Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Turks and Caicos

From the silky sands and grand resorts of Grace Bay on vibrant Providenciales in the north to the whale-laden waters of Salt Cay in the south, and from the charming colonial forts and harbors of Cockburn Town to the mesmerizing underwater reefs of Columbus Landfall, the Turks and Caicos archipelago represents a realm of paradise and intrigue.

Consistently recognized as home to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches, and enriched with diverse landscapes ranging from rugged cliffs to captivating historical narratives, this region rarely fails to impress.

In this compilation of the 15 premier activities and sights to explore while journeying from Grand Turk to Provo, we delve into the most enriching experiences the archipelago has to offer.

Expect exquisite fish barbecues and sophisticated Caribbean delicacies; prepare for crumbling plantations and premier SCUBA diving sites; anticipate ample sunbathing and snorkeling opportunities, and begin contemplating the vibrant iguanas and magnificent Eagle rays.

Enjoy this list of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos:

1. Go whale watching on Salt Cay

If you have the opportunity to visit the Turks and Caicos during the peak season from January to April, when temperatures hover in the comfortable mid-20s Celsius and pleasant trade winds sweep in from the Atlantic, be sure to head to the southern island of Salt Cay.

Here, visitors can either charter their own whale-watching vessel or perch upon the weathered, salt-kissed cliffs, gazing out towards the Turks Head passage that connects the western Caribbean to the waters surrounding Hispaniola, allowing for glimpses of magnificent humpback whales as they travel southward to calve in the warmer waters of Silver Banks.

Anticipate an impressive display of splashes from tails and fins, along with breathtaking views of the southern cays!

2. Kick-back on Grace Bay

While there are numerous idyllic beaches and pristine white sands throughout the Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales truly stands out for its unique allure.

This elegant stretch curves gracefully around the undulating sandbanks of the northern shore, offering everything one could desire from a Caribbean beach: the water boasts a striking mineral blue hue, occasionally interrupted by the silhouette of a whitewashed boat, and the sand is a dazzling white.

Grace Bay is also home to many of the island’s upscale resorts, ensuring that bars, restaurants, private villas, and luxury suites are always within reach!

3. Kiteboard across the waters of Long Bay Beach

Directly across from Grace Bay on the windward southern side of Providenciales Island, where the Atlantic trade winds create exhilarating conditions, the Long Bay Beach offers an exhilarating opportunity: kiteboarding.

The warm, crystal-clear waters make this bay ideal for novice riders, who can rent all necessary gear from local suppliers and receive instruction from experienced professionals.

For seasoned kiteboarders visiting the Turks and Caicos, tailored adventure packages are available.

These packages include excursions to remote lagoons and hidden cays, offering the chance to tackle more challenging swells.

4. Indulge in the Thursday night Fish Fry

A visit to Providenciales would be incomplete without experiencing the Thursday night T & C Fish Fry, an event dedicated to showcasing fresh and flavorful local seafood.

This gathering brings together local residents and visitors on the sands of Bight Park close to Grace Bay, creating an atmosphere of shared culture and community.

The evening is filled with lively music and dance, featuring vibrant Caribbean rhythms and market stalls showcasing handcrafted items.

Of course, attendees can savor some of the finest barbecued fish offerings available, and as twilight descends and spirits flow, the resident Junkanoo Band fills the air with captivating steel drum melodies and songs late into the night.

5. Have a round at the Provo Golf Club

Provo Golf Club consistently ranks among the top 18-hole championship courses in the Caribbean.

The accolades are well-deserved, as this sprawling expanse features lush emerald-green fairways framed by chalk-white bunkers, punctuated by swaying palm trees and native flora.

Golfers may find themselves hitting their next shot accompanied by herons or the fleeting pink of migratory flamingos, while gleaming water features highlight the greens under the tropical sun.

Additionally, the facility offers tennis courts and the inviting Fairways Bar and Grill, which serves an array of Caribbean specialties and local seafood dishes.

6. Snorkel through Smith’s Reef

Celebrated for its excellent underwater visibility and easily accessible from Grace Bay or Turtle Cove’s jetties, Smith’s Reef ranks among the premier snorkeling sites in the area.

The vibrant marine environment features a plethora of colorful corals that cluster and emerge from the sandy floor, complemented by the presence of spotted sea slugs and majestic Eagle rays gliding by.

Visitors should exercise caution while snorkeling, being mindful of lionfish with their venomous spines and remaining alert for other boats navigating through this frequented area of Provo’s coast.

7. Join the cruise ships and casuarinas on Governor’s Beach

Regarded by many as the most exquisite shoreline on Grand Turk, Governor’s Beach certainly lives up to its reputation.

Characterized by its gentle slope and warm beige tones leading down to the vibrant blue waters, it offers tranquility and serenity, untouched by the trade winds that do not reach this area.

Named after the grand residence of the Governor nearby, the beach draws numerous cruise ships docking at Cockburn Town during the high season; however, it remains uncrowded, thanks to the greenery of pines and casuarinas that provide a sense of privacy and seclusion.

