Destination: Turks and Caicos Islands
Just under a two-hour direct flight from Miami, FL and only 87 miles away from Haiti and Dominican Republic, rests the gorgeous British Overseas Territory of Turks and Caicos Islands. With eight main islands and over 100 small cays, Turks and Caicos is the ultimate tropical vacation for all to enjoy! In today’s post, we will be taking you to the main tourism island, Providenciales.
Let’s explore this paradise destination.
Top 7 things to do in Providenciales (TCI)
❖ Watch the sunset at Taylor Bay Beach
A beautifully secluded beach, Taylor Bay Beach provides the most amazing sunset watching experience. If you want to avoid the big crowds setting camp to watch the sunset at Sapodilla Bay, head on over to Taylor Bay Beach. Unlike Sapodilla Bay, Taylor Bay Beach offers a more silent and private experience where you get to enjoy the sunset almost all to yourself. The shallow waters make this gem great for families with smaller children, as well. It is a little tricky to find, but once you do, you will be happy to share the beautiful sunset with less people who are likely to ruin your sunset time-lapse. For directions, simply type Taylor Bay Beach on your phone GPS system and it will take you to what seems like a private neighborhood. Do not be fooled, drive right through the cement pillars and you will find a tucked in alleyway between two very nice villa communities. Once you identify the entrance, go on and grab your beach chairs and favorite beverages because you are in for an experience of a lifetime.
❖ Take the unbeaten path to Split Rock
A breathtaking sight located southwest of Providenciales; this natural rock formation is a must see. To get there, you must journey across 9km of rocky and uneven terrain where you will encounter steep inclines and declines, large rocks, gravel, and large potholes everywhere. If you didn’t opt for the Jeep as your rental, no worries. We had a compact Suzuki and we made it just fine; I occasionally hopped out and ground guided the vehicle for safety reasons. The drive to Split Rock is a scenic one, you will be venturing across an uninhabited piece of the island with low lying areas and turquoise waters on either side. You will need to conduct a short 10-15 minute hike to get the view from the cliff. For this, we recommend you wear shoes that have good traction. The trail to Split rock itself is dangerous due to possible trip hazards and falling off the cliff. If taking kids, ensure you keep close supervision. Your trek will first lead you to Pirates Cove. You will know you arrived because you will see a wooden ladder in a hole. Climb down and enjoy the view! Unfortunately, people have caused damage to the walls by writing graffiti. Please do not write on the walls; we want to preserve this piece of history as best as possible. Continue to the Split Rock cliff; soak in the gorgeous panoramic views and be on the lookout for some sea friends. During our visit, we saw a huge eagle ray from above and witnessed the osprey nest on the rock across from us. Split rock is also known to be a cliff jumping site. However, if you’re an adrenaline junky, be sure to only jump during hightide and when the current is weak. We did not jump for safety reasons, and we are not endorsing you jump either; at the very least, we are providing the information for proper jump conditions! If you decide to visit Split Rock, we recommend you head on over early to avoid running into too many people and avoid the beaming mid-day sun. We headed out at 0830 and arrived at 0915. When we arrived, we only encountered one couple on their way out. Once it was time for us to leave, we started seeing more and more tourists show up in their jet ski tours. When you finish the hike, you must stop to see Bonefish Point. Bonefish Point is a beautiful beach where you will likely see no one while you’re there, besides the occasional jet ski tour making a quick stop. This spot has so much to offer so we recommend at least 4 hours to truly enjoy everything. You won’t regret your trip. The views itself are worthwhile.
❖ Take a snorkeling tour to Half Moon Bay
Only accessible by boat, half moon bay is a beach you do not want to miss out on. We booked a 4-hour snorkeling tour which included a stop at this beautiful island. As we disembarked from the boat, we were greeted by the most peaceful rock iguanas who were either sunbathing in the super fine white sands or taking a short snooze underneath the trees. Ensure you wear sandals as you walk across the island as there are small rocks and sticks on the ground. After a 3-minute walk through the iguana habitat, you will come to see one of the most gorgeous beaches in TCI. Your eyes are immediately filled with the magnificence of the turquoise waters and rock formations along the coast. Feel free to venture along the coast, for there are multiple photo opportunities. We almost did not make it back to our boat! If you are visiting, please do not disturb the iguanas or any other wildlife.
