Turks and Caicos vs. The Bahamas: Where Should I Go?
Written By: Katie Pittman
Mention of Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas may spark Caribbean imagery, but actually these island groups are in the tropical Atlantic, and have many features that distinguish them from their nearby neighbors.
While both archipelagos are famous for their white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters, they each have their own distinctive character. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help match you with your ideal island (and we’ve got the Caribbean covered over on this blog post).
At Terracotta, we’re committed to responsible and sustainable travel — that’s why we’re putting tourism-reliant destinations like the Caribbean at the top of our list. Right now, we’re seeing that the challenges of coronavirus are encouraging more local entrepreneurship in the Caribbean, so there’s more to experience than ever, from dining in the homes of local families to finding true seclusion on hidden beaches far from the hustle and bustle.
The Bahamas
A tropical playground and exotic paradise ideal for island hopping and true cultural immersion.
Awash with glistening, colorful beaches and small private islets just waiting to be explored, your Bahamian experience is meant to be enjoyed on more than just one island. Discover small, palm-fringed deserted islands via private charter yacht, or sail to the Exumas — a remote collection of islets and cays famous for the adorable pigs that roam the beach and splash around in the turquoise waters.
The Exumas’ breathtaking marine environment is an angling paradise, home to desirable catches like tarpon, sailfish, tuna and wahoo. Don your mask and fins and explore the popular dive site of Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island, the world’s second deepest blue hole with a depth of more than 200 meters (650 ft), or head to the shores of Bimini to swim with wild bottlenose dolphins, or dive with resident hammerheads, tiger sharks, blacktips, and Caribbean reef sharks.
Other unmissable islands include Harbour Island, with its jaw-dropping Pink Sand Beach; the Acabo Islands, with their vast and vibrant barrier reef; and Cat Island, with its ancient monastery atop a 200-ft mound.
Immerse yourself in island culture by participating in the Bahamas’ unique People-to-People program with a local ambassador who will teach you all about Bahamian customs and way of life, from cooking classes and tropical drink mixology to private music lessons. Or, learn to roll the perfect cigar in the Bahamian capital of Nassau, under the tutelage of a seasoned professional.
Apart from seafood staples like red snapper and the widely-loved conch, unique Bahamian delicacies include traditional dishes such as johnnycakes (cornbread cakes) and grits (a Caribbean-style polenta). However, no visit to the Bahamas is complete without participating in a local fish fry — Smith’s Point, on Grand Bahama, is the place to be on Wednesday nights.
Pick your stay
The Bahamas are best explored via a luxury catamaran or private sailing yacht, but if you prefer to keep your feet mostly on the ground, we recommend these exceptional hotels.
Bahama House in Harbour Island features 11 luxury suites, a freshwater lap pool, and a wide range of local activities, from deep sea fishing to private sailing trips and horseback riding.
Nearby private islands include Kamalame Cay, featuring charming bungalows and Balinese beach houses, and Over Yonder Cay, with four unique, eco-friendly villas set among secluded beaches and nature trails.
Know before you go
Time your escape during Christmas and New Year’s to experience a true taste of the Bahamas’ jubilant culture. Every year, locals celebrate Junkanoo, the Bahamas’ vibrant national festival, featuring endless dancing, cheerful music, and elaborate costumes.
Getting there
The Bahamas is one of the easier Caribbean destinations to access from the US. There are six airports, but the most commonly used are Nassau International Airport in New Providence, and Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport.
Turks & Caicos
Warm and clear waters, sand as soft as powdered sugar, and a prestigious paradise of world-class dining.
Home to one of the world’s most stunning shorelines and a pristine underwater wonderland, as well as some of the world’s best SCUBA diving schools, the 40-island archipelago of Turks & Caicos is our top destination for a luxury beach-driven Caribbean vacation. Hop between its immaculate, crowd-free islands by catamaran, ferry, or light aircraft and enjoy exquisite meals at celebrity-studded restaurants.
Providenciales — Provo to locals — is home to the legendary 12-mile (19-km) Grace Bay Beach, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home to luxurious villas that attract Hollywood’s biggest stars. For a quieter yet equally spectacular beach experience, Coral Gardens is the best spot for DIY snorkeling and friendly sea turtle and reef shark encounters.
The smaller, capital island of Grand Turk is adorned with old-style Bermudan architecture lining narrow streets where adorable donkeys roam free. It’s also home to world-famous scuba diving sites like The Wall, a coral-lined abyss where manta rays play, and nearby Gibb’s Cay, where you can swim with mellow stingrays.
Just east of North Caicos, the vast sunny beach of Dellis Cay is a great place to take a speed boat for the day or search for sand dollars. For incredible wildlife encounters, visit Little Water Cay, an islet completely inhabited by friendly iguanas. Amid the colonial era stronghold at Salt Cay, learn about the islands’ history as a major resource for the salt industry.
The perfect place to indulge in the famous conch delicacy, Da Conch Shack serves conch-based fritters, chowder, and salad, complete with live music, a beautiful beach backdrop, and friendly island atmosphere. For the celebrity dining treatment, opt for the Lotus at COMO Parrot Bay, the Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar at Grace Bay Club, and the Amanyara’s laid-back oceanside Beach Club.
Pick your stay
On a long stretch of footprint-free shorelines, Sailrock Resort features ridgetop suites and beachfront villas with private outdoor terraces and spectacular views. At Amanyara, a tranquil haven set alongside the vibrant coral reefs of North West Point Marine National Park, relax amid open-air pavilions and villas with direct access to stunning white-sand beaches.
Know before you go
Time your visit between January and the end of March to witness graceful humpback whales congregate just south of Grand Turk during their annual migration. A private boat excursion will take you to the underwater highlands for an up-close encounter with the gentle giants. For 2021 and beyond, take a Christmas break to coincide with the country’s Maskanoo celebrations, an immersive cultural festival held annually on December 26.
Getting there
Direct flights (all under four hours) to Providenciales International Airport operate from Miami, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal.
Best time to visit
The Tropical Atlantic season starts in late November and is perfect from December to April. June and July are also great months to visit.
Running from June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season peaks at the beginning of August through the end of October, with most storm activity happening in mid-September.
The chances of a hurricane or tropical storm taking place on the islands during your visit are very slim, but if anything is forecast, the properties we work with offer a hurricane guarantee so you can simply reschedule your dates.
Special thanks to Jade Prevost-Manuel, our in-house Turks & Caicos expert, for sharing her insider knowledge and insight into the Caribbean.
