Explore the Wonders of Turks and Caicos with Incredible Land Sports and Activities
While most visitors come to Turks and Caicos for the unbeatable beaches and days spent relaxing in the turquoise waters or at their Long Bay Beach vacation rental, there’s also tons of fun to be had on dry land! Check out our comprehensive list of land activities in Turks and Caicos, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Nature Adventures
The peacefulness of a Turks and Caicos vacation creates the perfect setting to reconnect with nature. And in such a beautiful place, it’s hard not to want to get out and explore. Whether you’re checking out the endangered Rock Iguanas in Little Water Cay or birdwatching at Flamingo Pond, your days will be filled with wonder.
Hiking Trails
Discover stunning landscapes at Northwest Point Marine National Park. As one of the most popular parks on the island, it’s a must-visit while you’re here. The terrain features fossilized conchs and coral, which make for a very interesting walk. You’ll also spot osprey nests and may even catch a glimpse of them flying over the water, looking for their next meal.
Bird Rock Trail is the only true hiking trail in all Providenciales. Enjoy a defined path that leads beside saline wetlands toward a limestone bluff that looks out over Bird Rock. At just under two miles out and back, this easy walk provides views of mangroves and tidal marshes that are teeming with marine life, so take some time to get curious and see what you can spot.
Caving
There are three interesting caves near Providenciales, each with unique features that make them worth exploring during your island vacation.
Conch Bar Caves
Located on Middle Caicos, the Conch Bar Caves is the largest dry cave system in the Turks and Caicos Island Chain. It was formed by the Karst Process—a slow erosion of soft limestone by slightly acidic water—and today welcomes visitors for guided tours Monday through Saturday. You can inquire about tickets and reservations at the Middle Caicos Co-op store or the Middle Caicos Airport.
Indian Cave
Also located on Middle Caicos, Indian Cave is great because there’s no entrance fee, and it’s easily accessible from the main road into the island. The stunning interior features multiple openings and skylights where wild Ficus and papaya tree branches cascade like waterfalls, creating incredible photo opportunities. The cave is also home to barn owls, yellow-crowned night herons, and giant blue land crabs, making it a great spot to see native wildlife, too!
The Boiling Hole
Turks and Caicos’ past is deeply rooted in the salt industry. Grand Turk, South Caicos, and Salt Cay were developed to produce salt and did so by creating salt salinas: ponds fed by ocean water and evaporated via windmills. At the height of the salt demand in the early 1900s, South Caicos produced more than the other two locations combined.
The Boiling Hole played a significant role in South Caicos’ production. The naturally formed underwater cave system fed the ponds during high tide and resembled boiling water as it churned in, thus leading to its name. Today, all that remains are the ruins of this once-thriving industry, which is why the preserved Boiling Hole is such a popular tourist destination.
Unique Excursions
Spice up your vacation with these unique land activities in Turks and Caicos! From fast rides along the ocean to cuddly beach strolls with local rescue puppies, these top things to do will take you off the beaten path and give you a truly memorable experience.
Puppy Walks with Potcake Place K9 Rescue
Take a shelter pup for a walk along the beach and help them get some much-needed socialization and love. This popular tourist activity helps the pups meet locals who may want to adopt them and gets the animals used to new sights, smells, and people. The rescue provides all the needed equipment and supplies, and outings are available from 10 AM to 12:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Nothing says Caribbean vacation more than booking a picture-perfect horseback riding adventure along the beach. Trot through the gentle surf and feel the wind in your hair. With options for advanced riders, first-timers, and everything in between, the stables in Turks and Caicos can help you pick the right ride for you.
You can also book a private ride, group ride, or special occasion ride. From sunset outings to rides that come with complimentary cocktails, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s also a great family activity if you’re traveling with little ones! Depending on the company you book with, you’ll enjoy views of beautiful resorts and homes in Grace Bay Beach, water sports like kite surfing in Long Bay Beach, or the unspoiled shores of Five Cays Beach.
Love Buggy and ATV Tours
For an exciting way to see all the hotspots on Providenciales, book a Love Buggy or ATV tour and add a dose of adrenaline to your day! Your need for speed will determine which tour is best for you or your group.
Love Buggies resemble small VW Bug convertibles and allow for a leisurely ride to unique landmarks like the Junkanoo Museum, Blue Hill, The Conch Shack, Turtle Cove, and more.
On the other hand, an ATV ride takes you to wide-open areas and focuses more on natural sights like wildlife and beaches. Popular spots include West Harbour Bluff, where you’ll wind through mangrove channels and salt ponds and past ocean cliffs, caves, and ancient rock inscriptions.
Relaxing Moments
Lean into island time with some relaxing land activities in Turks and Caicos and experience the ultimate beachside bliss. These day trips, food tours, and golf clubs will elevate your stay and give you a level of luxury fitting a Caribbean getaway.
Hit the Links
Whether you’re an avid golfer or trying it for the first time, the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club in Grace Bay promises a fantastic afternoon during your vacation. It’s the only 18-hole course in the country and is often ranked in the top 10 in all the Caribbean. Karl Litten designed the par 72 course, and it has since hosted the Caribbean Amateur Championship twice. Enjoy their clubhouse bar and restaurant, and stick around after your game to practice your shot at the driving range.
Indulge Your Tastebuds
For foodies visiting Turks and Caicos, the Taste of TCI Food Tour is a great addition to your stay. During this walking and riding tour, you’ll spend three hours visiting five of the most popular local restaurants and getting an authentic taste of island cuisine. Don’t miss this chance to explore beyond the tourist hotspots and experience true Caribbean flavors.
Scenic Drives
Renting a car during your Turks and Caicos vacation allows you to roam the open roads freely and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. There are several scenic drives you can enjoy right on Providenciales. The Chalk Sound Drive features views of stunning oceanfront villas and limestone cays. The Venetian Road and Turtle Tail routes off Leeward Highway lead you past gentle tide pools and provide sweeping views of the Caicos Banks. The Blue Hills Coastal Road highlights include coconut palms and a simple coastal charm.
Beyond these scenic drives, you can also take several day trips to nearby islands and discover more of Turks and Caicos’ wonders. We’ve created three day-trip itineraries to make your planning even easier, so be sure to check them out as you prepare for your vacation.
More Fun in Turks and Caicos
Enjoying land activities in Turks and Caicos doesn’t have to mean embarking on epic excursions. It can be as simple as relaxing in the hammocks and cabanas around your Villa Esencia rental, playing pickleball or tennis on our brand-new courts, or enjoying a meal on your oceanfront balcony. If you’re ready to book your Turks and Caicos vacation, be sure to check out our available Long Bay Beach vacation rentals and book your stay directly with Villa Esencia for the best rate and service on the island.