The Turks & Caicos Islands are a spectacular destination for those who wish to get away from it all. There are numerous national parks, beautiful white sand beaches, nature reserves, sanctuaries and historical sites. Despite an increase in tourist numbers, the islands remain largely uncommercialized and unspoilt with small, personal places to stay and a heavy emphasis on ecotourism.
The Caicos GroupThere are six principal islands and numerous small cays, most of which are uninhabited. They are listed in order from west to east.
West CaicosThe westernmost
island has an abrupt coastline leading to deep water that is ideal for fishing and scuba diving. Uninhabited, it is currently only visited by sailors, fishermen and thousands of seabirds.
ProvidencialesThis island is the center of the country's major tourist development. The main tourist center lies around Turtle Cove, with its peaceful yacht basin, and Grace Bay.
Little Water CayKnown for its variety of birdlife, this small cay is being developed as a nature resort.
Pine CayPine Cay is inhabited mostly by tropical birds and iguanas, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caicos Islands, if not the whole Caribbean. The northern end has many freshwater lakes with species of saltwater fish brought here by Hurricane Donna in 1960. Part of the Caicos Cays National Underwater Park is located here. The reefs of the Caicos bank, with their rich variety of corals and vividly colored fish, are a must-see.
Parrot CayParrot Cay lies between Providenciales and North Caicos. Once a private island which used to be a hideout for legendary pirates such as Annie Bonnie and Mary Reid, it is now being developed into a modern resort.
North CaicosKnown as the 'Garden Island' of the Caicos, its fertile soils and water provide good farmland. It has miles of deserted white sand beaches, along which hotels provide luxurious and peaceful accommodation. Flamingos, ospreys, iguanas and various other wildlife can be seen at the island's nature reserve.
Middle CaicosAlso known as Grand Caicos, this island is undeveloped. Blessed with a lovely coastline, to the west of Conch Bar the shoreline dips in and out with bluffs and small coves. Visitors should try not to miss the island's spectacular caves.
East CaicosEast Caicos is uninhabited, but when flying to South Caicos, look down for the salmon in the translucent green water. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean are to be found here. In the northwest of the island, at
Jacksonville, there is a series of caves with evidence of early petroglyphs.
South CaicosThe town of Cockburn Harbour is situated on a small ridge at the extreme southwest of the island of South Caicos. It was once the chief port for the shipment of salt from the islands. The town is a quiet and pleasant place to potter around in the evening. During the day, there are numerous beaches to explore and, as everywhere in the Turks & Caicos group, there is superb diving, yachting and big-game fishing.
The Turks GroupThese are smaller islands, separated from the Caicos Group by the 35km (22 mile) deep-water Columbus Passage channel (formerly the 'Turks Island Passage'), and consist of two main islands and a number of small, uninhabited cays.
Grand TurkA few minutes from South Caicos by air, with the small metropolis of Cockburn Town, Grand Turk is the islands' seat of government and commerce, as well as their historic and cultural center. The Turks & Caicos National Museum, situated on the waterfront, tells the story of the oldest shipwreck discovered in the Americas and exhibits rare prints and manuscripts from all of the islands. Front Street has a number of colonial buildings, dating from the early 19th century. They have imposing entrances in the high, whitewashed walls that surround their gardens. There are many delightful bays on the eastern shores of Grand Turk. The island is also a fine base for diving and fishing.
Salt CayThe most charming and atmospheric of all the Salt Islands. There are fine beaches and also still-productive salt ponds. The island is dominated by a great white house, built in the 1830s in solid Bermudian style. Salt Cay also hosts relics of the now defunct whaling industry. In the winter, visitors have the chance to spot gigantic humpback whales.
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