Where is caicos island and turks

The main claim to fame are the white sandy beaches and world-famous Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales commonly referred to as Provo.

The Turks and Caicos is a great tropical vacation destination as we are home to some of the finest beaches in the world, yet are only a short direct flight from many east coast cities in the United States. Major cities including New York, Charlotte, Boston, and Philadelphia are less than 4 hours away, and Chicago, Toronto and Montreal are under 5 hours by plane. Internal affairs are handled by a locally elected government headed by a Premier , and security and external affairs such as defense , are the responsibility of the United Kingdom represented by a Governor.

The primary economy of the islands is tourism. Financial services and fishing, although commonly associated with the country, are minor industries. We have great sunny weather year-round — which can be a welcome change from the dreary days of winter up north. A common misconception is that the Turks and Caicos is part of the Caribbean. This is technically not true, as our country is considered to be part of the Lucayan Archipelago along with the Bahamian island chain, adjacent to the north of the Caribbean.

In addition, our island group is not located in the Caribbean Sea but rather the Atlantic. There are around named islands and cays in the Turks and Caicos.

The total land mass in the country is about square miles sq km. Both of our island groups are situated on extensive underwater plateaus , which are divided by the Columbus Passage , a foot m deep rift. The island is largely home to vacation homes, yet one small hotel, the Meridian Club , is found here.

This boutique getaway offers seclusion and an upscale atmosphere while still being quite laid back. Pine Cay is located about 10 minutes away by boat from Providenciales. Ambergris Cay is a bit of an outlier in the Turk and Caicos. The cay is a private island and located on the remote south-eastern edge of the Caicos Islands, so the atmosphere is more in line with Parrot Cay and Pine Cay than it is with our main islands. The terrain and coastlines of Ambergris Cay is a bit more rugged than many of our other islands, as they are exposed to the constant eastern trade winds and the swell and waves of the ocean.

The island supports many of our unique and endemic animals, including the largest existing populations of our rock iguana, as well as our miniature boas, geckos, and small lizards.

Close to Ambergris Cay is Little Ambergris Cay , an amazing nature reserve island of wetlands, beaches, and sand bar systems. The Turks and Caicos has over named islands and cays. Some of our uninhabited islands have become attractions due to their secluded beaches, sand bar systems, snorkeling, wildlife, and historical sites.

Both offer fascinating history and breath-taking landscapes. One of the best things to do in the Turks and Caicos is to explore on a private charter. You should first ask yourself what you're looking for in your Caribbean holiday. The appeal of the Turks and Caicos Islands are our spectacular beaches, a pristine marine environment, beautiful reefs, and excellent places for water sports. If you're looking for a relaxing time at the beach, you cannot do better than the Turks and Caicos.

Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is of course famous, but almost all of our islands and cays have really beautiful white sand beaches.

Due to the extensive barrier reef and impressive walls, diving throughout the Turk and Caicos is spectacular. The different islands in the Turks and Caicos each bring something unique to the table. Providenciales is of course the center for beaches, luxury resorts, fine dining, marinas, and shopping.

The majority of the population in the country lives here and all scheduled international flights land at the Providenciales International Airport PLS. Home to the capital of Cockburn Town, up until the last few decades Grand Turk has been the center of activity in the Turks and Caicos.

The wild North Caicos and Middle Caicos offer a different perspective. The greenest islands in the country, plantations here once exported cotton and sisal. Today, a quiet atmosphere, vast undeveloped land, secluded and impressive coastlines, and great natural points of interest are the main draws. Small vacation rentals make up most of the accommodation options on these two islands. Often overlooked, the quiet Salt Cay and South Caicos offer visitors the chance to experience the Caribbean untouched by tourism.

There are also regular ferries from North to Middle Caicos. 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 is also home to a brand new cruise ship center. 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.

North Caicos is also an up and coming resort destination with several new projects under development. 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.

Looking for Specific Resort Features? Find the Beaches that is right for you. With 40 islands to explore in this exquisite chain only 8 inhabited by anything other than wildlife , you can leave your mark by creating footprints in the otherwise untouched sand.

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Limited Time Offer. Learn More. Local Adventure Tours. Water Sports at Beaches.