❖ Snorkel Coral Gardens Reef
Thanks to its proximity, this reef can be easily visited from the shores of The Bight Settlement and Grace Bay Beach. If you’re looking for a snorkeling spot suitable for the kids or craving a swim in picturesque turquoise waters, Coral Gardens Reef is the perfect spot for adults and children of all ages. The soft white sand is always a great alternative for the kiddos not interested in swimming, as well. The beach is easy to find; simply type in the name and follow the GPS. You’ll most likely arrive at a roundabout which is where you will park, then walk the path to this beautiful family-friendly beach. Don’t be afraid to wonder away from the reef into the seagrass! This will increase your chances of seeing turtles and rays! Even though there are places to eat, we always recommend you take your own water and snacks. Save room for the better places we recommend down below!
❖ Visit the artificial corals of Malcolm’s Reef
A long stretch of golden sand and different shades of blue, Malcolm’s Road Beach is one you cannot miss. The road may seem sketchy, however once you pass the “Dead man’s hill,” it is accessible from there! If you’re not feeling adventurous, you can always park at the viewing area and walk to the beach. Be mindful that the walk is approximately 1.5 miles downhill and in the sun. No matter how you decide to reach the beach, take plenty of food and drinks. Malcolm’s Road Beach is a beautiful snorkeling spot, but it is about 30 minutes out from the nearest shop or restaurant. Once you secure your perfectly shaded area, head into the water to snorkel the reefs. Initially, you will see an artificial reef filled with the cutest colorful fishes. If you are feeling up to the task and want to see something bigger, grab a partner and swim about 500 meters into the deep. The water is extremely clear which made the whole experience peacefully intimidating. This reef can be dangerous, and it is recommended you are an experienced swimmer. Utilize the buddy system while swimming towards the open water and stay alert! Although we did not have a shark encounter (which is common at this reef), we did come across a 4-foot Barracuda that was stalking us. We simply swam closer together and kept an eye on this magnificent creature. It isn’t every day you make intimate eye contact with a giant fish!
❖ Swim with Turtles at Smith’s Reef
Let’s talk about my favorite swimming spot on the whole island. While every place we visited brought the upmost joy, Smith’s Reef was my favorite place. We visited Smith’s reef almost every day while on TCI, here’s why! Smith’s Reef, located in vicinity of Turtle Cove, offers every shade of blue and the perfect balance of reef and seagrass you can think of. The north access is known to be the best entrance point into the reef. You will pass all the villas, enter a valley into a hidden parking area, then walk about 1,000 feet on the beach towards the reef. Because of the walk, be sure to pack light and bring refreshments. You will know you’re there when you see the Smith’s Reef safety sign and the safety buoys tied in the water. Take a moment to read the sign as you prepare to enter the water; make note of the location of the boating canal and be mindful of the current. It is very important to stay off the coral and only swim around the protected area. No worries, you are getting the best view by swimming on the outside as this exposes your chances of seeing larger fish and wildlife. Whether visiting early in the morning or late afternoon, you’ll find yourself swimming with one of the loveliest animals on this earth: Sea Turtles! Yes, we all dream of traveling to Hawaii and swimming with turtles, but no one mentions how common it is to see them in TCI, too! While at Smith’s reef, we encountered various Hawksbill and Green turtles enjoying a delicious meal or simply swimming around. On various occasions, the turtles were curious to see what we were and swam towards us! Aside from swimming with turtles, Smith’s reef also offers the best opportunity of seeing gorgeous eagle rays swimming between the reefs. Smith’s reef has a lot more wildlife movement than others mentioned on this list. This is a spot you’ll definitely want to visit more than once!
❖ Book a clear kayak tour through Mangrove Cay
Yet, another adventure you can’t miss, a kayak tour through Mangrove Cay will only bring you and your loved one’s smiles! Depending on what time of year you visit TCI will determine the time your tour will most likely begin as the tours are ran based on high/low tide. We visited in late December which meant that high tide and our tour started around 3 P.M. During your tour, you’ll be taken on an adventure to learn about the ecosystem within the mangroves. On ours, we came across baby lemon sharks, learned about the mangroves, and saw multiple species of bird. As we kept moving, we were given the opportunity to hold a live conch and had an interactive Q&A regarding the upside-down jellyfish. The highlight of the tour was, of course, seeing all the turtles settling in the mangroves for the night. The clear kayak gives a completely different experience since you can see the turtles right under you as you paddle! Be careful not to hit the turtles with your paddle, although they will appear all around you! This is a great experience for families; I highly recommend!
