The Best of Turks & Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Islands are an incredible tropical vacation destination, and there’s a tremendous selection of things to do for all ages. With some of the nicest beaches and water in the world, it’s no surprise that most activities involve the ocean. There are exquisite reefs for diving and snorkeling, extensive marine wetlands that are perfect for kayaking and bird watching, and incredible coastal environments. There’s a ton of boat tours and excursions to choose from as well, which visit secluded beaches, uninhabited cays, snorkeling reefs and great nature sites. Cruises are a great way to get out on the water and experience the beautiful environment of the islands. For those who who’d like to get a little closer to nature, there are several national parks and nature reserves on Turks & Caicos which offer distinct coasts, lagoons, wetlands, and caves to explore.
Relaxing on an incredible beach is of course one of the top things to do in the Turks and Caicos, and there’s an impressive number of perfect white sand beaches across the archipelago. These spectacular beaches are complimented by some of the most vibrant turquoise and blue waters in the Caribbean – a view that has to be seen to be believed. The widely-recognized Grace Bay Beach is the most-popular beach in the Turks and Caicos, and is the nation’s hallmark. There’s miles of soft sand, vivid turquoise water, and no crowds.
Grace Bay is listed as one of the top 20 beaches in the world. Here you can find information on all of the 20 most beautiful beaches of the world. Read our Turks & Caicos travel guide to start planning your vacation to this wonderful beach destination.
Turks & Caicos Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Turks & Caicos is April and May, a sweet spot featuring lower prices and fewer crowds. The weather is pleasant year-round with average highs that hover in the 80s, but these islands do experience a rainy season, and the threat of hurricanes lingers from June to November. Statistically, hurricanes are most likely to disrupt the island’s tranquility between mid-August and September. Similar to other destinations in the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos’ peak travel period lasts from December to March.
The Best of Turks & Caicos Beaches
Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay BeachFound off the northeast coast of Providenciales, this pristine beach is the hallmark of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This beach is the recipient of many designations, Grace Bay currently holds the position of World Travel Awards’ World’s Leading Beach Destination, and Trip Advisor’s 2nd best beach in the world. The entire beach is consistently excellent, with clean water, white sand and no rocks, seaweed or pollution. The barrier reef found a mile out protects Grace Bay from the ocean swells of the Atlantic.
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Leeward Beach
Leeward BeachFound to the east of Grace Bay is the tranquil Leeward Beach. There’s perfect white sand and incredibly-turquoise water. The atmosphere here is very quiet and secluded. The sheltered channels off the eastern side of Leeward are ideal for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and wakeboarding. Leeward Beach can also be a great spot for beachcombing and seashells.
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Long Bay Beach
Long Bay BeachLong Bay Beach has fine, white sand with shallow and brilliant turquoise waters that continues for miles. The eastern trade winds create the perfect conditions for kiting, and the shallow depth allows kiters to stand when they’re not ripping across the water, which is great for beginners and pros alike. Long Bay Beach is also the top coast for horseback riding.
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Half Moon Bay
Half Moon BayHere you’ll find a great beach, the unique Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana, and a picturesque shallow lagoon on the southern side of the beach. Half Moon Bay is a really beautiful area, and a great site for nature lovers. In addition to the iguanas, tiny lemon sharks can be seen in the lagoon, and groves of the small thatch palm frame the bay.
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Governor’s Beach
Governor’s BeachBeautiful Governor’s Beach features some of the clearest ocean water in the country. Named after Waterloo, the governor’s mansion that’s hidden on the beach.
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The Best of Turks & Caicos Restaurants
Bay Bistro $11 – 30
Oceanfront dining, open air or indoor, overlooking the sea, directly on Grace Bay Beach. Chef Clive Whent offers creative international cuisine with fresh local seafood specials. Located at Sibonné Beach Hotel, between Sands and Somerset, just walk on down the beach! Dinner reservations recommended. Telephone: 649-946-5396 Web: Bay Bistro.
