Travel to TURKS AND CAICOS
The Turks and Caicos Islands are two groups of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas.
Even though you only boarded the plane in Miami, Florida a scant hour before, the moment you step off the plane, you know you are in a different world. The tropical breeze hits you as you step onto the tarmac, and you start looking forward to the incredible scuba diving that awaits. Although definitely not one of the prettiest (at least above water) of the islands, it has its own charms that come from being a mostly undiscovered tourist destination.
Regions
- Caicos Islands
- Providenciales
- North Caicos
- Middle Caicos
- East Caicos
- South Caicos
- West Caicos
- Grand Turk
- Turks Islands
Cities
- Cockburn Town - capital.
- Cockburn Harbour
- Bottle Creek
- Blue Hills
UNDERSTAND
Other Destinations
- Ambergris Cays
- Seal Cays
- Salt Cay
- Pine Cay
History
The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1959, when they assumed the title of a separate crown colony. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands are presently a British overseas territory.
Climate
The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid compared with many other islands in the Caribbean. In the winter the weather is generally in the 70 - 80°F range. The temperatures easily climb into the 90°F during the summer. The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
GET IN
By Plane
American Airlines is a popular carrier which schedules flights from many US cities to Providenciales International Airport. Other major carriers from the US include Spirit Airlines, US Airways and Delta. British Airways offers flights to London. WestJet Airlines and Air Canada offer flights to Toronto.
By Boat
It is easy to sail to the Turks and Caicos from the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Cuba; so long as you have an ocean-going vessel. A small boat will do well simply cruising around the island chain, but to cross the open ocean, something about 36 feet or larger is best.
GET AROUND
Taxis are widely available on Providenciales and Grand Turk. However, if you are able to drive, it is recommended that you rent a car. A number of car and motorcycle rental agencies are available on the island. Remember to drive on the LEFT side of the road and watch out for people who forget. Though the Turks and Caicos uses a righthand-drive road system, only about half the cars are equipped with righthand drive. The others use lefthand drive, the kind used in North America. It is certainly possible to use a bicycle to get around, but be careful as some drivers are not keen on following rules. Be careful driving at night.
TALK
English is the official language. Some people living on the islands are migrants from poorer Latin American countries, and may not speak English well.
BUY
The Saltmills plaza and Regent Village in Grace Bay are generally considered to be the premier shopping plazas on the island of Provenciales (or Provo as it is often called).
DO
The islands have fabulous beaches throughout, in particular, the award winning Grace Bay.
- Provo Golf Club. An 18 Hole Championship Golf Course on Providenciales which holds an annual Amateur Tournament. It hosted the Caribbean Amateur Open in 1999, and is due to again in 2009.
- Kenard Cruises, Turtle Cove Marina (Next to Shark Bite Restaurant, Providenciales), 6492323866. 9AM to 6PM. The Ultimate Experience in Turks and Caicos. We specialize in custom cruises. Visit deserted islands in comfort and style onboard our new luxury power Catamaran custom.
- Dive Provo, PO Box 413, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 649-946-5040. Owned and operated by Alan and Clare Jardine, both SSI Platinum Pros, each with over 20 years experience in the dive industry, Dive Provo brings you tropical scuba diving at its best.
- Provo Turtle Divers, 800-833-1341. oldest and most experienced dive operation in the Turks & Caicos Islands. For over 38 years we have explored the reefs and walls of these islands, discovering new dive sites and uncovering some of the most unusual underwater spectacles accessible to divers in the Turks & Caicos.
- Snuba Turks and Caicos, The Windsong Resort, Stubbs Rd., Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands BWI, 649-241-7010. Has a great tour in store for you when you come to our island, Providenciales Turks and Caicos. There is no experience needed to take our tour. If you can breathe, look and kick your legs then you too can SNUBA.
EAT
Not all that many years ago, local island tables did not know what was going to be on the menu for dinner until the fishing boats brought in their catch of the day. Today the Turks and Caicos Islands feature fine and imaginative cuisine and world class chefs.
- Lemon Cafe (Lemon Cafe), In the Village at Grace Bay, +1(649) 941 4059. M-Sa 11AM-3PM, 6PM-10PM. A modern take on Moroccan cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Innovative blends of herbs and spicesrience. You can savor slow cooked stews known as Tagines, spiced lamb sausage called merguez, a variety of salads, a fine selection of Tapas dishes as well as fresh home baked Panini's for lunch. Chef specials and daily soups are added.
STAY SAFE
The Turks and Caicos are extremely safe, but please exercise common sense. Don't leave valuables in plain view, and always lock your car when leaving it, and lock your dwelling when you are not in it. Mopeds and motorcycles are targeted by thieves, so be sure that you lock yours up properly. Also, be aware that Islanders can be very aggressive drivers, so it is best to use caution when crossing or driving on the roads.
STAY HEALTHY
The Turks and Caicos has few fresh water reserves at ground level. Therefore, most water comes from either wells or cisterns that have collected rainwater. Cistern water is almost always safe to drink, but unless well water is purified, it could be contaminated or have unpleasant taste. It is generally a good idea to use bottled water when possible, but tap water can be used if necessary. The beaches are very soft and warm and welcoming.
RESPECT
Islanders are very kind people and believe in practicing good manners and exercising respect. Greet people with a friendly "Hello" "Good Afternoon" and so on. In recent years, there has been talk about a union with Canada. Many islanders are bitterly divided on the subject, and awkward situations can arise when the subject is brought up. It is best to avoid this subject unless you're with friends and family whom you know.
