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Turks And Caicos Islands

INTRODUCTION

The Turks and Caicos Islands are located about 575 miles southeast of Miami. The Bahamas are located about 30 miles to the northwest and the Dominican Republic is located 100 miles to the southeast. The two island groups are separated by the 22 mile wide Columbus Passage. To the west is the Caicos group, which is composed of West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. The Turks group, located to the east, includes Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

From the stylish resort and spa at Parrot Cay and full service hotels of Provo to the down-home bed and breakfasts of Grand Turk, accommodations on the islands vary in style and price. Native dishes, along with international cuisine, are served at most restaurants throughout the islands. Island specialties include fresh lobster, conch fritters, jerk chicken, and coconut rum cheesecake.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Capital: Cockburn Town

Climate: The average year-round temperature in the Turks and Caicos is 83F, or 28C. During September and October temperatures can soar from 90-95F, or 33-35C. The average rainfall varies between the Turks and Caicos Islands, with Caicos Island receiving more rain. Hurricane season usually runs from June-October.

Currency: U.S. dollar.

The treasury also issues a Turks and Caicos crown and quarter. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are widely accepted and other currency can be changed at local banks. American Express, VISA, and MasterCard are also welcome.

Language: English

Passport requirements: Passports are required when entering the island. In the absence of a passport, visitors from North America may use a birth certificate and photo identification instead. In addition, a return ticket is also necessary when visiting the Turks and Caicos.

International airports are located on Grand Turk, North Caicos, Providenciales, and South Caicos, with domestic airports on all of the islands except for West Caicos and East Caicos, which are uninhabited. American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Delta, U.S. Airways, British Airways, Air Jamaica Express, and Bahamasair offer services to Providenciales. Inter-island services are provided by SkyKing, Air Turks & Caicos, and Turks & Caicos Airways, among other local charters.

Time Zone: UTC-5

ATTRACTIONS

Sporting activities are centered around water, where visitors can choose from a wide range of diversions, such as: deep-sea, reef, or bone fishing, sailing excursions, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, tandem skydiving, snorkeling, scuba diving, helmet diving and beachcombing. Land-based activities include: tennis, golf, bicycling, horseback riding, soccer, squash, and football.

Also available on the island are a wide variety of spa and body treatment services, as well as hair styling and nail treatment.

NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife activities include: listening to local bands play traditional music at bars and restaurants, partying at nightclubs, and trying your luck at the casino at Providenciales.