Baci Ristorante $11 – 30
Baci Ristorante located in Turtle Cove, Providenciales (Provo), Turks and Caicos Islands. Fine Italian dining with a wonderful wrought iron and Spanish tile ambiance. Nightly fresh fish specials. Veal is a specialty, excellent pasta, chicken, lobsters in-season and brick oven pizzas. Popular and comfortable bar. Open for dinner and drinks from 6:00pm six nights and lunch served Monday thru Friday. Indoor and shaded terrace dining. Closed Sunday. Dinner reservations recommended. Telephone: 649-941-3044 Web: Baci Ristorante.
Stelle $31 – 50
The setting is chic —some would even say swanky—with white fabrics blowing in the wind, diners dressed for clubbing, and tables surrounding a courtyard with views of the lighted pool. Enjoy an intimate gourmet dinner at Stelle, under the stars by the pool or on our beautiful garden terrace. Savour modern mediterranean cuisine showcasing the very best local ingredients, featuring fresh fish and seafood. Telephone: 649-946-5746 Web: Stelle.
Shark Bite Bar & Grill $11 – 30
At this casual local favorite, the standard fare includes everything from the local catch of the day, sandwiches, and island specialties to wings or nachos and beer along with other bar snacks. It’s a casual place for lunch—the deck overlooks Turtle Cove Marina, where you may be lucky enough to see sharks passing by. Friday-night happy hour is very popular. Live music makes this a very lively spot later on. For dinner there is an excellent almond-crusted grouper. Telephone: 649-941-5090 Web: Shark Bite Bar & Grill.
Mudjin Bar & Grill $11 – 30
The restaurant at Blue Horizon Resort is a fabulous spot to enjoy lunch, dinner, or as an afternoon respite over a refreshing cocktail. The view overlooking the Mudjin Harbor and miles of north shore beach just may be the best in Turks and Caicos. Daily lunches concentrate on seafood items such as Lobster Bites, when in season, cracked conch and conch fritters, and fish-and-chips, although there are also burgers, Caesar wraps, and some vegetarian options. Dinner is by reservation only and features a choice of several daily specials. Telephone: 649-946-6141 Web: Mudjin Bar & Grill.
The Best of Turks & Caicos Nightlife
Infiniti Bar
Leave it to the Grace Bay Club to have the sexiest bar in town: Infiniti, with its long, reflective table that looks out over the beach. You’ll find seafood starters and Caribbean-themed dishes here. The drink menu lights up when opened—a nice touch when it’s dark out—and has a long list of rums for sipping and cocktails inspired by various Caribbean islands. The bar area is always lively with a mix of hotel guests and visitors, but there’s also outdoor seating by the beach for a bit more peace and quiet. Telephone: 649-946-5050 Web: Infiniti Bar.
Sandbar
This casual bar in the Saltmills Plaza area is a great place for a quick drink before or after dinner. Happy hour here, with two-for-one drinks, goes until 8 p.m. every night, and there are a few TV screens in the bar for sports games (for those who prefer a quieter alternative to Danny Buoys across the street). Dim lighting and comfortable seats set a laid-back mood at the bar, which attracts expats and tourists. Try their specialty drinks, like mojitos and French 75, or a coffee cocktail if you need a pick-me-up before a long night out. Telephone: 649-232-7079 Web: Sand Bar.
Shark Bite
Sharkbite, in Turtle Cove Marina, is great for a casual drinking—go early to grab a table on the outside deck that overlooks the water and yachts. The bar menu includes frozen cocktails like daiquiris and pina coladas, as well as a delicious Rum Runner with rum, blackberry liqueur, banana, and grenadine. If you get hungry, turn to the special wing menu, with nearly a dozen sauce options. Telephone: 649-941-5090 Web: Shark Bite.
Somewhere
This rowdy bar is one of the most fun on Provo, with happy hour and different drink specials every night. The best drinks are rum-based, like the Big Sexy with Bambarra Gold, triple sec, and pineapple juice. And the bar doesn’t skimp on comfort food, with dirty fries (topped with pulled pork, cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions), sandwiches, and meat-centric entrees. Come for happy hour, which lasts for the hour before and after sunset, or live music on Thursdays and Fridays. Telephone: 649-941-8260 Web: Somewhere.
Deck
This is a wonderful place to start a night. Come before sunset, and stake out one of the large lounge chairs or high tops that face the beach. Once the sun goes down, the beach is lit up with torches and the string lights strewn on the trees add a romantic feel. The specialty cocktails here are made for sipping all night—try the watermelon margarita (with tequila, watermelon, lime, and Cointreau) and the Dark and Stormy (made with Bambarra Gold). And the bar menu includes perfectly spiced jerk chicken wings and an award-winning conch salad. Telephone: 649-941-7777 Web: Deck.
