© 2016 YaninaTravels
Traveling to Turks and Caicos was my first solo trip experience. I had an amazing time and met many cool travelers from all around the world. The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are British islands, formed of 40 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean, only eight of which are inhabited. The official language is English and US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. All visitors must have a round trip ticket and are allowed to stay for only 30 days.
WHAT TO BRING
Read my other post Traveling with Less: Travel Gear Guide
HOW TO GET THERE
I went to Turks and Caicos in February 2016. I was able to find a RT air fare flying out of New York’s JFK to Providenciales (PLS) for $260. JetBlue offers nonstop flights. Distance from NYC is 3 hours and 30 minutes. Use Google Flights to find the cheapest possible air fare.
TRANSPORTATION
There is no public transportation on the island. Traffic drives on the left as in the United Kingdom and there are many roundabouts. You can rent a car on Travelocity and drive around the island. As of now (summer 2017), Avis offers less than $200 per week car rental rate with taxes included. Another place to rent a car is Scooter Bob, located in the Turtle Cove Marina area. I used their services during my stay. It’s a family owned business. You should check them out! Keep in mind that weekly car rental is always cheaper, gives you more flexibility to explore the island and to do your grocery shopping from the supermarket every time you need.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel prices in Turks and Caicos are extremely high. The cheapest way to get a lodging is through AirBnb. I stayed at a lovely couple’s apartment in the area of Turtle Cove Marina. You can check their AirBnb listing and read my review about them. Room rate was in the range of $100/night. If you’ve never used AirBnb before, you can accept my invite to join and get $40 off towards your first trip.
Did you know that Turks and Caicos is home to the only conch farm in the world? Try the amazing variety of conch dishes while you are on the island!
1. Sharkbite Bar & Grill (Turtle Cove Marina)
Great for dinner on sunset. It offers the most amazing conch sandwich, beautiful view of the marina and sharks that swim below the balcony each night.
2. Las Brisas Restaurant and Bar (Neptune Villas)
Great for lunch. It presents stunning views of the National Chalk Sound Park.
4. Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe (Grace Bay)
Great for late afternoon and sunset. Beachfront restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy rum punch and curry conch with rice and beans.
BEACHES AND THINGS TO DO
1. Taylor Bay Beach (South, Chalk Sound)
Remote, beautiful with shallow calm water. Bring your own beach umbrella if you plan to spend the day there.
3. Leeward Beach (Northeast)
Less development and less traffic, choppy water but scenic area.
5. Bight Reef on Grace Bay (Coral Gardens Resort)
ITINERARY
Day 1 (day of arrival)
• Spend the day snorkeling and chilling at Smith’s Reef. Bring a cooler with your own food and drinks
• Go for dinner at the Sharkbite Bar & Grill in the Turtle Cove Marina. Get a beer and try their fabulous conch sandwich! I had this sandwich every night during my stay on the island. Watch the sharks swimming under the balcony.
Day 2
• On the way back have dinner at Bugaloos Conch Crawl in Five Cays
Day 3
• Drive to the nearby Rickie’s Flamingo Restaurant to end the day with rum punch and curry conch with rice and beans, while looking at the beach and enjoying the sunset
Day 4
• Half Day Afternoon Snorkel Tour with Island Vibes Tours
Day 5 (last day)