Turks and Caicos Islands

Introduction

Grand Turk Island

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The Turks and Caicos Islands look like the last in the lengthy line of Bahaman islands stretching away from Florida, but they are in fact an independent archipelago. For tourists, they offer beaches and diving, diving and beaches. Sure, there is a lack of variety in the attractions, but the relaxing powers of the Caribbean sun are able to put even the tensest heart at ease. For a quick escape from the water, you may be interested to explore the remnants of the islands' salt industry.

But the diving is world-renowned, so we don't think you will be needing to wander through museums to keep busy. Stunning aquatic scenery is provided in ample amounts over the miles and miles of coral reef. Expect to swim with dolphins. Expect to be awestruck by submerged wreckages. Expect an energizing respite, because you will get it.

Brief History

Early inhabitants of the islands were Amerindians, including the Arawak people, who were, over the centuries, gradually replaced by the Caribs. The first documented European to sight the islands was Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León, who did so in 1512. During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the islands passed from Spanish, to French, to British control, but none of the three powers ever established any settlements. In 1799, both the Turks and the Caicos island groups were annexed by Britain as part of the Bahamas. In 1848, the Turks and Caicos were declared a separate colony under a council president. The last incumbent was maintained in 1873 when the islands were made part of Jamaica colony; in 1894 the chief colonial official was restyled commissioner. In 1917, Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden suggested that the Turks and Caicos join Canada, but this suggestion was rejected by British Prime Minister David Lloyd George. The islands remained a dependency of Jamaica until 1959. When Jamaica was granted independence from Britain in August 1962, the Turks & Caicos Islands became a crown colony. From 1965, the governor of the Bahamas was also governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and oversaw affairs for the islands. When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the Turks and Caicos received their own governor.
The islands have had their own government headed by a chief minister, the first of whom was James Alexander George Smith McCartney, since August 1976. In 1979, a move towards independence was agreed upon in principle for 1982, but a change in government caused a policy reversal.
The islands' political troubles in recent years have resulted in a rewritten constitution promulgated in 2006 and a reintroduction of direct UK Government rule in 2009.

Geography

Regions/Islands

Two island groups make up the Turks and Caicos Islands, separated by the Turks Passage.

• Caicos Islands includes Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and several uninhabited islands and resort islands.
• Turks Islands consist of Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

Cities/Towns

• Cockburn Town (Grand Turk, the capital)
• Cockburn Harbour
• Bottle Creek
• Blue Hills

Sights and Activities

Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach has been voted one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and even in on Earth! The beach is located on the main island of Providenciales and stretches about 20 kilometres where you will find white sandy beaches which are absolutely stunning. Snorkeling Grace Bay is fabulous because of its crystal-clear waters and beautiful reef. The sunsets are one of a kind as well and although it is by far the most popular beach on the Turks and Caicos Islands, it's at least less developed than for example many of the Bahamas islands.

Chalk Sound National Park

Chalk Sound National Park is a fantastic and huntingly beautiful part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is the place to come if turquoise is your favorite colour. Because this is the exact colour of the waters of this 5 kilometers wide bay, which holds a vast number of green and lush islands and and mushroom-like tiny islets. A peninsula with some fantastic beaches only adds to the beauty. A bit of culture is even available at Sapodilla Bay where you can find carvings on rocks that name shipwrecked sailors dating back to 1844.

Turtle Cove

Turtle Cove is located along a harbor with the same name. It is a very nice grill bar where you can have pleasure the whole night eating, drinking, dansing and, if you like it, do some karaoke. There is a live reggae band every Friday night and for a night out is is probably one of the better places on the islands.

Turks & Caicos National Museum

Turks & Caicos National Museum is located in Cockburn Town and houses the restored Guinep House. This historic building is constructed of salvaged ships' timbers and displays items like shell tools, stamps, locks, and greenstone cells. Several other rooms have displays about the island's salt industry and life on the coral reef.
And then the upper rooms have an underwater display in 3D, a natural history gallery about local wildlife, and a room where you can find many photos and artefacts about the pre-Columbian Taino culture.

Other sights and activities

• North Caicos - one of the wettest but therefore greenest parts of the islands, flamingo spotting as well
• Caicos Conch Farm
• Salt Cay - spectacular diving and seasonal turtle watching, sometimes even whales

Events and Festivals

• July: Festerama Festival - North Caicos
• October: Extravaganza Carnival - North Caicos

Weather

The Turks and Caicos Islands have a very pleasant and tropical climate with generally warm and humid weather. The seabreeze makes things relatively mild though and water is never far away. Temperatures generally average around 30 °C during the day yearround and 23 °C at night. December to May is the dry season, where July to October is the rainy season, but this generally means some showers at the end of the day instead of days of rain on end. Hurricanes are possible though from August to October.

Getting there

Plane

Air Turks and Caicos is the main airline of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Main destinations include the Kingston, Nassau, Puerto Plata, Santiago de los Caballeros and San Juan, Its base is at Providenciales International Airport (PLS). From there British Airways has flights to and from London and Nassau as well, while other destinations include Toronto, Halifax and Montreal, and several cities in the United States (Charlotte, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Newark, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas).

JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is on Grand Turk, but currently only has domestic flights.

By Boat

Despite its location relatively close to other islands chains like the Bahamas, there are no international ferry routes to and from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Getting around

Plane

Skyking Turks and Caicos Airways operates flights between Grand Turk, Providenciales and South Caicos. Global Airways and Air Turks and Caicos have many domestic flights as well between Grand Turk, Salt Cay and Middle and North Caicos.

By Car

Rental cars are available from several local companies , mainly on Grand Turk and Providenciales, less so on North and South Caicos. Many roads are not sealed. Driving is on the left and you will need a local temporary driving permit as well. You need to pay mandatory insurance and government tax as well.

By Bus

There are no public buses on any of the islands and therefore taxis are the way to go if you don't have your own set of wheels. And the good thing is that taxis are available on all the inhabited islands and most taxi drivers double as guides as well, making daytrips with several people an economical way of getting around and seeing something.

By Boat

There are several options regarding domestic ferry services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Dale Marie is a weekend ferry between Bottle Creek in North Caicos and Middle Caicos. It runs Saturdays from about 8:00am through early afternoon. It is a 30-minute ride and carries 1-2 vehicles. Friday evenings and Sundays crossings are by appointment only.
The Buccaneer is a ferry between Grand Turk and Salt Cay. It is passenger only and it takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Travelling is one Wednesdays and Fridays only and it departs Salt Cay at 7:00am and Grand Turk at 2:30pm.

TCI Ferry Service is a ferry service between Walkin Marina Leeward on Providenciales and Sandy Point Marina on North Caicos. with 4 departures each day in both directions. There are 5 daily departures in both directions from Monday to Saturday and 3 on Sundays and holidays. It's US$25 for a single trip and US$40 for a same day return ticket. Check current timetables online.

Red Tape

Visa requirements are roughly the same as for the United Kingdom, Schengen Visa not applying.

Money

See also Money Matters

The US Dollar, or "greenback", is the national currency of Turks and Caicos Islands. One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. It's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended and vaccination against hepatitis B and typhoid are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months.

Dengue sometimes occurs as well. There is no vaccination, so buy mosquito repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net. Also wear long sleeves if possible.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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