Here’s Why Your Entire Family Will Love Sailing In The Turks & Caicos

Sailing can be quite an incredible adventure, particularly in a place like the Turks & Caicos. You set off from a pristine beach and get to explore the shores of the numerous islands that make up this tropical archipelago. As you drift across the ocean, you’ll probably be thanking your lucky stars that this level of peace, bliss, and adventure is yours to experience with the people you care about the most.

As Turks & Caicos is known for having some of the most spectacular ocean views in the world, it is an incredible place for a family sailing adventure. Options for going sailing in this destination range from private charters to group excursions that the whole family can enjoy. During a sailing expedition in the Turks & Caicos Islands, you’ll even get to explore some uninhabited cays which is an amazing experience. Being on one of those small islands can feel a bit like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but it’ll be the most wonderful feeling in the world!

If you’re planning to go sailing in the Turks & Caicos Islands, read on for what to expect!

About sailing in Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is a beautiful Caribbean destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic island setting. And what better way to explore these tropical wonders than by taking to the seas and embarking on a sailing adventure? Whether you're an experienced sailor or a beginner looking to try your hand at a new hobby, sailing in Turks & Caicos is an experience you won't soon forget.

One of the main draws of sailing in Turks & Caicos is the opportunity to explore the many islands and cays that make up this stunning archipelago. From the main island of Providenciales, you can set sail and visit nearby destinations such as North and Middle Caicos, home to some of the island's most spectacular beaches and natural landmarks. Whether you're lounging on the deck of your boat or anchoring in a secluded cove, there's no shortage of picturesque spots to unwind and take in the stunning surroundings. And with year-round warm temperatures and balmy breezes, you're guaranteed a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience no matter when you visit.

Before you set sail though, you should know when and where it is best to go sailing in Turks & Caicos, as well as what activities you can enjoy on your nautical adventure.

Best time to sail in Turks & Caicos

It's always a good time for sailing in the scenic and beautiful Turks & Caicos! Even with that said, the absolute best time to visit Turks & Caicos for sailing is between the months of January to April. As you can imagine, the weather tends to be even more beautiful and very conducive for sailing during this time with drier weather and strong winds. Keep in mind that this time of year is also peak-season for traveling to Turks & Caicos. This means you’re very likely to find the islands at their busiest. Peak season also means that boat rentals and accommodation prices can be higher. There are ways to enjoy peak season travel without as much of a high price tag though. This includes booking your vacation as early as possible!

Weather in Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is known for its incredible weather. This is what vacationers have come to expect from this tropical archipelago. As the Turks & Caicos Islands have a tropical climate, the good news is that you really can expect to find warm temperatures year-round even when other parts of the globe are freezing! As it relates to sailing, the trade winds blow from the east, so sailing in a westerly direction might be the best way to navigate these waters. During the peak season for sailing in Turks & Caicos, the weather tends to be quite dry and the winds strong and consistent, which really is a sailor’s dream!

The best places to go sailing in Turks & Caicos

• Providenciales: For the best sailing in Turks & Caicos, you’ll want to head in the direction of Grace Bay. This beach is popular for snorkeling and swimming as well. Pine Cay is another option. This is a remote island with several little pristine beaches and crystal-clear seas. Sailors will also love the rocky landscape and peaceful anchorages of the North and Middle Caicos.
  

• Grand Turk: While sailing around the island of Grand Turk, the coastal views will definitely catch your attention. A sailing adventure that leads here provides an opportunity to explore Cockburn Town, the capital of Grand Turk. Cockburn Town in some ways reflects the colonial heritage of the islands. Sailors will also like Gibbs Cay, a tiny islet where you may observe stingrays up close and magnificent coral reefs.
  

• Salt Cay: Sailors can visit the Columbus Landfall National Park on the island of Salt Cay in Turks & Caicos. This is a protected area with a historical lighthouse. Nature enthusiasts will be ecstatic about the chance to witness a variety of marine life here, including sea turtles and humpback whales (depending on when you go). White House Bay is also a well-known snorkeling and diving location in this area and it is worth visiting during your sailing excursion.
  

