Turks and Caicos Islands: Your Summer Travel Guide

White sand beaches, turquoise water, and the perfect weather. No matter which island you decide on, you will be welcomed with amazing food, inviting beaches and world-class stays.

Turks and Caicos has recently become one of the most frequented destinations in the Caribbean and, honestly…with a good reason! It has all those stunning beaches that the Caribbean is famous for and is a perfect give-and-take for those wanting to taste the natural wonders of the islands while still feeling luxurious. The good news? Turks and Caicos are now making it much easier to visit.

Travel guides and news channels announced that as of May 1, travellers would no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to enter. They've also ditched the requirement of having extra insurance and lifted the mask mandate, which will make the Caribbean one of the easiest countries to visit. Here's what you need to know as you plan your summer vacation in Turks and Caicos.

Covid entry rules no longer apply to vaccinated travellers

When Turks and Caicos reopened for international travel in 2020, the sheer amount of entry requirements discouraged a lot of travellers. However, as of May 1, 2022, their requirements will be lifted but only for vaccinated travellers.

Previously, those wanting to relish the beauties of the Caribbean wanted to show proof they were fully vaccinated, evidence of travel health insurance to cover, and a certification of a negative test taken prior to arrival. Now only travellers aged 18 and older will need to show their electronic vaccination certificate both before boarding their flights to the Caribbean and upon arrival.

First things first: How to get around

By taxis: Once on the island, you can easily get around by taxis. Conch Cab is pretty similar to Lyft or Uber and can easily be hailed from an app. The only disadvantage of this Caribbean Uber is that they're currently unable to transport you from the airport. But worry not.

Private car services are the best way to get around, and some have more fancy vehicles. If you're with your family, even better because larger groups may benefit from private airport transportation services that are usually paid for by car instead of by person.

And of course, the island has normal taxis which charge by person. Often these group vans can charge somewhere from $16 to $86 a person.

Car rental: Car renting is another great way to get around the Turks and Caicos. However, there's only one road that connects two islands: Middle Caicos and North Caicos. If you plan to visit the rest of the islands, you will have to find another means of transport.

By water: Because Turks and Caicos is a massive chain of islands, you will find a great variety of boat tours and charters that can take you to all reefs and islands. This is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Turks and Caicos if you ask me.

Turks & Caicos: What to do

This Caribbean piece of heaven has more than 30 islands and cays that offer a variety of experiences for couples, singles, and families alike. From Grand Turk to provincials and all other islands and cays in between, there's something for everyone in Turks and Caicos. You won't guess, but most of these activities are related to the beautiful turquoise water featured in this tropical paradise.

1. Hit the beach

Turks and Caicos are famous for their number of world-class beaches. Grace Bay, located in Provinciales or Provo, is the most frequented by travellers and is widely considered one of the top beaches in the world. Then there's Taylor Bay, a place where families can find their sweet tempo in knee-high water and glistening sand. Nearing the Grand Turk, Governors Beach is light on amenities and jaw-dropping when it comes to natural beauty, while Pillory Beach is the perfect place for water-sport devotees looking to snorkel, swim or sail.

2. A day cruise is always a good idea

If you visit Turks and Caicos to reset in a relaxing seafaring adventure, make sure you book a day cruise or a sunset sail. Day trips from Grace Bay are all the rage among visitors and typically include snorkelling equipment, a small lunch, cocktails, and beer, and obviously, a beachfront and drop-off. If you want to get a real feel of the island, make sure you book a sunset cruise.

1. Visit Cockburn Town

Legend has it that this was the first location Columbus landed when he discovered the Americas. Cockburn Town is home to the Salt Museum, which illustrates the island's salt industry long before tourism took over. As we've previously mentioned, Turks and Caicos have something for everyone, which means you or someone you're with will most likely appreciate the quaint and the history-rich background of this place.

1. Shop for souvenirs and knickknacks

There's no better way to return home from a trip than to bring along some trinkets and whatnot to make your loved ones feel as though they too have to relish the sweet sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean paradise.

The islands have a number of markets and stalls to shop for these, such as Alverna's Craft Market. You can also find gift items and souvenirs at stores in the shopping plaza in the Grace Bay area.

Last but not least, one viable reason to visit these magnificent islands is to imbibe in their native food and refreshments. Famous local food like conch, along with fresh local lobster and fish, make Turks and Caicos a seafood enthusiast’s paradise. Then there’s the famous Caribbean rum, with the island’s proudly acclaimed brand, Bambarra. Make sure you enjoy it on the rocks or in a premium cocktail like the Popular Punch to celebrate the history and culture of these islands.

Cynthia Madison is a young blogger and economics and marketing graduate. She writes about home, lifestyle and family topics and is a senior contributor to popular niche publications.