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Plated meals set on an outdoor bar overlooking a marina.
Plated fried chicken tenders with a side of french fries.
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12 Best Restaurants in Providenciales July 6, 2022

After you’re done walking on the soft white sand and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos, we bet you’ve worked up quite the appetite!

Before you head home to your Rentyl Resort at the Atrium, head out to one of these incredible restaurants in Providenciales.

The island has a cornucopia of eateries to choose from, most serving up some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever devoured. Bon appetit!

1. Da Conch Shack

Our restaurants guide would not be complete without mentioning Da Conch Shack on our list of best restaurant in Providenciales. This spot is a staple restaurant on the island, and everyone from tourists to locals love it. As one could imagine, conch is what’s on the menu here.

Sure, you can get other excellent fresh seafood, but their signature meals involve conch. Fresh conch salad, cracked conch (like fried calamari), and conch fritters (like a conch hush puppy) are just a few of the yummy conch items on their menu. This all can be enjoyed while watching the ocean lap onshore as you dig your toes into the sand. On Wednesdays, they have live music to jam to.

Outdoor tables and chairs set in the sand at an oceanfront restaurant.

2. Omar's Beach Hut

Providenciales Outdoor restaurant picnic tables with lit palm trees next to the ocean.

Another spot right on the beach is Omar’s Beach Hut. As one would expect, the vibe is chill at this cute alfresco restaurant. It also means you should bring plenty of sunscreen if you’re coming by during lunch.

Fresh fish and seafood are an obvious choice while on the island, but particularly while at Omar’s since you’re right next to the fresh seafood market! Another favorite here is the jerk dishes, which are delicious but surprisingly not as spicy as some jerk sauces can be. So give it a try here if you’re a bit wary of spicy foods.

3. Bob's Bar & Eats

This is a hidden gem that’s a bit out of the way but worth the ride. You’re overlooking the Southside Marina and the crazy blue water the island is known for. The chef is a French Canadian that puts their twist on the regular island dishes.

The shrimp curry is beautifully flavored, the salads incredibly crisp and fresh, but what will blow you away is the conch mac and cheese cakes! Conch with creamy and rich mac and cheese oozing out of a perfectly fried “cake.” Paired with a Turks Head beer, the fabulous views, and great live music if you pop by on Wednesday—this restaurant in Providenciales is a clear winner!

Plated meals set on an outdoor bar overlooking a marina.

4. Mr. Grouper's Restaurant

Plated fried grouper and spring rolls accompanied by side dishes and beer.

Whether you want to stop by for a quick bite or have a fish feast for dinner, Mr. Grouper is a sure shot. As one would imagine, you can’t come here without ordering some grouper!

While you might feel like a little kid ordering the fish fingers, don’t worry. These aren’t the frozen fish sticks mom gave you while watching cartoons. It’s thoughtfully fried, fall-off-your-fork, fresh grouper that’s just to die for! There’s more than just grouper, of course—you can’t go wrong with the jerk chicken, snapper, and conch fritters too.

5. Shay Café & Lounge

Located in Grace Bay, this is your spot for breakfast. Hands down, no need to think about it! There’s eggs benny, bagel sandwiches, croissants, fluffy pancakes, and other sweet treats, not to mention some seriously fantastic coffee to keep you fueled on your snorkel trips!

This is a bustling spot, but they still serve out everything pretty quickly and offer takeaway if you prefer your bagel brekkie sandwiches on the beach.

Bacon and egg sandwich in a take out container.

6. Thursday Fish Fry

Man holding a take out container with a variety of food and a beer.

This is another MUST-go spot if you’re looking for a restaurant in Providenciales on a Thursday. Every person on the island will be sure to remind you, so no worries, there’s no forgetting about the island’s famous Thursday night Fish Fry!

You might see this called “The Bight Park” Fish Fry, but it’s now moved to the PTV headquarters at Stubbs Diamond Plaza (near Mr. Grouper).

