The Turks and Caicos is made up of forty islands and cays, of which only eight are inhabited. On this page you're find an overview of the main tourist islands in the Turks and Caicos.
Providenciales is by far the most populated and developed island in the country with over 15000 inhabitants. Nearly all of the international flights arriving in the Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport. All of the large hotels and all-inclusive resorts
(except for the private island of Parrot Cay) are found on this island, along with the country's only 18-hole golf course.
The world famous Grace Bay Beach on the north coast of Providenciales is what started the tourist industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The whole plethora of water sports and activities are offered on Providenciales, along with exceptional diving off the northern and western coasts.
The accommodation, dining and shopping options on Providenciales are far greater than on the other islands in the Turks and Caicos. The island is also home to all of the large marinas and most of the essential businesses and services. Several major international banks have branches are found here, along with the country's largest hospital.
About Providenciales
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Beaches
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Weddings
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Sights and Attractions
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Water Sports
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Where to Stay
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Getting Around
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more
Grand Turk is the country's historical and political capitol and is the second most populated island in the country. Several cruise ships visit each week, so the island changes character on certain days.
The Turks and Caicos National Museum is located on Grand Turk, as well as the country's only lighthouse. Many of the older buildings on Grand Turk reflect the colonial and British-Bermudian heritage, so there's more of the traditional Turks and Caicos feel than on Providenciales. The main attraction on Grand Turk apart from the historical aspects is the amazing diving. The coral walls, formations and sunken wrecks around Grand Turk are world-class.
The accommodations on Grand Turk all tend to be small hotels with less than twenty rooms, or guest houses.
About Grand Turk
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Getting Here
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Cruise Centre
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Sights and Attractions
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Shopping
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Where to Stay
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Getting Around
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more
The two largest islands in the Turks and Caicos are North and Middle Caicos. Traditionally, these two islands have been the heart of farming and planting in the country, and this is reflected by the old plantation ruins found today on both islands. The combined population of the two islands is less than 2500, so things can be slow. A causeway connects North Caicos and Middle Caicos, so they function as one island.
The attractions on North and Middle Caicos tend to be more nature-oriented than the other islands in the Turks and Caicos. On Middle Caicos, the spectacular Mudjin Harbor offers some of the best landscapes in the country, and Conch Bar Caves is the largest above-ground cave system in the entire Bahamas - Turks and Caicos archipelago. Both North and Middle Caicos have miles of secluded beaches. Not many water sports or regular tourist-type attractions are offered on these two islands.
The restaurants and hotel options on North and Middle Caicos tend to be quite limited, so be sure to reserve far in advance.
About North and Middle Caicos
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Getting Here
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Sights and Attractions
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Shopping
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Where to Stay
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Getting Around
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more
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, Salt Cay is the island for you. At only a little over three miles long and with a population of about
100, nothing much ever happens here. There are only a handful of cars on the islands, and most people walk, ride bicycles, or use off-road golf carts to get around.
Despite not having any hotels, there are several excellent guest villas. The dining situation is a little limited,
with only three restaurants (but two are located right on the beach). Excellent diving and snorkeling is found quite close to shore here. Salt Cay is also the best spot in the country for watching the winter migration of Humpback Whales.
Salt Cay is where you come to relax and experience the
authentic Turks and Caicos Islands.
About Salt Cay
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Getting Here
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Sights and Attractions
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Shopping
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Where to Stay
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Getting Around
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Maps
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more