The Top 22 Turks And Caicos Excursions & Why You'll Love Them
April 25th 2024
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Turks & Caicos is that dreamy Caribbean destination you’ve always imagined would be perfect for a family vacation! The truth is, this tropical archipelago that is made out of several islands and cays is not only great for family vacations, but also for any type of vacation you can think of! The fact that this destination includes multiple islands can mean lots of fun around the clock, or plenty of time relaxing under a shady palm tree or poolside.
If you’re vacation-ready and want a mix of relaxation and adventure, we’ve compiled some of the best excursions the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) have to offer. These super fun tours will help ensure you get an authentic taste of the TCI!
Expert tip: If you stay at an all-inclusive resort in Turks & Caicos, you'll have lots to do without leaving your resort. You might, however, still be tempted to explore once you're done reading this post!
1. Private Full-Day Serenity Power Catamaran Cruise and Snorkel
A catamaran cruise mixed in with a bit of snorkeling will be an exciting way to start off a Turks & Caicos vacation. The best option for a combination tour that includes these two things is the Private Full-Day Serenity Power Catamaran Cruise & Snorkel. This excursion also involves cocktails, rum, wine, and a delicious lunch.
The setting of this tour will be a luxurious 48-ft powerhouse catamaran with plenty of island tunes playing in the background to help you transition into an island rhythm. Your day will be spent enjoying the scenery along the coasts of the Caicos Islands and Cays, snorkeling, spending time on the beach, visiting an iguana sanctuary, and overall relaxing. Features you’ll appreciate on this catamaran include the sun lounge, luxury cabin & bathroom, shaded cockpit, and the freshwater rinse area.
Expert tip: If you’re interested in doing some diving, check out the 10 best places to snorkel in Turks & Caicos and learn everything you need to know about scuba diving in Turks & Caicos.
2. Turks ATV All-Island Land Adventure
Don't leave the Turks & Caicos Islands without trying at least one ATV adventure. You may have tried this experience elsewhere but it’ll be different in the TCI. Think amazing beaches, picture-perfect scenery, and blissful ambiance — this certainly can make any experience feel new, especially with a tour like the Turks ATV All Island Land Adventure. This ATV adventure takes you off-road, through rough and wild terrain, and specifically to places where you can see the sand dunes and salt flats of these islands.
The guide will lead the way along the East Coast of Providenciales and through the mangroves of the Discovery Bay trail. After that, it’ll be time to head to the Turks Head Brewery for a guided tour. Da Conch Shack will be next for lunch and amazing beachside views. After lunch, you’ll get back on your ATV and head to the Hole, a 40-ft. natural limestone sinkhole. The fun doesn't stop there — you and your group will then make your way to Shore Club Beach in the Long Bay region before stopping at Rickie’s Flamingo Café on the beachfront to wind things down.
3. Family Catamaran & Snorkeling Cruise
Feel the wind through your hair on a catamaran out on the ocean in the company of the ones you love. This is exactly the sort of experience you can have with the Family Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise aboard the 65-ft. Kitty Katt catamaran. This adventure includes stops at some of the best snorkeling spots in Turks & Caicos and plenty of time to swim.
The Kitty Katt drops anchor near one of the island's vibrant coral reefs for some exploring. You'll also get to spend time on a seemingly untouched cay and go beachcombing as well. While the adults relax with some refreshing cocktails later in the day, the kids can have a blast shooting down the 8-foot tube slide on the Kitty Katt.
4. Sunset Catamaran Cruise
A ride on the state-of-the-art Kitty Katt catamaran can be the perfect way to witness the most spectacular sunset while in Turks & Caicos. As you set sail, just before the sun goes down, you’ll groove to island beats and sip on delectable cocktails. With luck, this Sunset Catamaran Cruise in Turks & Caicos will get you to just the right vantage to catch a glimpse of the elusive Green Flash, an optical phenomenon that can occur at sunrise and sunset under certain conditions. Enjoy this beautiful scene with hors d’oeuvres in hand and in a space of pure serenity.
5. Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve Eco Kayak Experience
See the full beauty of the Turks & Caicos Islands with the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve Eco Kayak Experience. Up close to nature, this kayaking adventure includes a chance to see the endangered rock iguanas of Little Water Cay and also to experience the marine ecology in this area. This tour happens within the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve. While you're there, you might spot lemon sharks and sea turtles as you paddle along the red and black mangroves testing your own endurance and strength. Overall, this will be a nature-oriented experience that the whole family can appreciate.
Expert tip: Planning an all-inclusive family vacation? Why not go for a resort with its own water park, Kids Camp, and other inclusions that kids will love!
6. Deep-sea fishing
Let a Deep-sea Fishing excursion bring you to Turks & Caicos, a territory known and loved for its great fishing throughout the year. You don't need to be an experienced angler to enjoy this adventure. The only thing you’ll need to do before you get in gear is select between the half-day, ¾ day, and full-day fishing tour options.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are considered the best in the world for reeling in marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and super-sized wahoo. As part of this experience, some of the catches you can expect, particularly in the summertime, include mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, blackfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore tuna, and skipjack. Common catches in the wintertime include bigeye tuna, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and barracuda. Some deep-sea fishing tours include drinks and a catered lunch; this is more common with the ¾ and full-day tours.
Expert tip: In Turks & Caicos, you may not need to go out very far to get great catches as you’ll find depths of up to 7000ft only 20 minutes from the marina!
7. Iguana Island and Conch Cooking Experience
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If you love nature, you’ll love Iguana Island in Turks & Caicos. This island can be explored by booking one of the private charters or through tours like the Iguana Island & Conch Cooking Experience Provo. This tour makes it possible to enjoy some of the best beaches in the Turks & Caicos and encounter some of the island's precious wildlife, like the endangered rock iguanas at Little Water Cay. Experience a leisurely cruise and snorkeling adventure, as well as conch hunting and a beach barbecue cook-up afterward.
Insider tip: Heading to Turks & Caicos with older kids? Here are the best all-inclusive resorts for families with teenagers to make the most of your experience.
8. Underwater submarine tour
If you've never done an underwater submarine tour, you might want to try one in Turks & Caicos. This is definitely an experience that kids and parents can enjoy together as they take in the underwater sightings of coral formations and other sea life. The glass window of the submarine is a safe space from which to watch marine animals in their natural habitat. As the waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands are both protected and pristine, some of the things you might see apart from the tons of colorful tropical fish include sea turtles and stingrays.
9. Underwater mermaid submarine tour
Are you or your little ones curious about what it would be like to see mermaids in the Caribbean? If so, the underwater mermaid submarine tour might be just what you're looking for! This adventure revolves around Bella, the resident mermaid of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
To start things off, you’ll hop aboard the Undersea Explorer semi-submarine. From there the mermaid search will be well underway as everyone keeps watch for Bella. Along the way, you’ll spot coral reefs, diverse species of fish, and even rays and turtles. Storytelling is part of the fun too and you’ll be entertained with pirate tales along the way.
The highlight of the tour will come when Bella finally emerges! This Caribbean mermaid is playful and loves entertaining and swimming around the boat. Both kids and parents are sure to find her antics amusing!
Expert tip: Bring a camera along for this adventure to capture the amazing moment when Bella the mermaid appears to the west of Turtle Cove Marina!
10. Catamaran cruise with Sesame Street� in Turks & Caicos
The ultimate family fun adventure in Turks & Caicos involves a catamaran cruise with Sesame Street. Singing, dancing, playing and lots of laughs are to be expected with this experience. Multiple Sesame Street� characters come along for the ride, which means a sure thrill for both parents and kids. As Elmo gets this party in gear, you’ll all be sucked into the excitement as you prepare to sail across the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
11. Vespa Tour of Providenciales
If you’ve ever considered purchasing your very own Vespa scooter but never got around to it, you can have the next best thing in Turks & Caicos — a carefully coordinated and fun Vespa tour! You can sign up with Paradise Scooters for the opportunity to get better acquainted with the island of Providenciales during your visit. As these scooters are so versatile, you’ll be able to trek paths you likely couldn’t take otherwise and really get to the heart of Turks & Caicos. This tour includes stops on some of the territory’s amazing beaches, an authentic Turks & Caicos lunch, and lots of island insight!
