TURKS AND CAICOS YACHT CHARTER GUIDE

PERFECT WEATHER, WARM SEAS, SHALLOW WATERS AND YEAR-ROUND COOLING TRADEWINDS — WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT TURKS AND CAICOS?

Once pirate-infested, the idyllic archipelago of the Turks and Caicos may not be a classic Caribbean cruising ground, but the 41 islands offer an abundance of attractions for any luxury yacht charter. As its name suggests, the archipelago is made up of the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. Clustered in two collections, each encircled by a coral reef, their warm waters and stunning beaches are protected from the Atlantic swell and therefore provide calm anchorages. Blessed with more than a touch of luxury, they remain, as yet, unspoiled and are ready to be discovered by superyacht.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1

PROVIDENCIALES TO GRACE BAY (6 NAUTICAL MILES)

Step aboard your yacht in Providenciales (Provo) and cruise to the north of the island. Swim ashore to the beach at Grace Bay –proclaimed by many to be the best beach in the whole of the Caribbean. In the evening, dine at Seven — a firm favorite with the yachting crowd. The restaurant serves innovative, artfully prepared dishes pairing local ingredients with global influences. The lobster is said to be the best on the island.

DAY 2

GRACE BAY TO FORT GEORGE CAY (4 NAUTICAL MILES)

Anchor off Fort George Cay and discover the amazing underwater world. The waters off the Turks and Caicos, which are home to the third largest coral reef in the world, comprise the top 10 dive sites and offer a plethora of opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling.

DAY 3

FORT GEORGE CAY TO PARROT CAY (4 NAUTICAL MILES)

The first resort to bring Asian style to the Caribbean, Parrot Cay is the ultimate island idyll. Glitzy without being intimidating, Parrot Cay is not the place to come to party. Doze on the beach, stick a flag in the sand for a delicious rum punch, or step ashore to the Zen-like Como Shambhala spa.

DAY 4

PARROT CAY TO MIDDLE CAICOS (20 NAUTICAL MILES)

Head east to Middle Caicos and explore the intriguing coves in the bluffs. Thought to be more than 130,000 years old, the caves are tucked away in the breathtaking limestone cliffs near Mudjin Harbor and can only be discovered by boat.

DAY 5

MIDDLE CAICOS TO GRAND TURK (60 NAUTICAL MILES)

Grand Turk is the island capital of the Turks and Caicos and offers further fantastic diving, fishing and snorkeling opportunities. Swim with friendly stingrays at Gibbs Cay directly from the beach. Step ashore to the Grand Turk Lighthouse (the only lighthouse in the archipelago) overlooking the precarious North Reef.

DAY 6

GRAND TURK TO SALT CAY (38 NAUTICAL MILES)

The historic and rustic Salt Cay boasts preserved sites dating back to the 1800s when the salt trade was at its peak. Explore the old ruins, spotting pink flamingos as you go. Once back on board take the tender to North Bay and swim ashore to the best beach on the island with its pristine white sand lapped by clear waters.

DAY 7

SALT CAY TO PROVIDENCIALES (65 NAUTICAL MILES)

Make your way toward Providenciales and spend the afternoon at the Amanyara Spa. Located next to the 18,000-acre Northwest Point Marine National Park, the resort is brimming with facilities for even the most discerning of guests. Once back on board enjoy your last Caribbean sunset before you disembark.

CHARTER EXPERIENCE

Marooned between the Caribbean and The Bahamas, the idyllic archipelago of Turks and Caicos comprises seven main islands and more than 40 uninhabited islets and cays.

Originally overlooked by developers, the area was previously only really known to divers, coming to experience the third-largest coral reef in the world with its wall dives, sun-drenched coral valleys, sharks and reef diving. For the past decade, however, more and more superyachts have discovered Turks and Caicos, coming to explore both the underwater world and to get a dose of luxury ashore at a handful of discreet hideaways. One such resort is the chic, private island, Parrot Cay. The first exclusive resort in the area, Parrot Cay brought glamor to these rustic islands, putting them on a par with St. Barths and Mustique. It was the first to bring Asian style to the Caribbean and, in doing so, led the way for a growing trend. With the luxury resorts came a number of high-end beach clubs and a collection of stunning restaurants. Combined with the countless spectacular dive sites, stunning white-sand beaches and protected anchorages, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer countless cruising possibilities for those looking to get away from it all or to explore the underwater world during a luxury charter.

Location Highlights

Step ashore to the Amanyara Beach Club for Caribbean spiny lobster
Explore the uninhabited West Caicos
Anchor in Grace Bay for bonefishing and kitesurfing, Providenciales
Learn about local sea life at the conch farm on Providenciales
Golfers can enjoy a challenging day on the greens at the Provo Golf Club
Dine at Seven, Grace Bay

Expert Advice

Superyacht guests in search of a beach-club vibe should head for the Gansevoort. The most coveted spots are the pods that float on the pool. Spend a day floating around, before heading to one of the best restaurants in the Turks and Caicos, Infiniti Rest. & Raw Bar. Those looking for the famous Turks and Caicos conch will find it on almost every menu in the archipelago, but the place to head for the most varied conch menu is Da Conch Shack.