The Best Turks and Caicos Floating Bars
Floating bars have become one of the more unique attractions for visitors of the Turks and Caicos. These bars—namely Captain Oak’s Floating Tiki Bar and Noah’s Ark—are located in the sea off Providenciales. Both bars are accessible by a short boat trip or jet ski ride from Providenciales and provide a fun and unforgettable day on the water.
For the water taxi services on both Noah’s Ark and Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar, reservations must be made in advance. Reservations aren't required if you have your own means of transportation.
Floating bars in the Turks and Caicos are not all-inclusive. You will have to bring cash to purchase food and drinks on board. The floating bars do take credit card, but it's best to bring cash in case the machines go offline.
Captain Oak’s Floating Tiki Bar
Captain Oak’s Floating Tiki Bar is located just off the serene shores of Long Bay Beach. In fact, part of what makes this bar so unique is its location. Long Bay Beach is known for its shallow water. You can walk relatively far into the sea before reaching depths of 5 feet (1.5 m).
While the bar can easily become packed, Captain Oak’s Floating Tiki Bar's surrounding ocean makes up for the lack of bar space onboard. A quick climb down the bar’s ladder leads directly into the crystal-clear waters that the Turks and Caicos Islands are famous for. The ocean area in front of the bar is cordoned off with buoys to protect swimmers from passing boats, jet skis, and jet cars. Onboard, Captain Oak’s plays music for guests, setting the mood for a good time out on the water.
The drinks menu at Captain Oak’s ranges from top-shelf liquor to locally brewed beer. For guests feeling hungry, Captain Oak’s offers food as well. The bar’s regular menu of grilled foods includes juicy burgers, tasty shrimp and beef kebabs, buttered grilled corn, and grilled lobster tails (when in season).
The establishment also occasionally serves locally caught grilled fish and other Turks and Caicos cuisine. The floating bar offers seating around the bar for guests and a "curbside" service for those who would rather stay on their own boats.
Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar is open daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, usually allowing enough time for guests to catch the sunset and begin their journey back to shore before it gets too dark. There is also a water taxi service available that offers round-trip service for guests who may not have access to a boat.
Noah’s Ark
Off the coast of Half Moon Bay lagoon and Bird Cay is a floating bar known as Noah’s Ark. This floating bar features a large dance floor, as well as seating along its perimeter. Noah’s Ark offers bottle service on board, serving some of the best champagne you can find on island. Most drinks are available at the bar, with Noah’s Ark offering everything from beer to popular cocktails.
This establishment is located in deeper water than Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar, and as such can require having to hop from boat to boat in order to reach the bar.
Noah’s Ark serves a variety of food, including its popular conch salad. The grill on board serves hot, fresh food on a regular basis. But a big reason for the bar’s popularity is its live DJs on the weekends, with guests being treated to music from all genres.
For visitors looking for a unique (and spacious) venue for a birthday party, wedding, or other event, Noah’s Ark is also available for rentals.
Noah’s Ark is open daily from 10:00 AM until sunset. The bar offers a water taxi service that picks up guests from the Blue Haven Marina. Once on board, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink.