One Day in...Turks and Caicos, British Overseas Territory

Traveler Profile: Ashleigh, 36, USA

Location: Turks and Caicos, British Overseas Territory

Time of Year: February

Travelers Goals: Go clear bottom kayaking, eat some tropical island cuisine, and relax

Turks and Caicos had been calling to me for some time, a place where I could escape the ordinary and dive into some crystal-clear waters. Clear bottom kayaking was the highlight I couldn’t wait to experience. I wanted to glide effortlessly above the marine life in otherworldly clear waters. So, visibly giddy, I set out to acclimate to my surroundings and familiarize myself with the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Let the Plans Begin

Image Credit: Shutterstock / topseller

My first stop was to catch the Mangrove and Iguana clear-bottom kayaking tour I’d booked. The tour consisted of a guided three-hour experience that allowed you to glide effortlessly over the crystal-clear waters while gazing down at the vibrant marine life below. As I paddled along the coastline, the kayak’s rhythmic motion and the waves gently lapping against its hull were therapeutic, unlike anything else.

Clear–Bottom-Kayaking Adventure Tour

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kuznetcov_Konstantin

Looking through the kayak’s clear bottom, I was mesmerized by the colors that danced beneath the surface. Schools of tropical fish darted playfully in and out of coral reefs while graceful sea turtles moved gracefully through the water. It was a surreal experience. Being in a transparent kayak in Mangrove Cay was like exploring a hidden world under the sea. Spotting turtles, stingrays, and even small sharks, I paddled through mangrove estuaries, learning about the island’s diverse wildlife from my guide. It was an unforgettable experience.

Time to Relax With Lunch

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LTim

The whole kayaking event was more activity than I had been expecting. By the time I was back in town, I was starving. For that reason, I picked Graceway Gourmet. I wanted something quick, so I ordered a stone-baked Margherita gourmet pizza. That place was conveniently located beside where I planned to go, Grace Bay.

Grace Bay Lives Up to the Hype

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TravnikovStudio

Grace Bay won me over with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Strolling along the shore, the gentle lapping of waves and the sun’s warmth on my skin had a calming effect. The picture-perfect scenery, dotted with luxury resorts and swaying palm trees, was truly a slice of paradise.

I didn’t plan for the extreme session of tanning I had gotten from the hour nap I took while lying on the beach, but it sure did look good. Once I woke back up, I felt refreshed and had renewed energy that I couldn’t let go to waste, so I found a place to go parasailing.

Fellow Traveler Tip: Plan ahead and pre-book activities you want to do.

Parasailing here is so much different than in places without clear water. You can see so much more. I enjoyed trying to name the different sea life. It left me with an overwhelming appreciation for the world that lives beneath the ocean’s surface.

Caribbean Cuisine Calling My Name

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brent Hofacker

The sun had just begun to set when the boat took me back to shore. I was ready to try traditional Providenciales cuisine, so I asked around to find out which restaurant the locals thought was the best example. Most people I spoke with made me feel like Mango Reef Restaurant would have the food I wanted.

I had seafood for lunch, so I ordered the char-grilled jerk chicken breast this time. It was to die for. The flavors and spice were perfect, and the chicken was cooked right. I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious they managed to make the chicken.

Fellow Traveler Tip: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample authentic Caribbean cuisine during your stay.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alex Segre

While credit cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash for small purchases and tipping is always a good idea. Be sure to have a mix of US dollars and the local currency, the Turks and Caicos dollar.

Tourist Information: https://gov.tc/