Tips for Turks
Clothing/Sunscreen
Turks and Caicos is HOT! I don’t mean our typical U.S. summer heat. Because it’s so close to the equator, the sun really beats down on you and the humidity is typically high. I would bring mostly summer clothes. Lots of shorts, short sleeves and tank-tops, bathing suits, sandals. There may be some rainy days, so a rain-coat would be nice to have. Overall, I wouldn’t waste your time on packing jeans and sweaters.
I also want to make a large emphasis on wearing sunscreen while visiting this island. Even if you always tan and are used to the sun in the U.S., you will burn there. The average U.V. index is around 10 and can easily reach 12. I made the mistake of neglecting sunscreen on my first day because it was still early in the morning, and I didn’t realize the U.V had already reached 11. I was torched and burnt for the rest of the trip. I’m also Latina and have tan skin normally. So, if you’re a fair skin person it’s crucial that you bring heavy duty sunscreen and reapply throughout the day. Especially if you’re going in and out of the water. If you do burn, either bring or buy aloe vera and lotion to avoid peeling. This was another mistake I made. I didn’t think it was necessary and peeled for weeks after.
Renting a Car
Due to the size of the island and the population, there aren’t many options for public transportation. Most islanders drive around the island, so it’s recommended for tourists to rent a car for the duration of their stay. There are many options, but for island purposes I would suggest getting a jeep that you can get sandy and wet. Also prior to visiting this island, it’s important to note that people drive on the opposite side of the roads than the U.S. So instead of driving on the right side of the road, they drive on the left. This was very confusing for me and thankfully I was the one driving.
Activities
Aside from the activities that I experienced, Turks and Caicos has so many things to do. One of the most popular things to do is take a boat cruise. There are many different options such as snorkeling and sunset cruises. One of the most interesting options is to cruise to the Caicos Cays between Providenciales and North Caicos. This cruise has various stops along the way including, the iguana sanctuary of Little Water Cay, the beach and lagoon at Half Moon Bay, and the sandbars and sunken cannons at Fort George Cay.
Another popular activity is to kayak or paddleboard in the Wetlands. Turks and Caicos has a large network of mangrove wetlands and tidal channels perfect for these watersports. These guided excursions will give you the opportunity to spot wildlife such as sharks, turtles, conchs, barracudas, bonefish, starfish, and stingrays.
If you want an even more immersive experience, Turks and Caicos offer great opportunities for scuba diving. Boats regularly visit over 80 miles of barrier reef in Providenciales. If you are inexperienced, there are several local dive shops that offer water and DSD courses so you can get in the water during your trip. Personally, for me, I think I would be a little freaked out to be that deep into the ocean, but I’m sure it would be exhilarating.
If you are a thrill seeker and want an activity that will get your heartrate up, jet skiing is a great option. There are little waves around this area, so you can jet ski with ease and speed through the crystal waters. This is great to do with friends!
A more leisurely activity that the island offers is horseback riding at Long Bay. This activity allows you to slowly prance through the shallow waters of the beach. The trained horses tend to be very nice to their riders and enjoy wading in the ocean just as much as us. If you love horses and the ocean, this is a perfect combination!
If you want to tour more of the island itself, there are options such as the Party Bike experience along Grace Bay, and the Love Buggy Island tour. Both options offer rides along through the island where visitors can stop and view different shops and restaurants. The Love Buggy tour also takes people around 85% of the island so the wildlife can be explored.
Island Wildlife
One of the amazing things about this island is the wildlife on land. While the marine life is spectacular, there are so many iguanas, lizards, and birds that roam freely around the island. If you travel to one of the many mangroves, there’s a chance you might see bright pink flamingos.
Reptiles such as the Curly-tail lizard, anole, geckos, and skinks have made this island their home as they’re often seen climbing trees, wandering the sidewalks, or hanging on the side of buildings. One of the most famous of the indigenous animals on the island is the Island Rock Iguana. These large iguanas are unfortunately known to be critically endangered. So, if you see one, make sure to treat it with care.
The Curly-tail lizard is the largest of the non-iguana lizards and is commonly seen in nearly all terrains in our islands. They are typically small and reach a maximum of 10 inches. A sibling to the curly-tail lizard is the southern Bahamas anole. This reptile can be found in every island of the archipelago and is a little smaller than the Curly-tail lizard but consumes the same diet. There are also several geckos and skinks that wander around the island. Most of these reptiles are used to humans so don’t be scared if one wanders a little close. They are typically harmless and enjoy a fruity snack every once in a while.
Turks and Caicos is also home to three snakes which include, two miniature boas and one worm-like blind snake. Though, don’t fret, unlike the iguanas and lizards, you most likely won’t find these snakes slithering along the sidewalks of the island.
Overall, this island really has something for everyone. There are so many opportunities to relax and get your blood rushing. The animals and music really bring this island to life. The culture is amazing, and the overall vibe of the island is unmatched. This is a place I would recommend to almost anyone as there are so many options for activities.