Here, around 15 local restaurants set up their stands and serve up some insanely amazing island favorites. Fresh seafood is on the menu (obviously!), along with other favorites like sushi, jerk, yummy ice cream, and more. The Turks Head Brewery even has a stand here, and this local beer will be your go-to drink unless you love rum punch in a pineapple, which you can also find here.

Souvenirs and other trinkets are on offer while island vibe music blares through the speakers. Don’t miss this spot on Thursdays.

7. Cocovan Airstream Lounge

Coco Bistro is a popular spot on the island, but you’ll probably need a reservation. Not to mention, your wallet will take a bit of a beating at this restaurant in Providenciales! Good thing that right next door is Cocovan—a restaurant serving up island delicacies out of an Airstream! It’s not only a super cute restaurant with alfresco seating, but the staff is incredibly welcoming and knows how to cook up some good food. Perfectly marinated jerk and pineapple tacos, melt in your mouth Mahi burgers, and even fried mac and cheese balls are what’s on offer here.
Exterior view of the Cocovan restaurant in Turks & Caicos

8. Ricky’s Flamingo Cafe

Ricky’s is a reasonably priced restaurant on the island that’s right on Gracy Bay Beach. Here you’ll have views of parasailers, kayakers, sailors, snorkel boats, and more of the things to do in Providenciales that you’ll be enjoying during your visit. All while you nosh on burgers, fries, salads, jerk, grouper, and many other delicious items you’ll come to know while visiting the islands.

It’s a perfect spot for a beer and a light lunch so you can continue your hard days of relaxing and exploring Turks and Caicos!

Tip: Flamingo Cafe and Cocovan are our top two favorite restaurants in Providenciales because they are both less than a five minutes drive from The Atrium. These two just might be your go-to spots while on the island just like they are ours while staying at our Rentyl Resort!

Other Restaurants in Providenciales and Beyond

You’ll come to notice many of the restaurants around Providenciales are going to be serving up similar items. Jerk, fresh seafood, fried conch, fish… It’s hard to get tired of it because it is SO good.

But every once in a while, you just might want something a bit different or maybe even switch up where you’re eating! Here are a few more places to consider visiting while thirsty and hungry on Providenciales.

9. Pizza Pizza

Pizza topped with a variety of vegetables.

Will this be the best pizza of your life? Probably not, but it’s pretty darn good if you have a craving for pizza. And if you’re anything like us, that’s probably once a week or so! Sometimes you might just want to eat a pizza back at your resort for an easy, chill night (this one is also only 5 minutes from The Atrium!).

If that’s what you’re feeling, Pizza Pizza is in Grace Bay and will surely satisfy your pizza cravings. They are a nice size, have a crispy crust, and you just can’t go wrong.

10. Mis Amigos

Mexican food in the Caribbean? Why not!? Especially when there’s an actual Mexican chef cooking in the kitchen here! While many menu items are more Tex-Mex than anything, the break from the usual food you’ll find on the island will be welcomed.

This place has the best margaritas we could find, and the food is as fresh as can be, just like everything else around the island. Swap out your conch fritters or fried fish for a burrito for a night. It’s OK, we won’t judge!
Plated nachos in a cast iron skillet and a burrito set on a bar countertop.

11. Turks Head Brewery

Glasses of beer on a bar countertop at a brewery.
Had your fill of rum punches? Head to Turks Head Brewery! Unless you count the free popcorn, there’s no food here, but you’ll definitely leave full. Full of delicious local beer! Don’t pay $7 for a Corona, just order a Turks Head beer anywhere on the island; everyone carries it. Or better yet, head to the source to join the locals and tourists alike to enjoy a beer, fresh out of the vat.

