Turks & Caicos Islands ~ Travel Guide

TURKS & AICOS
C SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2010

The best places to eat, sleep and play
in Turks & Caicos this spring and summer
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TURKS CAICOS
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make your plans.

The beautiful islands of the Turks and Caicos are just east
of the Bahamas and north of the Dominican Republic and
Haiti. Although its neighbors are in Caribbean waters, Turks
and Caicos actually calls the Atlantic Ocean home. But, don’t
PACKING TIPS worry, its islands offer the best of the Caribbean, like one of
1. “On arrival in the Turks and Caicos the longest coral reefs in the world, 230 miles of white sandy
Islands, you must show a valid
passport. You must also have a
beaches and crystal clear waters. With temperatures ranging
valid onward or return ticket.”— between 80 and 95ºF throughout the seasons, Turks and
TripAdvisor Member, Toronto, Ontario
Caicos is a year-round destination, although hurricane season
2. “Buy a couple of inexpensive plastic (July to October) can bring severe weather.
rafts and pack them. Leave them
for someone else when you leave.”— Turks and Caicos is comprised of eight major islands: Salt Cay,
TripAdvisor Member
Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North
3. “I highly recommend bringing your own
snorkel gear—you know it fits well
Caicos, West Caicos and Providenciales (nicknamed “Provo”).
and you know who’s used it. Better safe The islands are relatively flat but, depending on the island, the
than sorry!”—TripAdvisor Member, terrain varies from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. The
New York
people on the islands are known for their friendliness, although
4. “We always a pack a fairly extensive
first-aid kit. Bug spray may be
East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited. Whichever
necessary. Another good thing to take island you choose, you’ll be far from the madding crowd, amid
is LOTS of small bills for tips.”—
tranquility instead of glitz.
TripAdvisor Member

tripadvisor.com 2

Top
VIEWS
TURKS & CAICOS BEST VIEWS
Take in the “truly remarkable” sights at West “The south part of Providenciales faces the Take in the view from below the water at
Harbor, “which really isn’t much of a harbor Caicos Bank, a shallow, pale turquoise sea French Cay: “The visibility was almost 100
at all, but a small rock beach from which and is partly composed of swamp and tidal feet at times. We saw nurse and reef sharks,
the best sunset in the world can be seen.”— flats, filled with an abundance of conch and turtles, spotted eagle rays, crabs, lobsters,
TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y. lobster.”—TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey big groupers and dolphins.”—TripAdvisor
West Harbor, Providenciales Caicos Bank, Providenciales Member, Payson, Arizona

PLAY
French Cay

Where
to

TOP 10 Attractions
1. SNUBA Turks and Caicos, Windsong Resort, Stubbs Road, Providenciales, 6. Grace Bay, Providenciales
649 332 7333 7. Caicos Dream Tours, Alexandra Resort and Spa, Providenciales,
2. Flamingo Divers, Venetian Road, Southside Marina, Providenciales, 649 231 7274
649 946 4193 8. Blue Water Divers, Front Street, Grand Turk, 649 946 2432
3. Big Blue Unlimited, Providenciales, 649 946 5034 9. Dive Provo, Providenciales, 649 946 5029
4. Grand Turk Diving, Duke and James Streets, Grand Turk, 649 946 1559 10. Provo Ponies, Long Bay, Providenciales, 649 946 5252
5. The Beluga, Providenciales, 649 946 4396

