Editor's Comments
Private charters are one of the best ways you can spend one of your vacation days in Turks and Caicos, and also can be very cost-effective for larger groups and families. The Caicos Cays between Providenciales and North Caicos is the best location for pristine beaches, and West Caicos is an amazing destination for a wide range of sights.
5-star rating for Private Boat Charters and Tours by Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
Exploring Fort George Cay by boat.
One of the top things to do in the Turks and Caicos is to take a boat cruise or charter, and there’s a tremendous selection of businesses and vessels to choose from. Most of the tours from Providenciales and Grace Bay are larger shared tours, and may have more than 30 passengers, yet there’s also many companies that only offer custom charters.
Private charters can be arranged on nearly all vessel types. This page focuses on the smaller and cost-effective options. If you’re looking for a more expansive yacht or unique boat, see Private Luxury Charters and Sailing Charters.
Why Choose a Private Charter?
Besides the obvious aspect of being able to choose who is on your charter, the primary advantage of a custom charter is that you’ll get to spend the day at the sights and attractions of your choice, be it beach, reef, or historical site.
Another consideration is your group size. Shared half day charters start at about $100 per person, so large families and parties may even save money by going with a custom charter.
Private Charter Vessel Amenities
Beautiful channel cays in the Caicos Islands. Some of the best spots in the Turks and Caicos can only be visited by boat!
Nearly all boat tours in the Turks and Caicos include basic water, some drinks, and possibly snacks, local beer, and rum punch. On custom trips, it’s typically possible to arrange specific food or drinks, although it may incur an additional cost.
Many tour and charter boats, even the smaller vessels, have bathrooms. If this feature is important, confirm before booking.
Most tours have a collection of snorkel gear for guests to use, and also may have water sports equipment such as towable wake floats, the fun and exciting Subwing, or inflatable paddleboards for exploring remote coastlines and wetlands.
The Best Boat Tour Sights and Attractions
Private boat excursion with My Time Tours at Water Cay.
The Turks and Caicos really does offer a spectacular marine environment, and the simple fact is that you’ll only ever be able to see a fraction of what there is by taking a charter or two.
Many of the local private charter captains love what they do, so they will typically choose the best feasible locations considering the weather conditions.
One of the best elements of boating in the Turks and Caicos are the secluded beaches that can be found just minutes from the dock.
Snorkeling is one of the top activities in the Turk and Caicos, and there are countless incredible sites and reefs to explore. Interior reefs tend to have a wide array of colorful reef fish and varied coral, and the barrier reef features fascinating underwater terrain and vibrant yellow and purple sea fans. Those oriented towards adventure may also want to try freediving. It’s hard to find a more compelling setting to practice this water sport that the crystal-clear waters of the Turks and Caicos.
Most boat charters include snacks and drinks, which may include prepared foods, local beers, or rum punch.
Little Water Cay is a beautiful and uninhabited nature preserve island, and an important sanctuary for the critically endangered Turks and Caicos Islands rock iguana. These giant lizards are interesting and docile, so visiting Little Water Cay offers the rare opportunity of seeing a critically endangered animal in its natural environment. The island also has some incredible beaches!
Water Cay is the much larger counterpart to Little Water Cay, and offers miles of exquisite beach. The coast here is typically secluded and sheltered from the eastern trade winds, so it’s a great place to lounge on perfect white sand.
Half Moon Bay is one of the most popular boating destinations in the Turks and Caicos, and with good reason. This spot is an extensive sandbar that filled in over decades in the channel between Little Water Cay and Half Moon Bay. On the north side of this area is a wide and scenic beach, and on the southern side is a sheltered and shallow lagoon. Tall casuarina trees provide shade, and there are iguanas to see in the dunes as well! Half Moon Bay Lagoon is a great flat water kiteboarding spot, as a narrow dune protects the area from waves, yet doesn’t block the wind.
