Turks & Caicos Holidays Guide

The Caribbean

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The Turks and Caicos Island nation, situated southeast of Mayaguana in the Bahamas and north of the Hispaniola, consists of two groups of tropical islands—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Island group, plusanother 38 islands and caysand an additional 250+ tiny isles with a total land area of 616.3 km²; of these, only eight are inhabited. During the 16th, 17th, and 18thcenturies, control of the islands passed from the Spanish to the French, to theBritish, but none of them established settlements there.Then, for several decades in the 18th century,islandswerea popular hideout for pirates;more recently, Condé Nast Traveler voted Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales the World's #1 Beach.

Turks & Caicos Highlights

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Along the boundaries of the islands lay some of the most remarkable coralwalls in the Caribbean. Withunderwater visibility typically exceeding 60 metres, Turks and Caicos is a divers' paradise.This many-island nation offers nature-lovers an array of unique sights and sounds, including an impressive chain of underwater limestone caves in Middle Caicos – the largest such chain in the Caribbean; the awe-inspiring cliffsof Mudjidin Beach; and The Hole – a massive, naturally-formed limestone abyss on Providenciales Islandwhere the very adventurous can to be lowered more than 24 metres into a completely isolated, natural swimming hole.

Places to Visit

Called Provo, this island in the Caicos is the center of the tourism industry and home to nearly half the nation's population, with a wide selection of restaurants, attractions, and hotels. North Caicos is also an up and coming resort destination with several new projects under development. The Turks and Caicos can be fairly expensive. Most hotels on Providenciales are quite pricey, but you can find moderately priced options, especially on Grand Turk around Cockburn Town, the capital city. There are numerous upscale properties on the outer islands—including the famous Parrot Cay—and the majority of accommodations there are smaller, charming inns.

Turks & Caicos Accommodation Guide

The Provo Golf Club is knownto have one of the best and most challenging courses in the Caribbean, set in a green oasis among the charming flora and fauna of the island. Iguana Island—accessible only by boat or kayak—is the only known habitat,and a declared sanctuary, of the Rock Iguana; Turks and Caicos is also home to the West Indian Whistling Duck—a rare bird named for its distinctive whistling call. Between late December and April you can experiencea jaw-dropping, photo-worthy sight: the entire Atlantic herd of 2,500+ Humpback Whales passes the shores of Turks and Caicos on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank, just 30-40 km southeast. Divers, you can not only see this sight close up, but you can alsohear an incredible underwater concert of whales singing as they migrate.

Turks & Caicos Holiday Tips
Turks & Caicos Travel Info
The Turks and Caicos Islands have two full-service international airports, Providenciales International Airport,a modern, full-service facility that serves international flights from North America, Europe, and other Caribbean Islands. There are seven additional airports on total on each of the inhabited islands. Visitors typically land at Providenciales Airport and then take commuter flights to the other islands. Getting around is simply a matter of hiring a taxi (you'll find your driver is also an excellent tour guide); rental cars, jeeps, and scooters are available on Providenciales and Grand Turk; and golf carts are available to hire on many of the islands and cays.
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