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Beautiful
by nature' is the motto 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.
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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.
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Caicos Islands
Providenciales
North Caicos
Middle Caicos
West Caicos
South Caicos
East Caicos
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Turks & Caicos Archipelago
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Turks
Islands
Grand Turk
Salt Cay
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Time
Zone |
Eastern
Standard (EST) |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Hotels |
Provo
offers are large variety of accommodations - from small boutique hotels to
5 star All-Inclusives. View more information on
hotels. |
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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. |
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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! |
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Music |
Rake
n' Scrape,
JUNKANOO |
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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. |
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POPULATION |
Estimated 25000 |
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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!
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Provo |
Providenciales,
lovingly called Provo, with its endless white beaches is the
centre of tourism. |
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Villas |
Private
rentals, cottages or 5 star villas - view more information on
villas |
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Weddings |
Weddings
held in the Turks & Caicos are fully recognized in your home
country.
Click here for wedding information. |
