Things to do in Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos: The Best Reefs

June 10, 2021 Misti Hsu

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Restaurants in Turks and Caicos

1. Pine Cay

http://meridianclub.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Posh island retreat for wealthy vacationers and even wealthier home owners.

2. Black Forest

Grand Turk
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Black Forest

One of the most beautiful and unusual dives on the island, known for its black coral and dramatic underwater cliffs.

3. West Caicos

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

West Caicos

This island is full of beautiful beaches and old pirate hangouts, meaning lots of shipwrecks for scuba divers to explore.

4. French Cay

Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Once a pirate retreat, now a bird retreat: this island is a sanctuary for frigate birds.

5. Sand River Canyon

Grand Turk
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Underwater coral mountain range, reaching depths from 20 to 100 feet.

6. Tunnels

Grand Turk
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

An intense dive cutting 75 feet through an underwater wall.

7. South Caicos

South Caicos
Excellent
75%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

South Caicos

Island in the Turks and Caicos island group best known for its fishing, yachting and scuba diving.

Reviewed By tR5765BCtheresas - San Francisco, United States

South Caicos was the perfect destination for our wedding and active, island adventure. My husband and I spent the first two days of our trip enjoying Sailrock's beaches and amenities and getting to know the property prior to our private, beach wedding. Then we spent the next week honeymooning, so we had plenty of time to run, hike, bike, snorkel, sail, and explore. The day after our wedding, we put on our running shoes and took off north out of our villa. The very north tip of the island is a must-see -- it's the most beautiful look out spot on the island. It's also possible to take a jeep or buggy most of the way, but there is some moderate hiking to get to the view spot. Jerry Camp (where Sailrock starts some of its excursions) is also a must-do, with gorgeous sand bars and an area for snorkeling along mangroves. In addition to lots of fish, there can be larger wildlife in this area (barracuda, stingrays, and smaller sharks). We rode our bikes/scooter to Jerry Camp several times during our stay and had the whole place to ourselves (it was low season/early December). The next day, we took Sailrock's bikes out for a day-long adventure, riding to the south end of the island to explore the town. South Caicos is mostly flat and about 8-square-miles, so it was generally easy riding. Note that many of the roads are unpaved. While in town, we discovered Carla's Harbour Adventures and decided to rent a scooter for the rest of our stay. This isn't a requirement since Sailrock will drive you to excursions, but my husband and I like to be spontaneous and found having our own scooter to be the perfect way to get around (just watch out for wild donkeys!). For longer stays, I also recommend stocking up no coconut water, wine, and other supplies while in town since it was considerably less expensive than the convenience store at Sailrock. Carla was a fantastic resource for recommendations on where to go and what to see. South Caicos is a close knit community, and Carla helped introduce us to other local business owners, including Captain Tim for snorkeling and Larry from Claw Tours for jet skis. The jet skis we rented from Claw Tours were newer and in a great shape; this was a super fun way to get out on the water. Larry will take you out on a guided tour or let you explore on your own. Our favorite excursion was a pair of snorkeling trips with Captain Timothy Hamilton. Captain Tim is phenomenal and very knowledgeable about the ocean wildlife. My husband and I went out with him for a half day of snorkeling and sight-seeing. We snorkeled in two places, a deeper water spot for bigger wildlife and Admiral's Aquarium. Then we went to iguana island (super cool! you can actually get to feed the iguanas) and starfish alley (HUGE starfish). We loved the snorkeling so much that we arranged another trip with Tim to Admiral's Aquarium a few days later. The Admiral's Aquarium is a stretch of coral reefs about 12 feet deep, with thousands of vibrant, tropical fish and a chance to see larger sea life like barracudas, stingrays/eagle rays, and spiny lobsters. The visibility and diversity of fish is absolutely unreal. We also spent an afternoon swimming at East Bay Resort's beach; their staff was very welcoming and accommodating and it was a fun way to enjoy a different part of the island. Everyone we met on the island was incredibly welcoming and helpful. South Caicos is remote and much quieter than Provos, which is exactly what we were looking for. The island's economy is developing and infrastructure is still lacking in some parts of town, but the entire island felt very safe. Both Sailrock and East Bay were opened just a few years before our trip, and both had plans for expanded amenities. Dining In addition to Sailrocks two restaurants, there are several other dining options on the island, and we tried them all! I highly recommend Sunset Cafe for fresh, local seafood and Dolphin Grill for lunch or a tropical sunset cocktail (best cocktails on the island, all hand-made!). East Bay Resort also has an extensive menu, including more American fare options. By Sea or by Plane We spent our first night in TCI on Providenciales at Grace Bay Club (highly recommend!). The next day, we had half a day to enjoy Grace Bay before catching a ferry to South Caicos. This was a great option for us since it allowed us to spend half a day on Provos. The ferry was just two of us, a couple of locals, and supplies for the island. On the way back, we had a morning flight on a 19-person plane... definitely the smallest plane I've ever been on. We spent another half day lounging/swimming in Grace Bay before catching our flight back to the states. We got a day pass at Wymara, which was perfect since it allowed us to use the amenities and clean-up before the flight back to the States.

