Surf Cat

No doubt, Turks and Caicos is a relaxation destination. The scenic, sandy white beaches and turquoise blue waters have graciously served as the backdrop of numerous films and an epic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photoshoot. But, this Caribbean island offers so much more than lazy beach days (though, do save time for some of those)! With ideal conditions for kiteboarding and great snorkeling tours along the reef, Turks and Caicos is also hot spot for adventurers. 

Pack your swimsuit. Here, an adventurer’s guide to Turks and Caicos.

Where to Stay

The Shore Club is a luxurious retreat that’s set on a coveted stretch of Providenciales’ Long Bay Beach. The rooms strike the just-right balance of breezy, yet exquisite. Tiles are hand-painted, large windows frame the cerulean blue ocean views, guests can swing over the pool in an Instagram-worthy chair that feels like a cocoon, and the path leading to the spa winds like a peaceful labyrinth.

For a special treat, the hotel’s sprawling villas have their own private pools, terraces, and butler service.

Intrepid types will especially love The Shore Club’s amenities, which include complimentary bikes, snorkels, kayaks, paddleboards and hobie cats, which are small sailing catamarans. Start the day with a yoga class and a few laps in the sleek, adults-only lap pool.

You’ve earned a cocktail; check out The Rope Bar, which has a massive chandelier made with ropes that hang from the ceiling.

Adventures to Try

Thanks to smooth trade winds, Turks and Caicos is an ideal spot to learn how to kiteboard. From November to August, more than 90% of the days are “kiteable.” Several kiteboarding outfitters line the beach. For example, Kite Provo uses bluetooth technology so that instructors can speak to you through a headset when you’re out on the water and the company offers both individual and group lessons.

Also worthy of a spot on your vacation itinerary is a snorkeling tour. The “Snorkel and Conch” tour with Caicos Dream Tours includes a cruise along Grace Bay and snorkeling along the barrier reef, where you can see whales, dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and tropical fish. Book a double-decker boat that has a slide so you can go head first into the water.

Got a need for speed? Rent a jet ski from one of the vendors on Long Bay Beach and zip around in the water.

Where to Eat

Sui-Ren is an upscale Peruvian and Japanese fusion restaurant that’s open for dinner each night at The Shore Club. The innovative menu features sushi rolls, tempura prawn and veggies, ceviches, and well as flame-grilled Peruvian meats and mole.

The dining scene at Coyaba feels like a bohemian garden. The menu melds Caribbean spices and seafood with European dishes. The result is truffle fries with guava ketchup, jerk-seasoned chicken breast, Danish baby back ribs seasoned with tamarind.

If you’re planning a trip to Turks and Caicos, it’s worth syncing your visit up an Island Fish Fry, which happens every Thursday evening at the Bight Children’s Park. More than a dozen vendors are gathered and you can sample island fare like lobster mac ‘n cheese, conch salad, crab and rice, and fried fish. The evening concludes with a junkanoo rush as the audience joins in a dance celebration with the performers who are banging on their drums.