TURKS AND CAICOS TODAY
Turks and Caicos offers visitors the world’s best beaches and is growing into a popular destination with an increasing amount of international tourists every year.
Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 islands and cays, only eight of which are inhabited. The two most populated are Grand Turk, the capital and where the cruise ship center is located, and Providenciales the business and tourism hub. The islands are located about 885 kilometres southeast of Miami, Florida, just below the Bahamas and east of Cuba.
The north shore of Providenciales, near Grace Bay, is home to a long coral reef rich with aquatic life and the majority of resorts and tourism services. Along the south side of the island in areas including Sapodilla Bay, Copper Jack, Discovery Bay, and Long Bay, there are many private villas.
Most international flights fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Airlines that serve PLS are Air Canada, InterCaribbean Airways, American Airlines, Bahamas Air, British Airways, Caicos Express, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, US Airways and WestJet and Southwest Airlines.
HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS
The islands making up Turks and Caicos were originally inhabited by the Taino and Lucayan Indians and for almost seven centuries they were the sole residents of the islands. It wasn’t until 1492 that Christopher Columbus discovered the capital island of Grand Turk.
Shortly after his arrival, the Lucayan civilization disappeared and throughout the following three decades, the islands remained sparsely populated. It was during this time the salt making industry was born. Bermudians came to the islands to rake the salt and take it home with them but the shallow water was dangerous for nautical navigation and over 1,000 shipwrecks occurred during the journey to and from.
Since then, the Indians have left behind traditions of seafaring, salt raking, farming and the love for shellfish. Turks and Caicos is home to the Caicos Conch Farm, the only commercial conch farm around the globe.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the islands became a possible tourist destination. They quickly grew into one of the world’s premier beach destinations, now welcoming more than 300,000 tourists a year.
The islands are also quickly becoming a leading international investment centre with a “zero tax” jurisdiction with no tax on income, capital gains, corporate profits, inheritance or estates. Turks and Caicos is one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean combined with strictly controlled development to protect the islands heritage.
BASIC AND LOCAL CUSTOMS
Located in the Eastern Time Zone, the islands’ average temperature ranges around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius from June through to October. Temperatures are slightly cooler between November and May, ranging in at 27 to 29 degrees Celsius. Water temperatures in the summer average at 28 to 29 degrees Celsius and in the winter about 23 to 26 degrees Celsius. Turks and Caicos sees on average 350 days of sunshine with very little rain. When it does rain, it is usually for less than an hour with the rest of the day still ideal bathing and tanning weather. Hurricane season is from early June to the end of November; although there has only been 3 hurricanes that hit the island in the past twenty years.
The official language spoken on the islands is English and their currency is the American dollar. Tipping waiters, taxi drivers, maids and porters is common practice. Most restaurants will automatically add a 10-15% service charge . A 12% government tax will also be added.
Visitors from the British Commonwealth Countries, The United States of America, Canada and holders of International driver’s license are permitted to drive for 30 days on their respective license.
All travelers visiting Turks and Caicos (including cruise passengers) must have a valid passport. Canadians and Americans do not require a visa for entry to the islands. All visitors must hold a round trip ticket and can stay for a maximum of 90 days; this is extendable one time only.
PROVIDENCIALES
Providenciales, the urban centre of Turks and Caicos, occupies an area of nearly 100 square kilometers and is surrounded by several beautiful beaches. Providenciales is the most developed island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a remnant of the British Empire found less than four hours from Toronto.
Commonly referred to as “Provo”, the island is located on the west side of the Caicos archipelago and boasts the largest population of all of the islands. There are two main tourist areas in Providenciales, the older Turtle Cove area and the modern Grace Bay Beach area. Turtle Cove has a few hotels, bars and restaurants and a popular marina. The beach is an approximate 5 minute walk from the hotels. Grace Bay was totally redeveloped in the 2003-2008 period and features the renowned 11 mile Grace Bay Beach which is consistently voted #1 in the Caribbean by Trip Advisor and Conde Neste. Just over twenty resorts line Grace Bay Beach. With the exception of the all-inclusive Beaches and Club Med, most are condo hotels ranging in size from 25 to 125 units. Most of these resorts have their own restaurants and tourists are invited to walk amongst them and experience their different bars and restaurants.
Above and beyond the incredible beaches, turquoise waters and the associated diving, snorkelling and waterspouts, Providenciales is renowned for great dining and a wide selection of restaurant choices, many with live music.
The island of Providenciales knows how to take a compliment. Providenciales has been ranked “Best Beach” by Conde Nast magazine and by the World Travel Awards for several years running.
In an effort to get tourists out of their resorts and interacting with the locals, tourists can now enjoy the island’s Thursday night Fish Fry. This weekly initiative aims to get tourists mingling with locals in a fun and family-friendly setting.
Whether its jerk chicken, conch fritters or fresh fish and seafood, the local small vendors serve up proper ‘Provo’ cuisine (and don’t forget to try the rum punch!)
TCI FACTS
The Turks & Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays and are located 575 miles southeast of Miami, just a short 90 minute flight away.
Weather
Average temperatures range from 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29 – 32 Celsius) from June until October, and between 80 and 84 degrees (26 – 28 Celsius) between November and May. Turks & Caicos receives approximately 350 days of sunshine per year. Rainy season is from June until November, with heaviest rainfall normally occurring in September and October.
Driving
Driving is on the left hand side of the road. There are no traffic lights on the island – traffic is directed by roundabouts and stop signs. Traffic is very light and it is rare to experience traffic congestion. Most major roads are paved. International driving licences are accepted.
Currency
All prices are in U.S. dollars and the U.S. dollar is the only currency used for transactions. Major credit cards (except American Express) are widely accepted although some businesses only accept cash payment. Major banks include Scotiabank, Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC First Caribbean.
Shopping
Shopping facilities are not as extensive as normally found on other Caribbean islands, although there are nice jewellery stores, art galleries, resort apparel shops and souvenir markets available. Grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores are well stocked with modern conveniences and products. Most items are generally more expensive than in the USA or Canada.
Language
English is the official language spoken in Turks and Caicos. Some hotel service workers are from Haiti, Jamaica and Dominican Republic, so visitors can expect to hear Creole, Spanish and Patois spoken as well.
Crime
The Turks and Caicos has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. However, petty crime is the most common crime, especially during peak season.
Drinking water
The drinking water is potable.
Electricity
110 volt/60 cycle
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time
Key attractions
Key attractions include Grace Bay Beach, diving and snorkelling on the third largest reef in the world, day trips to North and Middle Caicos, Chalk Sound, Provo Golf Club, world class spas and restaurants.
Distance from major centres (flying times)
The major international airport is located on Providenciales (PLS). The airport receives direct international flights from New York City/New York, Newark/New Jersey, Charlotte/North Carolina, Miami/ Florida, and Toronto/Canada on a year round basis. Seasonal direct flights also originate from Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, Montreal and Ottawa. Regional carriers provide direct flights to Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. British Airways features a direct flight each week from London, England, with a stop in Nassau, Bahamas.
- Toronto – 3 hours, 40 minutes
- New York – 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Charlotte – 3 hours
- Miami – 90 minutes
Airlines that fly to TCI
Canada:
- Air Canada
- West Jet
USA:
- American Airline
- Delta
- JetBlue
- United
- Southwest Airlines
Regional:
- InterCaribbean Airways
- Caicos Express Airways
Europe:
- British Airways