Turks & Caicos

Blow kisses to the coral reef.
Paddle next to the sea turtles.
Sink your feet in baby-powder sand.

Know before you go

Island time

Similar to many islands in the beautiful Caribbean, everyone’s on island time in Turks. Be prepared to wait, rearrange, or switch things up. In other words, relax — it will all be fine. :)

Go to the grocery store ASAP!

The grocery store is walkable from your hotel. If you buy a lot of stuff, you can get a taxi to bring you back to the hotel. Get breakfast stuff, bottled water, snacks and sandwich supplies.

Taxi or car rental?

People drive in the same side of the car as the U.S., but the opposite side of the road. People drive super fast. Rent a car if you’re down for some adventure. If you decide to taxi around, it can get pricey: sometimes $20 per passenger.

Buy lots of sunscreen

The sun is no joke, and you don’t want to ruin your trip by getting burned on the first day. You can buy sunscreen at the little store next to the grocery store or most stores around town. 

Get your floats!

Buy and bring floaties for each person. Also bring a small electric air pump if you can fit it and fill the floaties up in the room. Can’t fit an air pump? You’ll find helpers on the beach.

Plan your excursions by ear

Everyone is soooo chill in Turks (see Island Time), and stormy weather can come out of nowhere. Excursions can usually be planned when you get there; they are flexible if you have to move things around.

When to go

The weather is generally lovely in Turks, but it’s a highly attractive destination in the winter — which means larger crowds and higher prices.

Weather is perfect.
Peak prices.
Bigger crowds.

Jan

Feb

Pleasant weather.
Less crowded.
Lower prices.

April

May

Lower prices.
Fewer crowds. Warm sea water.
Hurricane season — although less so than other islands.

July

Aug

Sept

Mar

June

Oct

Nov

Similar to April & May!

Dec

Similar to Jan - Mar

Accommodation

Villa Del Mar

The hotel’s more like a laid-back condo setup — super chill and quiet. There are two pools, a hot tub, and a tiki bar with drinks for sale. Free light breakfast daily (think coffee, cereal, bagels).

Each unit has a full kitchen and washer/dryer — a lifesaver for sandy beach gear (grab detergent at the store!).

White towels on chairs in the morning = not reserved. Only counts if you see striped towels or someone’s stuff.

What to do

The beach is the main event.

Walking onto a Turks beach is like being in a dream. The colors are so stunning, you won’t believe your eyes.

Villa del Mar isn’t on the beach, but a three-minute walk there. Walk down the path and then once you hit the beach, go to the left to the blue umbrellas. There are two brothers who will set up your chairs for you, give you beach towels, and organize water activities. 

Bring your floaties! It’s heaven. 

Discover the sights

Paddle next to sea turtles. Snorkel out at sea. Explore an island of iguanas.

  • Paddle among sea turtles

    Go on a clear kayak tour through the mangroves. Spot sea turtles and maybe a baby shark!

    Book your excursion

  • Explore a coral reef

    Take a tour to explore the third largest coral reef. Rum punch will be served.

    Get the details

  • Ride horses

    Pretend you’re in a fantasy novel by traveling down the beach on horseback.

    Check it out

Where to eat