With springtime in full swing for most of the US, now is about the time people start to feel the itch to take a vacation. The weather is warming up, flowers are in bloom, and all you want is to not be chained to your desk. We get it!
When you catch yourself daydreaming of floating on turquoise waters, digging your toes into soft white sand, and relaxing in a tropical paradise, it’s time to start looking at Turks and Caicos excursions!
In this article, we outline several of the most popular Turks and Caicos excursions to help you map out the perfect itinerary for your visit. We also answer some frequently asked travel questions and provide info on the best Turks and Caicos vacation rentals for your visit. Let’s check it out!
What Excursions Do They Have in Turks and Caicos?
We’re glad you asked! Turks and Caicos has everything from boat charters and boat tours to full-day, half-day, and island-hopping tours and excursions! Essentially, if you can dream up an adventure, there’s a way to make it come true while you’re here. Below, we’ve listed the most popular snorkel activities, guided adventures, solo trips, and more to make planning a breeze.
Turks and Caicos Boat Tours and Excursions
Family Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour
Board a luxury 65-foot catamaran with Island Routes for a boat tour and snorkel adventure through beautiful coral reefs filled with vibrant marine life. This classic excursion allows you to experience the thrill of beachcombing in paradise.
- Length of Tour: About 3 hours
- Price Per Person: Starting at $152
- Departure Point: Beaches Turks and Caicos – Lower Bight Road
- Food and Drink Included: Yes – Drinks and Snacks
- Days of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- Minimum Age: 2 years
Clear Boat Turks and Caicos Excursions
With water so clear you can see straight to the bottom, booking a clear boat excursion in Turks and Caicos is a must. You can look for fish, rays, and coral reefs without having to get wet! This is the perfect excursion for visitors who can’t swim or who just want an easygoing activity. Plus, with Turks Tour Co, you can choose between private and public tours, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget. *Price below reflects public tour option.
- Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes
- Price Per Person: Ages 10+ is $129 | Ages 9 and under is $55 | Ages 2 and under is free
- Departure Point: Turtle Cove Marina
- Food and Drink Included: Yes – Bottled water
- Days of Operation: Daily at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM
- Minimum Age: None
Emerald Reef Snorkeling Tour from Island Routes
Discover a world of bright pinks and yellows as you explore Emerald Reef on a snorkeling excursion on your Turks and Caicos vacation. Spot tropical fish, see a shipwreck, and experience the magic of floating in some of the most pristine waters on the planet.
- Length of Tour: Roughly 3 hours
- Price Per Person: $121
- Departure Point: Beaches Turks and Caicos – Lower Bight Road
- Food and Drink Included: Yes – fruits, sandwiches, and beverages
- Days of Operation: Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
- Minimum Age: 3 years
Sunset and Dinner Cruises
The Lady Grace is a Turks and Caicos institution. With a luxury catamaran, exceptional staff, quality amenities, and incredible attention to detail, their sunset cruises are a fantastic cap to a perfect day on the island.
- Length of Tour: 1.5 hours
- Price Per Person: Adults 11 and up are $129 | Children 10 and under are $99
- Departure Point: The Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos
- Food and Drink Included: Yes – gourmet selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary top shelf open bar
- Days of Operation: Varies Seasonally, but expect Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Minimum Age: No
Read More: Boat Tours in Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos on Horseback
One of the most quintessential experiences when you visit Turks and Caicos is feeling the rush of the wind and spray of the sea as you gallop across the beach on horseback. At Provo Ponies, you can do just that! One of the most respected companies on the island, they offer different tours and group rides so you can choose the right one for you.
- Length of Tour: Vary between an hour to an hour and a half
- Price Per Person: Group Ride is $169 | Private Rides is $285 for 60 minutes or $323 for 90 minutes. Special rides are also available, and a custom quote will be provided.
- Departure Point: 32 Dolphin Lane, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
- Food and Drink Included: No
- Days of Operation: Two rides daily, Monday – Friday
- Minimum Age: 7 years
Learn More
Turks and Caicos Island Hopping Excursion
The Half-Day Snorkeling and Island-Hopping Adventure from Viator is one of the top-rated excursions on the island. This private boat tour gets you away from the crowds and takes you to top places like Little Water Cay (Iguana Island), where you can marvel at these native creatures in a protected environment. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and taking in the sites with an expert guide leading the way.
- Length of Tour: 4 hours
- Price Per Person: $1500 per group
- Departure Point: Blue Haven’s Cafe & Convenient Store
- Food and Drink Included: Yes – beverages (water, alcohol, and soda) and snack
- Days of Operation: Daily beginning at 8:30 AM
- Minimum Age: No
Guided Turks and Caicos Excursions vs Solo Exploration
Whether you choose to head out on a guided excursion or go it alone depends entirely on what kind of adventure you want to have! Here are our top picks for each:
Big Blue Collective
Big Blue Collective offers a little bit of everything: Boat charters, snorkeling, diving, paddling, and even kite surfing tours. Focusing on eco-friendly excursions, their offerings are often calmer than those of other group tour companies. You won’t find loud music on their boats or rowdy crowds. Rather, you’ll experience the quiet serenity of the islands as you soak in all the natural beauty around you.
North and Middle Caicos Solo Trip
If you want to get away and sightsee on your own, here’s how we’d recommend doing it. First, take the 25-minute ferry ride from Provo to North Caicos. The ride will cost you about $65 for a round-trip ticket.
Once you arrive in North Caicos, head to Al’s Rent a Car and pick up a Jeep for your day of cruising the islands. (Be sure to reserve your car beforehand, as Jeeps can go quickly). Once you’re in your rental, the islands are yours for the wandering! Wear your bathing suit, bring some bug spray and sunscreen, as well as some water and snacks, and just spend the day finding secluded beaches.
The beach at Mudjin Harbor, Bottle Creek, and the Conch Bar Caves are each a must-see, though you need a reservation to visit the caves. Other than that, just drive and keep your eyes peeled for flamingos and secluded beaches where you could easily be the only people on a stretch of sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Turks and Caicos?
Well, there’s never a bad time to visit Turks and Caicos – it’s a tropical paradise, after all. But the most popular times are between December and April. These months will give you the best shot at having lots of excursion availability, but you’ll also want to book things in advance so you can reserve your spot.
Do I need a car in Turks and Caicos?
Yes, you’ll likely need a rental car in Turks and Caicos unless you’re planning on staying in your vacation rental the entire time you’re here. There are plenty of options at the airport, or if you want the ultimate convenience, choose a vacation rental that comes with a rental car like the ones found at Villa Esencia. Check out our guide on how to get around Turks and Caicos for more info.
How many days is enough for Turks and Caicos?
Most vacationers find that a week is perfect for a Turks and Caicos vacation. This gives you plenty of time to explore, go on some excursions, and also relax and unwind.
Book a Stay Near Top Turks and Caicos Excursions
At Villa Esencia, we have stunning suites and villas perfect for your Turks and Caicos vacation. Located in Long Bay Beach, you’ll be near popular pick-up spots for Turks and Caicos excursions while also enjoying the privacy of a less populated area.
Our grounds wind through native vegetation filled with towering palm trees, cabanas, waterside hammocks, and relaxing tiki huts. In your rental, you’ll find fully equipped kitchens, plush bedding and furnishings, private pools, hot tubs, and more. Browse our full inventory and book your Turks and Caicos villa directly with Villa Esencia today!
