Located in the Caribbean to the southeast of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos archipelago consists of 40 low-lying coral islands. The island group’s main hub is the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo. It is home to beautiful Grace Bay Beach, which is lined by luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. There are many things to do in Turks and Caicos, and below are some of the highlights – popular things to do among visitors to the islands.
Relax on Grace Bay
Located on the north shore of Providenciales, Grace Bay Beach is everything you could want from a picture perfect tropical beach – the water is an amazing turquoise blue and the sand is powdery soft and white. Spend a day sunbathing on Grace Bay Beach and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Grace Bay is also backed by most of the island’s luxury resorts, so there is no shortage of entertainment – meaning shops, bars and restaurants are never too far away.
Kiteboard at Long Bay Beach
South of Grace Bay in the southern part of Providenciales Island is Long Bay Beach, known as a popular spot for kiteboarding. Here, the Atlantic trade winds create perfect conditions for this water sport. The bay is ideal for first-timers, and you’ll be able to rent all the necessary equipment from local providers. Kiteboarding lessons by professional instructors are being offered as well.
Visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum
Learn about local history at the Turks & Caicos National Museum, which is one of the top heritage draws of the archipelago’s capital, Cockburn Town. It features many exhibits about the local culture, including an exhibit about the native Lucayan peoples who resided here before the arrival of the Europeans. Another fascinating exhibit is the reconstructed archaeological remains of the iconic Molasses Reef Wreck, which is the oldest shipwreck in the entire Americas. This ruined Spanish caravel is thought to have been sunk around 1500.
Explore the Conch Bar Caves
Located on Middle Caicos Island, the Conch Bar Caves cut deep into the limestone rock beds and form a subterranean labyrinth of caverns, tunnels and chambers. Some of the cave system’s interesting features include stalactites, stalagmites and columns, along with pools that fluctuate with the ocean tide. Some of the chambers have graffiti depicting the names and dates of some visitors from the early 20th century. Due to some sensitive cave features, all visitors to Conch Bar Caves must be accompanied by a guide.
Discover the Columbus Landfall National Park
Located along the west shore of Grand Turk, the Columbus National Park marks the very spot where Christopher Columbus is believed to have first set foot on the lands of the New World back in the 1400s. The park extends out into the water, and the main draw of this park is the natural wonders that abound offshore. It is here where you will find many of the best beaches and dive sites on Grand Turk, including Cockburn Town Beach, Governor’s Beach, Pillory Beach, English Point and the Cruise Center Beach. This is where many visitors are doing their PADI qualification, and there are numerous outfitters on offer in nearby Cockburn Town.