It's no secret that the Turks & Caicos Islands is a great location for family vacations. Younger children will delight in seeing and learning about our marine animals (sting rays, sea turtles, dolphins, conch shells, lobsters) and they will love to splash about in the many bodies of turquoise water that are available, including pools, sheltered lagoons and Grace Bay Beach.
But TCI also has many opportunities for teenagers to have the vacation of a lifetime. Teenagers are of an age where they can participate in the more exciting water sports, such as parasailing, deep sea diving, kiteboarding, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (SUP). One of the best outfitters for these adventures is Big Blue Unlimited. Big Blue specializes in Kayaking and SUP eco tours that take clients out into the more remote regions of TCI. Participants get to explore winding mangrove channels, uninhabited cays and tidal creeks, as they come into contact with mating nurse sharks, rays, conch, starfish, pink flamingos, and the occasional dolphin, while also learning about coastal ecology and how to travel responsibly to keep the delicate ecosystem of the Turks intact and thriving. Big Blue even offers a Kids Kamp, and despite the name, it is mostly geared towards adolescents. Participants must be 9+ and many teenagers sign up each July. Kids Kamp exposes youngsters to the ocean, its wildlife and maritime etiquette (ropes, anchors and moorings), in addition to learning how to preserve sensitive habitats. This Kamp also builds confidence, creates team ethics through bonding and, most importantly, gives youngsters a lifetime love and respect for the ocean and its inhabitants.
Another great activity that any family can choose and one that teenagers may truly enjoy, is to go on a boat cruise. You can take a sunset cruise, a BBQ snorkel adventure cruise or you can charter your own luxury VIP cruise. Teenagers will no doubt love the loud rockin' Reggae music, the tasty snacks and beverages, sitting on the rooftop lounge and enjoying the scenery and exploring the uninhabited islands and cays.
Yet another great activity for the active teenager is to help socialize a potcake while on vacation in the Turks. What is a potcake, you ask??
Potcakes are homeless dogs. They are named so because back in the day the locals used to feed these dogs the leftovers from their cooking pots. Potcake Place, the charity that helps them, feeds and nurtures the pups, provides the essential vaccinations and coordinates adoptions. If you cannot adopt a potcake, teach your teenager responsibility and empathy for the needy by having him or her check out a puppy for the day and spend time walking or swimming with the adorable dog. Teenagers are sure to love such an activity and it will bring them closer to the local culture of the Turks.
So there you have it!! The teenagers guide to enjoying the Turks. The Turks is a magical place and people of all ages come not only to bask in the warm sunshine rays, but also to be enchanted by the beautiful marine life, the exotic culture and the friendly locals.