Short
Description Located some 570 miles from the southern tip of Florida, these 50 islands are hugely popular with divers, who flock to explore the many challenging underwater sites here.
Local
Weather November thru May temperatures range from 75°- 85° F. In September and October, temperatures can reach 90° F. There are usually tradewinds that keep those temperatures tolerable. Rainfall is limited averaging 21 inches per year in the Turks and 40 inches in the Caicos.
Other
Destinations
Description Located some 570 miles from the southern tip of Florida, these 50 islands are hugely popular with divers, who flock to explore the many challenging underwater sites here. The islands are grouped into two island chains: the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. The main island in the Turks is Grand Turk, and the main island in the Caicos is Providenciales.
With improved air service, more beach loungers and water sports enthusiasts are making the trip, mainly to Providenciales (better known as Provo), which is the main hub for visitors. As for hotels, big-name resorts like Meridian, Club Med and Sandals have planted their flags here, and more are expected to follow in the future, but the lion's share of guest rooms are operated by lesser-known entities. Condominium rentals are becoming more prevalent, too, and several new developments are under construction. Divers, always known for cutting expenses by using low-cost lodging, can find a number of reliable guest houses here. Golfing is available on an 18-hole course and other courses are on the drawing board. On Grand Turk, the seat of government, a scattering of historical hotels are the main attraction. The feeling is decidedly low key, and Grand Turk is the kind of place where visitors can truly get away from their more sociable counterparts in tourism.
One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the pristine white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complemented with crystal clear turquoise waters. The islands are relatively flat but vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos along with several other fascinating cays are uninhabited. People on the islands known as "Belongers" are known for their friendly spirit, which helps ensure this is a destination that helps people de-stress, feel comfortable and truly relax.
Local Information The currency is the U.S. Dollar (although Turks and Caicos crown and quarter are also used). Guests headed for Provo will find taxi cabs a perfectly sufficient way of getting around if they only intend to tour for a day or so; otherwise, renting a car is a good idea. Car fares are standardized, but ask before you hail a cab, just to be on the safe side. Driving is on the left, and a valid foreign or international driver's license is required. The electric current is 110 volts AC.
Airport
Information Visitors fly directly into Provodenciales Island (PLS), and transfers to other islands are available from there. Lynx Air does offer direct flights to Grand Turk from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The Turks and Caicos is only 75 minutes from Miami, less than 3 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, 3 hours from New York and 3 and a half hours from Boston and can easily be reached with direct flights from the US, the UK, Canada, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Each traveller is required to pay departure tax of US $23 at the airport upon leaving the island.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