The private island of Pine Cay features some of the best beaches in the Turk and Caicos. As with Water Cay, the perfect white sand and turquoise water here is typically deserted.
Ocean Frontiers at Half Moon Bay, Turks and Caicos.
Fort George Cay is another popular island in the chain of cays between Providenciales and North Caicos. In the late 1700s, the island supported Fort Saint George, which was the largest defensive feature in the Caicos Islands. The site of the fort has long since washed away, yet seven cannons can still be seen in the shallow water where the fort once stood. In recent years, the cay has become better-known for the exquisite sandbars and beach that leads off the western side of the island.
West Caicos is one of the finest boat destinations in the Turks and Caicos, and there’s a wealth of sights in the water and on land. There are many deserted beaches to explore, and the West Caicos Marine National Park features breathtaking blue water, amazing snorkeling, and exciting cliff jumping locations. On land is the very interesting Yankee Town historical site, and Lake Catherine, which is one of the finest birdwatching locations in the Turks and Caicos.
French Cay is a very remote island on the southern Caicos Banks and Caicos Barrier Reef. This nature reserve is a haven for bird life, and the surrounding waters teem with sharks and marine life. It’s a great option for nature enthusiasts.
West Harbour Bluff, part of the Frenchman’s Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve, is a remote and very scenic coastal peninsula on the south-western corner of Providenciales. Found here are the tallest ocean cliffs on the island, a small coastal cave, historical rock inscriptions, a secluded beach and cove, and amazing wildlife sightings.
The possible destinations on a boat cruise are not limited to what’s discussed here! There are over 100 named islands and cays in the country, all of which are exquisite! Some great locations that are further afield include Long Cay and Fish Cay near South Caicos, Little Ambergris Cay, Joe Grant Cay, East Caicos, and many more.
The spectacular beach at Little Ambergris Cay.
The La Famille Express is a very popular boat tour stop off of Providenciales. This imposing old Soviet freighter wreck is grounded in the shallow Caicos Banks a couple of miles off of Long Bay Beach.
Jojo the Dolphin, the famous Atlantic bottlenose dolphin mascot of the Turks and Caicos, can often be seen in the waters off of Grace Bay, Leeward, and the Caicos Cays. Jojo isn’t the only dolphin you may encounter, as there are a few dolphin pods that have made their home in the Caicos Islands, some of which include incredibly cute baby dolphins!
Fishing is another option on some of the private boat tours in the Turks and Caicos. Choose from deep sea sport fishing for wahoo, mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, and mackerel, or reef and bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, and jacks.During the open seasons, it’s also an option to dive for conch and Caribbean spiny lobster. Many local restaurants are happy to prepare the day’s catch—the perfect way to celebrate the trip!
Boat Rentals
If you’d rather be your own captain and rent a boat without a guide, your options are quite limited, and mainly consist of small jet boats, and open skiffs.
The waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos can be very challenging, and it’s common for even locals with experience to encounter difficulties. There are countless reefs and shallows to contend with, and wind and the open ocean swell can create challenging waves.
If you rent and pilot your own vessel, it’s very important to follow the advice and guidance of your boat rental company regarding areas of vessel use and weather conditions.
FAQs
How much does it cost to charter a boat in Turks and Caicos? ›
You can charter a boat for a day in Turks and Caicos Islands for an average of $1100 per day. The average price for a weekly boat rental is $3500.
Why go to Turks and Caicos? ›The primary attraction of the Turks and Caicos are our exceptional beaches and exquisite turquoise ocean water. Grace Bay Beach, which is located on the island of Providenciales, is the best-known, yet unbelievable and secluded white sand beaches are found throughout the archipelago.
What country is the cheapest to charter a boat? ›The cheapest charter destinations south of the Alps are Croatia, Greece and Turkey. The North European Countries like Germany and Netherlands offer generally lower charter week prices.
