7 Things to Enjoy in Turks and Caicos

For our wedding anniversary last year, my husband surprised me with a trip to the Turks and Caicos.  (And when I say "surprised," I mean I didn't even know we were flying anywhere and I didn't know the final destination until we boarded our second flight!)

Over the years, we have been to many Caribbean islands.  We are always in search of the PERFECT getaway... a place we would like to return and maybe (just MAYBE) own a piece of property someday.  So far, Turks and Caicos is at the top of our list.  It was beautiful, clean, safe, and not overly commercialized.  The people were friendly, the food was delicious, and there was plenty to do.

Here are at least seven things you can enjoy in Turks and Caicos:

1. Accommodations at the Villa del Mar on Providenciales ("Provo"). 

The suite-style hotel is located right across the street from Grace Bay Beach, one of the top ranked beaches in the world.

A short walk through the Grace Bay Club will lead you to the beach, where the Villa del Mar provides complimentary chair and towel service.  (Note, we traveled in March.  Our hotel cost about $300 a night, whereas the Grace Bay Club was at least double that or more. GBC was beach front and gorgeous, but if your budget is less than that, Villa del Mar should meet all of your needs.)

Villa del Mar had two pools, Jacuzzis, an outdoor bar and light breakfast.  Our room was nicely decorated and included a den, full kitchen, and large balcony overlooking the pool.

2. Fly over to Salt Cay and go whale watching! 

(Pet donkey behind a Salt Cay home)

We took a TINY plane over to Salt Cay and went whale watching with Crystal Seas Adventures.  Actually, we jumped in and swam by the whales!  Our captain determined they were being calm enough for us to try this.  This was way out of my comfort zone, but ultimately I made a game-time decision and did it.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, after all.  Meanwhile, David acted like he was "one with the whales" and just kept swimming along with them.  Ultimately, with everyone else back on the boat, we had to go pick him up!

(That's David to the left of the whale!)

On the flight back to Provo, David got to fulfill another dream... sitting in the co-pilot's seat.

3. Take a ferry to North and Middle Caicos.

For a small fee you can choose from a few different companies and take a ferry over to the much less developed North and Middle Caicos (average round trip $40 adults, $30 kids).  The ride takes about 30 minutes.  We booked the "Island Hopping Tour" through our travel agent (see below).  Upon arrival we met up with a driver who gave us a private tour of the islands.  We saw the Conch Bar Caves, Wade's Green Plantation, wild flamingos and one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen, Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos. 

It was time for lunch, and we asked our tour guide to take us where he would usually go.  So, we wound up at The Aquatic Restaurant.  We met a local policeman, our guide's preacher and a few of his relatives.  The meal was mouthwatering and the experience... perfectly authentic. 

4. EAT! 

The food on TCI is to die for.  Fresh fish, cracked conch, and ceviche are abundant.  There are so many restaurants to choose from, but these were a few of our favorites:

- Coco Bistro: reservations are hard to come by but we were able to slip in on a waiting list.  Here you will dine among palm trees and candlelight.

- Bay Bistro at the Sibonne Beach Hotel: we enjoyed our anniversary dinner here on the beach with the sand between our toes.

- Mango Reef at the Alexandra Resort

- Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar is about as laid back as you can get.  Enjoy your meal right on the beach at a picnic table.  Play a game of Bimini while you wait.  And don't forget to purchase a gigantic conch shell on your way out.

5. Get a massage at the Regent Palms Spa. 

The spa is in a separate building from the hotel.  We enjoyed relaxing in the outdoor lounge area overlooking cabanas, palm trees, and a reflection pool before our couples massage.

6. SCUBA Dive with Big Blue Unlimited.

7. Visit the "world's first and only" conch farm, Caicos Conch Farm.

Ready to go to TCI, but need some assistance?  Susan at Turks and Caicos Reservations was an invaluable resource in planning our trip.  Also, Caicos Wheels car rental was about $300 for the week and well worth it.

We spent our last day exploring other beaches, picking up a few souvenirs for our girls, and watching our final sunset on Grace Bay Beach.  Also, for kicks, we stopped by a realtor's office.  You just never know!

There are so many places to stay, dine and explore on TCI, we can't wait to return and discover what we missed!  We hope our recommendations might be helpful to our friends who travel there.  And we are counting on you to share your recommendations with us!