❖ Don’t miss the Island Fish Fry
An island favorite! If your visit to TCI includes a Thursday night stay, be sure to check out the Fish Fry at Bight Park. This weekly event is held every Thursday from 5:30-9:30 P.M. and offers a variety of entertainment. Looking for souvenirs? Here is your chance to buy from local artists. Ranging from proxy work to handmade art, or your typical fridge magnet, there’s so many things to choose from! Looking for the best live music? They had a DJ, a band, and a singer when we visited! All kinds of genres were played! Looking for a small meal and locally made beer? Grab a plate from any food vendor, a refreshing beer from Turk’s Head Brewery, and take a seat where you can! One of our favorite dishes was the freshly made conch salad; also, give the famous “gullywash” drink a try! This is a family-friendly event and a fun way to indulge yourself into the TCI vibes.
Where to eat the best food in Providenciales
Dining in Providenciales (Provo) was one of the best experiences. From great customer service to liquor-rich cocktails, to the freshest seafood, there isn’t a bad place to eat. Every restaurant offers a unique atmosphere, preparing delicious dishes resembling the island vibes. TCI does not only offer beautiful beaches, but they also offer some of the best dishes I have had while traveling.
Read below for a list of our favorite food spots and why:
❖ Mango Reef
Mango Reef is a beautiful open restaurant located in Turtle Cove marina. Mango Reef offers a Mediterranean/Italian selection which turned out to be absolutely delicious. This is a family-friendly restaurant, but if you’re looking for a romantic setting, this is still the perfect place. We were seated immediately upon arrival and did not require a reservation. Service was delightful, food was cooked to perfection, and the cocktail selection was fantastic. We were traveling with a picky eater and the restaurant adjusted to their requests.
❖ Las Brisas
If you’re looking for the perfect lunch view, this is your spot. Located on the water of Chalk Sound National Park, this restaurant makes all their meals fresh as the orders come in. This means that you want to give yourself some extra time if you’ll be dining here. Everything is worth the wait. The Lobster tail is incredibly delicious (make sure to ask for melted butter on the side)! Las Brisas also offers kayak rentals. If you decide to rent some, be sure to check out the sunken airplane which is about two miles out from the dock. If you’re more interested in relaxing, there are very comfortable patio chairs that guests are welcomed to use. There is also a small beach for the little ones to enjoy while you wait for your food.
❖ Da Conch Shack
A common recommendation made by the locals. Da Conch Shack might have started off as a small shack for locals to enjoy but it is now a full-blown restaurant. With an outdoor bar, multiple patios, and beachfront dining (literally located on the water); did I mention this spot offers the cutest photo ops? We attended dinner- with no reservation- and still got seated on the beach! The sound of the waves was the perfect end to our day, but I would have loved to visit during the lunch time to view the beach! Nonetheless, while it is more of a touristy location, the food and service were great. For groups of 3-4, I recommend digging into the Pirate’s Pot: a seafood “gumbo” with island flavors. Absolutely wonderful.
❖ Juicy Juicy Burger
I was craving Conch Salad intensely while in Provo. We stopped at four other locations before we came across this little gem. Located on Sapodilla Bay, we did a two for one here: visited the beach and finally found my Conch Salad. Juicy Juicy Burger is a deceiving name, but don’t be fooled. This shack offers all kinds of small plates ranging from all-beef burgers to fresh whole fish and a full-service bar, all while on the beach. The couple that owns this spot made the experience even more enjoyable. They were friendly, kind, and hardworking individuals. The entire time we sat by waiting for our food, they made conversation with us and told us about how they ended up moving to TCI from the Bahamas, it truly was a great experience. Not to mention, the food was DELICIOUS. The Conch salad was prepared to perfection; after expressing how much I loved conch salad, they offered to add mango and pineapple at no additional charge. They made amazing shrimp kabobs and of course had very juicy burgers. Strong drinks, great freshly made food, and great company. That’s what this place has to offer, and I would visit ten times over if I could. If you’re in Sapodilla Bay, do yourself a favor and order from Juicy Juicy Burger.
❖ Bugaloo’s
The road may seem a bit sketchy, but Bugaloo’s is quite the sight once you enter the restaurant. Located next to Sunny’s Fish Plant, this waterfront property offers more island vibes than anywhere else. This is where you will find the famously pictured tables in the beach letting you dine right in the water. They also have the cutest up-cycled boat tables offering more privacy, or patio and bar seating. Bugaloo’s was our first dining spot; we stopped for lunch upon arrival to TCI. There were only a few other families having lunch that it basically felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We sat at a boat table and took time to explore the water while we waited for our food. Delicious fish sandwich, clam chowder soup, and conch fritters! They also have sushi options or the usual kids’ menu. When you visit Bugaloo’s, you MUST leave space for their rum cake. This adult dessert is soaked in rum but packs the perfect amount of sweetness. For a less crowded environment from its neighboring competitor, visit Bugaloo’s.