FAMILIES
“I highly recommend SNUBA for both “Our 7- and 3-year-old boys loved their visit “This island has every single type of beach
children and adults. We got to see gorgeous to Little Water Cay (a.k.a. Iguana Island). you could want. If you want super clear
reefs, many different tropical fish, as well Iguanas were on the beach to greet us when water, go to Coral Gardens. I saw
as sea turtles, a sting ray, squid... The child our boat arrived, and a stingray was in the stingrays, turtles, tons of fish and JoJo the
in our group had no problem adjusting and water beside the boat. We took the short dolphin. The turtles feed off to the left in
tour, walking on a raised wooden walkway
enjoying the dive.”—TripAdvisor Member, the grassy area if you want to find them.”—
to see the iguanas in trees, walking around,
Massachussetts eating, etc. The guide called some of the TripAdvisor Member, New York
SNUBA Turks and Caicos, Windsong iguanas by name and they came running. A fun Coral Gardens Reef, Grand Turk
Resort, Stubbs Road, Grace Bay Beach, stop for kids and adults alike.”—TripAdvisor
Providenciales, 649 332 7333 Member, Toronto, Ontario
“...an excellent place to
Little Water Cay, Providenciales view sunsets.”
ROMANCE
“We asked locals to point us towards the best Sail around Chalk Sound, “the inland body With its shallow, calm waters, Sapodilla Bay
adventure for our 29th anniversary. The of water that is the brightest shade of blue “is an excellent place to view sunsets, paddle
Beluga was the only suggestion. We were not you have ever seen.”—TripAdvisor Member, around in the sea and have a few cold ones.”—
disappointed. We set sail around 9 A.M. and Turks and Caicos TripAdvisor Member, Tbilisi, Georgia
were immediately thrilled with our experience.
The captain KNOWS the islands and the Chalk Sound, Providenciales Sapodilla Bay Beach, Providenciales
waters in that area of the Caribbean and has
many a story to add to the folklore. I highly
encourage anyone to take advantage of this “The Beluga was the only suggestion.
charter.”—TripAdvisor Member, St. Louis, Mo.
We were not disappointed.”
The Beluga, Providenciales, 649 946 4396

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 877 633 3716 tripadvisor.com 3

PLAY
Where
to

BUDGET
“We LOVED Malcolm’s Beach. It was Bight Reef is the “best … reef … ever! If you are looking for rest and revitalization,
an adventure, as we drove to the middle There are tons of fish—some were a water activities, hiking, napping and beach
of nowhere and made it out to this semi- really cool blue, others reminded us of combing, then come to Salt Cay. “The
secluded beach. The snorkeling was great, bumblebees. There are little info tiles along north beach is gorgeous and you can walk
and we brought some snacks with us.”— the way. The water is so clear you can read for miles and see only your own foot prints.
TripAdvisor Member, Greenville, N.C. them perfectly.”—TripAdvisor Member, The south beach is like a treasure hunt and
Malcolm’s Beach, Northwest Point Beach, Pasadena, Md. we found lots of beach glass. This beach
Providenciales Bight Reef, Providenciales gets the stuff that comes off ships and such
and rides the currents of the ocean.”—
TripAdvisor Member, California
“…walk for miles and see
Salt Cay
only your own foot prints.”
ADVENTURE
“Art Pickering’s Provo Turtle Divers rocks! “We took off down the beach on the old Take your adventurous spirit to Gibbs
The captains were all entertaining and very Crossing Place Trail, which goes for miles Cay, an uninhabited island with beaches
informative about the dive sites and had these along unpopulated beach. We were gone for and exceptional diving. “The stingrays! I
wonderful maps before every dive. The fresh three hours and never saw anyone else. It’s cannot say enough about the experience.”—
fruit and snacks were like having a feast! We a great place for photography, bird watching TripAdvisor Member, Lino Lakes, Mo.
saw sharks, eagle rays, turtles and one day we and beachcombing.”—TripAdvisor Member Gibbs Cay, Grand Turk
snorkeled with a pod of dolphins. There were Crossing Place Trail, Middle Caicos
also tons of small things like shrimps, conch,
blennies and flamingo tongues everywhere.”—
TripAdvisor Member, Virginia TripAdvisor members have posted
more than 3,000,000 photos on the site.
Art Pickering’s Provo Turtle Divers, Turtle The good, the bad and the very candid.
Cove Marina, Providenciales, 649 946 4232
It’s almost like being there!

