Things to Do in Turks and Caicos
Some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, around a chain of low, quiet islands.
See top-rated activities »About Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos are a British Overseas Territory made up of about 40 low islands and cays southeast of the Bahamas. They have no mountains or rainforest; what they have is water, in shades of turquoise that are hard to believe, surrounded by one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world. Most visitors stay on Providenciales, known as Provo, which has the international airport and most of the hotels.
Grace Bay Beach, on Provo's north shore, is a long stretch of fine white sand with calm, clear water, and it is protected as part of Princess Alexandra National Park. Snorkelers can swim straight from shore at Smith's Reef and Bight Reef, and boat trips visit Little Water Cay, known as Iguana Island, home to the endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana. On the southwest side of Provo, Chalk Sound National Park is a shallow lagoon of startling blue dotted with small islands, best seen by kayak or paddleboard.
Beyond Provo, a short ferry or flight reaches North and Middle Caicos, which are greener and very quiet, with the dramatic cliffs and beach of Mudjin Harbour and the Conch Bar Caves, one of the largest cave systems in the region. Grand Turk, the capital island, has the historic town of Cockburn Town, the Turks and Caicos National Museum and wall diving close to shore; from January to April, humpback whales pass nearby on their migration.
Food is a large part of a visit, especially conch, which appears fried, in fritters, in salads and in chowder, and the beach shacks at Blue Hills on Provo are the classic place to try it.
Getting around Provo is easiest by rental car or taxi; driving is on the left. Weather is dry and sunny much of the year, though the islands are in the hurricane belt from June to November. Kayak and clear-bottom boat tours through the mangroves, and paddleboarding at Chalk Sound, are gentle ways to see the water for those who do not snorkel.
Don’t Miss
A shallow turquoise lagoon dotted with rocky islets.
Island history, shipwreck finds and a garden in a historic house.
The capital island, with Cockburn Town, a lighthouse and wall diving.
A local nonprofit with reef-safe snorkeling advice and maps.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Turks and Caicos
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Caribbean may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Turks and Caicos — FAQ
What is the best beach in Turks and Caicos?
Grace Bay on Providenciales is the most famous, with calm, clear water. Long Bay is popular for kiteboarding, and Taylor Bay and Sapodilla Bay are shallow and good for children.
Can you snorkel from the beach?
Yes, at Smith's Reef and Bight Reef on Providenciales. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral and watch the current.
Is Turks and Caicos expensive?
It is one of the pricier Caribbean destinations, since most food and goods are imported. Villas with kitchens and beach shacks help with costs.
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