The Best of Turks & Caicos Hotels
Oh, wow… I haven’t had a good holiday in ages and Providenciales Turks & Caicos looks absolutely amazing!! The beaches are beautiful and there seems to be an endless choice of places to go and things to do. I have a problem though in that I suffer from prickly heat, but I see that my ideal time of year for visiting also coincides with hurricane season… :/ What is the weather like in, say, January/February?
Temperatures in January and February are going to be in the high 70s. Not too hot for you. It really is a beautiful beach destination. And you are right that you won’t find yourself bored with nothing to do 🙂 Thanks for reading!
What a beautiful looking holiday destination. I watched the video of Grace Bay and it looks ideal. There was a cordoned off area of sea at minute 1:28 which intrigued me. Do you know what it was for by any chance?
Can you hire a small cruiser from this lovely island. Hubbie has a licence to pilot a boat and it would be great to explore the area. The water looks so clean and clear!
Are there many islands which can be visited locally? Great site!
The area cordoned off is where boats or jet skis are not allowed to enter. We have that here where I am as well. Yes, you can rent a boat, and you can go island hopping in it 🙂 There are 40 low-lying coral islands to explore. Thanks for visit Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
Turks is already one of my travel bucket list. It sounds both exciting and romantic to spend a long holiday there. Can you recommend a must-try attraction or a must-go destination in the beach? 🙂
Hi Alexander and great questions. Definitely visit Grace Bay Beach (#1 beach in the world), and also the Conch Farm (very interesting). As far as restaurants, Stelle (but it is spendy) and Shark Bite Bar & Grill. I would definitely see/do these items 🙂 Thanks for visiting Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
What a beautiful place, Leahrae. The video makes me want to visit Turks and Caicos tomorrow! 🙂
You mentioned that the Atlantic hurricane season being much cheaper, which is great. And also that hurricanes are unlikely to happen in that area.
Do you know when was the last time there was a hurricane in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos? If it’s been a long time ago, I may put my fear of hurricanes aside and schedule a trip there during the low season.
Providenciales Turks & Caicos was hit by Hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017. Prior to that they were hit by Hurricane Kate in 1985 and Hurricane Donna in 1960. Both of these did damage. Other Hurricanes of course passed in the area, but no damage other than some flooding. September is the month that if they get hit by a hurricane, it will be during this time. Glad you enjoyed reading Eliane.
wow, what an awesome website! I’m not going on vacation anytime soon but just being on Beach Travel Destinations sure put me in the mood for one! You’ve covered everything and when I do go to plan a beach getaway, I’d definitely use your website. Great Niche. Best of Luck to you but you probably won’t need it.
Thank you so much Sue and thanks for visiting Providenciales Turks & Caicos. I am glad you enjoyed visiting!
Makes me want to book that plane trip today! You have a way with words and presentation. Another great post – inspiring me to book my next vacation!
Great Heather, I am here to inspire 🙂 When you get ready to start planning, I am here. Please let me know if I can answer any questions, and thank you for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
These pictures are gorgeous. I like the idea of island hopping. Grace Bay Beach looks so dreamy and I would love to see the Conch farm. This is for sure going on my bucket list. Thanks for all of the great information!
Thanks for reading about Providenciales Turks and Caicos Melinda! Yes I agree that Grace Bay is dreamy! Definitely a once in a lifetime beach destination. Glad you enjoyed!
Thank you for another great article, I love your site, it is always so informative and covers all questions that I have come up in my head. The pics are just so beautiful and vibrant, you definitely are a ‘go to’ site for me when thinking of travelling.
I am so glad Ali that you have enjoyed visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com. Thanks for reading about Providenciales Turks & Caicos!
Leahrae,
Have to update my pass port. Have not been out of the country in many years, this article gives me some inspiration to visit some of the best beaches in the world. I have seen the horses in the water before on TV, this is something I would like to try. I have several conch shells that I got when snorkeling in Florida, it would be nice to see how they grow and live in the wild.
