Tips on What To Do in Turks & Caicos

According to many, Turks and Caicos' ivory-colored beaches are some of the best in the world, and the surrounding coral reefs are any diver's dream. The islands also offer a natural wonderland and a rich heritage, both of which are worth exploring.

• Scuba diving, horseback riding, sunbathing ... take your pick. 'Provo' offers plenty for the happy couple to do, including picture-perfect coastlines to walk along, hand in hand. ... try Malcolm Beach to get even further away from crowds." -- TripAdvisor
• Of course, there are plenty of nonwatersports-related things to do here, including golf, tennis, horseback riding, exploring historical attractions, caving, shopping, and enjoying state-of-the-art spa treatments." -- Frommer's

Beaches

The shores of Caicos' Providenciales now top TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice list of the Best Beach and Sun Destinations in the World, but T&C has 230 miles' worth of sand to choose from. Long Bay in the southeast is also well-liked; be sure to take your children to these calm waters. Grand Turk's Governor's Beach and Pillory Beach are also popular areas for diving. Those who like to snorkel should head to the tiny Salt Cay. All the islands' beaches -- even those that are privately owned -- are required to allow public access.

• The Turks & Caicos have some of the most beautiful water in the world, so you can expect almost all of your activities here to be water-based. And the beaches are among the most incredible you will ever see." -- Fodor's
• The islands are also home to some of the best beaches in the world, often with extremely calm waters due to the protective Barrier Reef, with the world renowned Grace Bay located on the north shores of Providenciales." -- TripAdvisor

Sports & Leisure

The islands are surrounded by the third most expansive reef system in the world, which makes this destination popular amongst divers. For those who want to explore the underwater worlds surrounding the islands, previous visitors recommend taking a diving trip with SNUBA Turks and Caicos or Flamingo Divers. There are also plenty of opportunities to interact with marine life, from whale watching to playing with dolphins.

There are also numerous natural sites waiting for exploration. The Middle Caicos Caves, on the island of the same name, are the largest above ground limestone caves of the islands and the Bahamas archipelago nearby. Another must for the to-do list: the Hole on Provo. Visitors come here to be lowered nearly 80 feet down a naturally formed limestone tunnel to the waters of Long Bay below.

• Besides snorkeling -- the coral reefs around Turks and Caicos are spectacular -- one of the best ways to explore the island’s gorgeous coastline is on a kayak." -- New York Times
• For those who prefer exploring the natural beauty of the Caribbeans, hiking the 'Crossing Place' trails, horseback riding, and exploring the Middle Caicos limestone caves are popular options. Several hotels and independent companies rent bicycles and scooters, which are a fun way to get around the islands, as the terrain is fairly easy to navigate." -- TripAdvisor

Historic Attractions

Grand Turk features the highest concentration of historic and cultural sites. Whether you prefer exploring the remains of Grand Turk's Old Prison, enjoying the views from the Grand Turk Lighthouse or moseying through the Turks & Caicos National Museum -- which features artifacts from the islands' days as a pirate haven -- there are plenty of ways to discover the islands' rich history.

• Despite the fact that most visitors land and stay in Provo, the Turks & Caicos National Museum -- predictably a stickler for tradition -- is in Grand Turk. The museum tells the history of the islands that have all, at one time or another, been claimed by the French, Spanish, and British as well as many pirates, long before the predominately North American visitors discovered its shores." -- Fodor's
• It's a pleasant bike ride to the Northwest Point to see the cast-iron Grand Turk Lighthouse, which was brought in pieces from the United Kingdom, where it had been constructed in 1852. Its old lens is on display in the Turks & Caicos National Museum." -- Frommer's

Nightlife

If you're looking for a swingin' nightlife scene, you'll have better luck at a more populated Caribbean destination such as Aruba. The Turks and Caicos Islands are extremely laidback, and most visitors are drawn to the relaxing atmosphere. But that doesn't mean everyone is in bed by 10 p.m. Provo is home to several bars and clubs, and often hosts nighttime beach gatherings or bonfires.

• Provo may not be known for rowdy nightlife, but there's a number of small bars where locals and foreigners converge. On Friday nights, the dance floor heats up at Calico Jack's, a nautical-themed bar and restaurant in Grace Bay, where a live reggae band packs the outdoor deck. The party gets started around midnight, and beers are $5." -- New York Times