Discovering the other Turks and Caicos

For many travelers, Turks and Caicos is synonymous with Grace Bay, a stretch of flawless sand on Providenciales fronted by polished resorts, where luxury is defined by attentive service and architectural scale. But just a short ferry ride away lie North and Middle Caicos, sister islands that present an altogether different proposition. Here, the appeal is measured in silence and unspoiled landscape. For advisors with clients seeking boutique scale, nature and tranquility, these islands deserve a closer look.

The islands stand in deliberate contrast to Provo’s cosmopolitan pace. Development has been restrained, settlements remain small, family-owned businesses prevail, and natural assets guide the itinerary. Getting there is pretty quick and simple: Guests arriving in Provo can hop a ferry for a 30-minute ride to the islands, then rent a car or hire a driver or taxi upon arrival on North or Middle Caicos.

Deep dive on Middle Caicos

The most striking feature of Middle Caicos is underground. The Conch Bar Caves, believed to be the largest cave system in the Caribbean, invite travelers into an underground limestone world. Walking through vaulted chambers with stalactites dripping like chandeliers, I felt history pressing in: The caves once sheltered the Lucayan people, whose presence lingers in markings along the stones. The unpolished and unpackaged experience is both adventurous and rooted in history.

A visit to the Conch Bar Caves is a must when on Middle Caicos. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger

Access is straightforward, as travelers don’t need a reservation. Visitors can simply arrive at the entrance. Guided tours, which last about an hour and cost around $20, are recommend for both context and safety.

Horse Stable Beach is one of the most striking stretches on Middle Caicos, with wide stretches of sand and calm, shallow water. But it is far from the only option. Bambarra Beach is particularly appealing for families thanks to its gentle entry and sandbars where travelers can wade far out into the sea. At the eastern edge of Middle Caicos, Cedar Point combines seclusion with beautiful Atlantic views.Whitby Beach on North Caicos offers a long, uninterrupted coastline perfect for walking or shelling, while Hollywood Beach, also on North Caicos, remains one of the island’s quieter corners.

Middle Caicos’ Bambarra Beach is a quiet stretch of bleached white sand, shallow water and gentle waves. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger

For advisors, these beaches represent a competitive advantage: They deliver the white-sand, turquoise water experience that travelers expect from Turks and Caicos, but without the density of Providenciales.

That stillness finds balance in moments of community. One evening at My Dee’s, a modest restaurant where locals gather for music and conversation, I ate barbecued fish straight from the grill, while regulars sipped rum punches and kids scrambled around the yard. The experience was not created for tourists, but tourists are just as welcome to be part of the scene. To participate is to be a part of something real in island life. For advisors, this is the kind of unstaged encounter that really resonates with clients.

Perhaps the most iconic vantage point in all of North and Middle Caicos is Mudjin Harbour, where limestone cliffs meet the Atlantic. Offshore, Dragon Cay rises from the sea like a sculptural fragment, and at sunset the sky ignites in color, refracted across the waves.

A hilltop haven

Accommodations on North and Middle Caicos are limited, but that is part of the appeal. I stayed at Dragon Cay Resort, a small collection of hilltop bungalows perched above Mudjin Harbour on Middle Caicos that offered breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Each unit is private and self-contained, with kitchens, outdoor space, and easy access to the beach below. For clients, the experience here is about immersion. Waking up to ocean views, walking down to Mudjin Harbour for sunrise or sunset, and returning to a quiet bungalow at night is part of the experience. It’s not for travelers who expect multiple dining outlets or nightlife options but is an excellent fit for those who value privacy and proximity to beautiful scenery.

For travel advisors, the opportunity lies in reframing Turks and Caicos as more than Providenciales. North and Middle Caicos should be positioned carefully to meet different client needs. These islands are ideal for boutique-minded travelers who prefer intimate guest houses and private villas rather than branded resorts. They appeal to wellness and retreat seekers who value immersion in nature and the chance to disconnect. Cultural explorers will find the community-driven restaurants with music and local encounters especially rewarding. Meanwhile, adventure-oriented clients can discover an entirely different side through spelunking, hiking the cliffs, kayaking, and birdwatching in wetlands.

Source: Travel Weekly