Turks & Caicos Islands overview - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:43 AM

The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic ocean, Turks and Caicos Islands has one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a premier diving destination.

One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complimented with crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos. The people on the islands are known for their friendliness. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited.

The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the islands are also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout Turks and Caicos. On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual and serene accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:44 AM

The Turks and Caicos Islands are named after the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus, and the Lucayan term "caya hico," meaning string of islands. Columbus was said to have discovered the islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first. Whichever it was, the first people to truly discover the islands were the Taino Indians, who unfortunately left little behind but ancient utensils. The Tainos were eventually replaced by another Indian people, the Lucayans; but by the middle of the 16th Century they too had disappeared, victims of Spanish enslavement and imported disease.

The 17th century saw the arrival of settlers from Bermuda, who established themselves on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos. They used slaves to rake salt for British colonies in America, and were later joined by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The economy of the island revolved around the rich cotton and sisal plantations, their harvests sold in London and New York. Due to competition and the thin soil, however, the cotton plantations slowly deteriorated, most of them finally perishing in a hurricane in 1813. Solar salt became the main economy of the islands.

In 1776, after being controlled by the Spanish, French and British, Turks and Caicos became part of the Bahamas colony, but attempts to integrate failed and were abandoned in 1848. London - Kingston boats frequently visited Turks and Caicos, so links with Jamaica were well developed. Turks and Caicos became a British Crown Colony in 1962 and links were maintained to the Bahamas through the Anglican Church.

The 1976 elections were won by the PDM, the People's Democratic Movement, who were then to negotiate independence if they won the next elections in 1980. But the other main political party, the Progressive National Party (PNP), won the 1980 elections and plans for independence have for now been set aside.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:45 AM

Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos and the financial center of the islands. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. You will find many old buildings and ruins along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum. Grand Turk's main attraction is diving, with many dive operators and schools it can cater for novice snorkels to experienced divers. The major income for the island is dive orientated tourism. There is an outstanding protected coral reef which has clear and calm waters. There are 6 major accommodations.

Salt Cay
It has the air of a frozen moment, a place where time stands still. Salt Cay was the center of the Bermudan salt industry, the mainstay of the Turks and Caicos economy from the late 1600's until the early 1960's. When the salt industry stopped, the tools fell where they were being used. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Salt cay is a time capsule from the days "when Salt was king." She is a community of 200 hundred souls, surviving on an arid islands with one unarmed policeman and a strong sense of family and order. The island is largely divided into squares controlled by windmills that no longer turn and salinas holding slowly evaporating seawater.

Twelve cars wander her roads, soft beaches border much of her shore line, herons feed in the salinas and others in the marsh land to the south. The distinctively Bermudan style homes, all with dusty but neatly swept dirt yards, set a tone, and possess an undeniable style. The White House, owned by descendants of Bermudan salt rakers, is a landmark and contains the original antique furniture.

Salt Cay also hosts relics of the whaling industry that once existed. The whaling station at Taylor's Hill has long been lying in ruins, visitors to this land in the winter stare in amazement at the gigantic Humpback Whales. The residents are very friendly and are always ready with a bit of conversation. This is old Turks and Caicos, a direct line to a simpler and slower time.

Cockburn Town...

Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It is strongly reputed to be the landfall island of Columbus during his discovery of the New World in 1442. The town itself is well suited for a walking tour. Duke and Font Streets are lined with historic 18th and 19th century landmarks that reflect the Bermudan style architecture of the salt era. Two of these buildings are now popular inns, another in the governor's residence, other government offices, the public library, churches and private residence and fraternities. At the Turks an Caicos National Museum you will find a central exhibit that tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). It also discloses the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse, Fire hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:46 AM

Providenciales, or more commonly known as "Provo", covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Found on the west side of the islands Provo can offer all modern conveniences, including superb hotels, a casino and a Golf Club. Although Provo is the most mature of the islands, it is still a destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax. There is a population of over 6,000, and Provo has the largest non-native population made up of Haitians, Dominicans, French, Canadians, Germans and Americans. The growing population is mainly due to the completion of the airport in 1984, which is capable of dealing with large planes.

