Pulling off the perfect beach-hopping adventure in Turks and Caicos!
Not being ones to visit a destination twice, imagine our shock when we found ourselves planning a return trip to Turks and Caicos for the second time in 10 years! But, as arguably the most stunning island nation in the tropical Atlantic, Turks and Caicos (TCI) is more than worth a second visit and we’re here to tell you why!
Comprised of around 40 coral islands, Turks and Caicos is a British Colony that boasts some of the most visually stunning waters in the world. With hundreds of beaches each showcasing their own unique shade of blue, visitors are treated to jaw-dropping splendor literally every few miles! Don’t believe us? Well just check out some of these incredible — and unedited— PHOTOS!
Although there are 40 islands within the archipelago that forms Turks and Caicos, only 6 of these islands are actually inhabited. Grand Turk currently is the Capital Island of the nation however Providenciales is considered the gateway island to Turks and Caicos and is usually where most tourists choose to vacation on their first visit to the islands, us included! From lush vegetation to white sands and azure waters, and with unique formations like the blue hole and the island-dotted bay of picturesque Chalk Sound, Providenciales or Provo for short, is a veritable paradise! Now, we’re sure you’re chomping at the bit to book your next vacation to Provo but before you do that there are some key things you must know before getting to islands. Keep reading to learn more!
Getting to Turks and Caicos
The two main international airports serving Turks and Caicos are Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on Provo and JAGS McCartney International Airport on Grand Turk. Flights are readily available to both airports making travel to TCI relatively easy. As we have still to visit Grand Turk, we’ll instead focus on what you need to know to navigate Providenciales Airport here.
Grand Turk and Provo are not connected and travel from one island to the next requires taking a local flight therefore you should confirm the island you’d like to stay on and your arrival airport before booking your flight to TCI.
Albeit a small airport, PLS lacks reliable signage which can add create some anxiety for travelers but not to worry, there is literally only one terminal building and as long as you walk towards it you’re sure to end up where you need to be. On our arrival to Provo, we deplaned on the tarmac and after a few head-scratching moments where we neither saw other passengers ahead or signage to the terminal, an airport staff member finally popped up to wave us in the right direction. Borders and customs procedures were straightforward and typical, and we excited the airport in under 15 minutes of our arrival time!
Unlike the simple and quick procedures, we experienced on arrival to TCI, departure from PLS in Providenciales was lengthy and slow. As mobile boarding passes are not accepted there, we were all made to stand in line at the respective airlines counters to check in. We were then sent through security where the lines did not appear very long, but which still took us about 40 minutes to get through as everyone needed to remove their shoes and whatever other random items PLS officials found offensive before traversing the scanners. All this to say: arrive to PLS at least 2 hours before your flight otherwise you may be spending more time on Provo than you planned.
All departure gates are in one small room in Providenciales International Airport so be especially careful that you are at the correct gate when boarding your flight. This is particularly necessary as the lines tend to overlap. If you’re unsure of where you should be then don’t be afraid to make your way to the front and ask a boarding agent.
Getting around Providenciales
The main way to get around Turks and Caicos is by taxi or hiring a rental car. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not available in TCI. Depending on how much you plan to explore and how long you intend to stay in Provo, solely traveling by taxi can quickly eat away at your budget as taxis are very expensive on the island. For this reason, most visitors opt to rent cars as it allows for more flexibility and is cheaper overall. Major rental companies such as Hertz and Thrifty are located on Provo and offer vehicles at reasonable rates. If you decide to rent a vehicle, it’s best to rent from a major company located at the airport. Although the rental companies are not located in the airport terminal, they all have representatives in the arrivals terminal and will direct you to the appropriate shuttle that will take you to the rental counter. In our case, we rented from Hertz which was located a quick 3-minute shuttle ride away from the airport.
Be aware that even though the rental car companies may carry names like Budget and Thrifty, they’re local companies that were bought over by the bigger corporations. This means that customer service quality and vehicle quality are likely to be different from what you may be used to.