8. Get some local history at the Turks & Caicos National Museum

Nestled behind an enchanting colonial façade adorned with whitewashed terraces and terracotta roofs, the Turks & Caicos National Museum stands as a prominent cultural attraction in the capital, Cockburn Town.

The edifice, known as Guinep House, derives its name from the large tropical fruit tree that graces its entrance and boasts nearly 200 years of history. Inside, visitors find an engaging assortment of exhibits, including the reconstructed archaeological remains of the historic Molasses Reef Wreck – recognized as the oldest shipwreck in the Americas.

Thought to have sunk around 1500, this Spanish caravel provides insight into the colonial powers that traversed these waters.

Moreover, the museum features exhibits highlighting the culture of the island’s inhabitants and the native Lucayan people who lived here prior to European contact.

9. Have some refined Carib cuisine at Coco Bistro

Led by the talented owner-chef Stuart Gray, Coco Bistro has gained acclaim as one of the finest dining establishments in Turks and Caicos.

With a culinary background that includes experience with renowned chefs like Michel Roux and Ken Hom, coupled with a dedication to sourcing the freshest herbs and local ingredients, Gray presents an exceptional array of Caribbean cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

Appetizers range from tomato salads and lobster tacos to shrimp satay and Dominican fruit ceviche, while main courses feature options such as tuna fillets, buttered salmon, scallops, and mahi-mahi in Thai curry sauce.

Enhancing the dining experience, the restaurant is set within a romantic atmosphere adorned by swaying palm trees and sunlit gravel terraces.

10. Tour the old Cheshire Hall

The crumbling ruins of Cheshire Hall, adorned with lichen, evoke a poignant glimpse into the past.

Located amidst the cacti and pine trees in the heart of Providenciales Island, these remnants narrate the stories of the plantation era that attracted European settlers and enslavers to the shores of Turks and Caicos during the 1700s.

At its peak, Cheshire Hall spanned over 5,000 acres, and visitors can still explore the remnants of the slave quarters, the dilapidated great hall, and the cotton presses constructed from locally sourced limestone.

A variety of trails circle the ruins, providing insights into the area’s diverse birdlife.

11. Explore the caverns of the Conch Bar Caves

The Conch Bar Caves, located in the heart of Middle Caicos, feature an impressive network of tunnels and chambers carved from limestone.

Some chambers are illuminated by beams of natural light filtering through, while others boast enormous stalactites and rocks. Some chambers also bear early visitors’ graffiti, with dates of exploration that date back to 1915 and 1918. Additionally, remnants of early Lucayan tribespeople have been discovered here; however, history enthusiasts may wish to visit the nearby Indian Caves for a more comprehensive collection of artifacts and relics.

12. Wonder at the natural beauty of Chalk Sound

Characterized by rising limestone formations, Chalk Sound is among the most picturesque natural sites on the island.

The numerous geological formations protrude from the turquoise waters, creating a captivating landscape now designated as a national park.

A delightful route to explore the area is the winding Chalk Sound Drive, which meanders between the Caribbean Sea and the lagoon on the southern shore.

Additional attractions include encounters with swift lizards and iguanas scurrying across the rocks, as well as opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking rentals.

13. Hike the Mudjin Harbour

This rugged and windswept region, characterized by sheer cliffs, is an enticing destination for adventurous travelers heading to the Turks and Caicos.

Stretching across Middle Caicos, it is often celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking landscapes.

With towering cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean’s waves, the area features secluded sandy coves reminiscent of pirate lore, striking headlands and formations with intriguing names such as the Dragon Formation, and the silhouettes of reef sharks and rays found below the surface.

Travelers should exercise caution regarding sudden drops when traversing the area, as well as being mindful of unpredictable wave conditions around Mudjin!

14. Dive into the Columbus Landfall National Park

Spanning nearly the entirety of Grand Turk’s western coastline, the Columbus Landfall National Park marks the historical landing point of the namesake explorer in the New World during the 1400s.

While the history is intriguing, many visitors today are drawn to the natural wonders it offers.

The underwater environments of the Landfall National Park provide thrilling diving experiences, featuring steep coral walls teeming with fish such as manta rays, lionfish, and an array of vibrant tropical species, along with impressive coral formations.

This is a prime location for those seeking PADI certification, with plenty of dive operators located in close proximity to Cockburn Town.

15. Go bonefishing on the shores

Though deep-sea fishing and sport fishing may not dominate the scene in the Turks and Caicos, bonefishing in the shallows has witnessed an incredible surge in popularity.

Anglers travel from various destinations to engage in this skillful technique, where wading into shallow waters equipped with minimal gear is essential to outsmart the elusive bonefish.

Some of the premiere locations are along the rugged coastal stretches of Bell Sound, north of Cockburn Town, and the wind-swept shores of Highlands Bay.

Even if you exit without a catch, the stunning scenery ensures a rewarding experience!