Planning a Turks and Caicos vacation that won’t break the bank is easier than you may think! While internet searches will tell you all about excursions and guided tours or show you the biggest resorts and fanciest restaurants in the area, there are tons of things to do that won’t cost anything at all! From the top activities to the best places to stay, check out these suggestions as you plan your budget-friendly Turks and Caicos vacation.
Endless Beach Fun
No Caribbean getaway is complete without ample time spent on the beach. Not only is this the highlight of a Turks and Caicos trip, it’s also absolutely free! Float through the clear turquoise water, lounge in relaxing hammocks or beach cabanas, and sink into a perfect island day. From Long Bay Beach to Grace Bay and everywhere in between, the miles of expansive shoreline in Turks and Caicos means you’re never far away from beach fun.
In fact, if you’re staying in one of our Villa Esencia vacation properties, you’ll only be a few short steps from the water. Additionally, your beach rental comes with excellent amenities that will save you money! Depending on your unit, you’ll have your own personal rental car, kayaks, paddleboards, and kite surfing equipment, so instead of paying to rent these items, you can simply head out on your own adventure. Check our property descriptions and note all the exciting free items you get when you book directly with us.
Affordable Sightseeing Tours
While self-guided exploration doesn’t cost a thing, if you do want a guided tour, we recommend heading to Grand Turk for a day of historical sightseeing on their open-air tram. A round-trip ticket to Grand Turk typically comes in under $100 dollars with interCaribbean flights, and the guided tour is about $25 per person.
Enjoy an entertaining and informative ride as you pass the National Museum, Grand Turk Lighthouse, Her Majesty’s Prison, and more. You’ll even get to see adorable donkeys, horses, and flamingos!
Beyond historical sights, your ride features a stop in Cockburn Town, where you can shop local vendors and find your one-of-a-kind souvenir. It’s also a great spot to try some authentic Caribbean cuisine. With flight times averaging about 30 minutes, this is an excellent, affordable day trip to try during your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Visit the Rock Iguanas
Nature enthusiasts will love visiting Little Water Cay to see the endangered Rock Iguanas in their natural habitat. To enjoy this budget-friendly activity, head to the Leeward Marina, where you can rent a kayak or small boat for the short 499-yard trek across the channel.
Once you arrive, you can easily spend a few hours soaking in the unspoiled splendor of this remote area. Wander their well-maintained boardwalk trails through the lush forests and keep your eyes trained on shady areas, especially if you’re visiting during the hottest part of the day. After observing these unique wonders, head to the beach for a picnic and a refreshing swim in the ocean before heading back to Provo. Note: While kayaking is doable, it’s recommended you have some experience before making this trip due to choppy water and frequent passing boats.
Cruise the Island
For just $69 dollars, you can spend a day zipping around the island on a scooter from Scooter Bob’s. A budget-friendly and fun way to get around, scooters let you maneuver the streets of Provo with ease. Explore tourist districts like Grace Bay, Turtle Cove, and the Bight, or head to more remote areas like Chalk Sound or Sapodilla Bay.
If riding a scooter feels too daunting, Scooter Bob’s also offers daily electric bicycle rentals for $18. Enjoy the hop-on/hop-off ease of these transportation options as you roam the island at your leisure.
Turks and Caicos Fish Fry
Every Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, locals and visitors alike flock to Stubbs Diamond Plaza for a phenomenal evening of food, music, and fun. This free activity is the perfect addition to your budget-friendly Turks and Caicos vacation and offers you a chance to experience a taste of Caribbean culture.
Enjoy lively Junkanoo parades, traditional Rake and Scrape dances, and bespoke goods that highlight the island’s creative flair, all while indulging in delicious food and community. The Fish Fry creates an open environment for everyone to join in celebration and is an event you’ll remember long after you return home.
Book Your Vacation Rental Directly and Save
One of the most cost-effective things you can do as you plan your budget-friendly Turks and Caicos vacation is to book your rental directly with a property manager versus using an online travel agency like Airbnb or VRBO.
When you go directly to the property manager, you avoid hidden fees, extra taxes, and myriad other headaches that just take money away from your vacation. At Villa Esencia, not only do you get the ease of working with a local company, you also get peace of mind knowing you booked a gorgeous villa at the best rate. Browse our available properties and book your dream Turks and Caicos getaway directly with us today.
