The Best Tropical Islands: Turks and Caicos

Only an hour plane ride from Miami, the Turks and Caicos islands offer world renowned beaches, culture, and diving. There are miles and miles of coral reefs where you can swim with dolphins and explore shipwrecks. When you get tired of the sun, there are museums and shops where you can spend your days.

Quick Facts
Capital: Grand Turk
Population: 30,500
Size: 430 sq km
Power Outlets: 110V/60Hz
Official Languages: English
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: GMT -5
Religion: Christian
Calling Code: +1649

When to go: The rainy season extends from late May to November, with the hurricane season occurring toward the end of this period.The peak tourist season is between mid-December to mid-April.

Cost and Budgeting
Comfortable travel in the Turks & Caicos can top US$300 a day, depending on how many of the islands you choose to visit and whether you island hop by plane or ferry. A moderate budget is around US$150 and $200 a day. Budget travelers can get by with self-catering and non-air-con rooms for about US$100 a day. Credit cards are readily accepted on Provo and Grand Turk, as are traveler’s checks. Elsewhere it’s wise to carry cash. Foreign currency can be changed at local banks, which also issue advances to credit card holders.


Things to Do and See in the Turks and Caicos
Visit Chalk Sound National Park- The waters of this 5km (3mi) bay, a vast, electric-blue carpet, can make you gasp with its beauty. The bay is eerily and magnificently studded with countless mushroom-like tiny islets. A slender peninsula separates the sound from the sea and is scalloped with beach-lined bays.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling- The Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensive coral reefs in the world. As a result, the islands are consistently ranked as one of the premier diving locations in the world. A 22 mile-wide channel, the Columbus Passage, serves as major transit lines for migrating, spotted eagle rays, manta rays, turtles and dolphins.
Sailing- Learn to sail or have someone else take you around the waters of these islands! The wind is usually good and you could sail these azure blue waters while having a ocean set picnic.
Fishing- The waters off the coast of the islands are littered with big fish. Many companies will take you out to try catch something.
Golfing- World class gold courses dot the island for those who wan to work on their swing instead of their tan.
Spas/Salons- For those who need a little pampering on their tropical holiday, there are plenty of spas here to relax you further- as if the scenery couldn’t do that by itself!
Diving for Conch- Several times a week a tour is given to the inquisitive to view not only the hatchery but also the laboratory. It makes for a very interesting morning or afternoon diversion, not to mention some very unique photo’s. The farm raises what is known as the Queen Conch.
Visit Iguana Island Iguana Island is just that. An island full of Iguana’s. This is a protected area, therefore your’e not allowed to leave the wooden sidewalk for fear of disturbing their habitat. It is good to go with a tour guide who explains the nature, characteristic’s, growth and living arrangements of the Iguana.
Coral Gardens Coral Gardens is a small area of Grace Bay that has a coral reef right next to the shore. The actual reef is cordened off, partly to protect it, and also to protect swimmers from being injured.

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