Turks and Caicos Islands

Eco-friendly travel guide to Turks and Caicos Islands advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean, North America.

Sunset in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Bus connections: 1 / 5

Train connections: 0 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3 / 5

National parks: 5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 5 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 4/ 5

Accommodation: US$100 - $250

Budget per day: US$300- $500

Responsible Travel

Without a doubt, the Turks and Caicos Islands make a perfect holiday destination for many reasons. Its luxurious environment stands out with a relaxing ambiance that anyone would crave at any time.

Traveling responsibly to Turks and Caicos entails having a pleasant stay without any hitches. This is only possible when you abide by laws that help to keep the environment clean.

The island is concerned about its appealing nature and cleanliness. Thus, ensuring that you contribute to keeping it clean entails being a responsible traveler.

You can also be a responsible traveler by engaging in sustainable shopping. It lets you have some of the local items.

Air Quality and Pollution

Some people believe that it is impossible for individuals not to engage in activities that lead to air pollution. What matters is that this does not become a consistent action.

We cannot say that we agree or disagree with this school of thought. However, we can say that the air quality in the Turks and Caicos Islands is fair.

People sometimes engage in harmful activities that lead to air pollution. However, it does not always make the air quality low.

When you are on this island, you might sometimes encounter compromising situations that degrade the air. Most times, air quality is usually air.

Respect the Culture

You will realize that Turks and Caicos island is one of the chilliest places to visit. Being respectful in this place does not require much as long as you respect individual differences.

There are no restricting laws about dressing neither do they curb how people should act. However, it should always be in your mind not to engage in activities that would inconvenience others.

Once you are conscious of other’s safety, you would have a smooth stay on this island.

Being respectful also entails not engaging in activities that would harm its waterbodies or animals.

You will not have issues with the authorities or anyone if you abide by these instructions.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Here are some of the top places to visit in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is important to note that most of them have to do with water.

In no particular order, they are:

Flamingo Lake: Many people might have never seen flamingos before. There is a unique lake for them on Turks and Caicos island. You get to learn more about these animals, and you can also engage in fishing when you are at this lake. It is a great place to relax either alone or with friends.

Three Mary Cays: Since there is a calm water condition at this place, the atmosphere is always excellent. Allow us to tell you that you can get breath-catching views at this place. If you love to engage in snorkeling, you can do it at this place. Even if you are a newbie to it, this is an excellent place to learn. Some people say you do not need to be in a rush to leave when visiting this place.

Horse Stable Beach: You should not expect this beach to be empty or lonely when you visit. After all, it offers a lot of activities for people to do. Due to this, there is always lively and vibrant energy. Walking around at this will always put a smile on your face. We can also not fail to mention that it is a great avenue to make friends.

Mudjin Harbor: It is one of the numerous beaches on Turks and Caicos island. Its striking blue waters have a way of captivating anyone who visits. What stands out is its neat environment and the different views you can get. Anyone who visits this place can agree that it is a splendid place to take pictures. Thus, do not forget your camera when going there.

Casablanca Casino: You know what they say about a casino? There is never a dull moment when you are at a casino! Thus, why not visit this place? The energy is always top-notch, making you wear a broad smile. At this place, you get to share drinks with others who love gambling. It is a perfect place that lets you analyze and observe the behavior of the locals of this island. You cannot have any regrets concerning visiting this place.

Gibb's Cay: It is one of the small uninhabited islands on Turks and Caicos island. Thus, you can visit this place if you want to have a getaway. You can engage in many water activities and have fun. It is best to get your snorkeling game in order as it is a top activity at this place. We can assure you that you will love this island.

Cheshire Hall Plantation: It is typical to see people, especially foreigners taking guided tours around this plantation as it lets you uncover the history of the island. You can get most of the information you desire from the pictures at this place. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask your tour guide as it is their duty to ensure that your curiosity is satisfied.

Little Water Cay: Did you know that you can see iguanas when you visit this place? It is a place that lets you have undisputed fun. Nothing should stop you from diving into the waters when visiting this place. Many people lose track of time and do not feel like leaving when they visit this beach. We can assure you that it is worth visiting!