Good to know: You don’t need to be an expert Vespa rider for this tour as it includes instructions from the guides before you set off. This means that you can also learn to ride a Vespa in the TCI!
12. Java Cruise Bike Ride
Cruise the day away with one of the most scenic bike tours in Turks & Caicos. This will be a laid-back ride that starts at Turtle Cove in Providenciales. This tour can be fun for the whole family and exciting for groups of friends as well. Offered both in the morning and the evening, this tour includes food or drinks. If you do the 12-mile bike adventure in the morning, breakfast can be part of your package, while an evening ride comes with drinks and the chance to watch an amazing sunset.
Good to know: If you’re not looking for a family vacation this time around, be sure to check out some of the best getaways for couples! There are lots of things to do in Turks & Caicos for a romantic time together.
13. Wonders of Turks & Caicos Cave Expedition
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Photo credit: Karen Wunderman/Shutterstock.com
Caves can be fun to explore. In Turks & Caicos, you can do just that with the Wonders of Turks & Caicos Expedition. This is a full-day trip and it'll include tidbits on the history and culture of the TCI as well as a chance to taste unique island cuisine. This tour includes a stop in North Caicos, particularly at the historical Wade’s Green Plantation and the Kew Farm. Middle Caicos will be next on the list, home of the Middle Caicos Caves. These will be fun to see and learn about -- they're the largest non-submerged cave system in the Bahamas-Turks Island Chain. When you're done exploring, you’ll get some time to pick up some local souvenirs at the Cultural Market. You’ll get a free treasure map to take home as well.
14. Historic Turks & Caicos Sightseeing Experience
Love sightseeing? Then you’ll really be able to get into the Historic Turks & Caicos Sightseeing Adventure. This is one of the most comprehensive sightseeing tours you'll find on these islands. It’ll give you a chance to see the most popular attractions in the TCI and learn about the history of the islands. History lovers will appreciate the way this tour delves into the island's pre-colonial ways of living and provides information on popular sites as well.
You’ll get to drive through the Heaving Down Rock as you head to ‘the Hole’ to get a firsthand look at the caves of these islands. Before you head back to your resort, you’ll also get to explore the Cheshire Hall Plantation and climb the Blue Mountain.
15. Turks ATV West Coast Adventure
Excitement awaits with the Turks ATV West Coast Adventure. This is an off-road tour that makes it possible to see parts of Turks & Caicos you might not have otherwise, like the pristine landscapes on the west coast of Providenciales. The Turks West Coast Adventure includes an expert guide who'll take you through the mangroves along the exhilarating Discovery Bay trail. Stops along the way include the Turks Head Brewery, Blue Hills, and Da Conch Shack, which has incredible beachfront views. When the tour is over, you’ll head back to the starting point with your ATV.
16. Turks ATV East Coast Adventure
Got a need for speed? If so, you'll love the Turks ATV East Coast Adventure. This ATV adventure takes you along a scenic route on the east coast. Rocky roads, sand dunes, and salt flats are all part of this experience. In full control of your ATV, you, with the help of your guide, will explore places like Lower Bight, Grace Bay, the Hole (a 40ft natural limestone sinkhole), and Shore Club Beach in the Long Bay region. After that, there’ll be one more stop at Rickie’s Flamingo Café (a local beachfront hotspot) before gearing up on your ATV to head back to the starting point.
Expert tip: Looking for more attractions for kids in Turks & Caicos? Keep Grace Bay Beach and Coral Gardens high on your vacation agenda!
17. Taste of TCI Food Tour
Calling all foodies! The Taste of TCI Food Tour is just what you've been looking for. This tour involves walking and riding around to various spots on the islands that are popular with the locals, and where you'll be able to enjoy great food. The food tour has a duration of three hours and includes stops at five different locations that offer authentic island cuisine. Not only will you get to enjoy great food as part of this experience, but you'll also get a taste of the history, music, and culture of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
18. Provo Circumnavigation
Providenciales is one of the most fun islands in Turks & Caicos. If you want to explore some interesting sites in this area while in the TCI, you might want to try the Provo Circumnavigation tour.
