Turks and Caicos Babymoons & Maternity Photos
Planning a babymoon in the Caribbean? With a much lower population density than other Caribbean destinations like Jamaica, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands is a quiet and relaxing place for pregnant couples who are looking forward to their last vacation before welcoming a baby into the family.
Getting here is also straightforward, with direct international flights from many United States cities, Canada, and the United Kingdom servicing the main island of Providenciales.
Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to take maternity photos in Turks and Caicos. The country is the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless pregnancy pictures, with some of the best beaches in the world and bluest waters in the Caribbean. Several award-winning photography studios are available for hire, and offer maternity sessions right on the beach.
Here’s what you should know before booking a maternity photo shoot and babymoon in Turks and Caicos.
When to Go on a Turks and Caicos Babymoon
Most couples take a babymoon vacation during the second trimester (between weeks 13 and 27 of pregnancy). However, you’ll want to seek the advice of and be cleared by your doctor for travel before booking a trip.
Consider the climate and the peak travel seasons as well. While the average temperature is 81° F (27° C), the hottest months of the year in Turks and Caicos are June, July, August, September, and October. November to April are the busiest tourism months in Turks and Caicos and are considered to be the high season.
Things to Know
Make sure to carefully review your health and travel insurance policies before going on a babymoon, as some insurance providers only cover out-of-country travel for up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. Many airlines do not allow pregnant women to fly past 36 weeks.
Be prepared to pay top dollar for accommodation if you’re planning a babymoon during the high season. Visiting during the Turks and Caicos low season from September through early November is a great way to spend less on your vacation. During this time, many resorts offer discounts or incentives (such as stay seven nights, get two nights free).
During the tourism high season, immigration processing times at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) can be two hours or longer. To reduce the time you spend standing in line and on your feet, consider booking a fast track service that allows you to bypass the main immigration line for a fee.
Pregnancy and Maternity Shoots
If you have your heart set on beach maternity photos, Turks and Caicos is arguably the best place to do them. The beaches in Turks and Caicos are far less crowded than those you’ll find in many other popular Caribbean babymoon destinations. On the island of Providenciales, world-famous Grace Bay Beach is the go-to beach for most visitors booking a pregnancy photo shoot, but there’s a range of other coasts (such as Leeward Beach, Taylor Bay, and the Bight Beach) where you can take great photos.
Near to Providenciales are several small uninhabited cays accessible via a short boat ride (Water Cay, Half Moon Bay, and Fort George Cay can be excellent locations for a maternity shoot, and especially if you combine them with a private boat charter). The islands of North Caicos and Middle Caicos are just a short ferry ride away and boast pretty vistas that you can visit on a day trip from Providenciales.
There are several award-winning photographers to choose from who have decades of experience taking pregnancy and maternity photos. They can recommend the best shooting locations, the best time to book your session, and can help bring your vision to life.
Most Turks and Caicos photographers are based on the main island of Providenciales. You’ll typically have to pay for their travel costs if you’re planning your maternity session on another island (such as North Caicos, Middle Caicos, or Grand Turk).
Booking and Reservations
The local photographers often book photo shoots months in advance. It’s best to book your pregnancy shoot before arriving in the islands. Subject to availability, photographers are typically happy to reschedule your photo shoot if it happens to fall on a bad weather day.
Health and Safety Considerations
As is common throughout the Caribbean, healthcare facilities and services are limited. There are two hospitals in Turks and Caicos: one (Cheshire Hall Medical Centre) is located on the main island of Providenciales, and the other (Cockburn Town Medical Centre) is on the island of Grand Turk. Providenciales has several private walk-in clinics. Grace Bay Medical Center is the closest for most tourists staying in the Grace Bay region, and provides urgent care as well as obstetrics and gynecology services.
The risk of contracting a foodborne or waterborne illness in the country is relatively low compared to destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Bali, especially at the luxury resorts and hotels. There have been cases of Zika in the Turks and Caicos in the past—however, there have been no publicly reported cases of the virus since January 3, 2017.
It’s important when planning your babymoon to be aware of the Turks and Caicos sun, which is typically intense. For photo shoots, you’ll want to pick a location that offers shade and respite from the sun. In a similar vein, a maternity shoot on a catamaran or yacht probably isn’t a good idea if you’re experiencing nausea during your pregnancy. Be sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Maternity Photographers