Other things to be aware of when renting a vehicle in Provo is that it can take an hour or longer to pick up your rental— even if you are pre-booked and there’s no line when you get there. This is usually due to slow internet connections making paperwork-processing cumbersome. Additionally, don’t feel pressured to pay for car insurance being offered by the rental company if you already have car insurance or used a credit card that provides rental car coverage. Some companies may insist on you purchasing this however it is not a requirement when renting a car in Provo. Word to the wise: the local car insurance in Provo is high deductible and —barring a total catastrophe—you’re unlikely to incur damages to the vehicle that would meet the coverage requirements. What do we mean? To give you an example: we observed a couple vigorously arguing with a rental company employee over a cracked windshield. They had purchased the rental coverage insurance with a deductible of $1000 and, as repairs were estimated to be only a few hundred dollars, they were expected to pay for the repairs out of pocket as they did not meet the deductible. By now you’re probably wondering why go through all this hassle just to rent a car, right? Well, driving is the single best way to see TCI and, if you avoid this one relatively small pitfall, we’re positive you’ll have a fabulous time in Provo! After all, we’ve rented vehicles there twice now and have no personal horror stories to regale you with!
Make sure to take pictures and videos of the inside and outside of your rental before driving off just for your records. The companies are meticulous when inspecting vehicles on return so it’s prudent to have your own records if questions arise. Oh, and absolutely do not rent a scooter in TCI as the higher volume of traffic almost guarantees a collision.
Driving in Providenciales
Should you ask before your arrival to Provo, you’ll likely be told that driving on the island is “really” easy! And there is some truth to this as Providenciales is small and crossing from one end to the other at its widest point takes no more than 30 minutes or so — with traffic! That being said, there are some unexpected things that we noticed about driving on the island that we think is worth mentioning. First, all signage on the island is in English and navigating with GoogleMaps, Apple Maps and WAZE works well. Secondly, because of its status as British Colony, driving in TCI is done on the left-hand side of the road. Thirdly, there are no stoplights and roundabouts are the main method of traffic moderation. And finally, all vehicle speedometers are in kilometers/hour, but road signs display speed limits in miles/hour so know your conversion if you care to know whether or not you’re speeding!
Many rental cars have a speed alert (a beeping sound that comes on when the speed limit is exceeded) so staying below that limit can ensure you don’t have to tangle with the local law enforcement.
As for the actual act of driving in Provo, we found it to be relatively uncomplicated. There is only one major highway, Leeward Highway, that connects the east and west sides of the island. Although busier now than it was 10 years ago, the traffic is still very manageable, and the highway is in good condition without major potholes or other apparent structural issues. Most surface streets in Provo are also paved and we encountered only one gravel road in our adventures on the island. Drivers tended to be enthusiastic but not overly aggressive and we had no unpleasant encounters or experiences during our many drives. Nighttime driving in TCI was safe but did require extra precaution. We noticed that many drivers used their high beams at night even on the well-lit highway. Admittedly, we were pretty annoyed by this but later came to understand the reason for it once we ourselves had to drive through a few neighborhoods at night. Although there are streetlights in many areas, light pollution does not really exist in Provo meaning that the darkness is dense particularly on surface streets leading many drivers to use their high beams which, unfortunately, they later often forget to turn off when on busier roadways. Oh well…live and let live!
Speed bumps are poorly marked and substantial. If you’re not paying attention on the neighborhood roads, then you could easily take flight in or knock the engine right out of your rental car so go slow and keep your eyes peeled for those little devils.
Where to stay in Providenciales
Because of its small size, it’s hard to go wrong when picking an area to stay in Providenciales. Each side of the island has something different to offer. Currently, Grace Bay beach is the most popular and most developed tourist area in Provo. Cute shops, trendy cafés, glamorous resorts, and incredible fine-dining restaurants all fronted by the white sands and turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach make for an unforgettable beach experience. From this somewhat central location visitors can easily travel to just about anywhere else on the island within 20 minutes or less. Sounds perfect, right? So why not just stay here? Well, for starters, accommodations in Grace Bay are outrageously expensive, the area can be somewhat crowded and the beach itself is often incredibly windy.