❖ Mr. Grouper
Another local and tourist recommendation, Mr. Grouper was the most packed restaurant we visited. Unfortunately, we must have caught them at a bad time because our food was not as great as everyone hyped it up to be. After talking to many locals throughout our trip, even they were shocked when we mentioned we did not enjoy our time at Mr. Grouper; this leaves me to think that they are usually better, and we got unlucky. We ordered the coconut conch and whole fried snapper; the coconut conch was enjoyable and had lots of flavors, but the fried fish was burnt to the point that the fish was dry and flavorless. Of all the restaurants we tried, this was the most touristy and less enjoyable one. I really hate to say it but there are better options. Of course, I would love to give it another try next time I visit TCI. Maybe then I could recommend it in a more positive light but for now, it wasn’t our favorite.
❖ Chinson’s Grill Shack
Adding Chinson’s onto our list of great food because this funky BBQ spot offers an interesting variety of food. They are a Jamaican/Chinese inspired restaurant with Island drinks and Dominican vibes. Talk about a mix! Although we ordered our snack food to go, we did enjoy the bar while we waited. The cocktails are much stronger than the frozen drinks so if you’re looking to get a tingle, opt for those instead! We enjoyed the atmosphere of this cute shack; and it seems to be a local favorite as well. As we made conversation with the waitress’, they also seemed to be talking to just about everyone at the bar about what their Christmas plans were going to be. You could tell they all knew each other; what do you expect while living on a small island! Like I mentioned before, we ate our snack back at the Airbnb. The Fish and chips were deliciously made- not soggy, not over cooked, it was just right! I recommend visiting Chinson’s if you’re looking for something other than seafood or even just to grab some drinks! Either way, it’s a good time!
❖ Noris Restaurant and Bar
Are you interested in dining like a local? If you’re looking to truly indulge yourself into Dominican culture, here is your spot. Be mindful that any dining spot that is a locally known restaurant will be on a set schedule. This means they will open for lunch from 11:30 to about 1 P.M. and again for dinner at 5 P.M.; anything other than that, you’ll be out of luck. With that said, we asked the locals near our Airbnb for their recommendation on an ACTUAL local restaurant. We told them we wanted to eat somewhere they like to dine. So here we are, at Noris’, where they serve kitchen style Dominican food. Apparently, this restaurant is still in its recently open stage, so it looked like a tiny home turned into a restaurant/bar when we went. The service was patient and kind while we asked thousands of questions and decided what we wanted to order. The food was delicious and authentic; also, it only cost $60 USD for all 5 meals we ordered. This spot is a true hidden gem and I highly recommend visiting if you want real Dominican cuisine.
10 Quick Tips to make your trip better!
❖ Nature is taken care of EXTREMELY well and taken very serious on the islands! Do not disturb any wildlife or protected habitats, unless you are looking to pay a hefty fine!
❖ Drive on the LEFT side of the road! If you’re not used to this, the hardest part are the roundabouts (which are everywhere). Drive carefully and follow the flow of traffic.
❖ All beaches are PUBLIC, so take your own chairs and umbrella anywhere you’d like. While resorts may have chairs along the beach, you have every right to be there too. Take a seat and enjoy!
❖ The airport is TINY. And there is no WiFi! Make sure to download your accommodation’s location prior to arrival and plan to get to the airport at least 3 hours before your departure flight.
❖ Rent the car! It’ll be cheaper than your taxi expenses combined, and you get more freedom to roam the island!
❖ Parking is free on the island! Only exception we experienced was during the weekly Fish fry, however if you get lucky enough to find parking elsewhere on the road, you’re good.
❖ Please pick up after yourself to maintain the beauty of the beaches and the safety of the animals that live there. Also, buy reef-friendly sunscreen (:
❖ Bring your own snorkeling gear! While many resorts and tours will include the use of snorkeling gear, having the comfort of your own equipment is much better! Don’t forget to pack the fins, as well!
❖ Talk to the locals! Everywhere we went, we made conversation with the people around us. This helped us find fun places to enjoy and learn more about the mixed culture on this island!
❖ If you plan on island hopping, know that the ferry does not transport vehicles. After doing more research, we found that the ferry will only transport people to Middle Caicos. Plan accordingly!