The Tempting Turks and Caicos

Home to one of the world's best -- and lesser known -- beaches, the Turks and Caicos Islands are convenient, affordable, and uncrowded.  Located just east of South Florida and southeast of the Bahamas, this collection of thirty small islands offers turquoise water, long stretches of white sand beach, and a variety of accommodations.

About Turks and Caicos

Most of the Turks and Caicos' 30 islands are uninhabited or scarcely habited.  The main tourist destinations are Grand Turk Island and Providenciales, called "Provo" by the residents.  Providenciales is the most developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Just 38 square miles, this idyllic island is covered with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.  Two separate six-mile stretches offer visitors a variety of watersports, scenic vistas, and uncrowded white sand beach.  Grace Bay on the north side of the island is a beautiful inlet with a coral formation just off shore.  On the south of the island is Chalk Sound, a large lake with surrounding cays and brilliant turquoise water. 

What to do on Providenciales

Most activities on Providenciales revolve around the beach and the sea.  Among the most popular things to do on the islands are:

• Enjoy the Beach -- Provo's relatively uncrowded stretches of white sand are ideal for an early morning walk, a swim in the ocean, or a rousing game of volleyball.
• Whale-Watching -- The Caribbean humpback whales make a regular migration between the Turks & Caicos and the Dominican Republic.  Take a boat ride out to see these majestic creatures.
• Sports Fishing -- The waters surrounding the Turks are known for their excellent sports fishing.  Among the many fish that thrive around the Turks are tuna, snapper, wahoo, and barracuda.
• Diving and Snorkeling -- The clear turquoise waters and coral formations around the Turks offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.  Dozens of dive shops dot the islands, with dive trips to interest the most experienced divers as well as beginners.

How to Get There

Providenciales airport is about an hour's flight from Miami, making it very accessible to cities along the east coast and in the Midwest.  American Airlines also operates non-stop flights from New York's JFK airport.  Expect to pay around $500 roundtrip from the Eastern and Midwestern US and around $300 from Florida.

Remember travel to the Caribbean now requires that U.S. citizens carry a valid passport. 

Where to Stay on Providenciales

The Turks and Caicos offer a variety of accommodations, from the elegant Grace Bay Resort to the family-oriented Beaches Resort.  Among the most popular places to stay are:

• Grace Bay Club -- One of the most luxurious hotels on the island, the Grace Bay Club offers 59 suites, all just steps away from spectacular Grace Bay Beach. Facilities include a health club, a full spa, and a romantic open-air oceanfront restaurant.
• Beaches Resort -- This family-friendly resort, owned by the Sandals Resort people, features amenities for kids, such as the "Pirates Island" water park and an XBOX game center.  Adults will like the full service spa.  Rates are all-inclusive.  One price covers accommodations, meals, beverages, many activities, and transportation to and from the resort.
• Club Med Turkoise -- The Turks property of this popular vacation company, Turkoise features non-stop activities, family-style meals with a French flair, numerous bars, and a friendly atmosphere.  There even offer trapeze lessons.

So if you're looking for something a little different this winter, something relaxing, yet easy-to-get-to and fun, give the Turks a try.