Turks and Caicos is for beach and water lovers. The soft white sand and crystal waters truly give the rest of the Caribbean a run for their money.
Most people head to Providenciales (or Provo) to lounge and enjoy the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. The beach is lined with boutique luxury family resorts with multiple bedroom suites, pools overlooking the ocean, kids’ clubs, and a walkable town with tons of casual and fine dining options. For active relaxers, it’s all about the watersports: snorkeling, kayaking, hobie cats, and more.
Beyond Provo, however, are a few hidden gems that are truly worth the journey if you’re up for a bit of adventure. Keep your eye on Middle Caicos for out-of-this-world scenery.
On our first scouting trip to Turks and Caicos, we were amazed by the beaches and clear blue water, and the wide variety of family hotels with multiple bedroom suites and kitchens. It’s a classic beach resort town. But what really blew us away with the night we spent in the more remote Middle Caicos, about 1 hour from Providenciales but it feels like a totally different world. This is the side of Turks and Caicos that few families explore, but we love encouraging our travelers to spend 4-5 days in Provo and 2 days experiencing something totally unique and out of the way.
Grace Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful in the world.
English is the official language of Turks and Caicos.
The U.S. dollar is widely used, but ATMs are few and far between, so bring cash. Taxi divers in particular often don’t take credit cards.
Turks and Caicos is one of the smallest Caribbean countries but with maximum amounts of coastlines with soft sands. Because of the shallow waters and reef systems, no cruise ships dock here, which keeps crowds to a minimum. With a high number of luxury resorts and a focus on fine dining, Providenciales feels a bit posh and pricey, but there are casual vibes to discover if you’re looking for them.
You can enjoy Grace Bay Beach with kids car-free. Most hotels offer free bikes to head into town. Use those and taxis to get to restaurants and planned excursions. Taxi prices can add up, though, so if you want to really explore the island though, we recommend a rental car. The island is flat and driving is relatively easy – but you do need to drive on the left. Most resorts have plenty of parking.
Most first-time travelers to Turks and Caicos will pick a resort on Grace Bay Beach in Provo — and we have our favorites. Newer resorts (and some very cool villas) are popping up on Long Bay Beach, which has its own secluded charm, and you’ll also find lots of villas away from the crowds near Sapoidlla Bay. For something totally off-the-grid, spend two nights in Middle Caicos.
Peak Season: Mid-December through April (peak demand, high prices)
Shoulder Season: Early December; May and June (still great weather, better prices)
No Go: September. Many resorts close for renovations during off-season.
Fly direct from many major U.S. airports to (PLS). From there, you’re 15 minutes to most beach resorts.
To explore a little deeper, take a 20 minute ferry from PLS to the completely remote North and Middle Caicos, or a hopper flight to a lovely resort away from it all in South Caicos.
It’s the ultimate destination for a classic family beach vacation in the Caribbean. The ease and convenience – especially when you just want to relax on a gorgeous beach – is hard to beat. Enjoy amenities like:
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Long Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Middle Caicos, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Our side trip to Dragon Cay Resort in Middle Caicos was one of those things you want to share with everyone you know. And every client we've sent here raved that it was their favorite part. Experience something more tourists never see.
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Steps from the beach, this is a fantastic place for kids to try snorkeling for the first time, with dozens of different tropical fish. Grab lunch after your snorkeling adventure at Somewhere Cafe & Lounge, on the beach right next to the reef.
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Every mom needs a new swimsuit for a vacation to Turks and Caicos with kids. The founder of Change of Scenery is a mom of 3 and has designed suits with moms in mind to make you feel great and confident when running around with your kids -- go get yours!
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We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
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Our founder spent hundreds of hours looking for the best lightweight, waterproof baby carrier with sun protection for her Caribbean travels, and this is the winner. Beach naps baby.
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Dad needs sun protection too, especially when he's running around at the beach with the kids all day. Get him a stylish sun shirt before your trip.
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This snorkel vest is a game changed for kids just starting out. Instead of focusing on swimming, they can focus on snorkeling skills while staying afloat -- and it deflated to pack easily in a suitcase!
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Table of Contents If you’re contemplating a trip to Turks and Caicos with kids, we can guide your way. If you’re considering Turks and Caicos with kids, you might be unsure if this is the best choice for your next family trip. Or maybe you know it is, but you’re not sure how to […]
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Table of Contents Feeling overwhelmed trying to find the right Turks and Caicos family resorts? We get it, and we’re here to help. Turks and Caicos is a popular destination for family vacations. Many parents with young kids choose to stay at the infamous Beaches Turks and Caicos resort—a massive, 800+ room all-inclusive complex with all the […]
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Table of Contents You’ve just found the ultimate Turks and Caicos itinerary for a family trip. Woo hoo! Whether you’re dreaming of one week in Turks and Caicos or just five days in Providenciales, crafting the perfect Turks and Caicos itinerary with kids can feel overwhelming. Before kids, didn’t we just show up and […]
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Table of Contents This ultimate Turks and Caicos grocery store guide will get your family vacation started on the right foot. If you’ve traveled with kids before, you know that having a kitchen can be a lifesaver. Even if you don’t intend on doing much cooking on your trip, having a fridge for a few […]
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Table of Contents Want to skip the fine dining and head to the best casual beachfront restaurants Turks and Caicos has to offer? We love your vibe. Turks & Caicos is known for its fine dining. There are countless high-end restaurants on Grace Bay Beach—many of which, like Coco Bistro, require reservations weeks in advance. One […]
Learn More“We started at Dragon Cay (a part of Turks and Caicos I don’t think I ever would have explored without [Mango Tree’s] guidance) . . . and the resort had one of the most beautiful beachs I have ever been to. Â . . . Â Lee helped us plan a trip with the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation! We will definitely be reaching out to her for her expertise again!”
Laura, Family of 5, Spring Break 2022
“Lee planned our family’s May 2023 vacation to The Grace at Sands Bay Resort in Turks, and I wish I could count the hours that she saved me from endlessly researching other properties that would have been less ideal. . . . I’m so grateful for her guidance and the memories we made during our trip.”
Katy, Family of 4, May 2023
The British Virgin Islands are perfect for families with a sense of exploration. Wherever you look, another island pops into sight calling you to visit. Sailing between islands, snorkeling in hidden bays, and exploring quiet beaches make it a great choice for families who are eager to move around while also relaxing.
There’s so much more to discover in the Bahamas than the infamo/us mega-resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar. Sure, a day at the waterparks is fun, but pair a stop in Nassau with a trip to the quieter Out Islands for a more well-rounded Bahamian experience. Just be ready for the swimming pigs, which most kids will be so excited to see.
Bonaire is a quiet, unspoiled island perfect for families who love snorkeling and wildlife. The marine life is extraordinary, and kids will be captivated by the flamingos, iguanas, and colorful reef fish. With its easy navigation and charming town of Kralendijk, Bonaire is a great option for water-loving families seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.
Antigua boasts 365 beaches, so your family will never run out of places to explore. Its calm, shallow waters are ideal for young swimmers, and the island’s small, all-inclusive resorts make it easy for parents to relax. Families will also love the lively Sunday barbecue at Shirley Heights, with music and incredible views.
