainos took advantage of this and traded gathered salt for honey, fruit and vegetables with natives from Hispaniola.
Larger animals used to roam the islanded When caves in the islands were excavated for bat guano, skeletal remains suggested the existence of large tortoises, giant iguanas, and possibly crocodiles. These animals were probably hunted to extinction by the Taino aborigines, but also may have been introduced into the Turks and Caicos by the Tainos.
More than half of our coastline is soft sand There are over 230 miles of beach, most of it softest white sands on Earth.
Their very own Ambassador Dolphin The dolphin’s name is JoJo, an Atlantic Bottlenose who has visited the crystal clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands for thirty years, one of a rare handful of dolphins around the world who voluntarily interacts with human beings in the wild. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable, or ambassador dolphins.
Igloos on the Turks and Caicos? The Turks and Caicos flag once depicted an igloo! On a draft design sent from the Turks and Caicos, a map maker in England confused salt mounds with the ice structure. Applying a bit of artistic license, he added little doors! The flag design was used for about 100 years.

Travel Insurance

When planning for your trip to Turks & Caicos, don’t forget about travel insurance! You never know what might happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.