Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos—specifically Providenciales—is a tropical paradise offering breathtaking beaches, warm sunshine, delicious cuisine, and endless opportunities for adventure. These are a few essential tips to make the most of your visit.
1. Bring Everything You Need
Providenciales is an island that heavily imports everything, so be prepared for prices anywhere from 2-3x more than what you might be used to, especially if you’re traveling from the U.S. Stock up on toiletries, snacks, and other essentials before you arrive. Don’t forget bug spray—mosquitoes are prevalent.
2. Shuttle, Taxi, or Rent a Car
• Most resorts have sister resorts or shuttles that allow you to pop from Grace Bay to Long Bay Beach and vice-versa.
• If you can’t stand the thought of being stuck on a resort or opt for an AirBnb, rent a car through Thrifty. Otherwise, taxis can take you anywhere you need. Expect $15 to $30+ per passenger, each way.
• If you’re in the U.S, driving on the left side of the road takes getting used to, but all rentals are automatic and you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Make sure you bring your driver’s license.
3. Stay Connected
• Check with your phone service provider and be prepared that your phone data may not work. Coffee shops have WiFi, but marinas and docks often do not. Upgrade your service if constant connectivity is critical.
4. Where to Eat
• Casual & Affordable: Turks Kebab, Danny Buoy’s in Grace Bay.
• Upscale: The Rock House restaurant, Vita, Sui-REN (The Shore Club), and The Farm (Grace Bay) for upscale food.
• Local Flavor: Da Conch Shack (get there before 6 pm for good service and better food), Bight Fish Fry.
• Coffee Shop: Lemon2Go in Grace Bay for great coffee, smoothies, and a fun gift shop.
• Grocery stores like IGA are best for budget-friendly breakfasts, snacks, and on-the-go lunches.
• Best Dessert: Dee’s Delight. Her store is tucked in a tiny corner near an ice cream shop and coconut stand in Grace Bay.
5. Best Beaches & Snorkeling
• Best Beaches: Long Bay (great for kiteboarding), Grace Bay, Sopadilla Beach, Five Cays Beach.
• Snorkeling: Smith’s Reef is unmatched. Please respect the restricted area and do NOT stand on the coral reef.
Expect lunch to cost around $30 per person and dinner for two to total $150 when dining out. The meals are large so you can save money and split them.
6. Tipping & Money
• Restaurants typically include a 10% service charge. Add another 10-15% for good service.
• Cash is king for small vendors and excursions (bring a mix of large and small bills).
7. Safety First
• Avoid walking around in non-tourist areas or run-down areas of Kew Town at night. Stay close to resorts and activities if you like the nightlife.
8. Must-Try Activities
Catch a traditional Junkanoo show at the Conch Shack in Turks & Caicos. According to Wikipedia, “Junkanoo originated in the 1700s as a way for enslaved Africans in the Bahamas to celebrate the holidays around Christmas. The festival was a form of resistance and self-expression, and it incorporated elements of African traditions, Bahamian folklore, and European colonial practices.”
• Kiteboarding at Long Bay Beach. Shallow waters make this a primo spot. Consider taking a kiteboarding lesson.
• Snorkeling Smith’s Reef. Stop by Shark Bite afterward for a cocktail and a lovely view of the marina.
• Jet skiing to the shipwreck (Long Bay Beach). Or take a tour and dive off the ship!
• The Bight Fish Fry (Thursday evenings) for live music, amazing food vendors and shopping.
• Paddleboarding or kayaking at Chalk Sound National Park.
• Live music at Castaways (Grace Bay).
• E-Foil in TCI
• If you have time, take the ferry and rent a car to visit North Caicos and Middle Caicos. It’ll cost a few hundred dollars extra with the ferry and car, but it’s worth the gorgeous views, a quiet vibe and cave exploration.
9. Random Handy Tips
• Jellyfish stings happen; bring a portable warm compress.
• Outlets are U.S. standard (120v, 60 Hz).
• Call to confirm hours and availability. Those reliant on Google Maps will experience some frustration planning around outdated information.
For more comprehensive Turks & Caicos travel tips and an in-depth view of island activities sights, Visit TCI has one of the best travel websites there is.