Provo Ponies: Imagine getting to enjoy the feel of water while you ride on a pony. We can tell that your imagination is running wide at this point. Instead of fantasizing, you should visit this place. It is one of the perfect places to create memories. The tour guides are also always helpful when you are riding the horses. They can also take your pictures if you desire.

Provo Golf Club: Everyone can agree that golf is a relaxing activity. Thus, why not visit a golf club and connect with others? You get to relax and enjoy yourself while also making new connections. There are also restaurants and bars at this place which makes it more exciting. The golf course at this place is excellent.

Explore

People visit a new place for different reasons. Whatever these reasons might be, one common factor is that there is the urge to explore.

It is why some places rank higher than others when it concerns holiday destinations. Tourists would not want to visit an area that does not have many tourist attractions.

Most of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tourist attractions are beaches or something relating to water bodies. There is always a summer vibe when you are in this place.

Dressing is usually causal in this area as you need to be free while exploring and having fun. Having an open mind will also come in handy while exploring.

City Parks

Do you wish to explore the city parks? Some of them in the Turks and Caicos Islands are:

The Bight Park: It should not be surprising that there is a beach at this park. What makes it outstanding is how it is always bubbling both during the day and at night. People engage in both swimming and kayaking at this place. It is perfect for relaxing and having fun.

Half Moon Bay: It is another city park in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You can take a tour of this place and enjoy its calm atmosphere. It is relieving to know that this park is easily accessible.

The Bight Park

National Parks

If you are on the lookout for national parks, here are some of them:

Cockburn Town Beach: People have nothing but high commendations for this place, primarily because of its beauty. This place is usually lonely and deserted due to its location. If you are looking for a getaway while on the Turks and Caicos Islands, you should explore this national park. It is also a perfect place for snorkeling.

English Point Beach: Some people might not want to have high expectations about this beach since it is a public beach. However, we can commend it as it reaches some standards. You can have fun with others at this place and can see hermit crabs running around.

Cockburn Town Beach

Beaches

As a foreigner in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you will see lots of beaches. The beaches on this island are among the first things to come to mind when you think about the island.

Thus, we would recommend that you explore as many beaches as you can before leaving. We can assure you that you will have a swell time at any of the beaches, irrespective of if it is public or private.

You are bound to see others who also have the mindset to have fun. It will be wrong to visit any of the beaches with low energy.

Some of the beaches are:

Taylor Bay Beach

Babalua Beach

Pillory Beach

Landmarks

A landmark is something that many foreigners look forward to knowing when in a new place. There is the idea that knowing different landmarks will come in handy when you are trying to learn how to move around or understand the terrain.

Some people say that you can never get missing in an area if you know its landmarks. Thus, it is only ideal that we highlight some of the landmarks you can see on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

These landmarks are structures that can either be seen from afar or have the ability to make people pause and take a second look.

Some of them are:

Grand Turk Lighthouse

Sapodilla Hill

Museums

One can also decide to explore the museums when in a new place. You can visit all its museums for a place like the Turks and Caicos Islands as they are only two.

You learn about the culture and other essential knowledge you need to know about the area at these places. It could be in the form of a story in books or pictorial representations.

What matters is that they are passing a message. It will interest you to know that the museums in the Turks and Caicos Islands are well kept and maintained.

These museums are:

Turks and Caicos National Museum (Cockburn Town)

Turks and Caicos National Museum (Grace Bay)

Turks and Caicos National Museum

Eat

You could not say that you stayed in a place if you did not eat their traditional local meals. These are some people’s highlights when they visit a new area. For those visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is essential to note that most of their meals will consist of sea animals like lobsters and lionfish. This is because of the numerous water bodies on the islands.

Apart from these, you can also get carbs and rice or peas and rice. You should also not fail to try the Conch salad before leaving the island. We are sure that you will enjoy all the meals that the Turks and Caicos Islands have to offer.

There are many local traditional meals you can get on the island, and you will see them in the traditional local restaurants. These restaurants are not hard to find on the island. Irrespective of where you stay on the island, you are sure to find these restaurants.

As a foreigner, it is normal for you to be confused about making a choice. The locals are usually helpful in explaining the options and sometimes choosing for you.