How much does it cost to charter Captain Lee's boat? ›Honor costs $186,000 for a week, while older and smaller boat Ohana, from season 2, is the cheapest at $140,000. Captain Lee recently replied to a follower who asked about the going rate to stay on one of his boats, explaining it was "about $350,000 a week plus, plus, plus".
What is the best month to visit Turks and Caicos? ›When are the best months to visit Turks & Caicos? February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. May, June and July are also good months to visit the Turks & Caicos Islands for a beach vacation.
What is better Bahamas or Turks and Caicos? ›The Bahamas is larger, more populated with tourists, more commercialized and offers plenty of activities, resorts, restaurants and nightlife. Turks and Caicos is a more relaxed environment, with fewer tourists and activities.
Why do celebrities like Turks and Caicos? ›It's private!
Fortunately, on Provo, privacy isn't something that only celebrities can enjoy. Because the destination has few resorts and a high percentage of private villas, you don't have to experience typical hotel surroundings with shared pools, zero privacy or crowded beaches and restaurants.
| Average Weekly Sailing Charter Rates | Sailing Yacht |
|---|---|
| $20,000-$25,000 | Motor yachts under 80ft |
| $35,000-$80,000 | Motor yachts between 80ft and 120ft |
| $80,000-$150,000 | Motor yachts between 120ft and 150ft |
| $150,000-$500,000 | Motor yachts over 150ft |
You can negotiate with a boat seller — whether it's a dealership or a private seller — to improve both the price and terms of the sale. In the case of a new boat, terms are often less negotiable, but you can lower the price by avoiding extra features and add-ons.
What size boat is best for charter? ›Experts in the sailing charter industry recommend using a boat that is over 40 feet. This allows you to split costs between other guests, and you are likely to have more people on board to help out.
How much is a 7 day charter on Below Deck? ›
The cheaper yachts from Below Deck can be chartered for $140,000 a week. The most expensive ones have charter costs close to $300,000 per week.
What happened to below deck down under? ›There is currently no official start date for Below Deck Down Under Season 2. In October 2022, Deadline reported that Peacock had renewed Down Under for a second year, expected to air in 2023.
Who pays for the food on Below Deck? ›Who pays for guests food on Below Deck? On Below Deck, guests typically pay for the food that is being served.
What is the rainiest month in Turks and Caicos? ›The Turks and Caicos rainy season typically takes place between the late-summer to early-winter months, from late August to early December. According to the National Climatic Data Center, November is the rainiest month, with an average precipitation of 3.7 inches, or 94 millimeters.
How many days are enough in Turks and Caicos? ›If you've chosen Turks and Caicos as your next vacation destination, you are in for a real treat. With so much to see and do on this tropical archipelago, we recommend spending at least seven days with us to make the most of the trip.
What part of Turks and Caicos is the most beautiful? ›Grand Turk Island
Grand Turk is home to some of the chain's most beautiful beaches and is also the capital island of Turks and Caicos. The island is rich with history including many Colonial-style buildings and ruins, and the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
Most of the best places to stay in Turks and Caicos are on Providenciales, the liveliest of the islands. Providenciales is well-known for sublime 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, which is lined with chic resorts, and offers an appealing choice of bars and restaurants.
Which is more expensive Hawaii or Turks and Caicos? ›For us, Hawaii is less expensive than Turks and Caicos from west coast.
Which is more expensive Aruba or Turks and Caicos? ›The Turks & Caicos beaches are said to have brighter white sand than those in Aruba; Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, which is protected by an offshore coral reef, is considered one of the best beaches in the world. Turks & Caicos is more expensive than Aruba.
Where did Kardashians stay in Turks and Caicos? ›Helena Bonham Carter was another one of the famous actors that played a part in the 2014 Turks and Caicos movie. Kim Kardashian stayed at the remote and exclusive Amanyara Resort at the Northwest Point Marine National Park on Providenciales.
