While the draw of a Turks and Caicos vacation is the peaceful act of relaxing on our brilliant white sand and swimming in the clear turquoise water, if you want to spend some of your vacation exploring the area, there are some great day trips you can venture out on while you’re here! Whether you want to see the Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos, Gibbs Cay’s wild stingrays on Grand Turk, or explore the unspoiled coastline on South Caicos, it’s easy to add an element of adventure to your island getaway. Check out these three itineraries including fun activities and the best Turks and Caicos restaurants for excellent day trips, and start planning your island adventure today.
North and Middle Caicos Day Trip
A day trip to North and Middle Caicos is a favorite experience for guests visiting the Providenciales. From the history to the landscapes, this day trip is sure to enrich your Turks and Caicos vacation. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in North and Middle Caicos.
Morning:
As there’s no direct way to drive to North and Middle Caicos, you’re going to need to head to Heaving Down Rock Marina to catch a passenger ferry from the Providenciales. On the way, stop at Shay Café for a delicious breakfast, or take it to-go so you can enjoy it along with the stunning panoramic views you’ll see on your ride. Service takes about half an hour, so there’s plenty of time to relax and soak in the scenery.
When you arrive, hop in your rental car (which you should reserve ahead of time if possible) and make the 40-ish minute drive to Middle Caicos, where you’ll find the Conch Bar Caves, the largest above-ground cave system in the Bahamas-Turks and Caicos archipelago. Guided tours are available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the significance of these wonders. As you drive through North Caicos to this destination, consider a quick stop at Cottage Pond – one of the earth’s widest great blue holes!
Afternoon:
After wandering the caves, head to Mudjin Harbour Bar and Grill and enjoy lunch with one of the most dramatic ocean backdrops on the islands. Considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in all of Turks and Caicos, you can’t miss walking along the tops of the striking cliffs to Dragon Cay, where you can take the secret stairs to a hidden beach.
Evening:
Before you catch the ferry back to your Villa Esencia vacation rental, wrap up your North and Middle Caicos day trip with a stop by Middle Caicos Co-Op. Founded in 1998, it’s the perfect spot to find handmade souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
Grand Turk Day Trip
Instead of a ferry, this time, we’re taking a short domestic flight from the Providenciales International Airport to the Grand Turk International Airport. A round-trip journey costs roughly $150 per person and takes around 30 minutes.
Morning:
Start your Grand Turk day trip with a snorkeling tour at Gibbs Cay. The wild stingrays here are used to humans, and you can interact with them as you dive for conch and explore the vibrant marine life. Depending on the tour you book your snorkeling excursion through, you may even enjoy a delicious, prepared meal!
Afternoon:
After your water adventure, it’s time to see the historic sites of this small island. The Grand Turk Lighthouse is the most famous landmark and is the perfect place to snap photos. Built in 1852, it is the only lighthouse in the country that was made in England! St. Mary’s Anglican Church and the Turks and Caicos National Museum provide the chance to get out of the sun for a while as you learn about the area and its colonial-era history. While at the museum, be sure to check out the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck found in the Western Hemisphere.
Evening:
Before your return flight, grab a bite to eat at the Sandbar Restaurant on Duke Street. With excellent island fare and gorgeous views of Cockburn Town Beach, you can enjoy a sunset meal in this open-air, casual restaurant that’s open seven days a week.
South Caicos Day Trip
Whether you board a plane or cruise on a ferry boat, getting to the easternmost end of the Caicos Islands chain makes for an excellent day trip on your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Morning:
Start the day with breakfast at a local favorite, the Sunset Café and Bar. Locally owned, this restaurant provides a true taste of the island in an authentic setting. After fueling up for the day, take advantage of the near-desolate beaches and explore the area’s remote cays and tidal creeks on a kayak tour with Big Blue Collective. From mangrove channels to the backcountry areas inaccessible by boat, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the island’s native wildlife and maybe even spot reef sharks or other marine marvels!
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, learn all about the island’s history and its tie to the sea salt industry as you visit the Boiling Hole tidal cave. Surrounded by the criss-crossing walls of old salinas, this natural wonder got its name from the bubbling state of the water as it flowed in at high tide. Next, load up in your rental car and head to Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park. An expansive protected area, the park is a great place to see spectacularly blue waters, local wildlife, and sweeping cliffs that make for picture-perfect photo ops.
Evening:
To cap off your perfect day trip to South Caicos, make a dinner reservation at one of the island’s resorts. The Great House Restaurant offers delicious ahi tuna, as well as other fresh seafood and traditional Caribbean dishes. Take one last stroll along the beach, and then return to the comforts of your home away from home.
Your Perfect Day Trip Home Base at Villa Esencia
Booking a vacation rental in Long Bay Beach with Villa Esencia provides you with the perfect home base for all your adventures, kiteboarding, lounging on the beach or swimming in your private pool, or taking incredible day trips from Turks and Caicos to neighboring islands. With easy access to ferry boats and airports, day trip travel is a breeze, and when you return, you can unwind from the day in the comforts of your own private oasis. Browse our collection of Turks and Caicos vacation rentals and book your vacation directly with us today!
