Picture this: Your eyes wander around and you see 360 degrees of beautiful turquoise clear waters with dozens of hues of blue... Welcome to paradise — Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory comprising 40 low-lying coral islands and cays dotting the Atlantic Ocean. An oasis for sea, sun and sand worshippers, the Caribbean archipelago boasts world-renowned beaches, great diving sites and exciting water sports. Of the 40 islands, there are 8 main, inhabited islands, separated into two sections: The Turks Islands to the east and the Caicos Islands to the west of the Turks Island Passage.
Grand Turk Island is the capital and the main gateway to the archipelago. Steeped with colonial history, the island is sprinkled with the remains of salt ponds and windmills from its 17th century sea salt industry. Close to Grand Turk is Salt Cay, a tranquil destination for cruisers who want to escape the large crowds and reconnect with unspoiled nature. Parasail over Grace Bay, offering an endless selection of things to do, such as heading out for a tee time at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, relaxing on the pristine shores of Grace Bay Beach and exploring the spectacular barrier reefs of Princess Alexandra National Park.
Turks and Caicos Islands Cruise Highlights
Grand Turk IslandGrand Turk Lighthouse
Grand Turk Island
Fascinating colonial heritage, beautiful beaches and exotic animals dwell in Turks & Caicos' capital and port of call. The 19th-century Grand Turk Lighthouse is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the island, offering a glimpse into the island’s treacherous history and serving as a picturesque backdrop for photos. The island is also blessed with stunning beaches where you can sit back and relax, such as Governor’s Beach and Pillory Beach. For history buffs and culture vultures, exploring Turks & Caicos National Museum is a must!
Salt Cay
Salt Cay
Called “the Island Time Forgot,” Salt Cay is a slice of peaceful paradise in Turks & Caicos with a low number of residents that call it home and uncrowded beaches to boot. The tiny, sparsely populated island promises a rugged experience off the beaten track and showcases remainders of the island’s abandoned salt industry. Its proximity to the Grand Turk Island makes it a premier destination for cruisers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle. Whilst here, travellers get to enjoy whale-watching, beachcombing, scuba diving and more.
Chalk Sound National Park
Chalk Sound National Park
Famous for its shallow blue lagoon, Chalk Sound National Park is a scenic park in Provo, surrounded by limestone islands with pristine waters. Although the park is nearly landlocked, a winding channel connects it to the ocean and Caicos Banks off the south of Providenciales. The sheltered lagoon is home to abundant marine life, awe-inspiring wrecks and a vast blue hole underwater cave. Kayaking on the brilliant lagoon waters not more than 5-feet deep and algae-free, you’ll spot endangered iguanas, bonefish, barracudas and stingrays.
Turks and Caicos Islands a Glance…
Things to Do in Turks and Caicos Islands
Grace Bay Beach
Lounge on a beach
Turks & Caicos has no shortage of white-sand beaches throughout the islands, so sun-worshippers and beach enthusiasts will always be spoilt for choice! Grace Bay Beach was hailed the world’s best beach in 2022, thanks to its crystal-clear turquoise waters and multiple access points. A less busy alternative is Leeward Beach, with sugary soft sand and azure waters to enjoy. Other excellent beach destinations include Long Bay Beach, where you can horseback on the shallow waters, the kid-friendly Taylor Bay Beach, and Pillory Beach, which makes a perfect snorkelling destination.
Rock Iguana, Iguana Island
See rock iguanas
Keep an eye out for the native rock iguanas in Iguana Island or Little Water Cay. Sightings of these fierce-looking creatures are often observed in the nature reserve, strolling on the boardwalk trails or on the beach dunes. The population of rock iguanas in this island are endangered species so visitors are prohibited to touch, feed or harass the iguanas or their eggs — simply admiring them from a right distance is the right conduct. Besides iguanas, you can also catch sight of sea turtles and sharks on the island.
Mudjin Harbour
Take a day trip to the twin islands
The twin islands are composed of North and Middle Caicos — the two are connected by a causeway, so you can conveniently move around the sister islands. Many travellers flock to Middle Caicos to visit the Mudjin Harbour — a majestic coastal landscape known as one of the most photographed locations in Turks & Caicos. Satisfy your shopping needs in the Middle Caicos Co-op, offering good local finds, including weaved items, handcrafts, jewellery and more. Meanwhile, some of the best beaches in the archipelago can be found in North Caicos, such as Whitby Beach and Hollywood Beach.
Turks and Caicos Islands Cruise FAQs
How to get around Turks and Caicos?
There’s no mode of public transportation in the archipelago, so the best way to get around is by taxi or car rental. And if you plan to island-hop from the capital, the simplest and most convenient way would be riding a ferry or booking an intra-island flight.
What part of Turks and Caicos do cruise ships go to?
Cruise ships lay anchor in the archipelago's capital, Grand Turks Island, at the Carnival-operated Grand Turk Cruise Center. It’s the only cruise port on the island and the main gateway for cruises to Turks and Caicos.
When is the best time to visit Turks and Caicos Islands?
The peak tourism season runs from December to April, with February to April being the most ideal time to visit especially for first-time visitors. These months offer the best combination of reasonable prices, availability and pleasant weather.
Which one is better: Bahamas or Turks and Caicos?
If you’re seeking a quiet escape from the large crowds in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos is one of the best alternatives in the Caribbean. The archipelago has a fair share of secluded, exquisite beaches to laze on the sun and enjoy exciting water activities.
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