Turks and Caicos

What to do in Turks and Caicos

Snorkel the Black Forest

Just off-shore in 35 feet of water is a "forest" of black coral chock-full of brilliantly-colored coral and marine life. It's snorkel heaven, not to mention a fantastic spot for underwater photography!.

Caicos Conch Farm

You'll learn all about these unusual sea critters from their breeding stage to egg incubation to full maturation through touch tanks and engaging videos.

Scuba Diving

All the islands offer excellent diving. Countless varieties of colorful fish and coral, and a breathtaking reef that is 65 miles across and 200 miles long, are just the beginning of the underwater attractions. Off the northwest corner of Provo is Smith's Reef, which houses brain and fan corals, sea cucumbers, green parrot fish, long-nosed trumpet fish, and hawksbill turtles. Off the shore of Provo's Grace Bay is a 14-mile long barrier reef that's teeming with everything from vibrant schools of fish to barracuda to rotund grouper. At Grand Turk, divers can take a night dive on a wall. Bioluminescence turns the daytime colors into phosphorescent illuminations of the night. Off Salt Cay divers can explore the HMS Endymion, which sank in 1790. The ship's cannons and anchors are still clearly visible. And off the southern shore of West Caicos is Molasses Reef, which is rumored to be the resting place of Columbus' ship, the Pinta.

Beaches

Non-divers can enjoy the spectacular ocean scenery from the pristine beaches. On Provo, Grace Bay has calm, iridescent waters and is the perfect place for a stroll at daybreak or dusk. Erebus Beach offers great snorkeling at Smith's Reef. And on isolated Long Bay, along Provo's southeastern shore, visitors find blissful solitude. On Grand Turk, Governor's Beach is the most popular spot for picnics and parties.

Boating

Don't miss out on one of the many boating excursions offered throughout the islands. Many include snorkeling and lunch (usually a picnic or barbecue). Some offers sunset cruises and glass-bottomed boats. Guests lucky enough to be on the islands from December through April may have an incredible whale-sighting as the entire Atlantic pod of 2,500 humpback whales migrate by the shores.

Biking

The flat terrain and mostly paved surfaces are perfect for leisurely bicycle riding. And biking offers a great way to see the many sites in town, including the beautiful Bermudan buildings in Cockburn Town. Many of the hotels have bicycles available, as do bike shops around the islands.

Golf

Golf lovers will love the Provo Golf Club, which is ranked among the Caribbean's Top 10. Along with the 18-hole course, golfers will find an air-conditioned West Indian-style clubhouse, a bar and grill, a driving range, and a pro shop.

Tennis

There are many courts available, and while most of them belong to the hotels, non-guests are usually welcome to use them for a small fee.

Turks and Caicos National Museum

The islands' only museum is on Grand Turk. The exhibits here offer a peek into the early days of the islands, going as far back as the tribal population. Don't miss the fascinating exhibit on the Molasses Reef wreck.

Shopping

Those looking to shop should head to Provo. The Bamboo Gallery sells various Caribbean art, everything from Haitian paintings to native metal sculptures. Greensleeves offers paintings, rag rugs, baskets, and jewelry all made by local artists. Maison Creole has furniture, carved wood masks, and canes. Mama's Gifts sells hand-woven and embroidered straw baskets, handbags, hats, and shell and wood jewelry. And Paradise Gifts/Art has an on-site ceramics studio, as well as jewelry and T-shirts.