Categories
Turks Caicos Information

Day Trips and Excursions in Turks and Caicos

turks and caicos snorkeling map

 

The Turks and Caicos Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean to the east of the Bahamas, and about forty minutes by plane from Miami and the North American mainland.

The archipelago of 40 cays and islets sits on a sea mount rising up from the Atlantic Ocean. Each cay is unique and provides a glimpse of life in the Caribbean in times gone by.

turks and caicos photos
Image from Wikipedia

If you can ever drag yourself away from beautiful Grace Bay Beach, an entire world is awaiting you here to explore in the Turks and Caicos.

Here are some easy day trips from The Sands at Grace Bay.

image13

Caving on Middle Caicos

This adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Provo to North Caicos—you can most easily get to the caves of Middle Caicos from North Caicos—where you’ll stop along the way to snorkel on the barrier reef.

Middle Caicos itself is home to just 300 full-time residents. It’s a wonderful day trip by boat from Provo.

North Caicos

After landing on North Caicos you will set off to explore the conch bar caves and venture deep inside the earth with your native guide to view stalactites and stalagmites, bats, white owls and incredible limestone formations.

kanu101
North Caicos. Image by Flickr user kanu101. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

North Caicos itself is largely undeveloped. Visiting the island offers a look at Turks and Caicos the way it used to be. The trip to North Caicos can and makes for an interesting day trip from Providenciales.

Learn about planning day-long Turks and Caicos tours through the Sands at Grace Bay >>

Middle Caicos

However, now that you’re on North Caicos, continuing to travel on to Middle Caicos is well-worth the effort. A narrow sandy causeway connects the two islands. While it is possible to walk the trail to reach Middle Caicos, it would take far too long.

Ali West
Image by Flickr user Ali West

Instead, rent or arrange transport to take you to Middle Caicos and its caves.

Image by Flickr user Tim Sackton. Mudjin Harbor, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Mudjin Harbor, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Image by Flickr user Tim Sackton. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The caves of Middle Caicos are located close to Mudjin Harbour. The limestone bluffs offer some truly unforgettable views of spectacular seascapes here.

Image by Flicker user Ali West. Middle Caicos.
Middle Caicos. Image by Flicker user Ali West. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Besides awe-inspiring views Mudjin Harbour features some truly gorgeous beaches.

Dragon Cay, a small limestone cay, is accessible from the beach at low tide.

Dragon Cay
Image by Flickr user Tim Sackton. Mudjin Harbor, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

But even if the tide does not cooperate, the beach at Mudjin Harbour provides a unique place to splash in the sea and relax on the beautiful white sand.

Middle Caicos Caves

The Turks and Caicos are famous for having the largest above-ground cave network in the entire Caribbean and a private tour is just the way to explore it. Some of the most striking caves are found on Middle Caicos.

Middle Caicos Caves
Image by Ali West. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The caves, since they’re above ground, can be explored easily by anyone (with the proper footwear), and offer an interesting glimpse at the natural history and cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

Only recently rediscovered, the caves were once the home of Lucayan Indians, and it’s thought they sheltered in the caves during hurricanes. The Village Caves and the Conch Bar are the most frequently visited caves on Middle Caicos.

Learn more about our Middle Caicos day excursion.

Take a Trip to Caribbean Paradise on South Caicos

Located to the southeast of Middle Caicos, South Caicos is not a day trip. Instead South Caicos is a destination in its own right. It can be accessed by water taxi, but it’s far easier to fly there.

spezz
Image by Flickr user spezz. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

South Caicos is a private island. There is accommodation there, but the island is best known for being the location of summer homes and villas of movie stars.

Brian Brake
Image by Flickr user Brian Brake. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Most of the activities on South Caicos involve the water: windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling and scuba diving and even some fishing.

Brian Brake
Image by Flickr user Brian Brake. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

South Caicos is surrounded by shallow shoals and flats—perfect for bonefishing. Airboats are available to take anglers out to the best bonefishing spots.

