Turks and Caicos

Nearby areas in Turks and Caicos

The main islands of Turks and Caicos consist of two groups separated by the Christopher Columbus Passage. Grand Turk and Salt Cay make up the Turks group, while the Caicos group consists of Providenciales, and South, East, Middle, North, and West Caicos. Some are uninhabited, and some are much smaller than others, but all boast world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving.

Grand Turk

This island is home to Cockburn Town, the historic and cultural center of the islands. The streets of this 7-square-mile island are lined with 18th- and 19th-century landmarks that reflect Bermudan style architecture. Grand Turk also houses the Turks and Caicos National Museum (the islands' only museum). A protected coral reef, with clear calm waters awaits scuba divers and snorkelers.

Salt Cay

Less than 10 miles south of Grand Turk this former center of the Bermudan salt industry is a 3.5-square-mile cay that has been designated a historic site. Visitors here can see the windmills that once powered the salt industry and the 150-year-old White House, which was built by Bermudan salt rakers and still holds its original antique furniture. The ruins of an old whaling station are also on exhibit.

South Caicos

This is where you'll find some of the best diving and snorkeling in all of the islands. This 8.5-mile-long island has a plethora of secluded coves and thriving coral reefs. For a small fee, locals will take visitors sailing and fishing.

East Caicos

This 18-square-mile island is completely uninhabited. It was once home to a large sisal plantation and cattle industry, and ruins of an abandoned town, railroad tracks, and cave artwork remain. Today, much of the island is covered in swamps and mangroves, and sea turtles lay their eggs on the 17-mile beach.

Middle Caicos

At 48 square miles, this island (aka Grand Caicos) is the largest and least developed of the inhabited islands. Towering limestone cliffs and quiet beaches create a dramatic coastline. Conch Bay, on the north shore, features gigantic limestone caves. Just offshore in shallow water is the perfect place to snorkel and see a wide variety of marine life.

North Caicos

This 41-square-mile island offers miles of soft, white-sand beaches and water that's teeming with unusual fish. Visitors can also see a crab farm, plantation ruins, flocks of flamingos, and other birds.

Providenciales

Commonly referred to as Provo, this is Caicos' most developed island. With 38-square-miles and 12 miles of beaches, Provo offers major hotels, a casino, a golf course, and boutiques. A barrier reef attracts swimmers, divers, and boaters. An added bonus is JoJo, the Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin who has lived and played in these waters since 1983. He loves to give children rides on his back and perform tricks for anyone who'll watch.

West Caicos

Completely uninhabited, this 9-square-mile island has some of the most exotic diving imaginable. A wall inhabited by immeasurable species of marine life begins about one-quarter mile out to sea. The ruins of Yankee Town are evidence of the small civilization that once existed here.

For more information about Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos Tourist Board

PO Box 128/Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI, phone 649-946-2321 or toll-free 800-241-0824, fax 649-946-2733, email tci.tourism@tciway.tc.

Miami

11645 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 302, North Miami, FL 33181, phone 800-241-0824.

New York

20 E 46th Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10017, phone 212-682-0435.