Travel Guide: Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean has become a popular sunny destination among Canadians not only seeking to escape the winter but also unwind and indulge in water sports. Turks and Caicos is well known for its breathtaking vistas, turquoise sea waters, sun-kissed beaches and pristine nature.

However, planning a trip to this paradise can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are a first time visitor. Use our handy travel guide on how to get to the destination, the best time to visit, what to do there, and where to stay to help make your trip planning a breeze.

There are three distinctive times to visit Turks and Caicos. If you're seeking the best weather conditions that are perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and diving, for example, and higher prices and large crowds aren't a problem, visiting this destination during the high season months (mid-December to mid-April) is ideal.

Another option for if you’re seeking a good balance between good weather and fewer crowds is visiting during the shoulder season months (mid-April to early June). At this time of the year, the weather is still warm with not much rain, which makes it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities.

Finally, if saving money is important to you, the low season months (late June to October) are ideal as hotel rates are at their lowest, and you may find fewer crowds visiting then. The caveat of travelling at this time of the year is that travellers may experience potential inclement weather such as storms and rainfall. Hurricanes can also happen.

La Vista Azul is a villa-type resort located just a 10-minute walking from the beach overlooking Turtle Cove in central Providenciales. It is also a walkable distance from Smith’s Reef, which is a great spot for snorkeling.

If you’re looking for a less expensive resort in the Grace Bay area, Sibonné Beach Hotel offers the best value for your money. This small and picturesque hotel doesn’t have the same luxury or range of amenities as its more expensive counterparts, however it is in an excellent location close to several food joints and shops.

For an adults-only option, One on Marlin, located at central Providenciales, offers villa-type accommodations and a quieter atmosphere. Guests of One on Marlin can also enjoy the amenities of its counterpart, Komo Botanical Resort.

If you’re looking for a retreat, COMO Parrot Cay is located on its own private island. It has one of the region’s best spas providing Asian-inspired holistic therapies. This resort offers both water and land activities for all ages.

Located at the world-famous Grace Bay Beach and surrounded by the Princess Alexandra National Park, the Seven Stars Resort & Spa is ideal for couples and families. It is well known for its exceptional service and many amenities, which are usually offered at rates that are much lower than at competing resorts.

If you favour a fun-filled adults-only tropical getaway, Club Med Turquoise is a top pick. Located on a 12-mile stretch of pristine beach, the resort offers water activities, food, drinks and live entertainment included in its all-inclusive rates.

On the other hand, Beaches Turks & Caicos offers families a magical escape from the real world. Along with its 45,000 square-foot waterpark and five themed villages (Italy, France, Caribbean, Key West and Seaside), it offers endless daytime and evening activities for all ages.

If you're a sushi lover, Sui Ren is an amazing option for dinner. You'll find this restaurant located at Long Bay Beach. It's popular both for its sophisticated atmosphere and its menu that expertly combines the finest Japanese and Peruvian dishes.

Mango Reef is a popular local restaurant offering a great range of Caribbean and international dishes. During lunchtime, the menu boasts both classic grilled options and more intricate dishes. Dinnertime is when Mango Reef truly shines, as its menu seamlessly fuses together a variety of local, Caribbean, Asian, and European flavours.

Among the oceanfront dining spots, Bay Bistro stands out from others in terms of food quality and value serving patrons from  breakfast to dinner. Its menu features healthy and plentiful options, including fresh seafood as well as grilled and jerk meats. During the full moon, don’t miss the pig-roast bonfires.

Regarded as one of the best culinary experiences in Turks and Caicos, Coco Bistro serves fresh local cuisine under the beautiful starlit sky surrounded by gently swaying palms trees.

Chill at the lively beach-level Somewhere Café and Lounge for an oasis of casual sophistication and tropical nirvana. Sip on some of its signature artisan cocktails while watching the action at Grace Bay by day and spectacular sunsets by night.

Because the islands are surrounded by one of the world's most extensive barrier reefs, which makes for calm, clean water, the setting is ideal for aquatic activities. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even swimming in the warm ocean at one of many pristine beaches.

On the island of Middle Caicos, visit Mudjin Harbour. It not only offers top scenic spots along the coast, but you will also find the highest ocean cliffs in Turks and Caicos and the small open-faced cave carved by the ocean over the centuries.

At Half Moon Bay, get to know some of the endangered species on the islands, such as the rock iguana found in the dunes and baby lemon sharks seen in the lagoon's shallow waters.

Take a jet-ski tour and head to the West Harbour Bluffs to find the tallest ocean cliffs on Providenciales. The cliffs also shelter a small cave, historical rock inscriptions and captivating wildlife.

Explore the Conch Bar Caves through one of the guided tours and get to know the largest cave system on dry land in the Bahamian Archipelago.

Finally, hike the Crossing Place Trail for some of the most impressive vistas of the Turks and Caicos coastline. Along the trail, there will also be plenty to capture your interest like wildlife, flotsam and beachcombing, the Blowing Hole feature, and more.

Ready for a Turks and Caicos getaway? Don’t forget your sunscreen and your travel insurance. Our trip insurance plan may provide coverage for trip cancellations, flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.