6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

Written by: Rosemary Fields

Brilliant sunlight poured through 33 small windows and filled the plane with white light. A 3.5 hour flight was coming to a close and up until that point, most passengers were quiet. When the islands came into view, I could hear the chatter and felt the excited energy of others around me.

“We just keep coming back.” “This is my favorite spot, I finally bought a place down here.” “Omg the water is that blue.”

So many guests were flocking to the islands and given the variety of accents, it seemed to be from all over the world. The week before I read an article about Turks and Caicos breaking records in the tourism industry, and I could see why.

I leaned toward the window, smiled like I was seeing an old friend, and snapped a quick picture – about the 500th pic in my phone of this beautiful place. I was collecting photos because it was a view I would never forget and one more valuable than gold.

The clouds dissipated and revealed the electric blue water below. Deep pockets of navy blue were contrasted with neon turquoise and lime green. It was a sight that always surprised me even though I had seen it before. The sunlight bounced off the plane’s wing and crossed my face. I felt like I was entering my own dreamland, a fantasy world full of all the most beautiful things in the world. I was closer to the Sun, and I was closer to Heaven both above and below.

As a photographer, Turks and Caicos is what my wildest dreams are made of. A vivid place where it was impossible to take a bad photo and inspiration was all around me. The beauty of this place always moved me. The light beaming through the windows seemed to be so pure and crystal clear. It made the colors even more vibrant. Coming from the dreary, winter, cloudy days of Tennessee, it was a relief. Back home, I daydreamed about days just like this – sunny, warm and slightly breezy.

As beautiful as Turks and Caicos is, I felt like it was a mirage in the vast ocean. Too good to be true. The flight consisted of a ride mostly over water only to end with a distant view of islands that got closer and closer.

I felt good here. And it was hard to find places like this. With each trip, I understood more of the draw. It was my fifth time on island, and each time offered something new. The more I came to know the islands, the more I could see why people traveled hundreds of miles to get here. No picture I took could ever quite capture what my eyes were seeing. The weather changed so much day to day and season to season in Tennessee, but in Turks and Caicos, on any given day it was just another perfect sunny day. On this particular day, it was January and the forecast called for mid 70s with plenty of sun. 

All that to say—this place is a dream.

If you’re planning a trip to Turks and Caicos, here are six things that will make you fall in love with this slice of paradise:

Unreal Natural Beauty

Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a British Overseas Territory just southeast of the Bahamas. The main hub, Providenciales (or Provo), is home to Grace Bay Beach—famous for its powdery sand, crystal-clear water, and luxury resorts. But beyond the beaches, the islands hold something rare: a wild, untouched beauty that feels almost surreal.

The islands are surrounded by roughly 340 miles of barrier reef, including a 14-mile stretch along Provo’s north shore and a staggering 2,134-meter underwater wall off Grand Turk. Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, or simply admiring the view, the water here isn’t just blue—it’s electric, shifting from transparent turquoise to deep sapphire in the changing light.

Easy Travel for U.S. Visitors

For those flying in from the U.S., Turks and Caicos is one of the easiest international destinations to navigate. The official language is English, and the U.S. dollar is the primary currency, meaning no translation struggles or currency exchange headaches. Chances are, wherever you are in the U.S., you are probably just one or two flights away from TCI.

Water That Doesn’t Look Real

It’s not just a cliché—Turks and Caicos has the most breathtaking water you’ve ever seen. Some beaches stretch shallow for miles, with turquoise hues melting into soft, white sandbanks. You can wade into the ocean and feel as if you’re walking through a painting. With a fluctuating tide and with some parts of these islands being very shallow, you can venture into the water.

Beaches Straight from a Postcard

With an average year-round temperature of 80°F, every day feels like the perfect beach day. Grace Bay Beach consistently ranks among the world’s best, but beyond it, the islands are lined with hidden coves, sandbars, and secluded stretches of shoreline that feel like your own private paradise.

Luxury and Design Inspiration

Turks and Caicos is home to some of the most stunning properties in the world, from private oceanfront estates to sleek, modern villas. If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Turquoise Vacation Rentals offers some of the most breathtaking homes, where you can wake up to uninterrupted ocean views and have every detail catered to.

A Laid-Back, Private Escape

Despite its beauty, Turks and Caicos remains low-key compared to other tourist-heavy destinations. With a population of roughly 45,000, the islands never feel overcrowded. The energy here is relaxed, refined, and effortless—a place where you can truly unwind. Forget the nightclubs and over crowded main strips, this place is quiet and serene.

Endless Outdoor Adventures

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to be out on the water, you’ll never run out of things to do. Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, catamaran cruises, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing—there’s something for everyone. Or, if lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand is more your speed, you’re in the right place for that too.

No matter how many times you visit, the islands never lose their magic. Every trip feels like stepping into a dream—a world of endless sunshine, soft breezes, and water so vibrant, it doesn’t seem real.

Looking for more local resources and information? Find Keller Williams Turks + Caicos online.