Activities when sailing in Turks & Caicos

Sailing in Turks & Caicos isn't just about sightseeing - it's also an opportunity to enjoy a range of water-based activities. The clear, calm waters surrounding the islands are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with plenty of coral reefs and underwater ecosystems waiting to be explored. You can also try your hand at fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch local species such as bonefish, snapper, and tuna.

Other than these, there are lots of other fun activities you can look forward to while sailing in this region. We’ve listed a few of our favorites!

Expert tip: If you’re not sure about the best places to go sailing in the Turks & Caicos, you can always ask your charter company or all-inclusive resort for suggestions.

Fishing

The waters of Turks & Caicos are ideal for anglers of all skill levels. This destination is great for a fishing vacation since there is a range of locations to choose from, as well as fishing charters to take you there. If you have plans of going fishing in the Turks & Caicos, you’ll first need to get a fishing license. This is a fairly straightforward process and can be done through the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources. With some fishing charters, the process of obtaining a fishing license might be done ahead of time which can save you some of the hassles.

In terms of the logistics and rules for fishing in the Turks & Caicos, there are size and catch limits for some species. There are also guidelines when it comes to the use of equipment like spear guns and fish traps. These are some of the things you’ll need to keep in mind during your fishing trip. Again, if you go with a charter they can help you to navigate a fishing experience in these islands as smoothly as possible without you having to worry about forgetting any of the rules! Fishing charters are best for anglers who want to catch big game fish or simply anyone who wants to spend a half-day or full-day fishing in the best spots.

While fishing in the Turks & Caicos, you’re likely to reel in fish like mahi-mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and sailfish, which are often spotted in the surrounding waters. A range of fishing techniques is used on this island including trolling, deep-sea fishing, and fly fishing. Shore fishing is also popular with anglers who prefer a more casual experience.

Dolphin watching

It is not uncommon to encounter dolphins out on the water while visiting Turks & Caicos. A simple sailing trip or a dolphin-watching excursion is an excellent chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. As the Turks & Caicos Islands are home to many dolphins, there are lots of places where you can have this experience. Grace Bay Beach and the eastern cays off Providenciales are popular options.

While sailing or on a dolphin-watching tour in Turks & Caicos, you might come across Jojo the Dolphin, who is something of a local celebrity. Jojo is an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that frequently interacts with humans. There are other playful dolphins that you might meet as well during this experience so be sure to take lots of photos!

Snorkeling

The Turks & Caicos Islands are among the most famous snorkeling destinations in the world. The water in this region is so unbelievably blue, clear, and calm that even if you've been snorkeling before, this just might feel like your first time. There are many stunning islands and cays in this region and amazing reefs as well. During your dive, you're likely to come across colorful sea fans, turtles, stingrays, and fish such as vibrant parrotfish and even reef sharks. Smith’s Reef and the Bight Reef are two of the best snorkeling locations in this territory.

Explore hidden beaches and coves

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Turks & Caicos is that there is always something new to discover. As you make your way around the islands during your sailing trip, you’ll notice that there are many hidden beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat. Quite a few of these are on or near uninhabited islands, which means that in most cases it would be best to explore them by way of a boat charter or at least with a guide. If you want to explore some of these hidden beaches and coves while in Turks & Caicos, it can be a good idea to book a sailing trip. These often include lots of beach hopping!

Expert tip: Check out these fun things to do in the Turks & Caicos with kids. Aside from private catamaran cruises some of our favorites include snorkeling at Coral Gardens Turks & Caicos and beach hopping across the islands.

Types of boat charters available in Turks & Caicos

A vacation in the Turks & Caicos Islands will be incomplete without witnessing the views of the coast from a boat. You can do this through a tour or by hiring a boat charter. Plan your boat exploration in Turks & Caicos according to how long you’d like to spend out on the ocean. Most of the boat charters in the Turks & Caicos can be booked for a set amount of time, from a few hours (half day) to a whole day. There are various types of boats offered by the boat chartering companies in this region including classic sailboats, sleek sports boats, and luxury catamarans.

Fishing charters

There’s a lot to look forward to when fishing in the Turks & Caicos. This destination is popular with anglers from around the world as the fishing is great almost all year through. Most fishing charters in Turks & Caicos provide tours of varying lengths including half and whole-day options. From Providenciales, you won't have to go very far out to sea to reel in good catches -- anything from small bonefish to bigger game fish like tuna and blue marlin.

