What are the best things to do in Turks and Caicos?
When you picture your dream vacation to Turks and Caicos, you probably see a pristine stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and... nothing else. And you’d be right. This isn’t a destination where you need a jam-packed itinerary or an alarm clock. Leave the hustle for Europe or the theme parks. The best thing to do here is simple: relax in paradise.
With world-class beaches, calm shallow waters, warm breezes, and year-round sunshine, the islands invite you to slow down. However, once you’ve settled into “island time,” you might find yourself ready to explore beyond your villa’s pool deck. From the vibrant underwater worlds of the barrier reef to the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste, Providenciales (or "Provo," as we call it) offers exclusive experiences that are well worth leaving your lounge chair for.
We know Providenciales inside and out -where to eat, what to do, and how to make your trip unforgettable. Whether you are staying in a private villa on Grace Bay or looking for adventure on Long Bay, here is our expert guide to the very best things to do in Turks and Caicos.
The Crown Jewel: Relaxing on Grace Bay Beach
If there is one reason travelers flock to our shores, it’s Grace Bay Beach. Consistently voted the #1 beach in the world by travel publications and visitors alike, it truly lives up to the hype. The sand is soft as powdered sugar, and the water is a shade of blue that photos just can’t capture.
But here is the insider secret: your experience on Grace Bay depends entirely on where you stay. If you book a room at a large resort or hotel, you will likely be sharing that world-famous sand with hundreds of other guests. While the view is still spectacular, the atmosphere can feel a bit crowded.
For those seeking true relaxation and privacy, a private villa is the way to go. Imagine walking out your back door and having a slice of the world’s best beach almost entirely to yourself.
The Leeward Difference
For the discerning traveler, the Leeward area is widely considered the best part of Grace Bay. It offers the same stunning beauty but with significantly more privacy and exclusivity. At TC Villas, we offer properties like Villa Allegria in this prestigious neighborhood. Staying here means you get the best of both worlds: easy access to the pristine waters of Grace Bay without the foot traffic of the hotel zone. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk where the only footprints in the sand are your own.
Exploring the Neighborhoods: Highlights of Leeward and Turtle Cove
While Grace Bay gets the headlines, Providenciales is made up of unique neighborhoods, each offering a different flavor of island life. Understanding the layout of the island can help you choose the perfect backdrop for your vacation.
Leeward: Exclusive Tranquility
As mentioned, Leeward is the residential, upscale end of Grace Bay. It’s quiet, secure, and home to some of the most luxurious private homes on the island. It’s ideal for families and groups who want to be close to the action but retreat to a peaceful sanctuary at the end of the day.
Turtle Cove: The Snorkeler’s Paradise
On the north central coast of Providenciales lies Turtle Cove, a private residential neighborhood that feels like a hidden gem. This area is famous for Smith’s Reef, one of the most accessible and vibrant snorkeling spots on the island (more on that later!).
If you want to be steps away from underwater adventures, this is the place to be. We manage a significant collection of villas in this area, ranging from intimate 1-bedroom escapes to expansive 8-bedroom estates. Properties like Water Edge, Plum Wild, Sandcastle, and Turtle Beach are all just moments from the shoreline. Staying in Turtle Cove means you can wake up, grab your mask and fins, and be swimming with sea turtles before you’ve even had your morning coffee.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Diving the Barrier Reef
You can’t talk about Turks and Caicos without talking about what lies beneath the surface. Providenciales is part of the Caicos Banks, which hosts the largest barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere (and the third largest in the world). Because of this geological wonder, our underwater world is truly one of a kind.
Whether you are a certified diver or a first-time snorkeler, the clarity of the water and the abundance of marine life are unmatched. You can expect to see colorful coral gardens, eagle rays, barracudas, and, of course, JoJo the dolphin—our local celebrity who frequents these waters.
Smith’s Reef
For an accessible, do-it-yourself experience, Smith’s Reef in Turtle Cove is hard to beat. You don't need a boat to get there; you can simply walk in from the beach. It’s a sprawling network of coral heads that offers excellent visibility. Villas like Reef Pearl and Impulse place you right on the doorstep of this natural aquarium.
The Wall
For serious divers, "The Wall" is a bucket-list experience. This is where the shallow waters of the Caicos Banks drop off dramatically into the deep ocean abyss (over 6,000 feet deep!). The vertical coral walls are teeming with life, and gazing into the deep blue is a humbling and exhilarating experience.
Choosing Your Adventure: Private vs. Public Boat Tours
While shore snorkeling is fantastic, the best way to fully appreciate the barrier reef and the surrounding cays is by boat. When booking a tour in Turks and Caicos, you generally have two options, and the difference in experience is night and day.