We cannot start highlighting all the traditional local restaurants on the Turks and Caicos Islands as they are many. However, we are sure that any restaurant you visit will meet your expectations.

There is also the option of seeing vegan restaurants on the island. This comes in handy for vegetarians. Understandably, their meal preference differs, and it is only normal for there to be a place that caters to their needs. We are not saying that there are many vegan restaurants on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The number of these restaurants is low when compared to regular restaurants. They also do not drop in standard.

When eating at these places, you are sure to get meals that satisfy your cravings. The vegan restaurants on this island are top-notch, always ensuring that their meals are of high quality.

It is already common knowledge that sea foods consist a massive percentage of the meals you can get on the Turks and Caicos Islands, and street foods are no exception.

Cracked conch is one of the street foods on this island. It is made from snails and has a unique preparation process as you have to wait for the meat to be very tender.

Hominy is another type of street food, and you can find it in all corners of the island, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you desire.

We can also not fail to mention Conch fritters. We know that you will love all the street foods in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Drink

Did you know that the Turks and Caicos Islands have breweries? Now you know, and you have the assurance that you can get varieties of drinks when you visit it.

On this island, there is no restriction on what a person can drink. Thus, you can choose between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

We advise that you do not pass up any opportunity to enjoy rum punch on this island. It has a unique taste that leaves you wanting more.

Due to the many drink types, you can get on this island; we cannot highlight them. However, you must have fun with the drinks.

Tap-water

If you have concerns about drinking tap water when in the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is essential to know that it is safe to drink it.

There is nothing wrong with drinking tap water on this island as it is clean. However, some people share concerns about the taste sometimes.

Thus, many people love to be on the safe side and stick to drinking only bottled water. Whatever option you choose depends on your preference.

What matters is that tap water on this island is not harmful to the health, so you can drink it if you desire. You can also decide to boil your water before drinking.

Activities

There is no need to wonder about the activities you can do in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Its surrounding environment should give you an idea of what to expect from this place.

Since it has numerous water bodies, it is only normal to think that you can engage in fishing and kayaking. There is almost no water body or beach on this island where one cannot fish or kayak.

These are activities that usually foster positive energies and bonding. It is understandable if you do not know how to fish or kayak. However, it is also the perfect opportunity for you to learn from experts.

You will also notice that yoga is another activity that many people do on this island. We hope that you are not keeping a strange face at this option.

Understandably, yoga is not widespread globally. We cannot say that it has a high popularity level on the Turks and Caicos Islands, but the people have an open mind. When you visit gyms, you can see people engaging in it.

Suppose you are looking for a distraction while on the island; you should engage in yoga. After all, people say that it is a form of therapy and helps to keep you busy. You can also make friends from the process.

Accommodation

It is always wise and right to figure out where you would stay before traveling to a new place, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are not an exception.

When you know the different accommodation options, you get to know how to plan your accommodation budget.

It will be wrong to assume that what works in your present location will also work in the new area. The Turks and Caicos Islands is an expensive place, so you need to have a high accommodation budget when traveling there. If you do not check before arriving, you might go with a low budget, which will be detrimental.

Green Hotels

It is easy for one to say that they desire to stay in a hotel when in a new place. However, you need to understand that there are green hotels and regular hotels.

A green hotel is an eco-friendly accommodation facility. You can find such hotels in different areas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are not an exception.

We can assure you that these hotels do not differ much from regular hotels. The difference would be in their advanced facilities and consciousness on being environmentally friendly. They are amongst the best accommodation options you can get when visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you do not feel like staying in a grand accommodation option, you can decide to stay in a hostel or guesthouse. These are perfect alternatives to staying in a hotel.

We do not know if you have ever stayed in any of these options before. However, you get a communal feeling and a sense of belonging when you lodge in them.

You get to share some facilities in some cases, but it is not all the time. If you are traveling in a group, some hostels and guesthouses have bunk beds that ensure everyone stays in the same room.

It is safe to say that staying in a hostel or guesthouse is cheaper.

Apartments

We doubt there is anywhere you would visit where you would not see apartments as a part of the accommodation options.

The number of available apartments depends on the size of the place. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, people are always rushing to make bookings with the available apartments. This is because staying in an apartment lets you have a pleasant view.

