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

One of the Caribbean's best-kept secret holiday destinations, the Turks and Caicos Islands are ringed by white-sand beaches and set like jewels amid warm turquoise waters.

Located at the southeastern tip of the Bahamas, 575 miles south east of Miami, Florida, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a vacation paradise famous for their stunning water color, endless wide beaches, world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving, humpback whale migration, deep-sea and bone fishing, as well as, all types of water sports, golf, shopping and cultural activities.

Fishing & Diving

The Turks and Caicos Islands are fortunate in having some of the only unspoiled reefs left in the Caribbean. With 1,000 square miles of coral reef, the Islands are well-known among scuba divers for spectacular wall dives, turtles, manta rays, humpback whales and the oldest known shipwreck in the western hemisphere.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a year round bonefish heaven and deep-sea big-game fishing is awesome as well.

Beaches

For those visitors that are not fishing or diving enthusiasts, you can look forward to wondrous, lazy days of sun, sea and sand.

The Turks and Caicos Islands boast some of the most exquisite beaches in the entire Caribbean. Grace Bay Beach on Provo where courting couples find the perfect setting for a wedding is a 12-mile-long stunner voted best beach in the world on two occasions by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

Best of all is that you can find many deserted beaches, small secluded coves and bays, which provide sheltered areas to swim, snorkel, sail and explore without the crowds except a pelican or two!

The rich and famous have known this for years with a long list of celebrities slipping away to the secluded shores of the Turks and Caicos for endless days of quiet relaxation.

Bruce Willis and Keith Richards have homes here and Justin Timberlake, Penelope Cruz, Ashton Kutcher, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas and many others have visited.

Accommodations

Whether you're a young single, a couple or parents with kids you're sure to find accommodations to suit your tastes and needs.

The Turks and Caicos Islands offer choices ranging from quaint inns to small boutique resorts, a few larger hotels with all inclusive options and luxury resorts with fantastic spas considered some of the best anywhere in the world. Renting a condo or a villa is also a popular option.

Many Islands To Explore

Providenciales is the most populated island with most of the hotels and tourist facilities, but Parrot Cay, Pine Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay and Grand Turk are particularly alluring for those looking to get off the beaten path. On these islands you'll find tiny towns, small personable hotels and pristine solitude.

Cockburn Town on Grand Turk is the Island's capital with a truly fascinating, one-of-a-kind museum. Cliffs and ancient caves await your exploration on Middle Caicos and you can watch the annual humpback whale migration right from the beach on Salt Cay.

Quick Facts

The Turks and Caicos are officially English speaking with a population close to 30,000 people made up of both "Belongers" (citizens) and expatriates. Most live on the main tourist hub of Providenciales or "Provo" as it's commonly called. The official currency is the US dollar and major credit cards are accepted, as well as, travelers checks.

Traveling to the Turks and Caicos is typically more expensive than developed tourist destinations like Cancun or Nassau, Bahamas, but then that's typical of most Caribbean islands. However, the Turks and Caicos Islands are much less crowded and developed (for now) then most other Caribbean islands.

Known internationally as a leading tax haven and financial center for investments and business, tourism is still in the early stages. However, recent development trends are fueling fast growth in the Turks and Caicos economy and real estate market where condos and vacation homes are experiencing rapid appreciation.

Travel & Transportation

Direct flights from New York, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami make traveling from the United States easy, and allow visitors to be relaxing on the beach within a few short hours.

All US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks and Caicos Islands must have a valid US passport. Canadians can enter with a birth certificate and photo id.

Transportation is readily available through local agencies and major car rental companies at the airport and around town. It's best to book your rental well in advance especially if visiting during the peak winter season. Many resorts offer shuttle service from the airport. Taxis and small buses also serve the island.

Start Planning

The Turks and Caicos Islands are truly magnificent. If you want to get away from it all, you'll certainly enjoy lounging on the beautiful white sand beaches.

For more adventure, the numerous national parks, nature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites give you plenty of options for interesting excursions. Of course, the bone fishing, big-game fishing and scuba diving will have you coming back for more.

Plenty of inns, hotels and resorts are available perfect for young singles, couples or parents with kids. If you'd like to visit a Caribbean island that isn't crowded or over-developed then the Turks and Caicos are your best bet.