To the north of the island, near Sapodilla Bay, you will find the most beautiful beaches, and also a long coral reef which is rich in aquatic life. Towards the south of the island you will find Chalk Sound, a large lake with striking turquoise water and an array of small cays. The island's commercial port, South Dock, is found east of Sapodilla Bay and has the capability to deal with containerized goods.

The two main and oldest settlements on the island are Bight and Blue Hills, and are built around fresh water supplies. Both locations give a real feeling of Caribbean villages. If you wish to do some shopping, Provo can offer a good range of boutiques at Turtle Cove. Down Town you will find the likes of retail shops, business offices and travel agents.

Grace Bay is the location for most of the tourism infrastructure, the Princess Alexandra Marine Park, and the playground of " Jo Jo " the famous bottlenose dolphin. Visitors to the Island Sea Center discover how to grow Conch from tiny veligers to four year old adults. The island is also home to the Bamboo Gallery, the art center of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors (or waiting shipwreckers) can be found on the hill top overlooking the Marina Inn near Chalk Sound and Sapodilla Bay. If you like old ruins that are not to difficult to get to, visit 2 sites of plantation houses built by Loyalists, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill. " The Hole" at Long Bay is a deep and wide Limestone chimney with a mysterious depth of salt water at the bottom

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:47 AM

North Caicos is the lushest of all the islands because of the abundant rainfall. The population of around 1305, mostly farmers live in the settlements of Bottle Creek Village, Whitby, Kew and Sandy Point. Bottle Creek Village boarders a lagoon on the northeast of the island, and is protected from the ocean by a long ribbon of sand. Like Middle and East Caicos, the southern part of the island is dominated by swampland and tidal flats. North Caicos boasts the largest flock of Pink Flamingo in the islands. There is a Crab Farm on Greenich Creek which grow Caribbean King Crab from eggs to adults. You can visit the farm by taking a raft.

A tour of the Crab Farm offers a lesson in a Crab mariculture, marine ecology and an excellent eco-tour. There are Loyalist plantation ruins, the grandest of which is Wades green. Lucayan artifacts were found in the caves near Sandy Point. Cottage Pond at Sandy Point is a large pool of tropical vegetation. There are flocks of Flamingo at Flamingo Pond and mud Hole Pond. You will find ospreys and their nesting sites on the adjacent Three Mary Cays, and a wide variety of other birds on the islands extensive nature reserves and sanctuaries. Iguanas on the nearby East Bays Cays are an outstanding example of the natural diversity of this green island.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:48 AM

South Caicos is the fishing capital of the islands, and boasts the best natural harbour and several fishing plants, processing most of the nation's seafood harvest of lobster, conch and fish for export and local consumption.

Other features of the island include the 18th century Commissioner's House, old salt works, and the Boiling Hole which fed the salt pans that once made South Caicos the islands' largest producer of salt.

Being the largest of the islands Middle Caicos is 48 square miles of natural beauty. There are 3 settlements on the island, Conch Bar, Bambarra and Lorimers and there is a population of 275.

The coastline around Middle Caicos is more dramatic than that of the other islands, to the north there are Limestone cliffs with long sandy beaches. The south is dominated by swampland and tidal flats which almost covers half the island. Rain is plentiful on Middle Caicos, which is why the island is so green and ideal for agriculture. Middle Caicos is home to the largest caves in all Turks and Caicos at Conch Bar. There are 2 small but comfortable accommodations.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:48 AM

The islands are arrayed around the edges of two large limestone plateaus, the Turks Bank, with deep offshore waters that serve as major transit points for Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays and Turtles. These same rich waters are used by anglers who are fishing for Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin. Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reef and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean.

In the last decade on Turks and Caicos, divers have begun to discover some of the finest coral reefs and walls in the world. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo's Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world class walls have become Mecca for the serious diver.

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 wale's' songs. During the summer, divers encounter Manta Rays cruising the face of the walls. Encounters with Dolphin are not uncommon.

The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds.

On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands such as Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay, it is the Turks island Iguana that dominates the land. The Iguana is endangered and delicate but it thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system.

The National Parks were designed to protect the scenic environment and habitats, both to preserve and conserve them for future generations as well as make them available for public recreation.

