Holidays in Turks & Caicos 2025/2026

Such is the sprawling nature of the Turks & Caicos’ network of reefs, it’s like a kaleidoscopic city existing beneath the waves. This vibrant underwater metropolis is the world’s third-largest barrier reef and, unsurprisingly, has a mesmeric mix of dive sites to suit both newbies and the experienced. Many have tongue-in-cheek names, like the coral-encrusted arches of the McDonald’s site near Grand Turk, or Becky’s Beautiful Bottom – a wall carpeted in huge heads of coral and barrel sponges. Wrecks of planes and ships which speckle the sea bed are now artificial reefs for tropical fish, while ‘The Wall’ at Library Reef off Grand Turk is a spectacular 6,000ft drop that plunges into the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. For snorkellers, there’s plenty of ways to experience this marine vibrancy, with straight-from-the-sand opportunities on Providenciales. Bight Reef (commonly known as Coral Gardens) is a haven for turtles, stingrays and eagle rays, while Smith’s Reef hordes fish so vibrant, they’ll expand your brain’s colour palette.

Every winter, humpback whales migrate from the chilly northern Atlantic waters to the warmer Caribbean Sea to mate and give birth. Their migration route cuts right through the Turks & Caicos archipelago, so if you time it right, you could catch a glorious glimpse of them gliding past. Base yourself on Salt Cay and keep your eyes peeled as they pass along the Turks Islands Passage that runs between Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Between January and April is your best bet for seeing them and if you’re really lucky, you might be able to spot whale calves swimming beside their mothers for an unforgettable sight.

The dive sites of Turks & Caicos mean its island interiors often drop off the traveller map. North and Middle Caicos are two islands that barely register with visitors but there’s plenty on each to see. Head to North Caicos for the unique sea-fed Cottage Pond blue hole, 18th-century cotton plantation Wade’s Green or Flamingo Pond Overlook, home to its namesake blush-coloured birds, as well as herons, egrets and ducks. Middle Caicos is famed for its pair of cave systems – Conch Bar Caves has fine rock formations and vines drip from the skylights of Indian Caves. The rugged limestone cliffs of Mudjin Harbour are also worth a visit!

The Turks & Caicos market Grace Bay as the best beach in the world and it’s hard to argue. It’s the perfect 12-mile stretch of white, velvety sand that looks as if it’s been expertly smoothed over by a palette knife. Lapped by clear, turquoise waters, there’s not a blemish to be found along its miles of pristine beauty.

With beautiful beaches and striking seas, Turks & Caicos is a paradise for water sports. Calm ocean-fed waterways and inlets make for great kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding adventures, especially around the mangroves of Parrot Cay. The waves found off the coastline of Providenciales (Long Bay and Leeward beaches are good places) are a haven for surfers, kitesurfers and sailors, among other sports!

There are two options from the UK. British Airways flies directly from London Heathrow with a brief stop in Nassau, taking approximately 12 hours, twice a week. Virgin Atlantic flies directly with no stops, taking approximately 10 hours, twice a week (please note this route is due to be suspended on 21 February 2025).

No vaccinations are recommended for Turks & Caicos but the islands are regarded as having a risk of contracting the Zika virus. However, please consult your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel for current advice.

The US dollar is the currency of Turks & Caicos.

The time difference is GMT -5 hours.

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Turks & Caicos.