BEACH BOUNTY
There ’ s an excellent reason for Turks and Caicos ’ reputation for housing some of the most beautiful beaches in the world . The pristine , pearly sand beaches and water boasting a sparkling range of blue hues are jaw-dropping . The most famous and arguably the most gorgeous is Grace Bay Beach , which was named the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor last year . Unfolding on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales or Provo , Grace Bay stretches out with a little over three miles of serene blue beauty . Sinking your toes into the sand that manages to stay cool under the sun and relaxing on the shore is a popular option , but there are many other activities to choose from . Wade into the warm water and paddleboard , windsurf , parasail , kayak , or scuba dive . Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular because you can spot eagle rays and hawksbill sea turtles . Catching sunset photos is also a Grace Bay must .
Just to the east of Grace Bay , Leeward Beach supplies a private deserted island feel with no resorts nearby and a secluded atmosphere . Wakeboarding and kayaking are great excursions on this beach because of the peaceful ambiance and clear water . Beachcombing for seashells and sea glass is another great activity .
Head to the island of Middle Caicos to experience the scenic allure of Mudjin Harbour . Cradled by high limestone cliffs and breaking surf , the beach ’ s dramatic image makes it a favorite for landscape photography . About 200 feet from Mudjin Harbour , you ’ ll find Dragon Cay , a small limestone island connected to the mainland by a sandbar . The cay shoreline is lined with ironshore and intricate limestone formations that resemble a dragon when viewed from the beach . When the ocean is calm , Mudjin Harbour provides excellent snorkeling with coral , tropical fish , and easily visible seahorses .
Surrounded by vibrant turquoise waves , Long Bay Beach on Provo is the go-to spot for kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos . Gentle eastern trade winds and the shallow depth of the water offer the perfect conditions for kiteboarding . You ’ ll also see horses trotting along the coast because this beach is the most popular for horseback riding .
Travel between Water Cay and Little Water Cay islands to discover the idyllic Half Moon Bay , a charming beach and sandbar lagoon . A boat cruise or yacht charter is the best way to access these uninhabited islands . Show-stopping vistas of miniature palm forests , low cliffs , and a dreamy white sand beach make this an ideal spot for day trips and picnics . Lay back on the sand and watch the endangered Turks and Caicos Rock iguana scurry along the dunes and sun their soft green skin .
GETTING THERE
United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to Providenciales International Airport ( PLS ).
WATER MANEUVERS
Hop a boat to soak up the essence of Turks and Caicos . Join a boat tour , yacht charter , or day cruise to view the islands ’ glorious coastlines , cays , and Grand Turk Lighthouse . Choose from an islandhopping beach cruise , which explores small cays and snorkeling spots ; sunset cruises for catching the elusive green flash over the water ; luxury yacht charters with customized itineraries and onboard dining ; sailing charters aboard catamarans or schooners to glide along the crystalline ocean ; whale watching cruises to see humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins ; and fishing charters to catch lionfish , bonefish , conch and lobster .
CAVING ESCAPADES
Visit Middle Caicos Island to explore the island chain ’ s most extensive dry cave system ( non-submerged ), Conch Bar Caves . The caves boast stalactites , stalagmites , and columns surrounding shallow pools that fluctuate with the tides . Follow the stone path with the tour guide to discover four species of bats and formations that date back centuries . Enter the nearby Indian Cave site to view natural “ skylights ” and the skeletons of a giant iguana , owls , hawks , and a tortoise unique to the islands .
CULTURAL TREASURES
Learn about Turks and Caicos history at the Turks and Caicos National Museum , located on Provo and Grand Turk . Browse exhibits highlighting fascinating topics like the historic salt trade in Turks and Caicos , how American astronaut John Glenn landed on Grand Turk after completing his orbit around the Earth , and archeology and history of the indigenous Lucayans , the first inhabitants of Turks and Caicos . Wander through the Caicos Heritage House , a replica of island homes during the 1800s , including traditional furniture and a garden .
Conch dishes are an essential feature of Turks and Caicos ’ cuisine . Be sure to sample ubiquitous menu items like conch fritters , marinated conch , conch salad , curried conch , and even conch burgers at restaurants across the island . The most iconic place to eat conch is Da Conch Shack , situated on a pretty slip of sand on Blue Bills Beach in Provo . The eatery serves conch in eight tasty ways but also offers chicken , burgers , ribs , and shrimp . The food is just one part of the adventure because live music is highlighted three times a week for an authentic Caicos experience .
Travelers should take advantage of the local fish fry held every Thursday evening at Stubbs Diamond Plaza in Provo . With free entrance , the fish fry is like a street party with live music , including traditional folk music , rake and scrape , craft vendors , and , of course , lots of local food and drinks . Besides fried fish , there ’ s also conch , BBQ chicken , lobster , and stews . Wash it with the beloved cocktail , Gully Wash , a concoction made with coconut water , sweetened condensed milk , and gin .
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