Turks and Caicos on map

Turks and Caicos on map

Direction sign on Grand Turks

Image by flickr.com

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Location of the Island

The islands are located 90 miles (145 km) north of Hispaniola and just south of the Bahamas. Low-lying green hills with a maximum elevation of 250 feet can be found in the low-lying landmasses. The Islands are classified as British foreign territory and are made up of two groups of islands.

The Turks & Caicos Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea and consist of a group of forty cays and islets. The population of the Turks and Caicos Islands is just over 53,000 people, the bulk of whom live on the archipelago of Providenciales. Every year, tourists from all over the world, but especially from Europe, the UK, the US, and Canada, swarm to these islands.

The islands are most renowned for their pristine marine environment and Grace Bay Beach on the Providenciales, with white and sandy beaches. The Turks and Caicos Islands are currently a British Overseas Territory and are hence governed by British rule.

Low-lying coral reefs created the islands. They are distinguished by a variety of karst features, such as sea cliffs, caves, and banana holes.

Events on the Island

The islands host numerous events. The following are some of the very best:

1. Junkanoo

Junkanoo woman
Image by ewnews.com

 

It's a Bahamian holiday celebrated in December. This early-morning New Year's Day festival, which resembles a carnival, has entertainment, costumed bands, and street dancing. Performers spend months preparing for the grandeur of this street parade, which is accompanied by the continuous beat of whistles, horns, goatskin drums and cowbells. 

2. Kite flying festival

Kite flying is a popular pastime throughout the Caribbean, while it is more prevalent on certain islands than others. In the month of April, people from all over the Islands come together to fly giant kites that are either brightly coloured or otherwise distinctive, which helps to make this event stand out even more during the breezy springtime season.

3. Fools Regatta

Fools Regatta
Image by facebook.com

 

The Fools Regatta, held annually in the Turks & Caicos Islands, attracts sailors of all ages and skill levels and features yachts, sloops, and boats of various sizes as well as racing and tug-of-war competitions.

4. The Turks and Caicos Conch Festival

Enjoy delicious new conch recipes or go back to traditional dishes like the cracked conch and the conch fritters. Visitors can taste their way through the Turks and Caicos Islands by seeing the several restaurants and vendors included at the Conch Festival, where conch is prepared in a variety of ways.

Activities to Engage in Island

1. Unwind on the beach

Grace Bay is a beautiful stretch of ivory-white, a powdery sand beach that borders the opulently constructed North Shore of Provo and can offer a retreat from the bustle of the area's resorts. It is so stunning that it contributes much to Turks and Caicos' image as a beach vacation spot.

2. Snorkelling

Parent and children snorkeling
Image by hauteretreats.com

 

Incredibly good snorkelling and diving visibility may be found in Turks & Caicos. Snorkelling must be done if there is only one thing you do when visiting Turks & Caicos.

Bight Reef, a popular and easily accessible beach reef perfect for beach snorkelling where visitors can get up close to a variety of colourful reef fish, turtles, and lobsters, is located on the west end of Grace Bay. 

The Smith's Reef on Turtle Cove, Malcolm's Road, as well as the Northwest Point are more noteworthy locations to check out. On Salt Cay's northwest side, there is outstanding beach snorkelling as well.

3. Horseback Riding

Although it may seem like something out of a fairy tale or a movie, you can actually go horseback riding in the waves off of Long Bay Beach, the waters of Blue Hill Beach, as well as Five Cays Beach in Turks and Caicos. 

Equestrians of all skill levels can enjoy special courses while riding well-trained horses through the paradise.

4. Scuba Diving

Some of the top scuba diving locations in the world are on this island. There are much different fish, lobsters, sharks and turtles that can be found there, and they have the third biggest and largest coral reef system in the world. The island's national treasure and lone dolphin Jojo may even be encountered if you're fortunate.

5. Chalk Sound National Park

Chalk Sound
Image by visittci.com

 

Hundreds of tiny rocky islands can be found in this blue lagoon southwest of Providenciales. The water is clear, and powered boats are not permitted in the sound. Watch out for bonefish, barracudas, and rock iguanas. Even a lemon shark or sting ray might be can be found swimming nearby.

6. Whale Watching

If you're fortunate enough to visit the Islands between the month of January and April, be sure to head straight for Salt Cay on the southernmost island.

Visitors can either rent their own whale-watching vessel from this location, or they can stand on the craggy, salt-sprayed cliffs and gaze out to the Turks Head passage, where they can see pods of spectacular humpback whales making their way south to give birth in the Silver Banks waters.

Dining on the Island

Coco Bistro
Image by cocobistro.tc

 

A variety of cuisines, from regional and Caribbean to gourmet international, are available to pique your interest.

Of course, local fish is a key component of many cuisines. Conch, spiny lobster, fish, and fresh seafood prepared skilfully are all produced in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Da Conch Shack, which also functions as a rum bar, is a paradise for seafood lovers and has earned a reputation as one of the island's most storied restaurants. You may anticipate a really savoury vacation because the Bahamas, Lucayan, Jamaica, as well as African civilizations have all contributed to the cuisine on the islands.

You must make your eating arrangements and reservations before your visit because many of the islands' best eateries are booked solid for weeks at a time.

Exploring the Island: Best time

The months of February, March, and April are perfect for making travel arrangements for the perfect spring break vacation for families with smaller children. When it comes to beach holidays, the months of May, June, and July in the Turks and Caicos Islands are also some of the best times to go. The most hectic time of the year is December, especially during the winter holidays. When travelling to the islands for Christmas, make reservations as soon as possible.

 

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