Stuck on Turks and Caicos vs Grand Cayman when planning a getaway? Separated by approximately 1,000 kilometers, the two destinations are both similarly beautiful and worlds apart. Deciding which destination is perfect for your upcoming holiday comes down to the things you enjoy doing.
Here are the five big things to consider when choosing between Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman.
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1) Unique Attractions In Nature
It’s no secret that both spots offer a diverse array of wildlife and natural attractions. For example, Turks and Caicos is known for its Conch Bar Caves and the stingrays of Gibbs Cay. However, only Grand Cayman is home to a special spot called Stingray City that is considered a highlight of the Caribbean.
Stingray City consists of a series of shallow sandbars in the North Sound with a population of southern stingrays. What makes this destination so incredible is that visitors can actually get in the water to swim alongside these gentle, people-friendly creatures. While Turks and Caicos does have its own stingray population, there’s no place that matches the awe and wonder of this organic stingray wonderland.
Captain Marvin’s is the original tour operator for trips to Stingray City. In fact, we’ve been making the voyage since 1951! In addition to offering the best Stingray City tours, we also offer a number of excursions that bring you out on the waters surrounding the stunning Cayman Islands. Here’s a look at some of our most popular tours:
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Stingray City Sandbar Experience – Make memories in the gorgeous Caribbean with your family or friends!
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Stingrays and Starfish – Combine stingrays and starfish with Friday and Saturday cave tours.
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Stingrays and Snorkeling – Combine your visit with the stingrays with a snorkeling stop at Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens.
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Beach Lunch, Stingray & Snorkel Tour – Enjoy a stingray visit with two snorkeling stops. During conch season, we include a conch dive.
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Stingray City and Two Snorkeling Stops – Enjoy a three-stop tour that includes stingrays, Coral Gardens, and Barrier Reef.
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Bioluminescence Tour – Start with a cruise to Starfish Point for sunset and starfish viewing before entering a bioluminescent bay to view upside-down jellyfish and enjoy an after-dark swim amid the glow!
All snorkel gear is included, so you can dive right into the adventure without a worry. We’re excited to be part of your family trip, honeymoon, or getaway with friends. Create unforgettable memories with the ultimate stingray experience in Grand Cayman by booking with Captain Marvin’s.
2) Scuba Diving Opportunities
It’s a tight race between Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos for scuba diving. Let’s cover what your experience will look like depending on where you go.
Found within Princess Alexandra National Park, Grace Bay is a popular diving site in Turks and Caicos, offering diverse marine life and coral reefs in crystal-clear water. The West Caicos Wall is beloved by underwater thrill-seekers for its dramatic vertical drop that descends 6,000 feet.
Meanwhile, Grand Cayman is hard to beat when it comes to wreck dives. For example, people travel to the Cayman Islands from around the world just to dive at the USS Kittiwake off of Seven Mile Beach. This U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef that offers the experience of a lifetime for divers at all levels. Grand Cayman is also home to the Balboa, Oro Verde, and Doc Poulson wrecks.
Fun Fact: One reason why scuba diving in the Caribbean is so amazing is that most areas have gin-clear waters that boost visibility to 100 feet or more!
3) Exploring The Best Beaches
With both destinations being home to some of the world’s most magnificent beaches, it’s truly hard to go wrong. Let’s compare beaches!
The Best Beaches of Grand Cayman:
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Seven Mile Beach – Located on Grand Cayman’s western side, Seven Mile Beach is a crescent-shaped beach known for its fine sand and gorgeous ocean views. Visitors can enjoy small reefs that offer good snorkeling just off the coast. In addition, Seven Mile is walkable from several restaurants and resorts.
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Rum Point – This quiet, tranquil beach is known for its gorgeous blue waters. It’s a top spot for paddling, snorkeling, and water sports.
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Governor’s Beach – Situated right next to the Governor’s House, this popular beach offers pristine white sand, clear water, and easy access to the amenities of Governor’s Village.
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Spotts Public Beach – This lovely beach has abundant seagrass that attracts sea turtles!
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Cemetery Beach – This top snorkeling spot offers a picturesque setting shaded by tall trees and sea grapes.
The Best Beaches of Turks and Caicos:
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Grace Bay Beach – If you’re island hopping, Grace Bay on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales is an award-winning spot that’s prized for its gorgeous white sand and clear waters.
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Leeward Beach – Also located on Providenciales, Leeward Beach is famed for its landscape consisting of limestone cliffs and white jetties set against pristine white sand. It’s a top pick if you want the beauty of Grace Bay Beach without the crowds!
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Long Bay Beach – Perfect for families, this beautiful beach on Providenciales offers shallow water that’s ideal for wading. The beach’s consistent trade winds make it a top spot for kiteboarding.
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Governor’s Beach – Situated in Grand Turk, Governor’s Beach is a secluded beach known for its beautiful sea glass.
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Pumpkin Bluff – Situated between Hollywood Beach and Three Mary Cays in North Caicos, this secluded beach is known for its subtle limestone cliffs and birding trail.
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Cove Beach – Located on Bell Sound in South Caicos, Cove Beach is a small, semi-remote beach that’s ideal for sunset strolls.
Pro Tip: For the best chance to see sea turtles, head to the Cayman Turtle Centre in West Bay in Grand Cayman to visit this conservation facility and interact with sea turtles of various ages.
4) Nightlife Under The Caribbean Stars
Both Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos have vibrant nightlife scenes. Let’s talk about what to expect.
In Grand Cayman, the bars and clubs serve up live music and rum punch. Nearly all of the bars and clubs here are centralized near West Bay Road and surrounding areas. Highlights include:
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Grand Tiki Bar and Grill – George Town waterfront
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Legendz – Seven Mile Beach
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The Lodge Cayman – George Town
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Backroom – Seven Mile Beach
One bright spot in the Turks and Caicos nightlife scene is Casablanca Casino, located on Grace Bay in Providenciales. The casino offers 85 slot machines, gaming tables, a bar, and a lounge. Meanwhile, casinos are not permitted in Grand Cayman.
Fun Fact: If you hop into a taxi after a night of celebrating, you’ll discover that vehicles in both the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos drive on the left side of the road.
5) Ease Of Booking Your Trip
There are many ways to get to Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos. However, Grand Cayman is the slightly easier travel choice if you’re coming from a city in the United States.
Many cities throughout the United States offer direct flights to both Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman and Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos via major carriers (American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue). Both Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos are famed for their abundance of all-inclusive resorts for visitors who prefer to fly in.
Thinking of cruising? Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and several other major cruise operators also offer itineraries with stops in these destinations. If you’re planning to take a Disney cruise, Grand Cayman is more frequently included in itineraries, while Turks and Caicos is offered less commonly.
Good To Know: While year-round direct flights to Grand Cayman are standard, nonstop flights to Providenciales International Airport are often seasonal.
Ready To Plan Your Getaway To Paradise?
Whether you choose Grand Cayman or Turks and Caicos, both destinations offer stunning beaches, amazing wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences. Whichever paradise you select, an incredible Caribbean adventure awaits!
We can’t tell you which vacation destination is the right one for you. If Grand Cayman catches your interest, Captain Marvin’s offers exceptional tours to experience Stingray City, bioluminescent waters, tropical caves, and more.
Ready to dive into your dream Caribbean escape? Let the sun, sea, and sand be the backdrop to your next incredible vacation! Book your unforgettable tour with us today!
