Turks and Caicos Islands Attractions
Quiet and unspoiled, the Turks and Caicos Islands possess the world's third largest coral reef system plus some of the finest tropical beaches. This string of tiny islands attracts travelers seeking seclusion and tranquility and those in pursuit of clean sandy beaches and the world's best diving. The Turks and Caicos Islands are relatively flat and dry, with an elevation of 161ft/49m and annual rainfall of less than 300in/800mm.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The landscape varies from sand dunes to lush green vegetation.
Lying off the south-eastern tip of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos take up about 166sq mi/430sq km of the Atlantic. The Turks Island Passage separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. The Turks Islands are named for the indigenous Turks Head Cactus and Caicos is a derivative of the Spanish word cayos, meaning "small island". Together, they consist of about 30 cays and eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. Most resorts are on Providenciales and Grand Turk, and Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the islands' business and government center.
The country is an offshore financial center and recently tourism has become the Turks and Caicos main revenue. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the islands. The residents known as "Belongers", are recognized for their friendly character.
The Lucayan Indians lived here before Ponce de Léon is recorded to have discovered the Turks and Caicos in 1512. Bermudian salt producers sporadically occupied these islands from the 17th C onwards. Americans loyal to the Crown settled here in the late 18th C. Until 1848 the islands were managed from the Bahamas, thereafter, until 1952, they were governed by Jamaica. Though independence has been offered, the Turks and Caicos remain a British Crown colony.
Daily domestic air service is provided to all of the inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos. The country has no traffic lights, next to no street signs and those renting cars must remember to drive on the left in this overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Lying off the south-eastern tip of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos take up about 166sq mi/430sq km of the Atlantic. The Turks Island Passage separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. The Turks Islands are named for the indigenous Turks Head Cactus and Caicos is a derivative of the Spanish word cayos, meaning "small island". Together, they consist of about 30 cays and eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. Most resorts are on Providenciales and Grand Turk, and Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the islands' business and government center.
The country is an offshore financial center and recently tourism has become the Turks and Caicos main revenue. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the islands. The residents known as "Belongers", are recognized for their friendly character.
The Lucayan Indians lived here before Ponce de Léon is recorded to have discovered the Turks and Caicos in 1512. Bermudian salt producers sporadically occupied these islands from the 17th C onwards. Americans loyal to the Crown settled here in the late 18th C. Until 1848 the islands were managed from the Bahamas, thereafter, until 1952, they were governed by Jamaica. Though independence has been offered, the Turks and Caicos remain a British Crown colony.
Daily domestic air service is provided to all of the inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos. The country has no traffic lights, next to no street signs and those renting cars must remember to drive on the left in this overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Related Attractions
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Grace Bay
(Providenciales)
The prime tourist destination on the island, Grace Bay features a lovely beach as well as a coral reef.
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Pine Cay
(Providenciales)
Pine Cay is inhabited by the Meridian Club, and features beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Big Ambergris Cay
Big Ambergris Cay is home to the Turks and Caicos iguana, the smallest of the Caribbean rock iguanas and consequently the most vulnerable. Once widespread throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands 30 % of the remaining individuals inhabit Big Ambergris Cay.
Gibbs Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
An opportunity to feed stingrays who swim right up to shore or a picnic on the beach or can be enjoyed on uninhabited Gibbs Cay. Thought to be the location of a 18th C French gun placement, the Cay has shown evidence of Lucayan occupation.
Turks and Caicos Bird Watching
170 species of birds can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey, Pelicans, Egrets, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds are found by birders and photographers.
The National Parks system protects more than twelve small cays as breeding grounds. The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding spots for resident and migratory birds.
The National Parks system protects more than twelve small cays as breeding grounds. The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding spots for resident and migratory birds.
Turks and Caicos Eco Tours
A variety of eco-tours are available throughout the Turks and Caicos including trips by land or sea to various natural attractions including mangrove swamps, limestone caves or the bio-diversity of Turks and Caicos' underwater world.
Turks and Caicos Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries, and National Parks
The Turks and Caicos is dedicated to the protection of the natural, historical and cultural heritage.
In 1992 the government set aside 33 specific protected areas, a list that includes nature reserves, sanctuaries and historical sites totaling more than 325 sq mi/839km.
Twelve small cays are protected for breeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Other protected areas include marine replenishment areas as well as breeding grounds for turtles and iguanas.
In 1992 the government set aside 33 specific protected areas, a list that includes nature reserves, sanctuaries and historical sites totaling more than 325 sq mi/839km.
Twelve small cays are protected for breeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Other protected areas include marine replenishment areas as well as breeding grounds for turtles and iguanas.
Turks and Caicos National Trust
Box 540
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands
Box 540
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands
