10 best things to do in the Turks and Caicos Islands

By Tristan Ralston on 13th February, 2017

The Turks and Caicos Islands are more than just pretty beaches under an azure sky, flanked by gin-clear waters. There are so many ways to amuse yourself and family while on the islands; we’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do in Turks and Caicos…

Turks and Caicos Vacation

Provo Ponies

Location: Providenciales

If you dream of riding a horse down a beautiful, secluded beach with crystal blue water, then you’ve come to the right place! Provo Ponies, a small, friendly stable organizes group and private hikes six days a week. Prices start from $96 per person.

Provo Ponies Riding Stable |  649-241-6350

Best things to do on Turks and Caicos

Explore the National Parks

Location: Providenciales

With the most extensive National Parks system in the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands have set aside thirty-three protected areas including National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries, and Historical Sites. These parks include vital wetlands, coral reefs, mangrove estuaries, and important breeding and nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife. Further information call National Parks on 649-941-5122.

Iguana Island

Location: Little Water Cay

One of the most popular island attractions, the island of Little Water Cay is a Nature Reserve and home to the country’s endemic rock iguanas. These miniature dinosaur lookalikes bask in the sun as visitors snap their pictures. Easily accessed from the Leeward Marina by several boat tour operators, this island excursion is great for the whole family.

Golf and Tennis

Location: Providenciales

Take a swing at golf. Provo Golf Club has a world-class, 18-hole course with a bit of Provo flavor. The impeccably maintained greens will challenge even the most seasoned golfer. The scenery alone makes it worth the visit. The lush grounds are tropically landscaped while maintaining a number of natural areas that attract an amazing collection of bird life. So get a little fresh air and exercise while you play golf and take in the beautiful grounds. You can also take in a game of tennis at the club’s well-lit courts.

Provogolfclub.com | +1 649-946-5991

Best things to do on Turks and Caicos

Cave exploring

Location: Middle Caicos

The Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos are famous in the Caribbean; tunnels and caverns open under the sea and high on the central ridge of the island. Guided tours are available through your hotel tour desk.

Turks and Caicos National Museum

Location: Grand Turk

On Grand Turk, the TCI National Museum is a must-see. One of the top-ten small museums in the world, it is housed in a restored historical dwelling on Front Street known as Guinep House. It holds in-depth displays of the Molasses Reef Ship Wreck (the oldest known in the Western Hemisphere), Lucayan artifacts, a great collection of historic photographs and other items of historical interest. On Provo, visit the Caicos Heritage project in Grace Bay Village to see an authentic recreation of a typical Caicos home from the early 1800s.

 

Hiking and Biking

Location: North Caicos & Middle Caicos

Crossing Place Trail is a hike along high cliffs and deserted beaches of Middle Caicos, in the company of seabirds and cacti. This historic walking trail between North and Middle Caicos provides access to the protected western shore of Middle Caicos and breath-taking views.

Best things to do on Turks and Caicos

The Hole

Location: Providenciales

Now that the spirit of adventure is really moving you, trek out to Long Bay and check out The Hole. This natural phenomenon is a giant sinkhole measuring forty feet across and eighty feet down. If you peer over the edge, you’ll see water. Once an underground cavern, the ceiling of this structure collapsed, creating an impressive crater which accesses the groundwater. While the sheer drop makes for an impressive sight, this attraction is not for the faint-hearted or small children. The property is not fenced. Take care when you visit this unusual geological site.

 

Shop till you drop

Location: Providenciales

Whatever you’re in the market for, you can find it in one of the many shopping plazas, villages and centers on Providenciales. From handcrafted souvenir items to beautiful duty-free treasures to elegant beach and evening wear of the highest quality, the island shops are a treasure trove of surprises. Don’t miss the Saltmills Plaza and several new shops at the Regent Village and the Ocean Club Plaza in Grace Bay. An added bonus is that you won’t be fighting crowds while you sample what Provo has to offer.

Best things to do on Turks and Caicos

Turtle Cove

Location: Providenciales

Turtle Cove is centrally located on Provo’s North Shore and home of the marina of the same name. The beat of Caribbean music is often heard drifting over the boardwalks from the bars and restaurants.  This is a great place to soak up the island’s tropical ambiance. If you visit the island in June or July, you may find yourself a part of the annual, week long billfish tournament festivities.


Read more: The best luxury accommodation on Turks and Caicos