Adjacent to Grace Bay, Leeward Beach is another good area to consider staying on Providenciales. As this area is purely residential — no giant resorts or shopping strips are located here— the peacefulness and tranquility are unmatched. The main draw to this location is Leeward Beach itself. The rare and unique cyan water of this beach is what entice locals and the few in-the-know visitors. Leeward Beach is a short 5-minute drive away from the liveliness of Grace Bay and is less windy and less crowded. Heed this though: even though this perhaps the most beautiful beach in Provo and is less windy, waves can be powerful here so keep alert as you swim.
The Ocean Club Resort is beachfront and located directly between Grace Bay and Leeward Beach. From this area, you can enjoy all that Grace Bay has to offer while still having access to the unique waters of Leeward Beach.
Ten minutes West of Grace Bay is Bight Beach, yet another gorgeous TCI beach with a personality all its own. While less vibrant to look upon as compared with Grace Bay or Leeward Beach, Bight Beach has something to offer that the other beaches don’t: a coral reef! Also known as the Coral Gardens, Bight Reef is located close to shore on Bight Beach making snorkeling a pleasure in the shallow aquamarine waters. There are fewer hotels in this area however condominiums for rental through Airbnb are plentiful in the area. Additionally, there are several restaurants and cafes and even a Marina in walking distance of the beach. For our stay in Provo, we rented an condo through Airbnb in Bight Beach. The condo was large and airy, equipped with its own washer and dryer and located within the pristine grounds of La Vista Azul Resort.
Despite not being beachfront, the property offered lovely sea views from the higher floors. We particularly enjoyed this location for its proximity to most attractions on the island and its tranquility. One major perk of booking our stay through Airbnb versus a standard hotel room was that we were provided with beach chairs, totes, umbrellas and coolers for use free of charge! To say that this extra amenity really enhanced our beach-hopping days would be an understatement!
For a very family friendly experience in Provo, we suggest checking out accommodations near Long Bay Beach, Sapodilla Beach or Taylor Beach. All of these beaches are shockingly shallow and are safe and fun for kids!
Many Airbnbs in TCI offer extras such as those mentioned above — towels, umbrellas, beach chairs. Some even offer free bicycles and snorkeling gear! We suggest doing a little extra legwork and researching Airbnbs as renting through them may afford you better amenities as compared to a resort!
Currency used in Turks and Caicos
Yet another oddity of Turks and Caicos is that, despite being British owned, the official currency accepted there is US Dollars. Other than USD, no other currencies are accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted through the islands however it’s important to note that poor internet connectivity can lead to failure to accept or properly process credit cards. Additionally, many small businesses like local restaurants and shops only accept cash therefore it’s good practice to have some cash at the ready when traveling through TCI. As to how much cash to bring, we suggest having a healthy stash on hand since TCI is an outrageously expensive vacation destination for tourists. As most products and food must be imported to the island, practically everything is overpriced so brace yourself for a healthy dose of “sticker shock” if you decide to do any shopping in Turks and Caicos.
Even if you avoid the temptation of going on fashion-brand shopping spree in Provo, you’ll still find your budget taking a substantial hit from simply having meals as tourists face a 22% tax on all food purchases. Yes, you heard us…22%! Anyway, all this to say, save up a little and come prepared with your credit cards and cash at the ready to ensure a smooth and fun time in TCI!
Is it safe to travel to Providenciales?
Generally speaking, Turks and Caicos is a safe destination for vacationers thanks to its relatively low crime rate. Crime sprees are not common, and tourists are not typically targeted. Additionally, locals in Providenciales, while somewhat reserved, are friendly and are willing to help if need be. That being said, muggings in remote areas and break-ins do occur therefore exercising standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night is a must. For current safety information be sure to visit the US Department of State or Visit Turks and Caicos before your arrival.
How’s the Weather in Turks and Caicos?
