Island-Hopping in the Tropical Turks & Caicos

Located in the North Atlantic between The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, the Turks and Caicos Islands make a refreshing, “off the beaten path” alternative to busier island destinations. The archipelago is made up of (and named for) two island groups with eight major islands, six of which are inhabited by a total population of less than 50,000 people.

A country of charming contradictions, the Turks & Caicos are a British Overseas Territory where cars drive on the left, UK-style. However, the U.S. dollar is the official currency, and the buildings all have American electrical outlets. Along with the turquoise sea, spectacular fishing, snorkeling and diving, and abundant beautiful beaches, the weather is a strong draw for boaters and charter guests, as it averages 82° F year-round.

Here is a sample charter itinerary for a leisurely and luxurious yachting vacation in the Turks & Caicos.

DAY 1: Providenciales
After landing at Providenciales International Airport in the Caicos Islands, meet your yacht at Blue Haven Marina, an IGY facility that offers 30 berths for superyachts. Enjoy a welcome cocktail on the flybridge before feasting on the chef’s finest cuisine.

DAY 2: South Caicos
Head to South Caicos, cruising around the north side of the Caicos Islands where the water is deeper. This is the longest passage of the 11-day trip, taking you past many islands and cays with miles of beautiful beaches. Spend the night on the southern end of the island, between South Caicos and Long Cay. Take the dinghy ashore to hit the beach BBQs, tour the historic village, and enjoy fresh conch and fish from the fish co-op.

DAY 3: Grand Turk
Cruise east about 22 miles to Grand Turk. The capital of Turks and Caicos, it is also both the historic and financial center. The main heritage attraction is the National Museum. Remember that there are also great beaches to explore! Grand Turk is also renowned for its scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Take a short tender ride or a mile or so to Gibbs Cay where you can swim with the friendly stingrays right off the beach. There is an anchor zone at the southern end of Grand Turk.

DAY 4: Salt Cay
Make a short passage of 6.5 miles to the historic and rustic island of Salt Cay. This is a place where time has stood still. You can still see the preserved historical sites from when salt raking and the salt trade were the islands’ biggest economic drivers in the 1800s. Bird-watching opportunities abound with the famous Turks pink flamingoes often spotted. There is an anchor zone on the western side of the cay.

DAY 5: Big Sand Cay
The next recommended destination is the uninhabited island of Big Sand Cay, about 10 miles from Salt Cay. This small island is a designated bird sanctuary and great for snorkeling. Take a hike to explore and then relax on some of the best beaches in the archipelago. The anchoring area is on the western side of protective shores.

DAY 6: French Cay
Overnight, the yacht will make a 70-mile passage across the Caicos Banks to French Cay. It’s worth the trip for some of the best snorkeling in all of the Turks and Caicos, with many dive sites surrounding this small, uninhabited cay. It is also a peaceful sanctuary for migratory birds.

DAY 7: West Caicos
Set course for West Caicos, about 18 miles away, where there are many excellent dive sites off the west coast and also several moorings. Dive the wall, which drops off some 7,000 feet and where large sea life is often seen. Topside depth range is between 40 to 90 feet, allowing diving for a wide range of divers from beginner to expert. Note that anchoring is not permitted on the western side, but there are two Large Vessel Anchoring Zones (LVAZs) on the east and northeast sides of West Caicos.

DAY 8: Northwest Point
The yacht will cruise 14 miles back towards Providenciales to Northwest Point, where there is a LVAZ off Sam Bay. Book ahead for dinner reservations at Amanyara, a luxury beachside resort next to an 18,000-acre nature reserve. Why not use the opportunity to have a spa treatment first to relax the body? Watch the stunning sunset with a tropical cocktail in hand.

DAY 9: Grace Bay
Cruise 12 miles and nose gently into Grace Bay beach to enjoy the day anchored in the LVAZ. Various restaurants and day spas are littered along this beautiful beach, voted the Number One Beach in the World on TripAdvisor. From here, day trips to Providenciales can be arranged. Guests can enjoy golfing at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kite surfing and kayaking (just to name a few).

DAY 10: Providenciales
Take a short, 5-mile run back to Blue Haven Marina for the end of a highly memorable charter.

______________________________________________________________________

By Capt. Edwen Gomez, MY Santosh, & Philip Knaggs, Blue Haven Marina