Top Things to do in Turks and Caicos
Top 10 Islands in Turks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos
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Restaurants in Turks and Caicos
1. Pine Cay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Posh island retreat for wealthy vacationers and even wealthier home owners.
2. West Caicos
3. French Cay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Once a pirate retreat, now a bird retreat: this island is a sanctuary for frigate birds.
4. South Caicos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
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.
5. Salt Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
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!
6. Gibbs Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 365 reviews
Uninhabited island with some of the most beautiful beaches and the best diving sites the islands have to offer.
Reviewed By W367QYstephanies - Richmond, United States
Fun day with Captain Meat and Pablo. Even with the curfew looming (5p), we were able to swim several times, eat fresh conch ceviche, hike the trail, and the adult beverages (along with sodas/water) were plenty for our group of 5 and we made it back to the resort with time to spare. A deserted island is what we needed before heading back to the States.
7. Little Water Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Island in the Turks and Caicos islands, the only place in the world to see the endangered rock iguana in its natural habitat.
Reviewed By ebr337
We rented a tandem kayak from Big Blue Collective. The staff gave us directions, and we set off! to Little Water Cay It probably took close to 30 minutes to kayak over there, but we were faster on the return trip. Pull up on the beach and there's a boardwalk trail. There are literally iguanas everywhere! You can see them or hear them scurrying around. I highly recommend continuing on the trail once the boardwalk ends and end up at Half Moon Bay. It's beautiful, deserted (when we were there), iguanas will come right up to you, and bring along the snorkel gear - there's reef right there in the shallow water. Bring cash to give the attendant at the beginning of the boardwalk.
8. Middle Caicos
9. North Caicos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By carlamB4290DD
Before heading to North Caicos I read a lot of negative reviews. I feel people either didn't do their research or were lead astray... Provo while also fun, is a canned vacation full of nightlife, shopping and all inclusive. Grace Bay in Provo is absolutely something to see- but go for a day and get to North and stay the week in a private home. You won't regret this! Hang out with the local crowd, and see untapped beaches like Sandy, Barracuda go see 3 Mary's Cay... also Bambarra and Mudjin on Middle Caicos. [there is a land bridge between the two.] Our private house included an infinity pool and private beach with top notch service; private chef if you like and Miss B's delivers. Horse stable beach is a blast and has a park for littles. Just a few steps away you can see st. charles abandoned hotel. Get a car/jeep, don some island cologne (yes noseeums can be annoying; we didn't care!) and go! Most restaurants My Dees, Miss B's (my favorite), Barracuda beach bar, Mudjin all take credit. Bring lots of cash just in case and find heaven called North Caicos. You do not find flamingos as much at flamingo pond (need binoculars) but you do find them easier to see at cottage pond. Make a stop at Conch Bar Caves pretty cool to wander in the dark with a flashlight and see this. I found people complaining about 1 gas station and 1 ATM also... you will not need a ton of gas here. We found that part to be pretty easy. Fabulous place!