Exploring Providenciales

Even if you don’t have time to do a day trip to explore more of the Turks and Caicos, our very own island of Providenciales.

Leeward Beach, Provo

Leeward Beach, on the northeast end of Provo, provides a secluded, spectacular beach to explore.

Christine Jackowski
Image by Flickr user Christine Jackowski. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Leeward is a fantastic place to watch the sunset. Leeward is also close to Mangrove Cay, a nature reserve.

Daniel Ross
Image by Flickr user Daniel Ross. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Mangrove Cay provides an excellent place to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

SUP is a popular activity in the Turks and Caicos. Our own stretch of Grace Bay Beach on the leeward side of  Providenciales is perfect for it.

SwimConch017

Providenciale’s Iguana Island (aka Little Water Cay)

Just off the northeast, leeward tip of Providenciales Little Water Cay, better known as “Iguana Island.”

The cay is a wildlife preserve for iguanas. It can be reached by water taxi from Blue Haven Marina in Leeward and is the perfect family day trip in Turks and Caicos.

Andy Atzert
Image by Flickr user Andy Atzert. License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Little Water Cay is indeed inhabited by a colony of friendly iguanas. They are herbivores (the iguanas eat plants) and are quite friendly and sociable.

Tim Sackton. The Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata).
Tim Sackton. The Turks and Caicos rock iguana (Cyclura carinata). License: 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Get Help Planning a Day Trip in Turks and Caicos

If taking a day trip with your family to explore the Turks and Caicos sounds interesting, here are three trips put on by Caicos Dream Tours that pick you up right in front of The Sands at Grace Bay and fantastic exploration in some of the Turks and Caicos’ must-see spots.

reef tours grace bay

Plan Your Excursion

The excursions may be conveniently booked by guests of The Sands at Grace Bay at our Tour Desk, located by our main swimming pool. Learn more here.

Categories
Announcements Awards Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Spring Into Summer Rates & Our 4th Night Free Deal!

Image Courtesy Visit TCI
Image Courtesy Visit TCI

Located on Providenciales’ Grace Bay Beach – recently named the World’s #1 Beach by TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards – The Sands at Grace Bay is tempting spring and summer travelers with its 4th Night Free offer and reduced low-season rates starting from only $195 per night. Named one of the, “Best Hotels in Turks & Caicos” for 2016 by the U.S. News & World Report, a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel” from Family Vacation Critic and a recipient of WeddingWire.com’s “2015 Couples Choice Award”, our resort is leading choice amongst travelers of all ages seeking an affordable yet luxurious stay in one of the Caribbean’s most sought after beach vacation destinations.

In addition to offering some of the most affordable rates along Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay Beach, guests also benefit from the following free resort amenities during their stay: complimentary use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three free-form swimming pools; a tennis/basketball court, and more.

Our reduced low-season rates that start from only $195 per night are available for travel beginning April 9th through December 23rd, 2016. The resort-wide 4th Night FREE Deal is valid for new bookings of three nights or more, for travel between May 1st through December 23rd. The free night is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and is not applicable for groups. More resort information may be found online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com – or by calling toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637 or from Canada (800) 567-5327. Travel agents receive a ten percent commission for all bookings made at The Sands at Grace Bay.

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Ferry Service From Providenciales to North and South Caicos Islands

For guests of The Sands at Grace Bay and visitors of Providenciales looking to explore the nearby Turks & Caicos Islands for a fun day trip, Caribbean Cruisin’ conveniently offers daily ferry service from Providenciales to North Caicos and South Caicos Islands.