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
“Learn the historical significance” of Turks “The Conch Bar Caves are unusual in “I am in love with Dive Provo and
and Caicos at the National Museum. that they were formed by salt water. They everyone who works there. We have
“You’ll learn of the oldest known Caribbean have few actively growing stalactites but been there twice and had an awesome
shipwreck and see remnants of it at lots of columns and lots of stalagmites. experience both times. A staff member
this museum. Definitely a good visit Two unusual features are the tree roots was exceptionally passionate about the life
between sun bathing, diving and dining.”— penetrating into the cave from above and below and went out of his way to find rare
TripAdvisor Member, Columbus, Ohio the vertical stove pipe cavities in the ceiling. animals for us to see. He also knew how to
Turks & Caicos National Museum, Front Very interesting!”—TripAdvisor Member, crinkle a water bottle to attract sharks. We
Street, Guinep House, Grand Turk, Toronto, Ontario saw a great hammerhead!”—TripAdvisor
649 946 2160 Conch Bar Caves National Park, Middle Member, Knoxville, Ky.
Caicos Island Dive Provo, Ports of Call Shopping
Complex, Providenciales, 649 946 5029
RELAXATION
Go whale-watching at Grace Bay. “It’s “The lakes and generally tight tee shots Northwest Point Beach is “a lovely,
stunning; pictures don’t do it justice. The at Provo Golf Club make for a constant empty stretch of beach with good walking
water in the summer months is lovely and challenge. And the course always provides and certainly no hordes of other tourists.”—
warm.”—TripAdvisor Member, Haywards a cool and green respite from the beach.”— TripAdvisor Member, Texas
Heath, U.K. TripAdvisor Member, United Kingdom Northwest Point Beach, Providenciales
Grace Bay, Princess Alexandra National Provo Golf Club, Grace Bay Road,
Park, Providenciales Providenciales, 649 946 5591


TOUR
What’s
the

How to Get Around
“One of the highlights of our trip was a “There are many methods of getting around “To get between islands, use one of the
kayak eco-tour with Big Blue Unlimited. the Turks and Caicos Islands. Rent a car; ferry services or take a plane. Domestic
It was a great introduction to the islands. anyone with a license from the United air service from Sky King is available on a
We received an excellent education on the States, Canada, the United Kingdom or daily basis.”—TripAdvisor Member
island make-up and wildlife. It made the Caribbean countries may drive for up to
rest of the week so much more enjoyable three months. (Keep in mind that cars drive
as we understood more of what we were on the left side of the road.) Taxis are also
looking at. They definitely seemed like the available and generally charge around $2
most environmentally aware tour operator per mile. Anyone over the age of 18 can
around and everything they did was in small rent a scooter and bicycles are available as
groups.”—TripAdvisor Member well.”—TripAdvisor Member
Big Blue Unlimited, Leeward Marina,
Providenciales, 649 946 5034

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eat

FAMILIES
With everything from Popcorn Chicken “After trying a few other restaurants on the “Mango Reef at The Royal West Indies
Nuggets to The Caribbeaner pizza, “Tiki island, I found myself returning often to has a huge range on their menu from
Hut Cabana Bar & Grill is an island Jimmy’s for the reasonable prices and large burgers and wraps, to delicate soups, sushi
institution. It’s very casual.”—TripAdvisor portions. The burrito was awesome! The and steak. It isn’t on the ocean but it always
Member shrimp fajitas were great, and the burger was gets a nice breeze. They do some very good
Tiki Hut Cabana Bar & Grill, Dockside at huge.”—TripAdvisor Member, New York dinner specials here at certain times.”—
Turtle Cove Marina, Providenciales, Jimmy’s Dive Bar, Ports of Call, 649 946 5282 TripAdvisor Member
649 941 5341 Mango Reef at The Royal West Indies,
Royal West Indies Resort, Grace Bay Road,
“…an island institution.”

ROMANCE
“Dinner at Simba is an entirely different “Overlooking Turtle Cove Marina, Magnolia ‘My girlfriend and I were very impressed
and good experience. It’s buzzing at night is an upscale restaurant that’s casual and by the food, the ambiance and the service
and seemed to be a local favorite among friendly, too. It’s owned and run by a couple at Coco Bistro. Of all the places we dined
the islanders. The chef even came out that came here on their honeymoon about on the island, this was the best overall
and greeted us one night.”—TripAdvisor 15 years ago. Get there just before sunset experience. Make a reservation, because it
Member, Westport, Conn. and have a cocktail overlooking the whole fills up!”—TripAdvisor Member
Simba, The Turks and Caicos Club, Lower bay.”—TripAdvisor Member Coco Bistro, Grace Bay Road,
Bight Road, Providenciales, 649 946 5588 Magnolia, Miramar Resort, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, 649 946 5369