This adventure comes to life with a cruise along the Blue Hills shoreline. Next up will be some snorkeling at the North West Point, which is known for its thriving marine life. After that, it’ll be time for a picnic lunch and some swimming, and then a visit to Pirate’s Cave, which has quite the intense history including carved pleas for help from marooned sailors. This cruise is ideal if you want to see some of the lesser-known parts of Providenciales.
Expert tip: If you’re interested in exploring Providenciales, you’ll love the best of Providenciales attractions, restaurants, and places to stay, and our list of things to do in Turks & Caicos.
19. Seaside Caicos Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are always a good time for kids! In Turks & Caicos, you can try the family version of this experience with the Seaside Caicos Scavenger Hunt. This tour includes conch hunting, which involves diving down into the calm and clear waters of these islands to search for conch along the seafloor. The captain and crew will give you all the insight you need to do this successfully, and hopefully, you'll come up with a good haul.
After that, you'll sail off to an uninhabited island where your catch will be whipped up into something amazing. Conch salad, perhaps? Whatever it is, you'll get to indulge and have lots of snacks afterward. Once that part of the adventure is through, it will be time to enjoy the seaside, swim, stroll, sunbathe, and soak in the chill island ambiance before heading back to your resort.
20. Provo Ponies Beach Horseriding
Horseback riding will be a wholesome family activity to get into while in Turks & Caicos. Provo Ponies is well known for this experience, particularly their 60 and 90-minute excursions in the Long Bay beach area. You don’t need to be an experienced rider for this tour, but if you are, it’ll be fun to canter along the beach at low tide. Everyone else will be guided slowly into things from the barn and onto the beach, which the horses absolutely love! You'll get to ride right into the ocean with your horse. Back at the barn, you can give your new animal friend a treat and a hug until next time.
Expert tip: Bring your camera along for some share-worthy photos or memories to keep just for you and your family. The guides can help you take photos as well if you ask.
21. Turks & Caicos Catamaran Cruise For Teens
Teens will love an excursion they can call their own in Turks & Caicos. For this reason, the Turks & Caicos Catamaran Cruise for Teens is a must if your children are in this age group. Parents aren't allowed on this catamaran experience created just for teens and tweens, but you can be assured that your precious ones will be in good hands with the professional staff aboard the Kitty Katt. This boat party includes a live DJ, snorkeling, an 8-foot inflatable slide right on the boat, and lots and lots of socializing. Your kids (even the difficult to please ones!) will be glad for the freedom this adventure brings, and you will be too.
22. Reading Road Trip in Turks & Caicos
For something a little quieter but still interactive, try the Reading Road Trip in Turks & Caicos. This is an opportunity to meet and engage with children from the Turks & Caicos Islands and also provide assistance to them through the Island Routes’ ‘Community Routes Program’. For this experience, you’ll be paired with a group of children in the 5-7 age range at a local school. You’ll get to read to them and ask light and entertaining questions all while helping them sharpen their listening and comprehension skills.
The aim of the whole program is to create one-on-one experiences that can help the young ones progress in their own learning. You can bring a new or used book to donate to a school library as well. This tour can only be booked from September to June while the island's schools are in operation.
The best island getaway includes amazing Turks & Caicos excursions!
In Turks & Caicos, the number of tours or excursions you want to indulge in is entirely up to you. You can have a great vacation with just one or two excursions and lots of relaxation time at your resort, or a vacation that includes as many tours as you can fit in! When traveling as a family, the key to finding the right balance is selecting activities everyone can enjoy.
Turks & Caicos all-inclusive resorts are ideal for vacations that include excursions because properties like Beaches Resorts let you book tours directly through the resort. This is a great way to find out all you can about activities beforehand and even get recommendations from staff (if you ask!) on the best local hot spots. When you’re not out exploring, you can enjoy gourmet restaurants, your luxurious room, villa, or suite, swim-up and regular bars, lots of entertainment day and night for adults and children, and everything you’d expect as part of your island vacation!
Expert tip: Visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands for the first time? Here are some of the amazing things Turks & Caicos is known for and the best time to visit Turks & Caicos!
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