Public Tours
Public tours can be a fun, budget-friendly option, but they come with trade-offs. You will typically be on a smaller vessel crowded with 30 to 40 other tourists. The itinerary is fixed, and you’ll be snorkeling in a large group, which can sometimes scare off the marine life. It’s a standard experience—functional, but rarely memorable for the right reasons.
Private Charters
For our guests, we almost always recommend a private charter. You will be visiting the same beautiful locations, but you’ll do it on a luxury yacht or a spacious catamaran with just your family and friends.
A private charter offers:
- Flexibility: You set the pace. Want to stay longer at Iguana Island? No problem. Want to skip the crowded spots and find a secluded sandbar? Your captain can make it happen.
- Comfort: Enjoy ample space to lounge, premium food and drinks, and personalized attention from the crew.
- Access: Smaller, private boats can often get closer to the reefs and beaches than the larger tour boats.
This isn't just a boat ride; it's a day of total freedom on the water. We work with the most reputable charter companies on the island and can help you book the perfect vessel for your group.
Adrenaline on the Water: Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing
If your idea of relaxation involves a bit of heart-pumping action, head to the south side of the island. Long Bay Beach is world-renowned for adventurous water sports.
Unlike Grace Bay, which can be deep, the water at Long Bay is incredibly shallow and flat for miles out. Combined with the consistent trade winds, this creates the perfect conditions for kite surfing and wind surfing. Whether you are a seasoned pro or looking to take your first lesson, this is the place to do it. You’ll see colorful kites dotting the horizon almost every day.
For those who want to be in the center of the action, we offer world-class beachfront villas right on Long Bay, including Aguaribay, Villa Isla, Conched Out, and Sunrise.
The Mandalay Experience
For large groups seeking the ultimate luxury on Long Bay, the Mandalay villa is in a league of its own. It’s a resort-like private estate that comes with a full staff, ensuring your every need is met while you enjoy the thrill of the coast. Imagine spending the morning kite surfing right in front of your villa, then returning to a chef-prepared lunch by your private pool.
A Taste of the Islands: Enjoying Fresh, Local Seafood
Food is a huge part of the travel experience, and in Turks and Caicos, the menu is defined by the ocean. It’s important to note that almost everything on the island is imported—except for the seafood.
Because of this, we always recommend leaning into the local catch. If you are looking for a steak, it will be good, but if you order the snapper, grouper, or lobster, it will be world-class.
Conch: The Island Staple
You cannot visit TCI without trying conch (pronounced "konk"). This giant sea snail is the island's main export and cultural icon. You’ll find it prepared in endless ways:
- Conch Fritters: Deep-fried, savory balls of batter and conch meat—the perfect appetizer.
- Conch Salad: A fresh, ceviche-style dish made with raw conch, peppers, onions, and citrus juices. It’s incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
- Cracked Conch: Tenderized, breaded, and fried strips, often served with fries/chips.
The Thursday Fish Fry
For a mix of local culture and cuisine, try to catch the weekly Island Fish Fry at Bight Park. It brings together local restaurants, live music, and artisans. It’s a lively atmosphere where you can sample fresh seafood from various vendors and soak up the local vibes.
Dining In
One of the joys of staying in a villa is the ability to dine on your own terms. Many of our guests choose to hire a private chef for a few nights of their stay. These chefs are experts at sourcing the freshest local catch and preparing it right in your villa’s kitchen. Enjoying a lobster dinner on your private terrace while listening to the waves? That’s the definition of island luxury.
Planning Your Perfect Getaway to the Caicos Banks
Turks and Caicos is more than just a destination; it’s a state of mind. It’s about stripping away the noise of everyday life and reconnecting with the things that matter—nature, family, and peace.
Whether you dream of waking up steps from Smith’s Reef in Turtle Cove, lounging in luxury in Leeward, or catching the wind on Long Bay, the key to a flawless trip is where you stay. At TC Villas, we don't just list properties; we curate experiences. Our founder, Henry Moog, built many of the villas on our site, and we only offer the best.
We know that navigating a new destination can be daunting, but that’s why we are here. From choosing the right villa to recommending the best private boat charter, we handle the details so you can handle the relaxing.
Are you ready to escape to the best beaches in the world? Browse our exclusive collection of villas today and let’s start planning your perfect island retreat.
Find Your Perfect Turks & Caicos Villa
TC Villas represents 38 luxury villas across Providenciales, including beachfront homes on Grace Bay, Long Bay, Taylor Bay, and Chalk Sound.