12. Mudjin Bar & Grill

Mudjin Bar and Grill is the only restaurant outside of Providenciales on this list, but if you’re thinking of taking a day trip to North and Middle Caicos, this is THE restaurant to go to. No need to do any further research or thinking; we wouldn’t steer you wrong. Not only will you have the most amazingly marinated pieces of fish and fresh salad, supremely fried conch, or incredible lobster bites—you’ll also be eating it with some of the most stunning views you’ll find around Turks and Caicos, right over Mudjin Harbor and Dragon Cay!
Woman sitting at a table on a deck overlooking a beach in Turks & Caicos

Things to Know

  • Double check your bill. Sometimes a partial service fee/tip is added and then you can add more as you see fit.
  • Tipping is customary and is usually around 15-20%.
  • Sometimes tax is included in menu prices and sometimes not, just check at the bottom of the menu so you know when you get your bill that it might be slightly more than you thought.
  • Eating out in Turks and Caicos is not cheap. With that said, we never felt that we had a bad meal. So while you’re paying a bit more, you’re getting excellent food!
  • They don’t serve lobster out of season which is around August through March. While you’re likely to see it on menus regardless, don’t be surprised if they tell you it’s unavailable.
  • Make sure to check out more of our tips for traveling Turks and Caicos.
We hope this guide to restaurants in Providenciales helped you choose some great spots to eat while visiting the islands! Is anyone else starving?

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Woman in a transparent kayak on the beach in Turks & Caicos.
]]> https://rentylresorts.com/blog/12-best-restaurants-in-providenciales/feed/ 1 10 Amazing Things to Do in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos https://rentylresorts.com/blog/10-amazing-things-to-do-in-providenciales/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 19:26:38 +0000 https://rentylresorts.com/?p=9080
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Overhead view of lagoon pool at the Atrium Resort in Turks & Caicos
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10 Amazing Things to Do in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos July 6, 2022

Providenciales, also known lovingly as Provo, is the gateway city to Turks and Caicos. The white-sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters draw in beach bums worldwide, but there’s so much more to this stunning island than its soft sand and tropical vibes. There are tons of things to do in Providenciales for visitors of all ages, including a long list of watersports, horseback riding, exploring shipwrecks, and indulging in the local cuisine and culture. Here are the 10 best things to do in Providenciales!

1. Clear Kayak to Mangrove Cay and Iguana Island

Turks and Caicos is famous for its vibrant underwater life, but you won’t have to go beneath the surface to find it. Instead, you can rent a clear kayak and paddle out to Mangrove Cay and Iguana Island (Little Water Cay), where you’ll likely see the endemic rock iguanas that flourish here. You’ll paddle past colorful fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, and more – all visible from the bottom of your clear kayak!

You can simply rent a kayak or take a tour if you prefer. Most places will also have stand-up paddleboards and regular kayaks as well but the clear kayak is a staple for the area and is a whole other experience in itself!

Clear Bottom Adventures and The Looking Glass are two great companies to rent or take a tour with. Just be sure to book in advance as some companies often only bring enough kayaks for their confirmed bookings to the beach. Make sure to read our tips for Turks and Caicos article so you’re armed with all the advice you need for your trip!

Woman sitting in a clear kayak on a beach in Turks & Caicos.

2. Kiteboarding and Kitesurfing

Person kiteboarding on the ocean in Turks & Caicos.
Kitesurfing is popular on Providenciales. Long Bay Beach’s consistent wind and soft sandy bottom make it a perfect kiteboarding location. There are various spots where you can rent gear or sign up for lessons but Kite Provo Kiteboarding School is one of the most popular. Alternative kitesurfing spots include Leeward Beach, Bight Beach, and Grace Bay Beach.

3. Snorkeling and Diving

Snorkeling is a rite of passage when you visit Provo. There are fantastic snorkeling options right off the beach, making it easy to dive below the surface. Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef are the most convenient options for beach snorkeling.

You’ll likely spot sea turtles, eagle rays, and parrotfish swimming beneath the surface. These spots are easy enough to reach and do by yourself but if you want to explore further, you can opt for a snorkel tour.

If you happen to be staying at The Atrium, you’ll be lucky enough to have Sunset Beach in your front yard. When you walk out to the beach you’ll notice a rocky outcrop that doesn’t seem like much but is actually a small snorkeling spot that’s an oasis for colorful fish and massive lobsters!

