Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are two Atlantic island chains located approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami, Fla. A territory of Great Britain, the Turks and Caicos Islands are comprised of eight main islands and a number of smaller islets and atolls. In total, the white sands of the Turks and Caicos beaches cover 230 miles of coastline.

The Turks and Caicos Islands

With eight main islands and 20 smaller ones, Turks and Caicos vacations have much to offer. Here’s a list of the eight major islands of the Turks and Caicos:
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• East Caicos (uninhabited)
• Grand Turk
• Middle Caicos
• North Caicos
• Providenciales
• Salt Cay
• South Caicos
• West Caicos

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Providenciales is the main venue for Turks and Caicos vacations. The capital of the Turks and Caicos is Cockburn Town, located on Grand Turk Island. The main industry of the Turks and Caicos is tourism, with the majority of vacationers coming from the United States and Canada.

Because English is the official language of the islands, North Americans on Turks and Caicos vacations will find it easy to communicate with the locals and get around the islands. Although the Turks and Caicos are a British territory, the islands use the U.S. dollar. As a result, Americans visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands don’t need to exchange currencies.

Climate of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Temperatures in Turks and Caicos are generally comfortable, with temperatures from June to November ranging from 85 ° to 90 ° F. Between November and May, temperatures are slightly lower, averaging 80 ° to 85 ° F . Peak season for Turks and Caicos vacations falls during the winter months when temperatures in the United States and Canada are lowest.

While the western islands of the Turks and Caicos receive more rainfall, the annual rainfall averages 21 inches. Because the Turks and Caicos Islands are low-lying limestone islands, they are especially vulnerable to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June to October, but travelers should be aware that tropical storms could occur in any months. When on Turks and Caicos vacations, monitor local weather conditions to keep yourself abreast of any impending storms.

Turks and Caicos Resorts

Tourists will find most of the luxury Turks and Caicos resorts on Providenciales, an island that sees the most tourism among the Turks and Caicos. Most all-inclusive Turks and Caicos resorts are on the beaches of Providenciales, known locally as Provos.

Turks and Caicos Villas

If tourists prefer to organize their own vacations, Turks and Caicos villas may be a better option than resorts. Privately rented villas are an affordable choice for large families or groups on Turks and Caicos vacations, as several people can stay in a single villa. Prices are not usually based on the number of visitors staying in a villa.

Things to do in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Activities to do on land on Turks and Caicos vacations are not as varied as on other Caribbean islands. Turks and Caicos resorts have no lack of restaurants featuring world-class cuisine, so those with a love of food won’t be deprived during a Turks and Caicos vacation.

The Turk and Caicos Islands have few hills and geographic features that stand out. Depending on their location in the island chains, some islands are mostly sand dunes while others are covered with Acacia trees and other vegetation. For this reason, the interior of the islands is not the focus of a Turks and Caicos vacation. The Turks and Caicos beaches, comprising more than 230 miles of shining white sand, rank among the finest in the world.

Turks and Caicos Water Activities

The Turks and Caicos beaches are part of the third-largest coral reef system in the world. So, while the inner areas of the islands may lack in activities, the underwater scenery is the real star of a Turks and Caicos vacation. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities to do during a Turks and Caicos vacation for good reason. The reef systems of the Turks and Caicos Islands consistently rank among the top 10 dive locations on the planet.

Ocean activities are among the most popular diversions during a Turks and Caicos vacation. Sport fishing off the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands is spectacular. Visitors can also parasail and take part in other water sports. Turks and Caicos resorts often organize many water-based activities for their guests.

Some tourists like to take day cruises of the islands to different snorkeling and diving spots during their Turks and Caicos vacations. Sunset sailing cruises offer a chance for on-water romance. Once a month, Turks and Caicos vacations offer a unique opportunity: Luminous marine glowworms rise to the top of the water to mate in such quantity that the ocean glows. A night cruise to view this natural phenomenon is unforgettable.

O Caribbean Canada?

Canadians travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands in large numbers for vacations. In the past, the politicians of the Turks and Caicos Islands have suggested that the islands become part of Canada. While some Canadians have embraced this idea, making the islands part of Canada would require that the Canadian Constitution be rewritten.

Most analysts believe that a merging of the Turks and Caicos Islands into Canada is highly unlikely.

Video of the Gansevoort in Turks and Caicos