When it comes to exploring the Caribbean, we’ve all heard of all-inclusive resorts where endless margaritas and piña coladas flow, paired with heapings of hearty buffet food. Maybe we’ve even attended a destination wedding or two and sought to visit the flamingos of Aruba or the pigs of the Bahamas. However, for a truly enchanting and tranquil Caribbean experience, there’s nothing quite like this clear-water kayak tour in Turks and Caicos.
A picture of paradise, Turks and Caicos is a destination everyone should endeavor to visit at least once. While exploring the archipelago, tourists are missing out if they don’t book the Kayak Eco Tour. With a perfect rating on Tripadvisor (a sweet five stars across more than 200 reviews), it’s safe to say you can expect a stellar experience. Getting such a high rating in today’s world, where anonymous criticizing seems a popular pastime, is quite a rarity. So, what is it about this particular tour that makes people love it so much? Is it the location? The service? The wildlife seen in the pristine Atlantic waters? Turns out, it’s a little bit of everything.
What to expect on the Kayak Eco Tour
The Kayak Eco Tour lasts about four hours, and a complimentary shuttle service is included in the ticket, picking up guests from major resorts in Grace Bay. Once you arrive at the starting point, you’ll meet with your guide, who will provide an all-important life jacket before you go off to paddle your way through the tremendously turquoise Caribbean. There is no hyperbole there, by the way: the Turks and Caicos archipelago has some of the most picture-perfect waters in the world.
If paddling on a kayak sounds stressful, have no fear. The tour explicitly states that no paddle-boarding experience is necessary to sign up, and your guide will help you weave your way through the waters. You’ll be venturing primarily through mangroves, and you can expect to see a lot of wildlife on this tour. Your guide will help you identify different species of birds, sharks, iguanas, rays, and, if you’re lucky, even some baby turtles.
Tours are subject to change based on weather conditions and can only depart during high tides, so starting times are flexible. If the weather is particularly inclement, the tour doesn’t run. At the time of writing, the Kayak Eco Tour costs $296 per person and includes light snacks, your life jacket, a guide, bottled water, and national park fees. Note that you should have some cash on you for gratuity, provided the tour meets (or exceeds) your expectations.
Other adventures in Turks and Caicos
While the Kayak Eco Tour is enough of a reason to visit Turks and Caicos, you’d be missing out if you limited yourself to just that. The archipelago is home to a plethora of picturesque beaches, exciting activities, and, in proper Caribbean form, delicious food and drink. For the best beaches, you’ll want to head to Grace Bay Beach, Leeward Beach, or Long Bay Beach. Each offers those idyllic white sand and blue water images we all dream of before visiting the Caribbean.
While many may associate visiting any Caribbean island as a relaxing, kick-back vacation, adrenaline junkies will be pleased to know they’re in for a real treat in Turks and Caicos. Brave travelers can soar high above the sky by parasailing over Grace Bay Beach or dive deep into the waters when scuba diving, where you’ll have a good chance at seeing magnificent wildlife like turtles, eagle rays, and maybe even a few lobsters.
Caribbean food flies far under the radar, and Turks and Caicos are no exception. Here, try Johnny cakes, boiled fish and grits, crab and rice, conch fritters, and locally made Peppajoy hot sauce for the ultimate kick. Naturally, it should all be washed down with a local Turk’s Head beer, best enjoyed after a tour of the brewery.