Want to take it a step further? Book a diving trip so you can plunge to the depths of oceans just off the coast of paradise. Dive Provo is one of the best on the island.

Things to do in Providenciales. Woman standing on a beach looking out into the ocean.

4. Eat!

Plated conch fritters over mixed greens.

Eating is one of the best things to do in Providenciales, period! Perhaps the best way to indulge your taste buds is by attending the Thursday Night Fish Fry at PTV headquarters at Stubbs Diamond Plaza (formerly at Bight Park). There are usually about a dozen of the island’s best seafood restaurants in attendance, serving up specialties like conch fritters and grilled lobster under tents and stalls.

A Turks Head Brewery stand along with other bar stands serve up cocktails in pineapples and rum punches to last you all night. You can come down to shop for some local trinkets and souvenirs as well. Be sure to arrive early before this tasty grub sells out!
While in Provo, you must try other local delicacies, including conch salad, steamed fish, peas n’ rice, and sweet plantains. Da Conch Shack, Cocovan, and Bob’s Bar and Eats are a few more favorites. Check out our guide to restaurants in Providenciales for more of our recommendations.

5. La Famille Express Shipwreck

If you’ve ever wanted to check out a real-life shipwreck, then don’t miss La Famille Express. This grounded shipwreck sits above the water, so there’s no need for any diving experience or equipment. This makes it a great excursion for families with young kiddos. La Famille Express sits about two miles off of Long Bay Beach, and while it looks close enough to shore, you’ll need to charter a boat or jet ski out to the shipwreck.

There are plenty of boats that offer tours out here or you can pop by the north end of Long Beach and see jet skis for rent.

Person jet-skiing next to a shipwreck in the ocean

6. Best Beaches in Providenciales

Woman standing on a beach looking out at the ocean.

Home to some of the most idyllic and picturesque beaches in Turks and Caicos, bumming on the beach is one of the best things to do in Providenciales. However, there’s more to Provo’s stunning beaches than just soft sand and beautiful views.

  • You can enjoy the bars, restaurants, and world-famous sand and sea at Grace Bay Beach.
  • Some of the island’s best snorkeling is at Smith’s Reef—make sure to head up to the west end as it’s said to be the better area.
  • Long Bay Beach is a kiteboarder’s heaven!
  • Or take the kids swimming in the shallow waters at Taylor Bay on the island’s southern coast.
  • Sapodilla Beach is a great spot for having beers on the beach and for sunset, climb the nearby hill for a great view!
  • If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the western edge of the island and enjoy the solitude of Malcolm’s Road Beach. Just be sure you have high ground clearance on your vehicle or a 4-wheel drive because the ride out here is very rough.

7. Horseback Ride on the Beach

This is your chance if you’ve ever dreamed of riding horseback along a stunning white sand beach! There are various excursions available with different tour companies, and it’s the perfect activity for families or couples looking for a romantic way to spend the day.

You’ll find Unique Tours and Rentals on Blue Hills Beach, which is a gorgeous spot to gallop around. This is also near the Conch Shack which is a must-visit restaurant in Turks and Caicos.

Group of people horseback riding along a beach in Turks & Caicos.

8. Chalk Sound

Sand dunes covered in vegetation at Chalk Sound National Park, Turks & Caicos

Chalk Sound National Park is one of the most breathtaking areas in Turks and Caicos. Situated on the southern tip of Provo, the park encompasses an aquamarine lagoon and small rocky islands. You can drive around the park or get up close and personal via kayak, which can be rented from Las Brisas Restaurant.

If you head to Monika Chalk Sound View, you’ll have a little trail to wander around and a hill to get even better views. Not many people venture this far down so you might be lucky enough to get it to yourself.

9. Take a Boat Tour to Half Moon Bay

One of the best spots for a great day trip is Half Moon Bay, situated north of the famous Little Water Cay. The scenery is stunning, and you’ll likely see at least a few iguanas and baby lemon sharks along the way. Once you’re ready for a break, sprawl out on the soft white sand on the northern side of the cay.

