On the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos sits one of the most stunning bodies of water on the planet. Chalk Sound is a shallow sea inlet that features the most insane shade of turquoise water you’ve ever seen. The sound is lined with luxury villas, but can be easily enjoyed no matter where you are staying on the island.
In this article we will discuss how to visit Chalk Sound National Park in Turks and Caicos and the top things to do during your visit.
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Chalk Sound National Park – What You Need to Know
Where is Chalk Sound?
Chalk Sound National Park is on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. It’s on the south side of the island between the airport and the southern coast.
Turks and Caicos is a stunning Caribbean island territory of the United Kingdom. The islands are north of Haiti, east of Cuba, and southeast of the Bahamas. Providencialis is just one island of Turks and Caicos, but it’s the most visited and has the highest population.
How to get to Chalk Sound
Getting to Chalk Sound requires your own vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation in Turks and Caicos and taxis are hard to come by. There are also no ride-share apps (yet?).
The easiest way to visit Chalk Sound is to access it from Las Brisas Restaurant at Neptune Villas at the southern side of the sound. Las Brisas has a small beach and a short dock where you can go in the water. They also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and operate a boat tour of the sound. More on that later.
There are limited other public access points to Chalk Sound. In fact, there are really just three other spots you can enter the water from unless you’re staying at one of the villas along the sound. These locations are shown on the map below (the map also shows the best beaches on Providenciales, which we will cover later).
It’s not ideal to go in the water from these spots though, as the coast is pretty sharp with jagged coral rock. It is highly recommended to visit from Las Brisas Restaurant.
In Turks and Caicos you drive on the left side of the road. It’s the UK after all. If you haven’t done that before, don’t fret, it’s not difficult and you get the hang of it right away. Rent a car from the airport and you’ll have total freedom to get around the island.
For the best deals on rental cars in Turks and Caicos we use Rentalcars.com. You can book your rental from Providenciales Airport using the search bar below.
For getting to Turks and Caicos, many major US cities on the east coast offer direct flights to Providencialis. There are also direct flights to London and some Canadian cities.
Best time of year to visit Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is a year-round destination. It’s hot and sunny all year, with summers being a bit hotter than winter.
When to visit Chalk Sound and Turks and Caicos is entirely up to your budget and schedule. Though you might want to avoid hurricane season if you can. The chances a hurricane hits while you’re actually there are pretty low, but if you can, avoid June through September. Though prices will be considerably cheaper during hurricane season.
Peak season for Turks and Caicos is December through March. Prices climb as well-off Americans flock to the islands to escape winter. April and May are shoulder season and present the best combination of decent weather and decent prices. If your schedule allows, visit during those months.
Where to stay along Chalk Sound
The southwest coast of Chalk Sound is lined with luxury villas. Just massive mansions left and right, everywhere you look. Providenciales is known for these luxury villas. There are hundreds of them on the island and the area around Chalk Sound features some of the most stunning properties.
For villa booking, you’ll want to go through WIMCO Villa Rentals. They manage a ton of incredible villas along the shores of Chalk Sound. Many of these villas have direct access to the sound.
Unfortunately, for most people, a week at a luxury villa is a bit out of the budget. They can range from $4000ish to over $200,000 per week.
For a less luxurious – but still very nice – experience right on Chalk Sound there is one property with multiple mini-villas. Neptune Villas (booking link) operates Las Brisas Restaurant and offers more affordable accommodation along Chalk Sound. It’s still going to cost at least $300/night depending on the season, though.
If staying in a villa isn’t your thing, you’ll want to check out the resorts and hotels along Grace Bay, on the north side of the island. The Ritz Carlton, the Windsong, and Grace Bay Suites are all popular choices.
Or check out the full listing of hotels on Booking.com. These options are also not cheap, though. The cheapest you’ll find might be around $250/night for a basic room. If you’re traveling on a budget, then sadly Turks and Caicos is not for you.
Money in Turks and Caicos
On that note, Turks and Caicos is really, really expensive. It’s a mystery how the locals can afford to live somewhere where a pack of crappy sliced cheese at the supermarket costs $7. The currency is the US Dollar, which is typically one of the strongest currencies in the world. So you can’t even count on getting a bump from the exchange rate.
I’ve written an entire article on how expensive Turks and Caicos is so be sure to check that out before booking your trip. If you’re tight on money, this is not the vacation for you. Be prepared to spend a small fortune on your trip to Turks and Caicos. At least the flights there aren’t too expensive!
Language in Turks and Caicos
English is spoken in Turks and Caicos. The locals speak with a typical Caribbean accent. Many of the locals also speak a version of Creole, which comes from the Haitian influence.
Travel insurance
Before visiting Chalk Sound in Turks and Caicos, be sure to purchase adequate travel insurance. We use World Nomads when traveling abroad. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.
Intro to Chalk Sound National Park
Chalk Sound National Park protects the pristine salt water lagoon. While there is plenty of development along the southwest coast, in the form of luxury villas, the rest of the shoreline is undeveloped and rugged, consisting mostly of coral and limestone rock formations.
