Conch – T.W.O.

What better way to see Turks & Caicos then from the water?! We hired SAIL PROVO to take us around Grand Turk and to a northern cay – Pine Cay – for full day of snorkeling, sailing and exploring. Oh and I can’t forget the delicious lunch and rum punch! We picked the catamaran up at Walkin Marina leeward and sailed out past Blue Haven Marina towards the open ocean. Once we were about a 1/2 mile off the coast, we stopped at a reef to snorkel. The water was warm and crystal clear so it made for a delightful snorkeling experience. We saw a ton of tropical fish, colorful coral and cool looking reefs. After about 45 minutes, we sailed towards Pine Cay to a private beach know as Sand Dollar beach. No need for an anchor, we literally beached the boat. As we walked on the fluffy white sand we spotted nothing but water, sea shells and a group of rain clouds in the distant. Since it was Sand Dollar beach, we grabbed our snorkels and started hunting. We learned that the brown sand dollars are alive – so we left those alone – the white ones were good to take! Unfortunately we were not that lucky – only one person snagged a sand dollar – and that one person was one of T.W.O.! After our treasure hunt we boarded the catamaran for a bbq lunch – chicken, sandwiches, fresh fruit and of course rum punch and Turks Head! It was the perfect atmosphere! Lunch ended, but not our day. We headed back towards the Marina and made a stop along the way to snorkel again. At this spot we found a 3 foot lobster. Biggest one we have ever seen! It was hidden in the reef and our Dad spotted it. That itself was worth the stop for sure! Once on board, T.W.O. sailed us back to the marina. Yes…you can call us Caribbean certified skippers that’s for sure! It was a lovely day and we had a great time with the Sail Provo crew. Thanks again for the memories and such a great experience. Can’t wait to come back!!

Da Conch Shack

Conch creole, conch salad, curried conch…..bring it on! At Da Conch Shack you will find a picturesque setting on the beach with your typical caribbean architecture. Pastel pink, Caribbean blues and light turquoise greens fill this open white shack restaurant. Conch shells line the walk ways, make walls and even used as light fixtures. I wonder where they get the name from?!?!? We enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and of course you can’t go without trying Jan’s Infamous Rum Punch. Save your server time and just order a pitcher!

Taylor Bay

We took an excursion to Chalk Sound for the day and visited Taylor Bay. It’s a secluded beach with white powdery sand and beautiful blue waters. You can walk about a quarter mile out with the water only going up to your knees. Definetly bring your snorkels, there are fish, coral and maybe even a turtle or two that you will find further out. We also, well mostly our brother, decided to make a spa day out of our visit too. Taylor bay has great “clay sand” to exfoliate your skin. The Caribbean version of the Dead Sea according to our brother! This beach is a little tricky to find and don’t expect a parking lot. After making a left on Ocean Point Drive, we turned into a residential area. Not seeing any signs we asked a local and he directed us to a path that looked like it didn’t go anywhere. Well it did – and once we walked down the path and turned the bend we were all in pure awe. Taylor Bay is a MUST when visiting Turks & Caicos.

Bugaloo’s

Located in Five Cays Settlement, this beach side restaurant was the perfect lunch spot! Great views, friendly people, fantastic food and drinks! It was the first place on our trip where we ordered conch. Conch Salad, Coconut Conch Fritters, Conch Sandwich – – – we were pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it! It wasn’t our last time ordering it, that’s for sure! The Provo Punch was a great drink for this hot and humid afternoon – it’s a blended drink with tropical fruit. If you really want to make it a good, good lunch – – ask for a topper!!! After lunch we headed down to the beach and picked up two conches to take back home. The conch diver showed us the art in catching conch and removing the mollusk out of the shell. It was amazing to see these beautiful shells just lying on the beach. Won’t find these in California, that’s for sure!!!