Turks in November? Need advice.
 

I think we have decided on Turks & Caicos for a November getaway, but need some advice from seasoned Island Fodorites. :)

First off, is the concern that it is still within the Hurricane Season. Even if there are no hurricanes, is it much more rainy during mid-November?

Should I book now, or are the late-fall deals usually released later in the summer?

We would like to be within walking distance to various restaurants & resorts. So far, my research shows that Seven Stars is pretty well located for that, but any other suggestions would be welcome.

We really just want to relax, and not have to drive. Other activities that would interest us would be kayaking, snorkeling, tennis and golf. I assume there are shuttles from most major hotels to the golf course? We also would take taxis to restaurants or attractions on the island that come highly recommended. Not sure how costly this would be, but we would really rather leave the driving to others.

Any comments on these questions or other general advice about Turks in November will be appreciated.

We tend to go somewhere either the first week of November or the first week of December. Have never really had a problem with weather or hurricanes that time of year. We usually go to Mexico and had decided the pools are too cold for us to enjoy during that time of year.

I book the latter part of Sept to the first of October after the summer break is over and children are back in school. Always found better rates. I'm looking now for Mexico (the Western side where they have heated pools) for the first week of December and finding better prices if we leave on a Tues. We usually leave on a Monday as that is how my days off fall, but it's $200 less to leave on a Tuesday.

When we went to T & C we did not rent a car. We stayed at the Sibonne and walked a lot to the Ports of Call. We regretted that decision as taxis got expensive. The Seven Stars is about 4 hotels down from the Sibonne and closer to the Ports of Call.

Look at http://www.wherewhenhow.com/ for additional information.

Also, do a search here for 'Blamona' on this site. She has the best info regarding T & C.

Seven Stars is a great choice.
There are no shuttles to golf you need transportation.
Great snorkeling off the beach at Coral Gardens, but if your resort is central snorkel will require transportation. Also great snorkeling off the beach at Smiths Reef. (car needed definitely, no way to call a cab back)

Regent Grand is a gorgeous resort in the middle hub, able to walk to some restaurants, small shopping strips, etc. The are partnered with the golf course so transfers to it are included.

Ascent destinations.com is having a terrific sale on Regent Grand, not only is it % off, but includes continental breakfast and unlimited golf!

Taxi cost more than car rental. Restaurants are in clumps, so sooner or later you need transportation to a couple of them. Roads are straight, and distance close, just harder to walk.

Kayaks, Big Blue has a nice kayak excursion to Iguana Island and through mangroves.

Other excellent excursions are Island Vibes and Caicos Dream Tours.

Do not miss restaurants, Coco Bistro and Bay Bistro.

Do not miss the .deck at Seven Stars on Thur and Sat nights, NaDa sings live, the setting is magical.

Weather happens. I've had good luck in Nov, sunny, no rain. But past weather doesn't predict future weather. I say go! You might just want to get hurricane insurance as a just in case.

We visited Turks for the first time in the middle of last November, and had absolutely perfect weather. We're going back at roughly the same time this year. I will take out travel insurance again just in case!

Taxis are expensive. We stayed at a resort that was pretty far from most of the restaurants and that cost us about $15 per person round trip in a cab. But the beach in front of our resort ( West Bay Club) was much wider and less crowded than the beach in front of Seven Stars. I guess it just depends on what is most important to you.

Have a great time! Grace Bay Beach is gorgeous!

Ocean Club East has some nice tennis courts, and you can walk to the pretty but very short, golf course. Its not as nice as Seven Stars, but when you are on Grace bay it doesnt matter imo...btw- Nov is great and the water is still pretty warm

The Regent Palms resort has tennis courts , kayaks and very walkable to snorkel. Also, from the Regent Palms you can walk to many restaurants.

The Regent Grand is a 4+star almost 5 star in my opinio,
The official hurricane season ends Nov. 15 so the chances are very low of a hurricane. It is a tropical climate so a day of showers not created by a tropical deprepression is possible but that is true on many islands. Yje day time highs should be 75-80 but not high. The lows should be around 72-74. The water may be getting chilly around 75 but not bad for snorkeling. If you chill easily rent a shorty for $5-$6 a day.
You may want to rent a car ($70/day-take full insurance) for 1 or 2 days to just ride around because some of the other hotels are as lovely to see likely like the Regent Grand.
Enjoy.

Stankase means Regent PALMS I'm sure, The Regent Grand is a step below, no restaurant and very few "services" .It is considered self catering...fyi. Regent Palms has a world class spa( on many magazine covers it's so beautiful) 2 onsite restaurants and walkable to many more...

Yes, Regent Palms. The Grand is a big step below.

We stayed in the middle of island development at Villa del Mar, last January. Even doing that, we needed a car to get around most of the island.

Next month, we're renting a condo at Le Vele, next to Point Grace. We'll have the hub in walking distance, but still are renting a car for most of our vacation.

There are many ways to make hotel reservations. We've been very happy with Turks and Caicos Reservations, since they're always helpful, and we get two free days rental car. They're also located on the island, if we need them. www.turksandcaicosreservations.tc

We've never been during November, but January was great! Both November and always January can be a little winter-ish here in Florida.

Thanks so much for all of the responses, especially the encouragement about the November weather.

I will check into turksandcaicosreservations.com I like the idea of having an agent on the island for any help.
I have so far looked at the deals on Costco.com (would have never occured to me if I didn't read about it on this forum) and Cheapcaribbean.com and they seem pretty similar.

Off to do more research!

Hi Again,
By the time I got back to this last week, the prices were 25% higher than when I first did the research, so I went into a mild panic. When looking again today, the Seven Stars is running a 40% off promotion on rooms from October through December. There are other specials running as well. (The room and golf package at Regent Grand, for example).

Just wanted to pass along the info for anyone looking to travel during this time. I booked through Turks and Caicos Reservations, which as mentioned above, throws in a lot of extras, for booking with them, such as massage, tours and 2-day rental car for exploring the island.

Thanks again for all of your input. I'm sure I'll be back to ask more questions!