Chalk Sound has long been a habitat for marine and land animals alike, such as turtles and iguanas. Here we will go through a few basic things to know before visiting Chalk Sound.
Why is it called Chalk Sound?
Chalk Sound gets its name from the chalky blue color of the water. It’s hard to describe, but you’ll know when you see it. The water is very clear, but the moment you kick up some of the material at the sea floor, it gets murky and chalky. Just take my word for it.
Why is the Chalk Sound Water so turquoise?
The sea floor in Chalk Sound consists of a thick limestone sediment. This limestone is white, and combined with the shallow, completely algae and seaweed free water, it gives the sound an incredible, sharp turquoise color, unlike anything you’ve even seen before.
The color of the water changes throughout the day with the rising and setting sun. It’s most turquoise at mid-day when the sun is the highest. Around dawn and dusk, however, it looks no different than typical ocean water out at sea. To best appreciate the color of the water at Chalk Sound, visit between about 10 AM and 4 PM.
Depth of the Chalk Sound water
The depth of the water in Chalk Sound varies throughout, but never gets more than about 5 feet deep. Most of it is about 3-4 feet deep and you can easily walk through it. Though take the word “easily” with a grain of salt. The limestone sediment at the sea floor is a thick, soft mud.
You can step and soon be up to your ankle in Chalk Sound mud. It makes walking along the surface of the sound pretty damn difficult. So even though it’s not deep, it’s best to swim if you actually want to move.
Things to do at Chalk Sound
Visiting Chalk Sound National Park can be a quick visit to jump in the water, a full day adventure, or anything in between. There are numerous activities to get familiar with the water, though limited places to base yourself if you’re not staying in a villa along the sound.
All of the activities below will assume you are starting and ending your Chalk Sound adventure at Las Brisas Restaurant.
Kayaking
Las Brisas operates kayak rentals for Chalk Sound. Upon parking, inquire at the bar and they will set you up with a kayak rental by the hour. Prices are constantly changing so be sure to confirm the rates before booking. As of this writing the first hour was $35, followed by $10 per hour after that. For a clear-plastic kayak (so you can see through it), they charge a bit more.
The staff will be sure to inform you that there is a $100 fee if you can’t make it back and need to be rescued out in the middle of the sound. It can be quite windy, and if you’re not fit for it, you might struggle. Ensure that you are confident in kayaking in the wind before setting out. Even on a day that is not so windy by Turks and Caicos standards, it’s still pretty damn windy.
Chalk Sound is full of little islands made of jagged, coral rocks. Some of these islands are home to iguanas and other lizards. If you’re kayaking for 2 or more hours you will have time to dock at one of these islands and get into the water. You’re free to go wherever you’d like while you have the kayak. Just be sure to make it back!
If you’re staying at a villa on the sound, it will likely have kayaks for your use complimentary. This might give you the chance to explore more of Chalk Sound, as it’s quite large, and from Las Brisas you will only be able to scratch the surface of it unless you plan on being out for an extended period of time.
Stand up paddle boarding
Stand up paddle boarding is a popular activity in Turks and Caicos. If you’ve never done it before, it can be quite challenging, as it requires agility and perfect balance, but it’s not hard and can be extremely relaxing on a nice day. Las Brisas also rents out paddle boards. Again, inquire at the bar and they will set it up for you.
Swimming in Chalk Sound
Chalk Sound is not exactly known for being a place to swim, but it’s totally possible to swim in the chalky water of the sound. The best access point to the water is the little beach at Las Brisas. There is a tiny, sandy beach, as well as a wooden dock that you can get in from. You don’t need any reservations or to purchase anything to jump in the water.
You can also access Chalk Sound from one of the other access points in the map above. These are a little more dangerous though, with the sharp coral rock lining the shore. Water shoes might be a good idea if you plan on going swimming from one of these spots.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is not a super popular activity to do in Chalk Sound, as there is no coral reef. It can be done, though. You just need to bring your own snorkeling gear.
Las Brisas does not have snorkeling gear for rent, but many other places on the island do, like Sun and Sea Turks and Caicos at Grace Bay. If you go out on a boat cruise though (see next section) they typically bring snorkeling gear for if you want to jump in the sound.
Supermarkets also sell snorkeling gear for about $40. If you plan on doing it for more than one day, this can be a good idea. Some restaurants on Grace Bay also will rent out snorkeling gear, so it’s best to inquire with your hotel or villa host to see what is the best place to get snorkeling gear around where you’re staying.
If you really want to snorkel, I’d recommend not doing it in Chalk Sound, but instead head to Smith’s Reef or Bight Park, which offer expansive reefs and a wide variety of sea life.
Chalk Sound boat tour
To cover the most ground in Chalk Sound you might want to consider heading out on a sunset boat cruise. Operated by Las Brisas, the tour lasts about 2 hours and takes you out cruising on the sound. Enquire at the bar for booking. No advanced reservations necessary.