In 1992 the government set aside 33 specific protected areas, a list that include nature reserves, sanctuaries and historical sites totaling more than 325 square miles. 210 square miles of this total amount are sensitive and ecologically essential wetlands ratified under the international Ramsar Bureau. Other protected areas include marine replenishment areas as well as breeding grounds for turtles, seabirds and other creatures. A marine mooring buoy system is just one of the many projects currently underway.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:49 AM

Climate

The average temperature ranges between 75 and 85 degrees. From June to October the, the temperature can will reach into the 90's, especially in the late summer months. A constant trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level. There is an annual rainfall of 21 inches on Grand Turk and South Caicos, but as you go further west the average rainfall could increase to 40 inches. Hurricane season is June to October; this may vary slightly.

Clothing

Shorts are worn in town as well as the beach. During the day, it is adviseable to also wear sunhats and sunscreen. In the evenings, light sweaters and jackets can occasionally be worn. Nudity is illegal throughout the islands but some hotels do allow it.

Currency

The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. It is augmented by the crown and quarter. Travelers cheques, which can be cashed at local banks, are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and taxi services.

Customs:

Duty free goods that may be brought in to the Islands include: one carton of cigars or cigarettes, one bottle of liquor or wine, and perfume for personal use. To bring in firearms of any type (including spear guns and Hawaiian slings), you must have written approval from the Commissioner of Police. Controlled drugs and pornography are illegal.

Electricity

Electricity follows the U.S. standard: 120/240 Volts/60 Cycles.

Entry and Departure Requirements

Either a passport or birth certificate and a photo ID are required for entry to Turks and Caicos. Visitors are allowed to stay 30 days, this is only renewable once. You also must have a return or on going ticket. There is a US$15.00 departure tax required for all departees over the age of 12. For luggage restriction, individual airlines should be consulted.

Flying Time

The Turks and Caicos provide an ideal destination for a quick getaway or an extended stay. Proximity to the United states means its only a short 90-minute flight to the heart of a tropical retreat.

Geography

Turks and Caicos are located 575 miles southeast of Miami Florida and 100 miles north of the Dominican Republic. The main islands consist of two groups separated by the Columbus or Turks Island Passage: The Turks Group, which includes Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and the Caicos Group, which includes West Caicos, Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. The total land area of the main islands is 193 square miles.

Government

The islands of Turks and Caicos are a British Crown Colony. A queen-appointed governor holds executive power and presides over an Executive Council. A Chief Minister heads the local government, which consists of several other ministers and a legislative council that can enact statues. The Judicial Branch is headed by a Chief Justice, a Chief Magistrate, and three Deputy Magistrates and follows British Common Law. Two times a year, judges from the British Court of Appeals hold court in the Islands, with the final right of appeal resting with Her Majesty’s Privy Council in London.

PagodaSwan · 11-26-2005, 08:51 AM

Language

English is the primary language of the Turks and Caicos.
Medical

There is a full service hospital with 36 beds on the island of Grand Turk. Extensive medical services are also available on Providenciales. There are Health Clinics on all of the islands and a Hyperbaric Chamber is available on Providenciales.
Phones

The Islands enjoy direct worldwide telephone access. Available telecommunications devices include fax machine, telexes, cellular phones, and Internet connections. Public phones operate by phone cards.
Population

The population of Turks and Caicos is approximately 19,000 citizens. They are referred to as "Belongers."
Time Zone

Turks and Caicos is on EST and Daylight Savings Time is observed from April to October.
Tourist Offices:

If you have any more questions about visiting the Turks & Caicos, you can always contact the Turks & Caicos Tourist Office in Miami: Turks & Caicos Tourist Office
11645 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 302
North Miami, FL 33181
Tel: 305-891-4117
Fax: 305-891-7096
Toll free: 1-800-241-0824

Transportation

Anyone with a valid driver's license from their home country may drive on the Islands. Taxis are also readily available in the Turks and Caicos. Motorcycles, Scooters, and Bicycles can be rented for transportation as well. Vehicle Rental tax is $10 far cars and $5 for scooters, insurance extra. Driving is done the British way, on the left side of the road.

Visa/Immigration Requirements

Living in the islands requires a residence permit, obtainable from the Immigration Office in Grand Turk (see phone # below). Working or operating a business in the Islands requires work and business permits, which will be granted if the applicant demonstrates a skills, experience, or qualifications that are scarce on the Islands. Companies that offer employment opportunities to locals get priority.