The 25-minute ferry ride from Providenciales to North Caicos is offered several times throughout the day, every Monday through Sunday. Click here for the North Caicos ferry schedule: http://www.tciferry.com/tciferry-turks-and-caicos-ferry-to-north-caicos

There’s also a twice-weekly ferry service from Providenciales to South Caicos, which is a 75-minute ride that departs on Friday and Sunday. Click here for the South Caicos ferry schedule: http://www.tciferry.com/south-caicos-ferry

For more information on this ferry service: Caribbean Cruisin’ (Walkin Marina, Leeward, Providenciales. 649/946–5406 or 649/231–4191. http://www.tciferry.com

Screen Shot 2016-03-06 at 10.52.09 AM

 

Categories
Turks Caicos Information

How to Protect Your Skin While Enjoying the Sun

zika virus turks caicos
Photo by Tobias Linman, Flickr

Catch the Sun While Caring for Your Skin

In the middle of a cold and snowy winter, just thinking about sunny summer days can be rejuvenating. Traveling to Turks and Caicos in the winter time of course is even better.

The blue skies and turquoise waters provide a powerful boost to body and soul. Your visit to Grace Bay is like a week-long, massive dose of light therapy and Vitamin D supplements.

The challenge of course is giving the restorative Sun the respect it deserves and protecting your skin.

Without a little protection UV rays can damage the collagen that provides your skin with elasticity and keeps it looking smooth.

We have asked one fair-skinned guest, Masae Okabayashi of Canada, about how she cares for here skin.

Skin Care Tips for Your Beach Vacation

itzkz4g8kg_1dtdkjlf5ksyhylwsanyosqulnictlf0g6b0gtbhag3jhzcdfi0gdcz62ras2048_0

“I use cosmetics to protect myself from the sun. So, I use a pre-foundation from DHC. I bought it in Japan, but you can buy it Canada,” says Masae Okabayashi. “It’s cheap but is also very high quality. This pre-foundation serves as a sunscreen.”

Okabayashi traveled to Grace Bay earlier this winter with her family for a much-needed break. Originally from Japan, Okabayashi now resides in Canada.

“Believe it or not, sunlight is far more fierce in Canada than in Japan or the Turks and Caicos,” says Okabayashi. “There is a higher UV index in Canada so I take great care going out into the sun at any time of the year.”

After applying pre-foundation she then applies foundation (DHC or Shiseido)l; after Okabayashi applies a “UV block” powder as a third layer.

“On the back of my neck and my hands I use regular sunscreen,” she says. “Whether I’m on a Caribbean beach or back home I just stay out in the sun for a little while. After that I wear a cardigan when I’m on the beach… I don’t like to overdo it.”

A photo posted by mish (@bloomfoto) on

 

Okabayashi says she uses a high SPF (50) when she goes to the beach, but if it’s just for going shopping I use an SPF of about SPF 30.

The reason?

“The higher the SPF, the harder it is on your skin,” she says. “Of course, if I’m out for longer than two hours the sunblock will have worn out. So I always bring a sunblock spray with me. It’s something that I can apply over my foundation and so on.”

I use Biore “UV Perfect Spray” that I brought with me from Japan. You can even use it on your hair.

Okabayashi says she takes special care removing sunscreen.

“The first thing I do when I return home, and if I’m not going to go outside again is that I always make sure to wash my face,” she says. “I try not leave makeup on too long after I get home.”

This is because, while sunscreen is great for protecting your skin, it is also a natural desiccant, meaning it dries out your skin.

Dry skin temporarily loses its elasticity, and over time dry skin will lead to wrinkles.

“Of course, wrinkles can be quite lovely, but for the time being I want to hold onto my shiny, smooth skin,” says Okabayashi.

Skincare at Spa Tropique

Got a sunburn, Spa Tropique can help you. Feeling tired after spending months in the trenches at work during a cold winter? Spa Tropique can help you. There’s treatments for everything from headaches to the aches and pains of expecting mothers.

Spa Tropique Beach Bliss Treatment

A detoxifying seaweed wrap, mini facial with strawberry mask and aromatherapy massage are the perfect way to end a day at the beach.

