Sheer walls, clear water, whale-watching tours and pristine white-sand beaches are the stuff of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the archipelago just south of the Bahamas.

Grand Turk—not the most populated island but the most popular among divers—is best known for its wall dives. Take the site known as the Amphitheater. After cruising along the edge where eagle rays, Caribbean reef sharks and tarpon pass by, divers come to a massive bowl dipping into the coral reef structure. From here, the vantage is surreal thanks to the unparalleled underwater visibility of 100 feet or greater.

The island of Grand Turk isn’t a place of mega hotels, but rather of villas, cottages and boutique resorts. Life here moves at slower pace—think golf carts, not rush hour. Yes, there is a golf course, but most of the attractions center on the pristine environment, from snorkeling with Southern stingrays to paddle boarding the coast.

What’s more, Grand Turk, as well as neighboring island of Salt Cay, are two of the best destinations in the world for swimming with humpback whales. January to April, mothers come to these shallow waters to calve. For snorkelers, it’s a humbling and awe-inspiring chance to swim eye-to-eye with these charismatic megafauna.

For divers who want their reefs and luxury too, the island of Providenciales is the best bet. This more developed island, called Provo, is home to the country’s most celebrated beach: Grace Bay. The 3-mile, postcard-perfect stretch of white sand is also where most of the hotels, resorts, spas and more are located. From Grace Bay, it’s a short boat ride to the island’s best sites, including reefs covered in mushroom coral and schooling fish.

With all the islands, add in the renowned friendliness of the locals and the freshness of just-caught conch and other seafood, and you get a memorable tropical getaway that is as full of adventure as it is relaxation.

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