Introduction: The Turks and Caicos Islands consists of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The islands are arranged around the edges of two large limestone plateaus, the Turks Bank, with deep offshore waters where many Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays and Turtles travel through. Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reef and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean.
Providenciales is the most well known of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the center of the tourism industry with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, attractions and facilities. Grand Turk and Salt Cay offer a glance into Caribbean history with great Bermudian architecture and a rustic charm as well as some of the worlds finest diving. Middle Caicos and North Caicos represent the best of the environment, with lush green woodlands, the biggest cave network in the Caribbean on Middle Caicos, cottage pond and flamingo pond in North Caicos and a vast range of plant life and birdlife.
South Caicos is the center for fishing, with lobster and conch exported from the islands, the historic Cockburn harbor and the natural phenomenon of the boiling hole. This small yet friendly island offers many secluded beaches with awe inspiring views of the turquoise waters and surrounding islands. Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are privately owned islands and are home to the most exclusive resorts Parrot Cay Resort and Spa and the Meridian Club.
The only true way to experience the Turks and Caicos Islands is to experience each island in the entire chain. This is probably why most of the visitors come back to the Turks and Caicos on a regular basis. Most of the islands are only about 10 to 25 minutes by air from Provo and most can be reached by boat, too. There are also regular ferries from North to Middle Caicos.
Climate: The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees celsius) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90's (35 degrees celsius), especially in the late summer months. From November to May the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees celsius). Water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees (28-29 degrees celsius) and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees (23-26 degrees celsius). A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level.
Language: English (some Spanish, Italian, French spoken)
Nightlife: Turks and Caicos is known more for its peace and quiet than for its nightclub scene. Local Nightclubs and bars in Providenciales. Music mix of calypso and reggae.
Attraction/Sightseeing: Bird Watching, the salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds; Caicos Conch Farm; Cheshire Hall; Grand Turk Cruise Center; Grand Turk Lighthouse; Humpback Whales; JoJo the Dolphin; Middle Caicos Caves; The Hole; The Provo Golf & Country Club; The Rock Iguana; The Turks & Caicos National Museum; Wades Green Plantation; Whale Watching, from late December through April, the entire Atlantic herd of 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank, just 20 - 30 miles southeast. During this period divers can listen to an underwater concert of the whales' songs and during the summer they can swim alongside Manta Rays.
