Home to seemingly endless stretches of sparkling white sand beach and hypnotically teal waters, Turks and Caicos is considered one of the world's top vacation destinations.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory that includes 40 different islands and cays. People only live on eight of them, with each offering a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Providenciales is considered the gateway island to the Caribbean destination and is home to most of the popular resorts and hotels. Many of the islands and cays are accessible by boat from the large island, while others are a short 10 to 25-minute flight away.
Travellers looking to explore might be interested in visiting Middle Caicos and North Caicos, which are home to "lush green woodlands, the biggest cave network in the Caribbean on Middle Caicos, cottage pond and flamingo pond in North Caicos and a vast range of plant life and bird life," according to the tourism board.
From booking flights and securing travel documents to things to do for fun while you're there, find out everything you need to know about planning your trip to Turks and Caicos from Vancouver.
What airlines should I fly to Turks and Caicos?
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), travellers can fly direct to Providenciales International Airport (PLS) or via several connecting routes.
Airlines that fly to or partially to Turks and Caicos via one of their airline partners include:
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta
- JetBlue
- Qatar Airways
- United Airlines
- WestJet
When should I book my ticket to Turks and Caicos?
Unlike many other destinations, tickets to Turks and Caicos are best booked closer to the date of departure, within three months or so (excluding spring break travel). Ticket prices start to climb outside of the three-month window.
When booked within the three-month window, you can snag a ticket on a one-stop itinerary from YVR for just over $500. These prices are around $255 cheaper than usual, according to Google Flights.
When is the best time of year to visit Turks and Caicos?
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
You may wish to avoid travel during this period and enjoy near-perfect weather with hot temperatures over the winter months and early spring.
Is it safe to visit Turks and Caicos?
The Canadian government gives travellers the green light to visit Turks and Caicos, advising them to take "normal security precautions" in the islands.
While the resorts are safe, petty crime can occur outside of them, such as purse or bag snatching. In popular tourist areas, muggings and armed assaults also occur. There are higher crime rates in Providenciales.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
- Never leave valuables such as money, credit cards and personal electronics unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Be cautious when using ATMs, especially after dusk.
- Avoid secluded, isolated areas, such as roads, parks and beaches, after dark.
Never leave your drink unattended and be wary of accepting food or drinks from strangers.
While main roads are generally in good condition, side streets and other roads may "have unpaved surfaces, potholes as well as blind intersections." Also, drivers in Providenciales are often reckless speeders. Remain vigilant and "be prepared for sudden stops."
Only use licensed taxis and decide what the fare for the trip will be before you depart.
Do I need to get any special travel vaccines ahead of visiting Turks and Caicos?
Visit a travel medical clinic before you book a ticket. The health-care professionals will inform you about what vaccinations you require and what you can expect on your trip. There are risks of contracting several viruses spread by mosquitoes including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Dengue virus causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated.
Chikungunya is a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints that may persist for years post-infection; there is no vaccine.
Pregnant women, or women planning to get pregnant soon, may want to rethink their travel plans to Cancun. The Canadian government recommends that you wait for two months after visiting Turks and Caicos or after the onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying to get pregnant. If your male partner travelled with you, wait for three months after travel or after the onset of illness.
There are no vaccines that protect against the aforementioned mosquito-borne illnesses. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
What kind of activities can I enjoy in Turks and Caicos?
While kicking back and getting a sun tan on a beautiful beach might be at the top of your to-do list, there are countless places to explore and activities to enjoy.
People who love to fish can enjoy several opportunities in South Caicos, which is where most of the lobster and conch comes from. They can go on fishing tours or visit the Cockburn harbour and the natural phenomenon of the boiling hole, according to the tourism board.
There are also several boat tours to enjoy that depart from several different islands and take customers out to watch the sunset or go snorkelling in key hotspots.
Divers can see a range of sharks, including nurse, reef, hammerhead, blacktip, and tiger, but they should know how to safely navigate waters with these apex predators. While some shark species are fairly harmless, others, such as tiger sharks, can be extremely aggressive.
People can also enjoy diving in less risky areas and see schools of colourful fish, turtles, reefs, and other marine inhabitants.
Other watersports to enjoy include stand-up paddleboarding, jetskiing, sailing, kayaking and more.
The islands are home to some coveted health and wellness facilities, where visitors can enjoy a range of spa treatments. There is also an 18-hole golf course on Providenciales.
Do I need a visa to visit Turks and Caicos?
Your Canadian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. However, you should always travel on one that doesn't expire for six months before you are due back home in case of emergencies.
Tourist visas are not required for stays under 90 days.
You may be required to show proof of onward travel.
How much money will I spend on accommodation?
While Turks and Caicos is home to beautiful accommodations with well-appointed rooms and easy access to breathtaking beaches, they aren't exactly cheap.
There are multiple options for well over $1,000 or even $2,000, offering gourmet food, high-end amenities, posh spas, and butler service.
For folks who are OK without all of the bells and whistles, there are several options that won't break the bank. Numerous hotels range between $200 to $500 per night. For example, the Villa Serenity by the Water is a vacation home located "within a five-minute drive of Turtle Cove and Providenciales beaches."
Alternatively, the Northwest Point Resort has privately owned condominiums on the “quiet side” of Providenciales. They provide a tranquil escape with "access to a large heated pool, hot tub, private beach, lounge chairs, beach huts, umbrellas, kayaks, outdoor grill for barbecue" for $401 a night.
The Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort, Turks & Caicos is a luxury all-inclusive resort on over "1,100 acres of mostly untouched land." There are 17 bungalows and eight villas for rent, offering an ultra-exclusive experience with jaw-dropping views from "heated plunge pools" on the secluded oasis.
The price tag on this posh retreat? Nightly stays average over $10,000.
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