Island Vibes Tour takes you out on a catamaran tour to this idyllic island to spend a half day snorkeling, exploring, and beach bumming.

View of sailboat in Half Moon Bay, Turks & Caicos

10. The Atrium

Overhead view of lagoon pool at the Atrium Resort in Turks & Caicos

When it comes time to resting your eyes each night, there’s no better place to go home to than The Atrium. This luxury resort is situated in the exclusive Leeward community and boasts top-notch amenities for the whole family.

Spend the day at the heated outdoor pool (complete with a swim-up bar), hang out in the game room, or enjoy a relaxing couples massage at the on-site spa. You can stay in shape during your stay thanks to the modern fitness center and on-site personal trainer.

Choose from a studio or one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, each fully equipped with a full kitchen, a private balcony/patio, air conditioning, a TV, a washer and dryer, and a safe. This will be your home away from home while here in Turks and Caicos!

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We hope you loved our top 10 list of things to do in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. This will surely keep you busy during your visit!

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]]> Turks and Caicos Travel Tips https://rentylresorts.com/blog/turks-and-caicos-travel-tips/ Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:45:44 +0000 https://rentylresorts.com/?p=8992
Woman in a transparent kayak on the beach in Turks & Caicos.
View of the outdoor pool and pergola at the Atrium Resort in Turks & Caicos
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Turks and Caicos Travel Tips July 6, 2022

Turks and Caicos is one of the premier travel destinations in the Caribbean. The soft sand beaches and aquamarine waters entice travelers worldwide, and once you taste the food, you’ll likely want to extend your trip. But a trip to this archipelago should not be booked blindly. There’s no public transportation, food and accommodation are expensive, and there are tons of islands in the chain to get to know. We’ve compiled some of the best Turks and Caicos travel tips to ensure you have a fantastic experience.

1. The Islands of Turks and Caicos

No matter where you’re flying in from, you’ll land at the Providenciales International Airport, located on the island of Providenciales. Many flights from the U.S. connect through Miami, but there are direct flights from other major cities. There are TONS of things to do in Providenciales as this is the most touristic island in the country with many resorts, excursions, restaurants, and more to entertain visitors.

Although Providenciales is the most developed for tourism, the other islands of Turks and Caicos are worth visiting, too.

North Caicos and Middle Caicos are connected to each other by a causeway. These two garden islands (as they are often referred to) feature deserted beaches and other natural points of interest, including one of the largest dry cave systems in the Caribbean. You can easily take a ferry from Provo to visit these islands and rent a car for the day through Caribbean Cruisin’.

Grand Turk was once the hub of activity in Turks and Caicos. Today it is still a great place to visit with beautiful beaches and fascinating historical sites. This is also the location of the country’s only cruise ship port.

If you want to get as far away from the tourist centers as possible, the sparsely populated islands of Salt Cay and South Caicos are both great options.

View of an airplane wing in flight above Turks & Caicos.

2. Best Months to Visit

Plane flying over small islands surrounded by blue water in Turks & Caicos.

Turks and Caicos experiences excellent weather year-round. April and May are some of the best months to visit the islands. The weather is great, the crowds are sparse, and prices are low. Peak tourist season occurs between December and January, and while it may be nice to get away from the winter weather at home, the large swaths of tourists that occupy the island during this time mean that accommodation and tour options may be limited.

One of the most essential tips for visiting Turks and Caicos is to avoid the hurricane season, which peaks between July and October.

You’ll be in good shape if you can avoid the peak tourist season and hurricane season. Warm temperatures abound throughout the year, and even if rain is in the forecast (it’s usually not), bad weather passes over the islands quickly.

No matter what season you decide to visit, avoid flying in on a weekend if you can help it. The airport is tiny and understaffed, which leads to long wait times. Who wants to spend their precious vacation time waiting in line?!

3. Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S., U.K., Canadian, and European passport holders do not need a visa to enter Turks and Caicos (as long as you’re not staying longer than 90 days). Make sure you have a return ticket and a passport valid for at least six months after your return date. All visitors over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Some countries, including the U.S., require a negative COVID-19 test before you return home which is easily found around the island. The Accu Diagnostics by the IGA off Leeward Ave have Antigen tests for $35. There are tests in Grace Bay at the Seven Stars Hotel as well. The rules change quickly so you can check the Turks and Caicos Islands’ official website for any further updates.

4. Getting Around Turks and Caicos

Blue jeep parked on an ocean beach.

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation in Turks and Caicos. You will either need to take taxis from point A to point B or rent a car. Taxis are fairly expensive, and rates are generally charged per person. If you want to save some money, consider renting a car instead.

If you’re coming from the U.S., keep in mind they drive on the other side of the road as this is a British Overseas Territory.

Most of Provo, the main island, is easy enough to drive around with little traffic but do note there are no traffic lights! Intersections are roundabouts only, so make sure you understand how to use these to keep the traffic flowing.

The west side of Provo is more remote with rough roads, so get a car with better ground clearance, take a tour, or rent an ATV. Rental cars often won’t come with a spare tire either as they want you to call them for any service you may need.

If you don’t like any of these options, staying in the Grace Bay and Leeward area of Providenciales is best as you can rent a golf cart or scooter or just walk around. The island of Grand Turk also offers golf cart rentals as a cool way to get around.

And there are some ATV tours you can book around the islands to get out and adventure without having to commit to renting a vehicle for multiple days too.

5. Language and Currency

Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory, which means everyone speaks English! So, don’t hesitate to chat with the locals to discover their favorite beaches and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

While it may be a British Overseas Territory, Turks and Caicos uses the American Dollar for currency. In addition, electrical outlets and voltages are the same as in the U.S., so no need for a converter.

6. Safety

Turks and Caicos is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. The islands have an extremely low crime rate, especially when it comes to tourists. Although rare, the most common crime committed against visitors is theft. Car break-ins, armed robberies, and home invasions do unfortunately occur. This is especially true on the island of Providenciales. One of the best Turks and Caicos travel tips we can give you is to stay at a hotel or resort to reduce your risk of theft.

Another thing to be aware of is the boat traffic. Even in no-wake zones, speed limits are too often unregarded. So if you’re swimming, be sure to watch for boat traffic and stay close to shore.

7. No Private Beaches

All of the beaches on Turks and Caicos are open to the public, which means you’ll never have to pay to access these outstanding stretches of sand. Parking is also free across most of the country, though that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to find a spot at some of the busier beaches.
View of people on a beach in front of a row of resort hotels.

8. How to Save Money in Turks and Caicos

View of open concept kitchen with dark, modern cabinetry.
There’s no denying that Turks and Caicos is an expensive destination. However, there are a few ways you can save on costs for your trip. Flights are cheaper during the shoulder season or off-season, as are many tours and resorts. This is especially true during hurricane season (June through November), though some restaurants may be shut. Turks and Caicos taxis are extremely expensive and aren’t readily available. As we’ve mentioned, you can save money by renting a car during your stay and this will be a cheaper and more flexible way to explore the island too. Because it’s an archipelago, Turks and Caicos’ food is costly. Even grocery store prices are pretty astronomical when compared to the United States. The good news is you are allowed to bring food to the islands, so feel free to pack your bags full of snacks and other accepted imports. You can even bring a limited amount of alcohol and tobacco! One of the least expensive places to go grocery shopping is Sunny Foods or if you are looking for a little more upscale value but still relatively cheap check out the Graceway IGA off Leeward Highway. This is where many locals shop and where you can find better prices. Luckily, if you’re staying in a Rentyl Resort, you’ll have a wonderful kitchen you can use which means food is readily available when you want it.

