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
Found 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
Found 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 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
Here 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
Beautiful 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
