The Islands of Turks and Caicos

Welcome to the Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands

Christopher Columbus, it is rumored, first sailed to these shores over five hundred years ago. Next came plantation owners, with thoughts of profit. They tried to get a foothold, and failed; leaving crumbling historical ruins in their wake. The Salt Industry in Grand Turk attracted merchant ships on the long trip across the Atlantic to trade, but that too faded into antiquity, while the salt ponds remain. In 1966 these islands were considered so uniquely untouched as to merit an official visit by the young Queen Elizabeth, aboard The Royal Yacht, and John Glenn brought some notoriety to Grand Turk when his space capsule landed offshore! Since all this was going on only 525 miles from the coast of Florida, it is little short of amazing the islands remained undisturbed, save for the ranks of cruising sailors who made it past the Bahama out-islands in pursuit of ‘the road less traveled. Ultimately, it wasn't until the advent of the new airport on Providenciales, in the early 1980's, that a more steady trickle of people ‘discovered' the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the enduring native population.

Today the road less traveled has become a trail blazed by those seeking perfect beaches, indescribably beautiful, crystal clear waters and all the recreational adventures they offer – as well as first class accommodation, palm trees, and sun – an exotic cocktail, with a powerful attraction.

Weather
It’s the tropics so we've got the sun all year round! The ‘winter' months (for the northern climes) are as sweet and refreshing (79–84 degrees). When its spring and fall in the higher latitudes, we experience a short-lived rainy season (82–86 degrees), and summer is hot, hot, hot, (86–100 degrees) tempered by the cool airs carried across the Atlantic by the Trade Winds

How to get Here
And all this awaits at the southernmost tip of the Bahama Chain, a short 80 minute flight from Miami. American Airlines are our principle carrier, well versed in how to find us and offering several flights daily. Charters from New York, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto and Montreal arrive all week long; and British Airways makes a turnaround from London every Sunday. Spirit Air also runs here direct every Saturday from Fort Lauderdale. Providenciales has a well-equipped International Airport (PLS), and is on every Travel Agent's ‘must see' list.

Currency:
Our proximity to the United States makes them our natural Trading Post and our lifeline to terra firma. Therefore, our currency is the U.S. Dollar. We do have several International Banks that handle currency exchange and provide access to ATM machines; all our hotels, dining facilities, water sports operators and most of the stores accept credit cards. However Taxi's and small variety stores require cash.

Immigration:
All visitors requre a valid passport. Europe, the United States and Canada do not require visas. An onward or return ticket is also required and the maximum amount of stay for a tourist is 30 days. An extension for an additional 30 days may be requested once on island. Residency permits for up to one year may be applied for. Check with the Immigration Department for more information.