9. What to Eat

Of all the Turks and Caicos travel tips, perhaps the best recommendation we can give to potential visitors is what to eat. Foodies flock to the islands to indulge in fresh seafood and other local delicacies. While you’re here, try peas n’ rice, fresh fish, and as much rum punch and jerk as you can get your hands on. Conch and lobster are two of the main staples here, though they are only available during certain seasons (around October to July and August to March, respectively).

In fact, we have a whole guide on our favorite restaurants in Providenciales, so just give that a read when you’re hungry on the island!

Plated fried chicken tenders with a side of french fries.

10. No Alcohol Sales on Sunday

Person holding a beer bottle with a beach in the background.
Just like in certain states in the U.S., alcohol sales are prohibited in Turks and Caicos on Sundays. Bars and restaurants can still serve drinks, but if you want your libations back at the resort, you’ll have to stock up ahead of time.

11. What to Pack

Since you’ll likely be hanging out at the beach for most of your time in Turks and Caicos, you don’t need to worry about packing too much beyond swimsuits and tank tops. However, there are some essentials you’ll need to bring with you.

Some establishments don’t take cards, and ATMs are not as prevalent as many other destinations, so bring cash (including small bills) or at least hit up the ATM at the airport.

The sun is intense here, so you’ll need plenty of sun protection like a hat and sunscreen – make sure it’s reef safe! You’ll be stuck paying around $20 for a small bottle if you forget.

After the sun goes down, swap your sunscreen for insect repellent. The mosquitos and sandflies come out in hoards if it has rained recently.

You may want to bring your snorkeling gear if you have it, as island prices for this equipment are pretty spendy. Not only that but there are some random opportunities to hop into the water with a snorkel and you don’t want to have to hunt down a rental and waste precious time.

If you forgot to pack something, you’d likely be able to find it at one of the stores in Provo but you may have to pay dearly for it.

Woman sitting in a lounge chair on the beach.

12. Tipping and Taxes

Mobile brewery with beer on tap and merchandise.

If you’re from the U.S., this won’t be too much of a surprise for you as the “rules” are essentially the same. It’s appropriate to tip 15-20% at restaurants.

The only thing to keep in mind is to always double-check your bill as sometimes the service fee or a partial service fee is already added. Some places add nothing and some will add 10% and then you can leave a bit more.

Another thing to note is that sometimes the taxes are added to the menu price and sometimes it’s not! So be sure to read at the bottom of the menu if they do or don’t so when you get your bill you’re not surprised if it happens to be more.

13. Booking Ahead of Time

Being spontaneous is fun, and on chill islands like Turks and Caicos, it works most of the time. However, it might not always be best to just show and hope everything works out. Sometimes tours are best to book ahead of time to make sure you’re going on the day and time you want.

If you’re looking to rent kayaks, for example, you’ll also want to rent them ahead of time as sometimes the companies bring the kayaks to the beach each and every day and oftentimes, just the amount they need for a tour! This means if you just show up, they might not have an extra to rent out to you.

Kayaks and canoes lined up on a beach in Turks & Caicos.

14. Where to Stay

Overhead view of the Atrium Resort and pool in Turks & Caicos.

Most visitors stay on the island of Providenciales, as this is where many of the resorts and hotels are located. Grace Bay is a particularly popular area, renowned for the resorts that back this famous beach. But those looking for a more quiet, family-friendly neighborhood should consider staying in the Leeward area.

The Atrium is one of the best options in this area for both families and couples on a romantic getaway. The resort boasts a large pool with a swim-up bar, an on-site spa, and a modern fitness center. The location is hard to beat, too – just steps away from some of the best beaches in Turks and Caicos.

The closest beach to the Atrium is just a few steps away, Sunset Beach. Here, you’ll have tons of space as not many venture out this way. There’s even a small rocky outcrop at this beach that’s great for a quick snorkel. You’ll find massive lobsters, colorful fish, and cool coral just beneath your toes!

If you’re looking for a home away from home, a retreat, something beyond your basic hotel room, and located near the action but not in the dead center of everything, this Rentyl Resort is the spot for you!

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We hope this article on tips for traveling Turks and Caicos helps you better plan your trip!

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