Best things to do in Turks and Caicos

Providenciales

The "best beaches in the world" have made Turks and Caicos a favorite vacation destination of celebrity couples like Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, even inspiring a few like Gene Simmons to buy their own island there. If you are one of the lucky few to make it to this exclusive archipelago south of the Bahamas, your plane will land in Providenciales, the main island of this British Overseas Territory. Most resorts on Provo are located along the 12-mile beach of Grace Bay and range from the deluxe (Seven Stars) to the ultra luxe (Amanyara).

Reef Peepers

Turks and Caicos is home to some of the planet's best diving, but if your skills in the water do not include strapping on a tank, no need to miss the amazing underwater scene on the coral reef off Provo's north shore. Reef Peepers (out of Turtle Cove Marina) have a glass-bottomed catamaran which allow you to view the reef and its creatures without removing your eyeglasses or even getting wet. Reef Peepers conduct snorkelling half-days for those who do want to get wet, as well as sunset cruises. It's a great way for those who can't swim or are too young to snorkel to see the reef and as such is very popular. It's best to have a reservation.

Atabeyra

Named after the fertility goddess of the Arawak indians, the Atabeyra is an old rumrunning trade schooner operated by Sun Charters out of Leeward Marina. The Atabeyra can be privately chartered to explore the deserted Caicos Cays, visit iguana island or little-known dive spots, or take the kids on a scheduled pirate cruise and follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and lady pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Reid. One of Atabeyra's more unique excursions is the Glow Worm Sunset trip, available only once a month a few days after the full moo) to view the local glow worm's mating ritual which lights up the water with a surreal phosphorescence. Good value for a really rare experience.

Da Conch Shack

Ritzy restaurants abound around Grace Bay, most of them specializing in seafood and almost all of them requiring a reservation. For something a little more authentic and a lot cheaper, Da Conch Shack on Blue Hills Road serves up conch curry, ceviche or fritters at picnic tables on the sand.

Caicos Conch Farm

Visit the world's only conch farm where Caribbean Queen conchs are raised from baby to adult, at which point they are sold for food to eateries both local and all around the world. After witnessing a performance by the trained and friendly conch called Jerry, however, you may find you no longer have the stomach--or heart--to eat this local staple.

Lemon Cafe

Serving Moroccan cuisine by lantern light, Lemon Cafe in Grace Bay provides a welcome break from fish. The lamb tagine, kebab platter and tapas are famous and belly dancing provides exotic entertainment on some nights.

Calico Jack's Bar

Calico Jack's has to be the most popular bar in the Grace Bay area, located in the Ports of Call mall. Live music, rum drinks and games like jumbo Jenga or Wii bowling make for a lively evening away from the resort.

Chalk Sound

Stop by Las Brisas cafe on Chalk Sound Drive for conch sandwiches and shrimp cups and enjoy an incredible view of bright blue Chalk Sound while you eat. Then rent a kayak and paddle out over the water, getting a good look back at the villa-dotted landscape. It's a great photo op, too, if you have a waterproof camera.

Coco Bistro

The prime rib and rack of lamb served at this upscale outdoor restaurant on Grace Bay Road is a very popular alternative to seafood if you're all "conched" out. The tall palms make a pretty--and pretty romantic--setting.