The Turks and Caicos Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Bahamas, and about forty minutes by plane from Miami and the North American mainland.
The archipelago of 40 cays and islets sits on a sea mount rising up from the Atlantic Ocean. Each cay is unique and provides a glimpse of life in the Caribbean in times gone by.
If you can ever drag yourself away from beautiful Grace Bay Beach, an entire world is awaiting you here to explore in the Turks and Caicos.
Here are some easy day trips from The Sands at Grace Bay.
Caving on Middle Caicos
This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Provo to North Caicos—you can most easily get to the caves of Middle Caicos from North Caicos—where you’ll stop along the way to snorkel on the barrier reef.
Middle Caicos itself is home to just 300 full-time residents. It’s a wonderful day trip by boat from Provo.
North Caicos
After landing on North Caicos you will set off to explore the conch bar caves and venture deep inside the earth with your native guide to view stalactites and stalagmites, bats, white owls and incredible limestone formations.
North Caicos itself is largely undeveloped. Visiting the island offers a look at Turks and Caicos the way it used to be. The trip to North Caicos can and makes for an interesting day trip from Providenciales.
Learn about planning day-long Turks and Caicos tours through the Sands at Grace Bay >>
Middle Caicos
However, now that you’re on North Caicos, continuing to travel on to Middle Caicos is well-worth the effort. A narrow sandy causeway connects the two islands. While it is possible to walk the trail to reach Middle Caicos, it would take far too long.
Instead, rent or arrange transport to take you to Middle Caicos and its caves.
The caves of Middle Caicos are located close to Mudjin Harbour. The limestone bluffs offer some truly unforgettable views of spectacular seascapes here.
Besides awe-inspiring views Mudjin Harbour features some truly gorgeous beaches.
Dragon Cay, a small limestone cay, is accessible from the beach at low tide.
But even if the tide does not cooperate, the beach at Mudjin Harbour provides a unique place to splash in the sea and relax on the beautiful white sand.
Middle Caicos Caves
The Turks and Caicos are famous for having the largest above-ground cave network in the entire Caribbean and a private tour is just the way to explore it. Some of the most striking caves are found on Middle Caicos.
The caves, since they’re above ground, can be explored easily by anyone (with the proper footwear), and offer an interesting glimpse at the natural history and cultural heritage of the Caribbean.
Only recently rediscovered, the caves were once the home of Lucayan Indians, and it’s thought they sheltered in the caves during hurricanes. The Village Caves and the Conch Bar are the most frequently visited caves on Middle Caicos.
Learn more about our Middle Caicos day excursion.
Take a Trip to Caribbean Paradise on South Caicos
Located to the southeast of Middle Caicos, South Caicos is not a day trip. Instead South Caicos is a destination in its own right. It can be accessed by water taxi, but it’s far easier to fly there.
South Caicos is a private island. There is accommodation there, but the island is best known for being the location of summer homes and villas of movie stars.
Most of the activities on South Caicos involve the water: windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving and even some fishing.
South Caicos is surrounded by shallow shoals and flats—perfect for bonefishing. Airboats are available to take anglers out to the best bonefishing spots.
Exploring Providenciales
Even if you don’t have time to do a day trip to explore more of the Turks and Caicos, our very own island of Providenciales.
Leeward Beach, Provo
Leeward Beach, on the northeast end of Provo, provides a secluded, spectacular beach to explore.
Leeward is a fantastic place to watch the sunset. Leeward is also close to Mangrove Cay, a nature reserve.
Mangrove Cay provides an excellent place to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
SUP is a popular activity in the Turks and Caicos. Our own stretch of Grace Bay Beach on the leeward side of Providenciales is perfect for it.
Providenciale’s Iguana Island (aka Little Water Cay)
Just off the northeast, leeward tip of Providenciales Little Water Cay, better known as “Iguana Island.”
The cay is a wildlife preserve for iguanas. It can be reached by water taxi from Blue Haven Marina in Leeward and is the perfect family day trip in Turks and Caicos.
Little Water Cay is indeed inhabited by a colony of friendly iguanas. They are herbivores (the iguanas eat plants) and are quite friendly and sociable.
Get Help Planning a Day Trip in Turks and Caicos
If taking a day trip with your family to explore the Turks and Caicos sounds interesting, here are three trips put on by Caicos Dream Tours that pick you up right in front of The Sands at Grace Bay and fantastic exploration in some of the Turks and Caicos’ must-see spots.
Plan Your Excursion
The excursions may be conveniently booked by guests of The Sands at Grace Bay at our Tour Desk, located by our main swimming pool. Learn more here.