With two treatment rooms conveniently located in Building 1, Spa Tropique promises a blissful escape to relax and revitalize during your Turks & Caicos trip.

5 Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Skin

  1. Cover up, and consider wearing a light cotton cardigan to the beach
  2. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30
  3. Understand that sunscreen will dry out and damage your skin, so be sure remove as quickly as possible.
  4. Be gentle on your skin when removing cosmetics
  5. Get plenty of “beauty sleep” by going to bed earlier in the evening.
Categories
Announcements

The Sands at Grace Bay Announces Resort-Wide Enhancement Project

2016 Guestroom Refurbishments For Grace Bay Beach Resort

The Sands at Grace Bay located on picture perfect Grace Bay Beach is excited to announce its resort-wide enhancement project in 2016!

By early 2016, all resort accommodations will have received new luxury bedding collection.

The Sands New Bedding for 2016

In August and September, additional guestroom enhancements and refurbishments will be made to complement the new bedding. During this time, the resort will not be open for reservations between the dates of August 20, through September 30, 2016.

The resort looks forward to bringing even greater value to its guests when it re-opens on October 1, 2016!

About the Sands at Grace Bay

Located only 80 minutes by air from Miami, and with regular airline service from New York, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Toronto, The Sands at Grace Bay is an easy-to-reach destination for the perfect Caribbean vacation.

An all-suite resort, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a spectacular, central beachfront location on Grace Bay Beach, awe-inspiring views and beautifully-appointed and newly refurbished accommodations.

Within a 6-acre Caribbean plantation-style setting, The Sands at Grace Bay comprises 114 suites in six, three-story buildings. It is embraced by lush, pristine tropical landscaping and located on Grace Bay’s 12-miles of powdery white sand known as Grace Bay Beach that boasts dazzling turquoise waters.

Categories
Announcements Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Enter Our March #SandsSelfie Contest For A Chance To Win A 3-Night Resort Stay At The Sands at Grace Bay

The Sands at Grace Bay is kicking off another #SandsSelfie social media contest for the month of March – where both current and past guests who post a resort “selfie” photo onto the resort’s Facebook or Instagram pages, will be entered to win a future 3-night stay in a luxurious one-bedroom Oceanview suite.

The contest encourages guests to share fun and memorable selfie photos of their Turks & Caicos trip and stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, located on Grace Bay Beach – recently named the World’s #1 Beach by TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice Awards. In addition to our world-famous beach destination – our resort has also been named one of the, “Best Hotels in Turks & Caicos” for 2016 by the U.S. News & World Report and received a Couples Choice Award from the popular wedding planning site WeddingWire.com.

The steps to enter our SandsSelfie contest are simple:

1) guests take a #SandsSelfie photo from the resort property – and can use our new Sands at Grace Bay “Selfie frames” that will be conveniently placed at selfie stations by our pool and also by our award-winning beach

2) post your selfie onto the resort’s Facebook (Facebook.com/thesandsatgracebay) or Instagram (Instagram.com/thesandstc) account using the #SandsSelfie hashtag

3) and “follow” the resort on Facebook and Instagram to receive winner notification

The #SandsSelfie contest is happening now through March 31st. When the contest ends, one #SandsSelfie photo taken on the resort property will be randomly selected from either the resort’s Facebook or Instagram account as the winner. Photo entries must include the hashtag #SandsSelfie in their photo descriptions during the contest period, to be entered. Those who enter must “follow” the resort Facebook or Instagram pages, to receive the winner notification. One winner will receive a gift certificate for a free 3-night stay in a 1-bedroom Oceanview Suite for a future visit to The Sands at Grace Bay – that can be redeemed within one year from the date it’s awarded.

The Sands at Grace Bay still has availability during the upcoming popular spring travel months, but travelers will need to reserve their stay soon as space is limited. You can check our resort availability online via www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com website or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327; or contact a travel agent for reservations.

SAN 11539 Selfie Contest Poster