The Turks and Caicos Islands, located southeast of the Bahamas, are home to one of the largest coral reef beds in the world. Diving is, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular activities in this area. Water sports, nature trails, iguana reserves, tunnels, and spectacular seascapes are the main attractions of this chain of about 40 islands with splendid white sand beaches.
Providenciales, Grace Bay
Grace Bay is one of the most scenic beaches in the Caribbean, stretching for five kilometers. Along with this magnificent beach extension, powdery sand meets crystal-clear water in brilliant blue tones, while coral reefs dazzle offshore. Some of the best things to do on Providenciales include snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing along the beach. Divers can observe the rich marine life of Smith Reef and Bay Reef in the Princess Alexandra Marine Park, which is part of Grace Bay Beach. The best feature is that you can easily access it from the beach. The area is also home to "JoJo", a wild bottlenose dolphin distinguished by its interaction with unsuspecting swimmers. The Turks and Caicos government has designated this friendly creature as a national asset.
Sapodilla Bay on Providenciales
At the edge of Chalk Sound Beach, Sapodilla Bay is a quiet, secluded beach that offers ideal protection for sailboats. It's also a great place to swim with small children, as the water is shallow and calm, and the bright turquoise ocean waters are a delight for swimmers. Shipwrecked sailors carved words on stones at the top of the mountain overlooking the harbor, and some residents believe they are clues to a buried treasure. The view from the top is a great photographing opportunity. Taylor Bay is also close, but the open-access road is difficult to find, so ask residents for directions.
Salt Cay is a small island in the Bahamas
Salt Cay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a time capsule from the days "when salt was king." From the late 1600s to the early 1960s, this historic island was the world's largest salt producer, and its economy was the backbone of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Donkeys, wild cattle, hens, and iguanas now far outnumber humans. Enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkel or dive the coral reefs, learn about the island's rich history, and watch the humpback whales that migrate from late January to early April.