GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE:
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a chain of some 40 different islands and cays of which only about 8 are inhabited. Population in the TCI is estimated to be around 22,000. This British overseas territory is located just Southeast of the Bahamas, approximately 90 miles North of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). The Islands terrain is mainly comprised of limestone, brackish marshes and mangrove swamps, with very limited fresh water holes. The coastline surrounding the islands measures 244miles (389km) and the land mass area is approximately 199sq miles (430 sq km), roughly 2 and a half times the area of Washington DC. It is a fairly low lying area with it's highest elevation only reaching 161 feet (49m). The climate here is considered marine tropical and is moderated by the trade winds. It is relatively dry with most islands only receiving an annual rainfall of 30 inches. The average temperature here is about 28 C / 83 F with September being the hottest month. |
GENERAL:
The official language here is english. We use 120 volt 60Hz, US standard electricity. The currency used in the TCI is US dollars. Traveler's checks as well as Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards are accepted at most locations. A Passport is required to enter the country. Those who don't reside here must also have a return ticket to be allowed entry. We drive on the left side of the road, and there are numerous car rental facilities. Most of the roads are paved in the resort areas, but if you plan on venturing out into the back roads, don't expect pavement. |
FOOD:
If you love food, this is the place to indulge. Most restaurants have very diverse menus so that anyone with any taste will be pleased. Providenciales specifically has dozenss of restaurants ranging from casual local hangouts where you'll get your cracked conch, peas n' rice, mac 'n cheese, fried plantain and coleslaw, to the more high end places that usually offer a type of innovative caribbean fusion cuisine. Or if you've rented a villa with a kitchen and choose to cook at home, we have a few supermarkets, including an IGA that pretty much carries everything. Alcohol can be purchased at any of the liquor stores, or local corner stores. Just remember to stock up on Saturday, because it is against to the law to sell alcohol here on Sundays. |
ATTRACTIONS (Apart from Horseback Riding):
SCUBA: The Turks and Caicos Islands have long been known for their incredible scuba diving. Marine life is abundant and there are numerous protected marine areas established in an effort to keep it that way. There are dozens of dive operators so finding a dive right for you is easy. And if you can't dive or want to start out with something a little easier, snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours or 'Snuba' is just as incredible for the inexperienced or the more faint of heart.
FISHING: Fishing has been a tradition here for centuries, and until recently, was the countries main industry. Now that tourism has taken it's place, local fisherman are earning a living by sharing their expertise with those eager to learn. Whether deep sea fishing is your thing, or you want to try bone fishing, or even conching, there are plenty of options for fishing charters.
WATER SPORTS: Water Sports abound here in the TCI. If you want to try wake boarding, wake-kiting, water skiing, tubing or bare footing. The waters off some of the remote beaches, and in the Channels are normally quite calm and inviting for water sport enthusiasts, or those wishing to learn.
SAILING: Sailing the sea is another great adventure. So if you want to play around on a hobi cat, or Sail to uninhabited islands on a private charter sipping Rum punch, there are dozens of sailing charters available here in the TCI so that any sailors needs can be met. If you're lucky, you may meet Jojo, the local dolphin, who sometimes graces us with his presence and will swim with you if you're friendly enough. Or if you're here just after a full moon, take a glow worm charter at sunset, and enjoy the luminous display of underwater lights.
WIND SPORTS: Wind sports are becoming more and more popular here in the TCI, especially Kite boarding. On any given day of the week, if the wind is right, which often it is, you will see groups of kite boarders coasting along the shores of Long Bay, or the North Shore. If you don't know how, there are several instructors who can get you started here. Windsurfing and parasailing are also popular activities here, and many hotels provide the equipment/service on site.
SHOPPING: If Shopping is your thing, we have numerous duty free jewelry stores, as well as art galleries, home decor shops, surf shops, clothing shops, and local hand made craft shops. Most stores are within walking distance of the hotels so shopping is made easy here in TCI.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: World class golfing, Sea Kayaking, Volleyball, Tennis, Cycling, Eco Tours, 4-wheeling, Jet Skiing, Island hopping, and beach walking |