Some of the popular fishing charters in Turks & Caicos include:

• Grand Slam Charters Ltd.

• Grace Bay Adventures

• M & J’s Charters

Private catamaran charters

In Turks & Caicos, you can choose from a variety of boat charters including group and private catamaran charters. If you want an experience that’s more personalized, go for a private catamaran charter. This sort of experience is ideal for families because the boats used are usually quite spacious. If you have kids, they’ll have lots of room to move around on the decks and in the air-conditioned interiors.

One of the many perks of a private charter is that you have more control over where you go and how long you spend there as well. Snorkeling is usually included with these charters as well as a bit of beach hopping and exploring. From bathing in the clear blue seas to getting up close to wildlife including lizards, sea turtles, and herons on small but beautiful islands, this experience will certainly be memorable.

Expert tip: Turks & Caicos resorts are ideal for a family beach vacation or even couples vacations that include lots of beach time and sunshine. During your beach vacation in this amazing destination definitely check out these 10 best places to snorkel in Turks & Caicos!

Sunset charters

Sunset charters are an amazing way to experience the beauty of Turks & Caicos at sundown. This can be a romantic endeavor for parents and a fun island experience if you choose to bring the kids along. As the boat sails across the ocean just in time to catch the sunset, you’ll be able to enjoy cool drinks, light snacks, and grooving island beats. With most sunset charters, you can choose the type of experience you want to have from the casual to the more high-end.

Watersports boats

Another way to explore the crystal clear waters of Turks & Caicos is through water sports. You can try activities like kayaking or you can hop on a Hobie Cat or Laser Bug to add some excitement to your day. These sailing vessels are usually best if you want to stick close to shore. They’re great options even if you have little to no experience, particularly if you stay at a resort like Beaches Turks & Caicos where the water sports team is always happy to provide professional instruction at no cost to guests. Kids and teens especially will love these and the other exciting water sports options that are included in a Beaches Resorts vacation.

Insider tip: For a fun water sports vacation, Beaches Resorts is an excellent option. From ginormous water slides within a kid-centric water park to unlimited water sports out in the ocean, there won’t be a dull moment in this vacation!

Sailing excursions in Turks & Caicos

If you would prefer to go on a sailing adventure in Turks & Caicos with a wider group, then there are plenty of options for sailing excursions from the many tour operators across the islands. A popular option for couples and groups of friends is the Island Routes Sunset Catamaran Cruise. This tour makes it possible to watch the sunset from a perfect ocean vantage while dancing away to the sweetest island rhythms. You’ll dance the evening away or relax with a cocktail and gourmet hors d’oeuvres as you take in the amazing views.

For families with children the Island Routes Family Catamaran & Snorkeling Cruise might be a better option. This experience happens aboard the luxurious 65-ft. "Kitty Katt” catamaran cruise and includes opportunities to swim and snorkel near a beautiful coral reef. The kids will get to see amazing marine life and also explore the beach of a tiny cay where they can go seashell hunting. Most children agree that the most exciting part of this whole experience is sliding down the catamaran’s 8-ft tube slide!

Expert tip: Apart from sailing, there are many other Turks & Caicos excursions that you can experience in this territory, like these awesome activities for kids in Turks & Caicos.

Sailing in the Turks & Caicos Islands is sure to be unforgettable!

There are many ways to go out sailing and enjoy the warm and wonderful waters of Turks & Caicos. Whichever of these options you choose (hopefully more than one!) getting out in the sunshine and dipping into the ocean in these islands is highly recommended. Now that you know the best boat charters and activities on these islands, the next step will be deciding on your accommodations.

For a vacation that includes sailing, as well as lots of other family-friendly activities, one of the all-inclusive family resorts in the Turks & Caicos can be ideal. From your resort, you’ll be able to plan fun excursions or just stay on the property and relax in ultimate comfort. Beaches Resorts in Turks & Caicos is amazing if you want a luxurious and laid back vacation with something to do for every member of your family.

Insider tip: Want some vacation excitement in the Turks & Caicos without leaving your resort? An excellent option is a family beach vacation that includes lots of activities such as day and night entertainment, land and water sports, kids camps, water parks for kids, and so much more!