If your idea of wedded bliss is jetting off to an idyllic island paradise, then a Turks and Caicos honeymoon should fit the bill. These lesser-known Caribbean isles offer bags of unspoilt beauty, and more fun activities to tick off your bucket list than you probably realize.
Why Turks and Caicos?
Intimate charm
Although small in size, the Turks and Caicos islands offer an abundance of once-in-a-lifetime experiences for couples to enjoy together. Less busy yet more upscale than many of its Caribbean counterparts, the region boasts plenty to do while retaining an intimate charm, unlike more mainstream honeymoon destinations.
World-class beaches
This British Overseas Territory actually consists of more than 40 tropical islands, but only 8 of them are inhabited. Providenciales, or ‘Provo’ as it is known locally, is by far the most developed island, and where most visitors stay. You’ll find Grace Bay here – a 12-mile stretch of beach voted as one of the best in the world – as well as a handful of modern conveniences like restaurants, spas and shopping facilities, and a golf course.
Great diving
Along with beaches, the top Turks and Caicos attraction is diving. The entire archipelago sits on a submarine plateau that extends a short distance from the shoreline and then plunges 6,000 ft to the ocean floor. You can explore the shallow reef in around 40 ft of water or take a boat to the plateau precipice for some fantastic wall dives.
An abundance of sealife
The region’s other major marine feature is the Columbus Passage, a 22-mile-wide channel that separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. This area is a popular highway for migrating turtles, rays, dolphins, and humpback whales, so it makes for some exciting boat tours.
Island highlights
If you can tear yourself away from the beaches and sea, the islands have plenty of other attractions. You’ll find the world’s only conch farm on Provo, pink flamingoes on North Caicos, and a massive underground cave system on Middle Caicos. There’s Grand Turk too, the region’s historic capital, home to old colonial-style buildings, a museum, and the only cruise port in the island chain.
Best time for a honeymoon in Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos is at its best in the winter and early spring, when the climate is sunny and dry, with highs reaching the mid 80s. In the summer and fall, daytime temperatures creep up even higher, but these months coincide with hurricane season which runs from June to November. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, a constant trade wind keeps the climate at a comfortable level.
The Turks and Caicos has warm sea too. The water temperature in the summer is in the low 80s, and in winter about the mid 70s. Hoping to go whale watching? You can spot migrating humpback whales around Grand Turk and Salt Cay from late January to early April.
Know before you go
Language: English
Currency: US dollar
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Health requirements: No vaccinations are required
Getting around: Taxis or car hire (drive on the left)
Tipping: Add 15% at restaurants
Getting there
Most visitors fly into Providenciales. From there it’s an easy commuter flight to the other islands. Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is a modern facility and the only one within the islands served by scheduled international carriers, predominantly from North America, Europe and other Caribbean islands.
From London
If you’re travelling to the Turks and Caicos from London, you can fly daily with British Airways or American Airlines to Miami, then change for the short 90-minute flight from Miami to Providenciales.
From the United States
You can get direct flights from the United States to Turks and Caicos with the larger airlines like American Airlines, United, Delta and Jetblue. You can fly direct from New York City in around 4 hours, and LA is around 13 hours away. From Miami the flight time is just 90 minutes.
Romantic things to do
Set sail on a private island getaway
If you’re thinking of things to do during a Turks and Caicos honeymoon, what could be more romantic than chartering a private boat and sailing to a deserted island for the day? Once you’re there you can frolic on pristine beaches, spot pink flamingoes (or maybe even whales), and snorkel hand-in-hand in warm, turquoise waters. Once you’ve worked up a hunger, you can hop back on the boat for a romantic picnic lunch. Boat Rental Turks and Caicos rents boats by the hour at reasonable rates.
Take a full moon paddle tour
You can take your newlywed on a kayaking tour into the wilderness of the region’s remote cays, mangroves and tidal creeks. Big Blue Unlimited offers a range of guided eco tours, suitable for novices as well as more avid kayakers. The full moon paddle tour is a great option for couples looking to spend a romantic evening together.
Visit a spa
What better way to kick off married life than with a bit of pampering in a peace-filled luxury spa? The Teona Spa in Provo offers a range of great spa experiences, with 10% off all treatments for new customers. You can opt for a 2-hour couple’s massage that includes a relaxing clay wrap and a 90-minute hot-stone massage.
Get a history lesson
Cockburn Town is the low-key capital of Grand Turk. It’s also home to a fascinating historic section where you can see the architectural remnants of the island’s Colonial past. You can take a tour of Duke and Front streets, where you’ll see vintage buildings behind picket fences, entwined with crimson bougainvillea. While you’re in town you can visit the region’s national museum, as well as other historic sites like the Grand Turk Lighthouse, Her Majesty’s Prison, and the island’s abandoned salt salinas.
Watch the sunset
Turks and Caicos is a fantastic place to watch the sunset, and what better way to watch it than with your significant other by your side? There are a number of great ways to catch the sunset on a Turks and Caicos honeymoon. You can take a romantic sunset cruise, or watch with a cocktail in hand from a beach bar by the sea. For something a little different why not book a sunset horse ride at Grace Bay, one of the world’s finest beaches?
Where to stay
If you’re looking for top-notch accommodation for your Turks and Caicos honeymoon, the luxury Turks and Caicos villas offered by Top Villas are an excellent choice. Ideal for romance and relaxation, rentals are located in top spots overlooking the ocean, and come equipped with luxury amenities throughout.
You can rent this newly renovated 2-bedroom villa at Sapodilla Bay Beach for very reasonable rates.
This elegant 3-bedroom villa near Grace Bay is surrounded by the soothing hues of the ocean.
If you’re thinking of booking a Turks and Caicos honeymoon and you need advice on the best places to stay then contact us today. Additionally, our dedicated concierge team can arrange any added extras you need such as great-value car hire.
