Turks and Caicos Islands: The Caribbean's Secret Beach Paradise

One of the Caribbean's best-kept secret holidayCay and Grand Turk are particularly alluring for those
destinations, the Turks and Caicos Islands are ringedlooking to get off the beaten path. On these islands
by white-sand beaches and set like jewels amid warmyou'll find tiny towns, small personable hotels and
turquoise waters.pristine solitude.
Located at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, 575Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the Island's capital
miles south east of Miami, Florida, the Turks andwith a truly fascinating, one-of-a-kind museum. Cliffs
Caicos Islands are a vacation paradise famous forand ancient caves await your exploration on Middle
their stunning water color, endless wide beaches,Caicos and you can watch the annual humpback
world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving,whale migration right from the beach on Salt Cay.
humpback whale migration, deep-sea and bone fishing,Quick Facts
as well as, all types of water sports, golf, shopping andThe Turks and Caicos are officially English speaking
cultural activities.with a population close to 30,000 people made up of
Fishing & Divingboth "Belongers" (citizens) and expatriates. Most live on
The Turks and Caicos Islands are fortunate in havingthe main tourist hub of Providenciales or "Provo" as it's
some of the only unspoiled reefs left in the Caribbean.commonly called. The official currency is the US dollar
With 1,000 square miles of coral reef, the Islands areand major credit cards are accepted, as well as,
well-known among scuba divers for spectacular walltravelers checks.
dives, turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and theTraveling to the Turks and Caicos is typically more
oldest known shipwreck in the western hemisphere.expensive than developed tourist destinations like
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a year roundCancun or Nassau, Bahamas, but then that's typical of
bonefish heaven and deep-sea big-game fishing ismost Caribbean islands. However, the Turks and
awesome as well.Caicos Islands are much less crowded and developed
Beaches(for now) then most other Caribbean islands.
For those visitors that are not fishing or divingKnown internationally as a leading tax haven and
enthusiasts, you can look forward to wondrous, lazyfinancial center for investments and business, tourism is
days of sun, sea and sand.still in the early stages. However, recent development
The Turks and Caicos Islands boast some of thetrends are fueling fast growth in the Turks and Caicos
mostexquisite beaches in the entire Caribbean. Graceeconomy and real estate market where condos and
Bay Beach on Provo where courting couples find thevacation homes are experiencing rapid appreciation.
perfect setting for a wedding is a 12-mile-long stunnerTravel & Transportation
voted best beach in the world on two occasions byDirect flights from New York, Boston, Charlotte,
readers of Conde Nast Traveler.Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami make traveling from the
Best of all is that you can find many desertedUnited States easy, and allow visitors to be relaxing on
beaches, small secluded coves and bays, whichthe beach within a few short hours.
provide sheltered areas to swim, snorkel, sail andAll US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks and Caicos
explore without the crowds except a pelican or two!Islands must have a valid US passport. Canadians can
The rich and famous have known this for years with aenter with a birth certificate and photo id.
long list of celebrities slipping away to the secludedTransportation is readily available through local
shores of the Turks and Caicos for endless days ofagencies and major car rental companies at the airport
quiet relaxation.and around town. It's best to book your rental well in
Bruce Willis and Keith Richards have homes here andadvance especially if visiting during the peak winter
Justin Timberlake, Penelope Cruz, Ashton Kutcher, Juliaseason. Many resorts offer shuttle service from the
Roberts, Michael Douglas and many others haveairport. Taxis and small buses also serve the island.
visited.Start Planning
AccommodationsThe Turks and Caicos Islands are truly magnificent. If
Whether you're a young single, a couple or parentsyou want to get away from it all, you'll certainly enjoy
with kids you're sure to find accommodations to suitlounging on the beautiful white sand beaches.
your tastes and needs.For more adventure, the numerous national parks,
The Turks and Caicos Islands offer choices rangingnature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites give
from quaint inns to small boutique resorts, a few largeryou plenty of options for unique and interesting
hotels with all inclusive options and luxury resorts withexcursions. Of course, the bone fishing, big-game
fantastic spas considered some of the best anywherefishing and scuba diving will have you coming back for
in the world. Renting a condo or private villa is also amore.
popular option.Plenty of inns, hotels and resorts are available perfect
Many Islands To Explorefor young singles, couples or parents with kids. If you'd
Providenciales is the most populated island with mostlike to visit a Caribbean island that isn't crowded or
of the hotels and tourist facilities, but Parrot Cay, Pineover-developed then the Turks and Caicos are your
Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Saltbest bet.