WHERE
to
eat

BUDGET
Serving fresh and unique items for breakfast, “If you’re looking for casual dining with Serving big bites, like Fresh Caicos Lobster
lunch and dinner, “Hemingway’s is very good food at a reasonable price, then and small bites, like Hammerhead Hot Dog
good value for money and is right up by the Somewhere Cafe is the place. Good food, Jr., “The Sharkbite Bar & Grill is a long-
ocean.”—TripAdvisor Member service and, most importantly, the people time casual favorite.”—TripAdvisor Member
Hemingway’s, The Sands at Grace Bay, made it a memorable part of our stay.”— The Sharkbite Bar & Grill, Turtle Cove,
Providenciales, 649 946 5199 TripAdvisor Member, Fleetwood, Penn. Providenciales, 649 941 5090
Somewhere Cafe, Grace Bay Beach,

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HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
“Top of The Cove Deli is a popular spot for Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace’s menu “From the minute the host greeted us, the
breakfast as well as sandwiches for lunch.”— changes seasonally with an emphasis on entire meal at The Lemon Cafe was a
TripAdvisor Member fresh, full-flavored regional ingredients, fabulous experience. We loved the fact that
Top of The Cove Deli, Next to Napa on including mangos, coconut, Kaffir lime and they use as many locally grown fresh foods
Leeward Highway, Providenciales, sweet yams. “Great upscale food in an as possible. Two of the members in our
649 946 4694 oriental garden type setting.”—TripAdvisor party were vegetarians and found plenty
Member of fabulous food to eat.”—TripAdvisor
Grace’s Cottage at Point Grace, Point Grace, Member, Eliot, Maine
Providenciales, 649 946 5096 The Lemon Cafe, The Village at Grace Bay,

“Conch straight out
of the ocean.”

HIDDEN GEMS
Go where the locals go: Da Conch Shack. Coyaba Restaurant is “a lovely place to “Calico Jacks Restaurant & Bar is a casual
Feast on “conch straight out of the ocean. dine, inside the charming restaurant or eatery with live music to dance the night
Have the local fish of the day with peas and outside nestled amongst the palm trees. away under the stars every Friday night.”—
rice. Have a pitcher of our local beer, Turks Wonderful food, charming amuse-bouche TripAdvisor Member
Head, to go with it.”—TripAdvisor Member, and palate cleansers, and over-the-top Calico Jacks Restaurant & Bar, Upstairs at
Turks and Caicos desserts. Absolutely worth the trip!”— Ports of Call, Grace Bay, Providenciales,
Da Conch Shack, Blue Hills Road, TripAdvisor Member, Boston, Mass. 649 946 5129
649 946 8877, Providenciales Coyaba Restaurant, Coral Gardens, Penns
Road, Providenciales, 649 946 5186

