Imagine: You and the girls in bikinis relaxing on a Caribbean beach, swimming in turquoise water, partying on a floating bar, drinking piña coladas and eating delicious seafood! If you’re tired of the same old bachelorette scene in the United States, then hop on a quick flight to paradise in Turks and Caicos.
Pack your bathing suits and sunscreen in this complete guide to TCI where I share everything to see, do, and eat, along with some helpful tips for an unforgettable girls trip.
About The Island:
The British Overseas Territory known as Turks and Caicos (TCI) is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean made up of about 100 named islands and cays. It has six main inhabited islands and three smaller private cays that are home to secluded, luxury villas and resorts.
*Cay: a low bank or reef of coral, rock, or sand.
The majority of the population of Turks and Caicos resides on the island of Providenciales, or “Provo.” Grand Turk is the second largest island, which holds the nation’s capital city of Cockburn Town. If you’re traveling via cruise ship, you’ll find yourself docked on Grand Turk as opposed to Provo due to its 14 mile reef on the island’s north shore.
Best Time To Visit:
TCI has year-round temperatures averaging in the 80’s. April & May are some of the best months to visit given cheaper accommodation and smaller crowds. Unfortunately, the rainy season lingers from June to November with potential threats of hurricanes.
Currency:
Turks and Caicos uses the U.S. Dollar as its official currency.
Language:
The official language is English.
Airport:
Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
Traveling from major U.S. cities is an effortless and convenient process! If you plan to visit Grand Turk from Providenciales, you’ll have to take a short connecting flight.
Visa Requirements:
U.S. citizens do not require visas to enter. However, if you plan to stay over 90 days, you may need to apply for a visa.
Getting Around Providenciales
The best way to get around the island is by taxi or rental car. Taxis charge between $10 to $20 per person depending on the distance traveled and can add up to be a pricey burden. I would suggest opting for a rental car which runs around $60 per day.
In my experience of traveling with a group of nine women, the rental car came in handy when we wanted to grab lunch and dinner or needed to make an alcohol and grocery run. It’s not a necessity, but definitely a convenience.
Helpful Tip: Cars drive on the left hand side so it may take a bit of an adjustment.
Where To Stay:
Hotel or Airbnb?
Providenciales from end to end is about 17 miles and at its widest, is eight miles. Its acclaimed 12-mile Grace Bay Beach is lined with resorts, upscale shopping and appealing bars and restaurants. Grace Bay Beach contains a wide array of hotels to choose from. Here’s a list of my favorites:
Personally, I feel Airbnb is the way to go for large groups. You’ll be able to snag a gorgeous villa with a pool for a similar price as a hotel. Grocery stores are only minutes away where you can grab plenty of snacks, water, and alcohol. If you’re budget conscious, this is a great way to cut down on expenses.
Excursions in TCI:
Where To Eat:
Casual Dining:
LEMON 2 GO: quaint coffee shop serving smoothies, fresh fruit, and an assortment of breakfast and lunch options.
Crest & Berry: charming atmosphere with expensive, but tasty açaì bowls. I loved the coconut & blue spirulina base with nut butter!
Da Conch Shack: Conch is the quintessential local food in Turks and Caicos and available year-round. Grab a table in the sand at this casual beachfront restaurant with live music. Make sure to sample the different prepared dishes of conch like the local conch ceviche and battered conch!
Somewhere Cafe & Lounge: An island favorite, this two-story casual cafe on Grace Bay Beach serves Tex-Mex plates including its popular burritos and fish tacos.
Shay Café and Lounge: laid-back, quick and easy restaurant for brunch serving breakfast sandwiches on croissants, bagels, or wraps and omelets.
Sweet T’s: Provo’s most popular fried chicken take-out joint located near the airport roundabout in downtown Providenciales
Upscale Dining:
Coco Bistro: dine in the unique ambiance amidst the largest palm grove on the island serving fresh local cuisine. Make a reservation well in advance as its an island favorite.
Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar: enjoy a sunset dinner or happy hour at this beachside, chic restaurant with a delicious cocktail menu.
Grace’s Cottage: dinner-only restaurant with French inspired plates.
Sui Ren: fine-dining restaurant serving Japanese food with a Peruvian flair.
Caicos Café: large portioned Mediterranean and Italian-style dishes and an extensive wine list.
FISH FRY THURSDAYS
For a true local experience: Every Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Stubbs Diamond Plaza, get a chance to sample local food and drinks, and experience live music.
Where To Party:
DAY: Floating Bars (with hop-on hop-off water taxis)
Noah’s Ark: pull up on your private boat or take the daily ferry service from Blue Haven Marina to the most popular floating bar on the island. The music is loud, the dance floor is movin’, and the drinks are flowin’. And when you need to take a pause from dancing, climb down the ladder and hop right into the water as you please!
Rendezvous Sur La Mer: a hidden gem located off the beach in Five Cays with tables in the water, suspended hammocks, and floating lounges. The unpaved road to meet the boat made me a bit suspicious, but don’t fret. It was easy peasy from there! Upon arrival we were greeted by an amazing staff and served delicious welcome drinks. Food is served family-style for large groups. It was not overly crowded unlike some of the other floating bars which made it one of my favorite experiences on the island!
Captain Oak’s Floating Tiki Bar: located off the shores of Long Bay Beach known for its shallow water allowing visitors to walk far out to sea. The Tiki Bar is open daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with music and a dance floor! A water taxi service is available to guests for a round-trip fee of $20.
NIGHT: Bars & Lounges
Aziza Restaurant & Lounge: bohemian, Tulum-like vibes with Mediterranean dishes, hookah, and a live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.
Shisha Lounge: hookah bar and lounge with a live DJ and outdoor seating
Cielo: small, instagrammable bar with an outdoor deck, bar, and dance floor.
Danny Bouys: Irish pub in the heart of Grace Bay with live sports games, karaoke Thursdays, and weekend DJs.
Check out more bachelorette destinations HERE.