We are not saying that you cannot get excellent views from other accommodation options. However, it is inevitable at these apartments. We would also give kudos to the water bodies on the island.

Staying in an apartment might be more expensive, but it is usually worth it.

Couchsurfing

We do not know if you have thought about getting free accommodation while on the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is something that people play and joke around with, but it is possible. Getting free accommodation in a new place works when you go through the Couchsurfing method. Through this, you get to meet locals who desire to let tourists stay in their houses.

One might be thinking that it is tasking to meet the locals. We agree with this. However, it becomes less stressful when you go through the Couchsurfing website. Through this method, you save the money you planned to use on accommodation.

Camping

Some people choose the Turks and Caicos Islands as their perfect camping location. Understandably, people have different preferences. It could be that they have visited this island before and have some spots in mind as the ideal camping location.

For others, it is their first time on the island, but they desire to go camping. It is always best to seek advice from the locals when it concerns camping. But we can assure you that camping on this island is not a wrong decision.

You get to enjoy a serene and relaxing environment that often gives you excellent views. It is never out of place to look forward to camping in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Regions

Cities

Getting There and Moving Around

Understandably, you cannot get into a place if you do not know the means of transport that takes you there.

This is a piece of information that you should know before packing your bags to any new place.

Many people have a particular means of traveling in their heads. However, it could be that your preferred means cannot take you to your desired location. But you will not know this if you do not research.

Knowing how to get there means knowing the transport means and routes to follow to ensure that the journey and process are smooth. After all, no one likes encountering stress when traveling to a new place.

Individuals also need to learn and understand how the people of a place move around. We earlier agreed that foreigners have a curious mind, and they will be restless until their curiosity is satisfied. This curiosity gave birth to the idea of exploring new areas.

When you are in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you will want to explore, entailing moving around. However, you will encounter difficulties if you do not know how the people move around.

Knowing how to move around on this Island should be one of the first things you ask the people. On this end, we will also highlight some of the ways.

One would want to walk around when on this island. After all, it has the perfect atmosphere and environment. It is easy to lose track of time when walking around as it is not draining due to the air’s relaxing effect. This effect comes from the calmness radiated from the water bodies.

Thus, it is not out of place for us to say that walking is a means of moving around on the island. Besides, there are no public means of transportation as one may see in other cities.

Thus, you can decide to utilize your legs and have an enjoyable time while walking.

It is common to see rental stores on this island. They rent out different things, including bicycles. The idea here is to use the bike and cycle around when trying to move from one point to another.

The island has a conducive space for cycling, so this should not be a worry. You can also see other people cycling around. It should not be shocking that people choose to cycle around as it is said that cycling has a calming effect on the body system.

You are going at your pace as you cycle around, and we know that you will enjoy the process. Thus, it is best to have no fears.

The rental stores on the island also have scooters for rent. Thus, you can choose this option if it is your preference.

Some people might say that riding a scooter is similar to riding a bicycle. There are no lies in this, but it also shares similarities with driving a car. Thus, one needs to be conscious when riding a scooter.

It is essential to note that renting a scooter on the Turks and Caicos Islands is expensive. Thus, you should be ready to bear the cost.

It is also essential to learn the drivers’ driving habits not to encounter any difficulty as you move around.

Air

It is common knowledge that you should use air if you are looking to get to your destination quickly. Thus, it has become the favorite traveling means of many people.

Thankfully, there is an international airport within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Thus, you are sure of getting a plane that lands on this island.

You can get a flight to the Turks and Caicos Islands from many locations including, United States, United Kingdom, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and much more.

If you are not in any of these locations, you should head there and get a direct flight to the air. You can also get captivating views when you use air while traveling.

Domestic flights operate within the island, taking you from one of its six islands to another.

Now, you have a faster means of navigating within its towns.

Using a domestic flight is not different from an international flight as you will always be treated like royalty. We can assure you that you will have a fun and enjoyable flight.

Now, you can decide to visit tourist attractions in different places within a day. However, this is not advisable as you need more time to appreciate the places you are visiting.

What matters is that you can use air as a means of moving around.

