A little more
Turks and Caicos Islands.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Turks and Caicos Islands: what to know before you go

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory of low limestone islands and cays south-east of the Bahamas, surrounded by shallow turquoise water and one of the largest coral reef systems in the region. They suit beach, snorkelling and diving holidays, with most visitors staying on Providenciales and fewer heading to the quieter outer islands.

Where to go

• Grace Bay. A long stretch of soft white sand on the north shore of Providenciales, protected by an offshore reef, so the water is usually calm and clear.
• Bight Reef and Smith's Reef. Two easy snorkelling spots reached straight from the beach on Providenciales, with marked trails over coral heads, turtles, rays and reef fish.
• Chalk Sound. A shallow lagoon in south-west Providenciales, coloured a vivid milky turquoise and dotted with small rocky islets.
• Grand Turk. The capital island, with the colonial streets of Cockburn Town, the Turks and Caicos National Museum and a 19th-century lighthouse.

Best time to visit

The dry, sunny period from roughly December to April is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and the humpback whale season around Grand Turk and Salt Cay. May and June are hotter but still pleasant and quieter.

Staying online in Turks and Caicos Islands

Mobile coverage is good across most of Providenciales and in the settlements on Grand Turk, with 4G available in the main populated areas. On North, Middle and South Caicos and Salt Cay, coverage is thinner, and on boat trips to outer cays you may lose signal. Wi-Fi is standard in hotels and villas, though speeds vary. Download offline maps of the islands before you explore. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.