as we approach the date to my cousin’s visit, i started drafting yet another email with tips and suggestions on what to do in turks and caicos. every time we have someone visiting i like to put my personal suggestions together hoping that they have the time of their life and don’t miss out on anything. i love doing this and try to give detailed input as if it was for me.

so i thought why not have a permanent short guide for anyone planning to visit? i will keep this info with easy access and update regularly as new places and spots come up (or my opinion changes) –

ON THINGS TO DO

caicos dream tours > it was the first thing we did when i arrived on island, a 3 hour boat tour including snorkeling, eating freshly prepared conch salad (picked fresh from the sea by you) and visiting beautiful iguana island. and the crew is always fun too.

day trip to parrot cay > if the resort is not too busy, you can get a day pass, make sure you call to book, take a ferry from their marina in leeward, which takes about 30min and spend the day on island. try to go early so you can get the most delicious buffet breakfast i’ve had, enjoy the beach and pool and make sure you have a treatment at the spa too.

diving > james goes every sunday, with provo turtle divers, he takes a ton of pictures and every single dive is different. i (think) i have claustrophobia and sharckofobia ;) but sometimes i regret not-just-getting-over-it and explore the amazing diving sites we are lucky to have here.

kayaking at the chalk sound national park > chalk sound is gorgeous and so worth going to take pictures of the amazing tones of blue, it costs $25 and you book at las brisas.

parasailing and banana ride on the beach > parasailing is on my bucket list, so haven’t actually tried it… but you can find loads of boats doing this on grace bay beach.

provo ponies > i went once and loved the experience of riding on long bay beach, the horses are used to getting in the water too.

sunset drinks at amanyara > it’s a 30min drive a way, but the sunsets will blow you away, better to call in advance, and try their delicious signature amanyara mojito.

and of course go beach exploring!

ON BEACHES TO GO

coral gardens > short and usually crowded but a great snorkeling spot around the coral gardens reef protected area, you might even spot some sharks and turtles too. another good snorkeling spot is smith reef, but more isolated and not as safe.

grace bay beach > the award winning and longest, great for walks too. it stretches over several miles, i like to walk from grace bay club to coral house, which is my dream house in provo and a really relaxing spot.

long bay beach > also on the south shore, but closer to grace bay, can be windy, great for kite surfers.

sapodilla bay and taylor bay > on the south shore of the island, but a 15min drive from grace bay area, usually quiet and shallow, perfect to go with kids.

ON EATING OUT

bieres et boules > to be honest i don’t love the name, the food is good, small portions to share, but the location is perfect, right on the beach at grace bay club. it’s a pop up restaurant (used to be jars, and stix before that)

caicos cafe > a classic in provo, always consistent and great ambiance. i always order their linguini far diavola, with lobster (when in season) and they have the freshest fish on island, but every dish is always good.

conch shack > in blue hills, we always bring guests and here and they love it (we too), one of the only restaurants where we eat barefoot on the sand. i like ordering their cracked conch, blackened fish and fried plantains. rum punch is not really my thing, but theirs is usually a hit.

infinity > just reopened with new name and look, the lounge or infinity bar are definitely favorites for pre dinner drinks and snacks, and i’m hoping to try the restaurant’s new menu next week.

garam masala > if you love indian (like i do), i haven’t been in a while but have always had great meals, their fish kadahi and their chickpea dish chole chana masala with garlic naan blows my mind.

somewhere > we go a lot, it’s casual and good value for money, my favorite are the fish tacos or the pulled pork tacos. perfect for lunch after snorkeling in coral gardens or for an early dinner watching the sunset.

via veneto > great casual italian, we like going for happy hour on fridays with a plate of italian cheese and cold cuts. on saturdays they have pizza night, and we almost always go or get them take away (get the white one with bresaola!)

 

ON SHOPPING

anna’s art gallery > cute island style store with lots of shells, paintings and some locally made souvenirs too.

grace bay club boutique > i usually like checking resort boutiques, but this one is too tempting, they have the cutest beach wear, bags and accessories.

lemon 2 go > my favorite coffee and flowers shop, they have fresh flowers every week and  cute candles and lotions. their home made iced tea with honey and lemon is so good too.

AND DON’T FORGET

• to drink tons of water when you’re here
• to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito spray
• to wear pants at night, it will help avoid a few mosquitos bites
• to bring less clothes than you think you need, we are pretty casual on island (i rarely wear high heels or any accessories)
• to bring your toiletries with you, don’t plan on buying them here, there is limited choice and they’re so expensive

please note – this is what i would suggest my family and best friends, there are tons of other things to do, and tons of other amazing restaurants, i just chose to add the things that mean the most to me.

ps – a few facts about turks and caicos, if you would like to read before visiting