The weather in Turks and Caicos is relatively constant with sunny day aplenty and temperatures ranging from 80-90F throughout the year. Honestly, we’ve never experienced beach weather as perfect as what we were treated to while in Turks and Caicos. Sunny, breezy days of no more than 80F were the norm during our trip. Incidentally, both of our visits to Provo were in the month of February and each time we experienced lots of sunshine, minimal to no rain and only mild humidity. Although the islands tend to enjoy the benefit of a constant, cooling breeze, the winter months can see much stronger winds. Having experienced the winds ourselves, we did not find it limiting and really enjoyed being at the beach without the constant fear of heat stroke that usually accompanies such tropical vacations. The summer months of June through August are the hottest and sunniest months in TCI with temperatures reaching almost 90F and much more intense humidity.
As TCI is in the Atlantic, water temperatures are cooler when compared to other nearby islands that are in the Caribbean Sea. Despite being cooler though the water in TCI is swimmable and very enjoyable once you get past that initial shock of jumping in!
How’s the food and water in Turks and Caicos?
While we can’t speak for all of Turks and Caicos, we can tell you that the food in Providenciales is as varied as the people who inhabit the island. Everything from mouthwatering Jamaican Jerk and Dominican stews to upscale fine dining can be found Provo. In fact, we’re confident that there are about as many restaurants on the island as there are people!
The most sought-after local food in Provo is, of course, Conch which is harvested fresh and prepared and served in every way imaginable. Think fried or “cracked” Conch, Conch ceviche, coconut conch, curried Conch, and the ubiquitous Conch Fritters. Of the many Conch offerings though, we must admit that the famous fritters are our favorite way to eat enjoy this delicacy. As you might expect, almost every local restaurant serves these scrumptious little fritters, but we must warn you: they’re not all created equal! If you’re not sure where to go to find the best ones, we suggest starting with the popular seafront eatery called Bugaloos. Yes, we’re aware that this hugely popular restaurant appears to be a tourist trap, but we assure you; no other conch fritters we tried in Provo was better! Aside from Conch, Provo is well known for its amazing food, and we can heartily attest to enjoying every bite we sampled! Want to see what else we ate in Provo? Check us out HERE or risk missing some of the best restaurants in Provo!
Now, we’ve mentioned before that food costs can be steep in Turks and Caicos and in Providenciales in particular but there are a few ways to lessen the burden when it comes to meals. For example, local grocery stores like Graceway Gourmet do have prepared meals that can be substituted for lunch or light dinners. There are also local spots like Sweet T’s where a box of crunchy chicken wings, fries and a soda will set you back only $5! Don’t be afraid to explore your area when in Provo as you may be surprised to find your next incredible meal in an impromptu food truck just around the corner from your hotel!
Beware of food trucks or stalls without obvious prices listed as they may turn out to be more expensive than dining at a restaurant in Provo. Always make sure to ask prices before you sit down to your meal. This may sound obvious or so you think until you find yourself paying $25 or more for plate of jerk chicken!
As for the water in Turks and Caicos: tap water is safe to drink however the taste of the water is so foul that almost no restaurant will serve it. Be prepared to pay anywhere from 9-15 USD per liter of bottled water at every eatery you visit in Provo. Unfortunately, this cost isn’t really avoidable as most restaurants don’t allow patrons to bring their own beverages, but you can save a pretty penny by stocking up on water from the local grocery stores for your daily use.
Top things to do in Turks and Caicos
While there’s not much to do in the way of nightlife in Providenciales, there’s plenty to do in a day that’ll wear you out before the sun even sets! Here are some of things you won’t want to miss while you’re in Provo!
Go beach-hopping around the Provo!
Although you may be tempted to pick a resort and spend all your time at whatever beach is nearest, we strongly advise you to avoid this. Do not….absolutely DO NOT assume that every beach is the same on the island. We’ve said it before and will say it again: every beach in Provo is unique and worth a visit if you have the time! If you have limited time, then consider visiting at least 2-3 different beaches during your stay. Despite the beaches being close to each other, they all have different sand color and texture, different water colors and even different wind and water temperatures. For a well-rounded experience we suggest visiting Grace Bay Beach for its swimmable waters, Long Bay Beach to see the Shipwreck, Leeward Beach for it’s remarkable water color and Taylor Beach for its secluded tranquility.
