Turks abd Caicos Islands


Turks & Caicos Islands - TCI Information and facts on the Turks and Caicos Islands Beautiful by nature' is the moto of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The name Turks is derived after the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus, and the name Caicos is a Lucayan term "cay hico," meaning string of islands. The Turks and Caicos feature 230 miles of white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Islands full of sunshine and charm and places that time forgot. With a weather forecast of sunshine year around it is a dream vacation destination.
The Turks and Caicos feature 40 islands and cays and a total of 230 miles of white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Islands full of charm and places that time forgot. With a weather forecast of sunshine year around it is a dream vacation destination. The name Turks is derived after the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus, the name Caicos is a Lucayan term "cayo hico," meaning string of islands.
Caicos Islands Providenciales North Caicos Middle Caicos West Caicos South Caicos East Caicos		Turks Islands Grand Turk Salt Cay


Time Zone	Eastern Standard (EST)
BARRIER REEF	The barrier reef protects the North shore of Provo. The deep blue ocean on one side of the reef is over a thousand feet deep, typically a mile deep, while the turquoise side is about ten to twenty feet deep with numerous coral heads rising to within inches of the water’s surface.
BOATS	Boat charters are offered by experienced sailing or motorboat companies. Navigating the waters around Providenciales is not easy due to unmarked coral heads and shifting sand banks, so private rentals of boats are not recommended.
Climate	The Islands enjoy an average temperature of 83 F around the year with winter months in the 70s and late summer months in the low 90's. Low humidity and easterly trade winds make the climate comfortable all through the year.
conch	The island also has the unique Caicos Conch Farm, established in 1984 to grow conch commercially from eggs to adult, which takes four years. It currently has one and a half million conch. The shells provide gifts and souvenirs, while conch meat has long been a staple food in the Caribbean. Or take a Conch Cruise and have your captain prepare fresh conch salad for you. A visit of the conch farm is also part of the Provo Sight Seeing Tours.
Geography	The Turks and Caicos Islands lie 575 miles southeast of Miami, 30 miles northwest of the Bahamas and 120 miles northwest of the Dominican Republic. The islands are divided into 2 groups ' The Turks Islands ' and 'The Caicos Islands'. A total of only 8 inhabited islands and 40 cays on 166 square miles of land. Like a string of pearls in turquoise and aquamarine waters, surrounded by white and pink sandy beaches.
history	Columbus was said to have discovered the islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first. Whichever it was, the first people to truly discover the islands were the Taino Indians, who unfortunately left little behind but ancient utensils. Then the Lucayans eventually replaced the Tainos but by the middle of the 16th Century they too had disappeared, victims of Spanish enslavement and imported disease. The majority of islanders are black descendants from the early Bermudan, Loyalist and slave settlers and salt rakers dating back 300 years. The 26-page telephone directory reflects this heritage, with long listings under the names Astwood, Butterfield, Forbes, Lightbourne, Stubbs, and Williams.
Hotels	Provo offers are large variety of accommodations - from small boutique hotels to 5 star All Inclusives. View more information on hotels.
Iguanas	On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands such as Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay, it is the Turks island Iguana that dominates the land. The Iguana is endangered and delicate but it thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system. The Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana Cyclura carinata) is found nowhere else in the world. It is a shy and harmless reptile. These large lizards were once found on nearly all of the islands of the Turks & Caicos archipelago. Numerous excursions stop at the island for a visit.
Industry	The Tourism industry is the Turks and Caicos main income. In addition to this the country is also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the Turks and Caicos islands. On Providenciales you find the world's only conch farm. Do not miss a visit!
Music	Rake n' Scrape, JUNKANOO
Parks	The National Parks were designed to protect the scenic environment and habitats, to preserve and conserve them for future generations as well as make them available for public recreation.
POPULATION	Estimated 25000
Power	Provo’s electric comes from a diesel generator located on Leeward highway, you can hear it at night when the wind is right, sounding like a very distant truck at idle. Power costs about 6 times that in the states, a typical refrigerator runs about $75 a month to operate!
Provo	Providenciales, lovingly called Provo, with its endless white beaches is the centre of tourism.
Villas	Private rentals, cottages or 5 star villas - view more information on villas
Weddings	Weddings held in the Turks & Caicos are fully recognized in your home country. Click here for wedding information.