SPECIAL EVENTS


STAY
Where
to

FAMILIES
“Our one-bedroom condo at Northwest “Our family of three thought Alexandra “My family and I recently returned from
Point Resort was very comfortable, cozy, Resort & Spa was perfect. It’s located our stay at The Regent Grand on Grace
quiet, clean and roomy, with a wonderful on the most beautiful stretch of Grace Bay Bay. The resort is beautiful and inviting. The
view of the sea. It was so nice and relaxing beach and is completely uncrowded. The rooms are well-appointed, with top-of-
having breakfast on our balcony and just studio unit was great! My husband is an avid the-line fixtures and appliances. In addition
listening to the waves. I miss it already.”— scuba diver and he was impressed with to the resort amenities, the staff was
TripAdvisor Member, Austria the dive sites and the marine life. Our only friendly and accommodating.”—TripAdvisor
Northwest Point Resort, Northwest Point disappointment was that we had to return Member, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Beach, Providenciales, 649 941 8961 home.”—TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill. The Regent Grand, Regent Street, Grace
Alexandra Resort & Spa, Princess Dr., Bay, Providenciales, 649 941 7770
Grace Bay, Providenciales, 649 946 5807
ROMANCE
“Le Vele is exclusive, with only 22 rooms. “The personal service at Harbour Club Villas “Point Grace Resort was a beautiful quiet
Want a romantic getaway? This is it! Take & Marina began from the first call and did not place on Grace Bay Beach. I would highly
the kids elsewhere! There’s nothing end until they dropped us off at the airport recommend this place for a couple seeking
between your view of the ocean and your for our return. Our villa was immaculate and an intimate small resort. Our oceanfront
balcony. It’s MODERN design at its finest.”— met all of our expectations. Off the beaten suite was incredibly stunning with amazing
TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y. track, Harbour Club Villas offers a beautiful views from the porch. (The beach was just
Le Vele, Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, setting. It helped make our honeymoon a trip steps away!) The resort is on the best part of
649 941 8800 we will never forget.”—TripAdvisor Member, the beach with limited crowds. Service was
Chicago, Ill. very good with most of the staff keeping to
Harbour Club Villas & Marina, Venetian themselves unless asked for something.”—
“Take the kids elsewhere!” Way, Providenciales, 649 941 5748 TripAdvisor Member, Washington D.C.
Point Grace Resort, Grace Bay,
BUDGET
“Caribbean Paradise Inn is a quiet place “Although Sibonne Beach Hotel is not the “I felt instantly welcomed and like family at
where you can relax. The rooms are nice most luxurious when compared to some of the Manta House. The rooms are very relaxing,
and clean, and everyone has a veranda or others, it was absolutely everything we wanted and beds are very comfortable. A simple week-
a balcony. The owner is very polite and and needed. It’s right on the beach, has a great long dive vacation turned into a month-long
ready to help if you need it.”—TripAdvisor restaurant on the premises and is in close adventure of a lifetime!”—Toronto, Ontario
Member, Firenze, Italy walking distance to great snorkeling and other Manta House, Duke Street, Grand Turk,
water sports. Excellent value for the money.”— 649 946 1111
Caribbean Paradise Inn, Grace Bay,
Providenciales, 649 946 5020 TripAdvisor Member, Greensboro, N.C.
Sibonne Beach Hotel, Grace Bay Beach, “Our biggest decision each
Providenciales, 649 946 5547 day was deciding what frozen
cocktail to order”
LUXURY
“When we arrived at Villa Renaissance, we “The Gansevoort has the perfect balance “What can I say … Amanyara was over the
were told to leave everything because, as of five-star service offered within a chic, hip top FABULOUS! As only two of maybe eight
of that moment, we were on holiday! Our environment. The overall interior design, as other guests, we were spoiled beyond belief.
guest cottage was set on the beautifully well as the pool, is stunning. If you’re looking Our room was to die for. Our biggest decision
landscaped grounds mere footsteps from for somewhere to relax, kick back and enjoy each day was deciding what frozen cocktail
the most spectacular pool we have ever the beautiful, crystal clear island water, this to order and where we wanted to follow the
seen. And the staff members were some is the place for you!”—TripAdvisor Member, sun. There was a pathway leading to our own
of the nicest people we have ever met.”— Toronto, Ontario private beach. We snorkeled right from the
TripAdvisor Member, Montreal, Quebec Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, Grace Bay beach.”—TripAdvisor Member, Oklahoma
Villa Renaissance, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Beach, Providenciales, 649 941 7555 Amanyara, Northwest Point, Providenciales,
649 941 5300 649 941 8133


STAY
Where
to

HIDDEN GEMS
“We spent 12 idyllic days at Turtlewatch “Turks and Caicos Club is magnificently “We stayed at the Royal West Indies Resort
guest house and it was perfect! If your idea designed and sits on a quiet, secluded beach. for a week and loved it! The beach is quiet,
of paradise is a quiet spot on a Caribbean Our Oceanfront Suite was very spacious and peaceful and just plain gorgeous. The staff were
island, a beautiful cottage with a perfectly well appointed. The property grounds are all super friendly and the grounds were beautiful.
appointed deck to watch spectacular sunrises beautifully kept and we had the pool area to There were not many people there when we
and sunsets, a quiet stretch of white sand ourselves whenever we used it. The beach was went, so it was very relaxing. It was a great
just three minutes walk away and four great virtually empty. Service is low-key, but if you value compared to other upscale hotels and
restaurants within a 5-minute walk, then this needed anything, they were happy to help. The we wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Provo. WE
is definitely the place for you! In short, this quiet intimacy is the charm of this place. If you LOVED IT!”—TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey
place is wonderful—I almost didn’t want want a restorative, secluded getaway, this is Royal West Indies Resort, Grace Bay,
to post a review to keep it our secret.”— it!”—TripAdvisor Member, Toronto, Ontario Providenciales, 649 946 5004
TripAdvisor Member, London, England Turks and Caicos Club, West Grace Bay
Turtlewatch, Coconut Road, Providenciales, Beach, Providenciales, 649 946 5800
649 941 5458

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