Visit Junkanoo Museum
Located off Old Airport Road in Providenciales, Junkanoo Museum is colorful and interesting; showcasing floats, costumes and memorabilia from the Junkanoo Parade held annually on the island. Despite its small size, this museum represents much of the local culture and customs and is an excellent way to uncover more about Turks and Caicos and it’s people!
Don’t miss the Bight Fish Fry!
Although there’s not much to talk about when it comes to nightlife in Provo, there is one event held every week on the island that qualifies as a good party: The Bight Fish Fry. The Bight Fish Fry is held every Thursday night beginning at 5:30 pm and features live music, local restaurants, and vendors and even a Junkanoo performance. The massive event takes place at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in Bight and is comprised of tents selling local seafood, cocktails and souvenirs all fronted by a stage where local performers and a DJ keep the crowd entertained. There are picnic-style tables available for use if you decide to make the Fish Fry your dinner stop. For a seamless experience, make sure to bring cash as many vendors don’t accept credit cards at the fish fry. We suggest grabbing your food from the tent with the longest line that night — because they’re obviously doing something right if everyone wants a bite —, choosing a table with a view of the main walkway and wait for the Junkanoo parade to begin at 8:30pm!
Explore some of the nearby Cays!
To experience the wilder side of Providenciales plan a day trip to any of the nearby uninhabited cays. Many of the Cays can be reached by chartering a boat or by kayak. Half Moon Bay, Little Water Cay and Water Cay are some of the closer little islands that can be easily reached by boat. For a true adventure though, consider scheduling a tour or simply renting Kayaks from Big Blue Collective located and setting out to these truly pristine beach paradises. Keep your eyes peeled for Caicos Rock Iguanas as these can be spotted at any of these little islands.
Go Snorkeling at Bight Reef!
Located just offshore at Bight Beach, the Bight Reef, while not terribly large, is easily accessible and a fun place to snorkel for kids and adults alike. A boat is not required to access the reef as it is in shallow waters. Simply bring your snorkeling gear, walk out to the reef and you’re good to go!
Spend a day in Chalk Sound National Park!
Located on the southwest side of Providenciales, nearby to Sapodilla and Taylor beach, Chalk Sound National Park is a spectacular turquoise lagoon dotted with hundreds of tiny islands. Chalk Sound can be enjoyed in multiple ways the first of which is by taking a scenic drive on Chalk Sound Drive. To get there from wherever you are in Provo, simply set your GPS to Chalk Sound Drive. Now, most of Chalk Sound Drive is residential and the view of the lagoon is not as available due to development as it once was however there are many stopping points along the road that allow access to the lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for Picturesque Lane, a viewpoint right off of Chalk Sound Drive that brings you to the shores of the lagoon. For the best views of the Chalk Sound lagoon though, continue driving to 156 Chalk Sound Drive.
This address will bring you to a section of road that is hillier and that offers the best views of the lagoon. Look for a small gravel pull off directly across from this address. A narrow gravel trail leading into the brush will bring you to an overlook from which you can comfortably enjoy the blindingly beautiful views of Chalk Sound National Park.
The other way to enjoy Chalk Sound National Park is by non-motorized means like Kayaking or Paddle Boarding. To rent Kayaks or Paddle boards, head to Las Brisas restaurant located off of Chalk Sound Drive. The restaurant/hotel offers kayak rentals by the hour and has a small beach nearby from which to launch the kayaks. If you do decide to kayak, keep in mind that the lagoon can be very windy, and you may need a little extra strength to maneuver through it.
If you’re not feeling adventurous or the weather isn’t favorable for water sports, then consider grabbing a meal at Las Brisas restaurant as the views of Chalk Sound National Park from their patio is splendid.
Finally, you can also explore the Chalk Sound Lagoon by a pontoon tour. These tours can also be booked at Las Brisas restaurant and depart from a dock right next to the restaurant. For pricing and times of the tours, contact the restaurant on arrival to the island. Keep in mind that many businesses and tours don’t operate on Sundays in Provo. Regardless of how you choose to explore Chalk Sound National Park, we guarantee that this is one natural wonder on Provo that will leave you spellbound!