T&C Villas – a villa rental company – also offers Chalk Sound boat cruises lasting about 2.5 hours. Contact them for further information, as they do not share much online and we did not join their cruise.
Food and drink at Chalk Sound
As Chalk Sound is a national park and is mostly undeveloped, food and drink options are limited. Las Brisas Restaurant is pretty much it if you want a water view. Luckily it’s fantastic and not too expensive.
Meal prices are similar to a decent restaurant in New York or Los Angeles. They serve mostly seafood with other popular Caribbean dishes like paella and Jamaican oxtail. Their coconut shrimp is literally to die for. You can check out their menu here.
The restaurant is right on Chalk Sound with beautiful views of the water. Just remember that if you’re going for dinner, the water color will not be as bright, as the color changes with the setting sun.
Near Las Brisas you’ll also find Chalkie’s Sports Bar and Grill. It’s not directly on the water, but it’s pretty close. It’s more laid back pub food, but also featuring fresh seafood of course.
Wildlife in Chalk Sound
The sealife in Chalk Sound isn’t quite as diverse as in the nearby ocean, but there are still a few animals you might run into. Turtles are known to swim in the water, and there are little fish everywhere. You might see a friendly stingray, though they are not known to be in the sound often. Bird life is abundant too.
Chalk Sound has hundreds of little coral rock islands (as you can see in all the photos on this page). The islands are home to little rock iguanas. So if you’re kayaking around the islands you might get lucky and see one of these little guys sunbathing on the shores.
Safety in Chalk Sound
Many people wonder if it is safe to be in the Chalk Sound water. The truth is that it is extremely safe. There are no dangerous creatures and the water is so shallow that it’s just about impossible to drown (for adults over 5 feet tall).
If you have children they should always be in a life jacket. Ideally you’ll want to be in a life jacket too, but in reality so long as you’re over 5 feet tall you can stand on the surface of the sound. And that’s just in the deepest location. Most of it is about waist-high on a 6’-0” adult.
Lastly, if you plan on stopping at one of the islands in the sound, just note that the rocks along the shore are extremely sharp and can be dangerous if you’re not careful. You can cut yourself easily, so always use caution when stopping by any shoreline consisting of coral rock.
Beaches Near Chalk Sound
Turks and Caicos is heaven for anyone who loves perfect beaches. If you’re visiting Chalk Sound National Park, you’ll want to at least spend some time at some of the island’s amazing beaches. While the water on the beaches might not be quite as stunning as Chalk Sound, the beaches are still very impressive. Here are the best beaches to visit on Providenciales.
Sapodilla Bay Beach
Sapodilla Bay Beach is on the south coast of Providenciales. Lined by luxury villas and featuring white sand beaches and clear, blue water, Sapodilla Bay Beach is the most beautiful beach on Providenciales. Visiting the beach is easy, and there is public access near Las Brisas Restaurant. For more info on Sapodilla Bay Beach refer to my detailed article here.
Taylor Bay Beach
Taylor Bay Beach is a primitive beach (i.e no services) near Sapodilla Bay that is equally as beautiful. The water is so shallow that you can walk out 100 meters and it’s still below your waist. Access is through a little path between villas and there is free parking on the street.
Beaches not as close to Chalk Sound
Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay Beach is the most visited beach on the island. This is because it’s where nearly all the resorts are. If you’re staying at one of these resorts, it’s an easy beach to visit, as you’ll literally be right on it. Do note, however, that the north side of the island is typically far windier than the south side, so expect some wind at Grace Bay.
Long Bay Beach
Long Bay Beach is a long bay on the south side of the island directly opposite Grace Bay. It’s also flanked with resorts, but these are usually smaller than the ones on Grace Bay. No Ritz Carlton here. The sand is white and the water is turquoise, like all beaches on Providenciales. It’s a good option if you want a mixture of Sapodilla Bay and Grace Bay.
Leeward Beach
Just past Grace Bay, Leeward Beach is where the major hotels end and it gets more residential and laid back. There are some hotels, but they are more local and boutique. There are no services on the beach so bring everything you need.
Chalk Sound – Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Chalk Sound?
Chalk sound is about 3 miles long (5ish km) and a little over a mile or so wide.
Is Chalk Sound nice?
Chalk Sound features some of the nicest turquoise blue water your eyes will ever see. Your friends will think you used filters on your photos, it’s just so damn blue.
Can you fish in Chalk Sound?
No, you cannot fish in Chalk Sound. It’s illegal as it’s a protected natural site. There also aren’t a whole lot of fish in there anyways, so you’ll be pretty disappointed if you try.
Is it safe to walk around Providenciales?
It’s safe to walk about Providenciales. There is not a whole lot of crime. But it’s not really a walkable place. It’s literally the exact opposite of what you would consider a walkable city. So really, don’t plan on walking around Providenciales.
Final Word
Chalk Sound National Park is a natural wonder in Turks and Caicos that features some of the most beautifully turquoise water you will ever see. Kayaking, paddle boarding, or taking a cruise on the sound is a great way to experience this incredible place. We hope you enjoy Chalk Sound as much as we did!
