Island Info

The Turks and Caicos Islands

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The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles southeast ofMiami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic ocean, Turks and Caicos Islands has one of the world's longest coral reefs, 230 miles of white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters which lure visitors to the eight major islands. The extensive reefs combined with dramatic drop-offs to the surrounding deep waters invite a large amount of marine life to the area making it a premier diving destination.

One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complimented with crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales (Turkoise Resort) and West Caicos. The people on the islands are known for their friendliness. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited. 

The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the islands are also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout Turks and Caicos. On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual and serene accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

 
See "Quick Facts" below for more fun and useful information. 

Island Activities*

• Golf- located just 2 minutes from the Turkoise Resort is the Provo Golf Club . Designed by Karl Litten, the 18 hole championship course is considered one of the more challenging in the Caribbean with a four-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine (07/08) and named one of the "Top 10 Courses in the Caribbean" by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Visit the Golf FAQ's page for full details and info on the Monster Golf Tournament co-hosted by BHTM Tour Manager Jeff Wareing and BHTM Bass Player Rob Squires.

• Fishing- Deep Sea and Flats. Named one of the "Top 20 Billfishing Spots in the World" by Sport Fishing Magazine. Go to the FAQ's Fishing page for more details and charter info.

• Waterskiing, Wakeboarding/Wakeskating, Wakesurfing, Barefooting, Tubing, and Kite Surfing available at Nautique Sports- http://www.nautiquesports.com.

 
Island Exploration*

Below is just a sample of the excursions available around the islands. Many may be booked directly through the Discovery Center desk at the Turkoise Resort. Keep an eye out for updates and further information. Excursions are additional costs are subject to change. Rates listed are approximate.

• Beach Cruise (1/2 day) A boat cruise along the Providenciales coast. Discover the island of iguanas before diving into the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to admire the multi-coloured fish and tropical shells.
  

• Catamaran outing (1/2 day) Sail along the north-eastern coast of Providenciales, visit Little Water Cay, a nature reserve housing the endemic iguana species Cyclura Carinata, then come and snorkel on the edge of the coral reef. End your day by watching the sunset, or set sail for a half-day's relaxation and change of scene on our turquoise waters. *$85.

• Combo Cruise (1/2 day) Excursion recommended by our Discovery Excursions office. Set out on a pontoon boat with a highly colourful crew and discover the islets and reefs of the Turks and Caicos. After a stop at iguana island, sample local folklore by catching your own conch, which the captain will make into a delicious conch salad for you. *$85
  

• Kayak - ecotourism excursion (full or 1/2 day) Discover a marine reserve and its ecosystem from a kayak. Paddle through the mangroves swamp. Beginners welcome. 1/2 day $95, full day $155.

• North Caicos - ecotourism excursion (1 day) Discover a marine reserve and its ecosystem from a kayak and vehicle. Explore Bottle Creek and local villages. Paddle through the mangroves. View Flamingos at the Flamingo Pond Reserve. Beginners welcome. *$235.
  

• The Middle Caicos Eco- Adventure (1 day) You will go to Middle Caicos Island for invigorating mountain biking over rugged road through hills and pinelands to the south. Explore limestone caves near the Conch Bar and swim in beautiful Mudjin Harbour. Lunch included. *$255.
  

• Undersea explorer (2h.) The adventure begins as soon as you board the semi-submersible! You will explore the unparalleled sea-floor of our archipelago, our corals and our multi-colored fish. *$49.

• Wave Runners- Ride the waters south of Provo on powerful Sea-Doo machines. Everyday except Sundays. Departures at 11am & 2pm. 1 hr- $195, 2 hrs.- $295.

• Private Tours- The excursion desk at Club Med can arrange exclusive tours for small groups. A great way to explore at your own pace. Snorkel trips to Pine Cay, Day trips to West Caicos, chartered boat rentals, and more.

Quick Facts

• Turks and Caicos Weather: 350 days / year of sunshine; Tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry. June-October 29-32 C; November-May 27-29 C
• English is the official language of the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Electricity runs on 120/240 Volts/60 Cycles, compatible with North American appliances
• Turks and Caicos islands are in the Eastern Time zone with Daylight savings observed April - October.
• Turks & Caicos Islands official currency is the US Dollar
• Major credit cards are accepted as well as travelers checks. Banks offer ATM's and cash advances on credit cards. On Providenciales there are also ATM;s at the IGA supermarket and in the Ports of Call shopping centre in Grace Bay. Banks typically close at 3pm.
• Tips are typically 15% to waiters, taxis, maids and porters.
• Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. A valid driver's license from a visitor's normal place of residence is suitable when renting vehicles.
• No spear guns and/ or Hawaiian slings are allowed. Controlled drugs and pornography are illegal.
• Nude sunbathing is not permitted. Public nudity is illegal.
• Domestic Pets - "Domestic pets" with current vaccinations are allowed. Owners should bring a current health certificate from a certified veterinarian to be presented to a local health official on arrival. Please check with the airlines for other rules. Turks & Caicos Islands Health Dept 649-946-2152
• Medical Service: General practitioner and emergency care is available on Grand Turk and Providenciales. Other islands have community clinics. Health services available include: dental, chiropractic, physiotherapy, optometry, pharmacy, X-ray, ultrasound, home care, hospice, dietitian services, decompression chamber and air ambulance service.
• Multi-channel satellite television is received from the U.S. and Canada.
• Constitution: Introduced 30 August 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised 5 March 1988
• Legal system: based on laws of England and Wales, with a small number adopted from Jamaica and The Bahamas
• Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
• History: The Turks and Caicos became a separate colony after the Bahamas achieved independence
• Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
• Capital: Cockburn Town (on Grand Turk)