John
Ok, riding horses on the beach John, does not get any better. This is something of a ritual for me and son when we vacation. I too, have gotten many conch shells in Florida. Now all I can do is look for unique and different ones. Yes, update your passport and check out some of the world! So many beautiful destinations besides Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
Aahhh!! I feel rested and relaxed after just reading this article and watching the video. Great job on presenting this beautiful part of the world. My husband and I are planning a vacation within the next year. I will have to add this to the possible locations. You were very thorough. I appreciate that. The video was informative and beautiful. Thanks again.
You are welcome Wendi! I am glad you enjoyed reading about Providenciales Turks & Caicos. A little slice of heaven for sure!
Hi, Leahrae,
Thank you for another beautiful place you show us! I was fascinated by the color and calm, shallow water! Providenciales Turks & Caicos looks so peaceful! I got the feeling that all Grace Bay colossal beach is only for me.
And all these in-water and off-water amusement! I could try motorized watersports and the Sandbar:)
Great choices Tony! It does have the most beautiful beaches and yes the color of the water, amazing! Thanks for visiting Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
Have I ever thought about going somewhere to see a conch? Nope, but now I have to put this place on my list because that sounds both fascinating as well as creepy. Providenciales Turks and Caicos looks absolutely beautiful and I am certain would be a fun place to go and explore.
Other than the conch’s and mosquitoes what types of wildlife inhabits the chain of islands? Also how much time does it take to travel between each island? Curious how you would get back to the hotel if some type of storm hit all of a sudden.
Thanks for the great questions Eric! There are about 200 different species of birds, a huge variety of marine life (why diving is so great here), humpback whales migrate here (between January and March), and then of course you have the donkeys, bats, butterflies, rock iguanas, geckos (croaking, dwarf, house), worm snakes and boas, and great blue land crabs. One thing is that if there is a storm forecasted, they will not take you out 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Eric, and leaving me some great questions!
Wow, this is a very informative post about Providenciales. I would be particularly keen on seeing Grace Bay in Providenciales if it’s one of the best beaches in the world! Thank you for covering all the possible detail that a traveler will need.
You are welcome Zoey! Yes, I tend to like going to amazing destinations myself, and this is one of them. Grace Bay Beach is very impressive! Thanks for visiting Providenciales Turks & Caicos.
Hey,
Great article.
Your website and articles is very thorough and informative, great job.
My Dad is celebrating his 70th Birthday this year and I think this would be a great surprise for him if he and my Mum could go to the Caribbean.
Thanks for sharing and all the best,
Tom
Oh yes, they would love the Caribbean, especially here at one of the top beaches in the World! Thanks for stopping by and reading Tom!
Hi This is paradise on earth and the more I see it. the more I want to go there. brilliant insight and you articulate very well in great detail, what grabbed my attention is there is a lot to see and do in Providenciales. this is definitely one place. thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed this piece of paradise in the Turks and Caicos! It is definitely a place worth visiting, especially if you love gorgeous beaches!
Ah Turks and Caicos! One of my favorite places in the Caribbean. We stay at The Sands on Grace Bay. Grace Bay is truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The video captures it perfectly. Plenty to do on the island. Great restaurants and hotels. Just avoid the hurricanes that on occasion come near the island and you will have a great vacation.
Yes, it is a GREAT destination and you stayed at a wonderful hotel! It is definitely a bucket list destination. Thanks for stopping by Mick.
I’m impressed with how much information is on here! I’ve never been to the Providenciales but after reading this it’s got me intrigued to check it out. Keep up the content!
I am glad you enjoyed reading Providenciales Turks & Caicos. It is a wonderful beach destination….one of the best in the world. Thanks for visiting!
Wow, great information on Providenciales! We have been thinking about vacationing to the Bahamas. This looks like a great place, and to visit one of the top beaches, Grace Bay Beach, in the world, would be so amazing! It is on my bucket list now for sure. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed reading Christina, and that you have found a wonderful bucket list item! Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for so much info! We are planning our 35yr. wedding anniversary, and now we have lots to choose from! Your website has so much information on so many great beach destinations. Thanks so much for putting this together. Bookmarked!
This is definitely a great destination for a wedding anniversary. Intimate and romantic, as well as gorgeous. Thanks for visiting Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.