Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about taking a trip to Turks & Caicos, a beautiful collection of Caribbean Islands with gorgeous sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. For first-time visitors, there are some things you should know before planning a trip to Turks and Caicos.
Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?
The islands of Turks & Caicos are just north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as east of Cuba. It’s easy to reach from the United States, with a short flight from Atlanta or anywhere along the Eastern seaboard. Technically, these islands are in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, but it still has a very Caribbean feel.
Do I Need A Passport to Visit Turks & Caicos?
If you are from the United States, Canada, or most EU countries, you won’t need a visa for your Turks and Caicos trip. You will need a valid passport, though, and it should be valid for six months from your arrival date. Turks & Caicos Islands are part of the British Overseas Territories.
Where Should I Go in Turks & Caicos?
The islands are split into two groups, the Turks and the Caicos. Many people visit on a cruise ship, which typically arrives at Grand Turk in the eastern part of the islands. We stayed in Providenciales, which is where most flights to Turks & Caicos land. Grand Turk and Provo are pretty far apart, so if you plan to visit several destinations in Turks & Caicos, you will need to fly or take ferries. It’s best to pick one destination and enjoy it, rather than trying to see them all.
Getting Around Turks & Caicos
Once you’ve landed in Turks & Caicos, if you need to get around, you’ll most likely be taking taxis. There is no public transportation in Turks & Caicos, so your options are limited. Because of limited options. taxis are pretty expensive. They charge per person, so you may be sharing the taxi with other people. Make sure you ask before you get in the cab so you have an idea of what it will cost.
If you want to explore one of the islands at leisure, consider renting a car for the day. You’ll have more flexibility in your schedule, and you’ll probably spend less money than you would on taxis. But remember, they drive on the left here because it’s an old British colony. The cars can go either way: you’ll see some British cars with the steering wheel on the right and American cars with the steering wheel on the left.
Many resorts have bikes available for their guests, and that can be a fun way to get around. However, keeping in mind the traffic, we recommend staying on the smaller resort roads rather than riding on the main arteries.
What Is There to Do in Turks & Caicos?
This is a beach destination that is made for relaxing, however, you will find some fun things to do in Turks & Caicos. Most of your Turks & Caicos activities will center on the water. Of course, the beaches are amazing, and there are several other fun things to do in Turks & Caicos.
- Conch Diving
- Parasailing
- Sailing charters
- Visit Iguana Island
Turks & Caicos has the third largest coral reef in the world, so don’t pass up the chance to go snorkeling or diving. Just make sure you are honest about your abilities with the guides; they’re happy to help you, but if you’re not a strong swimmer or diver, let them know!
Shocks to Expect When You Visit Turks & Caicos
Is Turks & Caicos Expensive?
Yes, it is expensive to visit Turks & Caicos, but it’s worth it. When you go out to eat, a typical dinner entree will be around $40, while a lunch special might be $20. Everything you consume has to be brought in from somewhere else, so the prices are quite high. If you want to save money, consider accommodations with a kitchenette so you can cook some of your own meals. Groceries are expensive, too, but still a bit cheaper than dining out at a restaurant.
Hotels in Turks & Caicos are also typically pretty pricy. There are lots of all-inclusive resorts, plus regular hotels and vacation rentals. Look at the amenities for each option and make sure you are taking full advantage of everything your resort has to offer as it can save you money as well.
When it comes to tours in Turks & Caicos, you can often negotiate a better price, especially if you’re doing a private tour. The guys on the beach offering tours work on commission, so there’s often room to negotiate your price.
What to Eat in Turks & Caicos
The most common “local” food you’ll eat in Turks & Caicos is conch. We went conch diving, and the guides cleaned out the shells and cleaned the meat so we made conch ceviche back at our apartment. You’ll see conch on the menu at most places: cracked conch is Mark’s favorite, while conch fritters are the most common way to serve conch.
Lobster is another popular local food, but if you visit between April and August, it won’t be in season, so you won’t get fresh local lobster. All of the seafood we tried in Turks & Caicos was fantastic, including sole fish, grouper, and snapper. It’s expensive, but the food here is actually really good.
If you’re in Provo on a Thursday, make sure you head to the Thursday Fish Fry. A bunch of vendors will set up little tents and sell different types of fish to eat, and conch is always on the menu.
The islands do have their own beer, which is Turks Head. Turk’s Head Brewery has four main beers (Lager, Amber Ale, IPA, and Light) plus a rotating selection of seasonal beers like Stout and Summer Wheat Ale. Rum is another staple of most Caribbean islands, so you’ll see a lot of fruity drinks with rum.
Service in Turks & Caicos
Remember, you’re on “island time” and nobody is in a hurry down here, especially the servers. You can expect things to just take a bit longer, and if you’re relaxed and in vacation mode, it won’t matter. The people are certainly friendly, just not in any kind of rush! It may take you a few days to get into island time yourself, but once you do, you’ll see why it’s so appealing.
Island Time doesn’t just apply to dining out in Turks & Caicos. It is everywhere! When you land in Turks & Caicos, don’t take your time getting off the plane because passport control is slow, so hurry up to get in line before everyone else on your flight is ahead of you.
More Turks & Caicos Travel Tips
As you’re planning your Turks and Caicos trip, there are just a few more things you should know:
- English is the official language of Turks & Caicos
- The U.S. Dollar is the official currency of Turks & Caicos
- Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s always a good idea to bring some cash for taxis and tips.
- Staying connected is not an issue; we had 4G cell service the entire time.
- The tap water is safe to drink in Turks & Caicos
- Plan to tip around 15% to 20% but check the bill first to see if a service charge has already been added
- Don’t expect much nightlife in Turks & Caicos; it’s pretty quiet in the evenings.
- The electrical outlets are the same as in the US, so no need for adapters\
- Don’t forget to bring bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often!
What to Pack for a Turks & Caicos Vacation
What Are Potcakes?
You might see or read about Potcakes before you get to Turks & Caicos. Potcakes are a mixed breed dog that’s found all over the Caribbean, including Turks & Caicos. You’ll see them on the beaches, and around the popular food spots. They’re generally pretty harmless, if not overpopulated. There’s actually a rescue program in place at Potcake Place to help tourists adopt them and take them home. If you have a dog lover in the family, beware! They will want to bring home a potcake!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
A trip to Turks & Caicos is a great way to relax and enjoy some downtime. They are some of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with just enough activities to have some fun but you will still have plenty of downtime. It is an expensive destination, but everything was of good quality, so we never felt like we were being ripped off. For our first trip without kids in ten years, we have no complaints! Start planning your trip at Visit Turks and Caicos Islands.
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