Bus

It is normal to think that you can use a bus to get to the Turks and Caicos Islands as it is a typical means of transportation when going anywhere. However, it is impossible.

Getting to this island needs a road connection of which none is connecting it to any place. Thus, using a bus is not a feasible way of getting on the island.

We also cannot say that you will see public buses as a part of the island’s transportation means.

A common means of moving around on the Turks and Caicos Islands is using taxis or rental cars. But there is no public bus system.

Typically, one would expect to see a public bus system as it is common in other places. This is not the case on this island.

Train

If you desire to use a train to get travel, there needs to be a railway connection. Research shows that there is no railway connection between the Turks and Caicos Islands and other places.

Thus, it is not an ideal way of getting on to the island. You will need to stick to other methods of movement to get to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

You should also not expect to see trains as a means of moving around on the island. There is no railway on the island, so it is not feasible.

We have highlighted some of the feasible means of moving around, so you should stick to them to ensure that you get to your destination.

We do not know if there are plans to have a railway station on the island later.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a common way of getting around in many places and also entails getting a free ride. All you need to do is to flag down a car and negotiate with the driver.

We cannot say that it is common on this island. However, it usually comes in handy as the fare of taxis can be expensive.

You can consider hitchhiking when on this island. But there is no assurance that it will always work.

Others

It is essential to keep in mind that you can get to the Turks and Caicos Islands through its water bodies. It can be by a cruise ship or with a yacht.

If you desire to use this transportation means, it will be easier from the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas.

We encourage that you try this means as it is an excellent experience.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is something that everyone must do when they are in a new place. It is a method of buying things from local vendors.

This method helps you get the local items and also familiarize yourself with the locals. There will be no issues about getting souvenirs or the best local items if you engage in sustainable shopping.

Engaging in sustainable shopping shows that you are a responsible tourist.

One way of engaging in sustainable shopping is by going to the local markets. At this place, you get to see an array of items, although the first focus might be food items.

You might have a hard time navigating the area or market. However, you can seek the help of the locals when it concerns moving around in the market.

The local vendors are also helpful.

We hope you are comfortable shopping at second-hand stores as it is another way of engaging in sustainable shopping. Understandably, some people may keep a face at this option as they will prefer buying new items. However, it is helpful to understand that buying from second-hand stores does not mean that you will get a lesser quality.

Instead, you get to see many things. Second-hand stores are the best places to get souvenirs.

There is also the case of eco-fashion when it concerns sustainable shopping. It is the way of using recyclable items to make clothes.

We cannot say that this is a common act in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so you should not be expectant.

However, you should not hesitate to purchase if you see it. It helpful and serves as a way of promoting recycling.

Recycling

The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has an agency in charge of recycling on the island.

One might begin to wonder why eco-fashion is not yet widespread on the island. However, this does not mean that they do not engage in recycling.

When you are on the island, the locals will help explain the process of recycling so that you do not falter in any way.

Waste

There is also an agency that is in charge of waste management on this island. Thus, you are sure that they carry out efficient services as the island is always clean.

This contributes to its appealing features as it attracts people to visit the island. Commendations are given to the government on the cleanliness of the island. It is safe to say that the Turks and Caicos Islands are always clean.

Work and Study Abroad

There are some top-notch schools of higher learning on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Thus, it is not surprising to see people indicating interest in learning at these places.

However, the question that plays out is asking if it is possible to work while studying on this island.

We can say that it is possible to work while studying as there are no laws against it.

Exchange Student

The idea of being an exchange student is not strange on this island as people love the environment and wish to be in its schools.

What matters is that your present school has an exchange program with universities and colleges on the island.

If you desire to be an international student, you should not hesitate as there are also other international students on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Au Pair

If you desire to have a job while you are on the island, you should try going through the au pair system.

There is a website where you can see available job listings on the island. Typically, they are home jobs such as being a housekeeper or taking care of kids.

You can see these jobs on the au pair website when you input your present location.

Volunteering

Being a volunteer in the Turks and Caicos Islands is not a strange concept. It is something that people do.

As a foreigner, we take it that you desire to impact any of their sectors. Thus, you should put in all your effort and ensure that you are outstanding.

We are sure that you will have fun being a volunteer on this island.