Does Oprah have a house in Turks and Caicos? ›
Oprah Winfrey, Donna Karen, Christie Brinkley and Keith Richards all have homes in the Turks and Caicos.
Where did the Real Housewives stay in Turks and Caicos? ›Triton Luxury Villa sits on the Caribbean islands' Long Bay Beach and has served as a recent luxury vacation rental for stars of Bravo TV's Real Housewives franchise, among others. The massive property houses seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and spans a whopping 12,000 square-feet of living space.
How much is it to charter a yacht in the Caribbean? ›| Vessel size | Sailboat | Motor Yacht |
|---|---|---|
| 78ft- 100ft (24-30m) with crew | $42'000-$80'000 | $30'000-$60'000 |
| Superyacht over 100ft (30m) | From $80'000 | from 100'000 |
| Mega yacht over 196ft (60m) | From $150'000 | from $260'000 |
| To/From Location | Target Price (One-Way) | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $24,000 | Supermidsize Jet |
| Miami | $8,000 | Light Jet |
| Dallas | $29,000 | Supermidsize Jet |
| Los Angeles | $55,000 | Heavy Jet |
How much does it cost to charter a yacht from Below Deck? The cheaper yachts from Below Deck can be chartered for $140,000 a week. The most expensive ones have charter costs close to $300,000 per week.
Can you take a boat to Turks and Caicos? ›Many visitors arrive to the Turks & Caicos by boat and enjoy our pristine waters. Private boaters are reminded that they must clear customs and immigration upon arrival. The most popular tourism route by sea is aboard one of the dozens of cruise ships that now call on Turks and Caicos.
Do you pay for drinks when you charter a yacht? ›With a crewed yacht charter, any food and beverages throughout your vacation will be covered in your Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). Paid before the charter, this sum covers any additional costs incurred throughout the vacation, including fuel, berthing fees, and food and drink.
What is included in a yacht charter fee? ›The charter cost includes the rental of the boat itself with her insurance, equipment, water toys and crew as well as food, waters and soft drinks, snacks, fuel for engine and tender for cruising up to 4 hours/day.
Is it cheaper to charter a private jet? ›Furthermore, charter flights are often more cost-effective than private jets because charter flights are scheduled to leave on time and arrive on time, regardless of whether or not the plane is full or even on the tarmac, which isn't the case for private jets.
Where do private jets land in Turks and Caicos? ›The majority of private planes entering the Turks and Caicos land at the island of Providenciales. Whereas most of our main inhabited islands have an airport or airstrip, only Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) are international airports.
How much does a 2 hour private jet cost? ›
Midsize or Super Midsize Jets cost between $3,200 and $6,000 per hour. Large and Ultra Long Range Jets cost between $5,600 and $11,000 per hour within the US, and possibly higher internationally.
Do charter guests pay less on Below Deck? ›Guests really do pay for their charter.
"They spend their real money to be on the show," executive producer Mark Cronin told Bravo TV. But since it may not be the most relaxing trip, guests that are featured on the reality show get a 50% discount on their charter.
Guests pay tips
It's customary for this to be around 15-20% of the full amount for a week-long charter on the yacht in question (not the discounted rate), though some guests choose to pay less.
Island hopping the Turks and Caicos by boat
Charter flights can give a fantastic view of the islands, but boats are definitely the best way to truly experience the Turks and Caicos. If you're arriving internationally by boat, you'll have to pass through a port-of-entry—there are several on Providenciales.
Island hopping and beach boat cruises are a highly recommended way to enjoy the amazing beaches, reefs, water, and cays of the Turks and Caicos.
Can U.S. citizens drive in Turks and Caicos? ›Traffic Laws: You need a valid driver's license to drive in Turks and Caicos. A valid U.S. or International Driving Permit is good for up to a month, after that a local Turks and Caicos license from the Department of Road Safety is required. Speed limits are 20 mph in town and side roads, and 40 mph on the highway.