8. Library Reef

Grand Turk 1578965 http://www.whitesandssnorkel.com
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Library Reef

Shallow reef full of beautiful and curious fish, a perfect place to scuba dive.

Reviewed By rebeccaevans107 - North Salem, United States

There is a story behind WHY its called The Library. Ask Jadon at Grand Turk Diving. The fish population and variety was fantastic. I saw the biggest spiny lobster I had ever seen! Dont miss this epic dive spot!

9. SunRay Beach

Grand Turk
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 378 reviews

SunRay Beach

Warm, calm and clear waters make this a perfect beach for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Reviewed By susan1953528791 - Oldham, United Kingdom

We have just been on the P&O Azura. and this was one of the best stops on our cruise. Sun Ray beach is located just at the end of the ships pier. The cruise centre has a number of sunbeds and parasols on the beach closest to the pier, these are free. However, these soon go and the day we were there another two cruise ships also arrived-so busy! We paid 25 dollars for two sunbeds and an umbrella, drinks were usual price -five beers for 20 dollars. Horse riding along the beach and even in the shallow sea water was available for 20 dollars. The beach is beautiful with shallow clear water just about all you could expect from the Caribbean, ideal for a swim or snorkeling. The cruise centre itself is rather small, the astronaut John Glenn splashed down nearby and has a commemoration statue and information within the centre . When we were there it was a lovely, sunny day however, if it was a dull or wet day I don't know what else would be available as the island itself is only small. Lovely beach, super sea and great people.

10. Salt Cay

Salt Cay http://www.saltcaydivers.tc
Excellent
85%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Salt Cay

This island was once the site of a booming salt industry; now it's noted for its quaint seaside towns.

Reviewed By BoilerDaveNH - Hudson, United States

We started our trip just before the stuff hit the fan with the Corona virus on March 13 and got out the second from the last day before the island shut down. Airport. It is terribly undersized. I couldn't imagine it when its busy. Upon arriving to the airport, we took a comfortable Intercaribbean flight to Grand Turk and then a nine-seater "Islander" to Salt Cay. The five minute flight to Salt Cay was actually really fun. Salt Cay is not for people looking for fancy restaurants, casinos or to have their feet massaged. If you have any sense of adventure, history, nature and deem yourself as flexible-it is heaven. We stayed at the Tradewinds-which is a perfect location for those viewing whales, enjoying scuba diving and it's closes to the "action." (using that term loosely). There are some very nice AirBnB rentals but none would be considered luxury. There was no need to air conditioning as this tiny island has a constant winds. I never once locked the doors at night or while we were away for the day. Every person (all 50 or so) stops to talk to you. We became friendly with the other dozen tourist on the island and most of the adorable and friendly donkeys. We never once put on mosquito repellent. It does not matter if you stay on the north side or south side of the island as it is so small. The northside is better for access to the dock. The south part of the island is more quiet. We explored a part of the island every day via bicycle, others use golf carts. The North Beach is a stunning mile and half of seclusion and beauty. We came here each afternoon and NEVER saw another person-although I did startle a bull in the abandoned remains of an old resort. Each morning, we explored a different part of the island: South point, Northwest Point, the Ruins of the Taylor Plantation, the beautiful South Creek and North Creek and the historic salinas. Each day, a few people gather at the Dunscomb Point-which is the island's swimming pool-so to speak. Salt Cay takes planning. Bring lots of food, have your host shop for you. The stores are very tiny. Order your meals ahead of time at one of the four restaurants and be flexible as they run out of a lot of stuff. Oceanaire is the best, Coral Reef is reliable and the star is Miss Pat's place where you dine on her front porch and converse with a living historian of the island. Fresh Catch wasn't all that great but it was a fun place for a drink trying to communicate with the Domincan staff. We really got to know the dozen or so tourist by name and started to enjoy happy hour each evening. Everything is pretty much done at 9 p.m. You can lie in a beach chair, without threat of mosquitoes and view the most beautiful stars you may see in your entire life. Stunning! The architecture is straight, both active buildings and ruins, from the 18th century. A typical relic was coming across an old coffin in the abandoned fraternal building. We discovered new and old things each of the seven days we were there. Honestly, we could have stayed another month. There is talk about building a cruise ship terminal and/or resort on this tiny island that will forever change its character. To experience history-go!

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