There are eight main islands in the country, with six of them inhabited, and countless small cays. With an area of 238 mi² (616 km²), the TCI is about double the size of the Florida Keys.
Providenciales, also known locally as Provo, is home to the spectacular Grace Bay Beach, most luxury and all-inclusive hotels and resorts, and is the destination for the majority of overnight tourists. It’s also where the majority of our population of 31,458 reside. All international flights arrive here.
All cruise ships arrive at the island of Grand Turk, which is also home to the country’s capital of Cockburn Town. North Caicos and Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay are laid-back and a bit more down to earth, and are largely supported by low-key tourism and small-scale fishing and farming.
The Turks and Caicos has experienced a fascinating and varied history, with fortuitous connections to several memorable events that took place in the Caribbean and New World.
Other Caribbean destinations offer giant water parks, nightlife or the extravagant Carnival. Our tourism claim to fame is a bit closer to nature – we have the best beaches in the world. This is of course a tremendous assertion to make, but take a few steps on our powdery sand and we’re sure that you’re agree too.
Pristine white sand (often slightly tinted with pink) and crystal ocean water with breath-taking turquoise and blue hues define our coasts. And we don’t just have one or two great beaches, every main island in the country hides wonderful and secluded beaches, some of which go months without seeing a single visitor. There are miles of pristine sand and sea to explore.
The crown jewel of the country, the unrivalled and world-famous Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, has captured countless awards and recognition. Never crowded, Grace Bay is true paradise.
Exciting Attractions and Things to Do
There’s always something fun to do on or in the ocean while on your holiday. An expansive barrier reef, the third largest in the world, protects the coasts and is a home to vibrant coral, dolphins, turtles, stingrays and colourful fish. Little shore reefs and the sheer wall sites (where the coral shelf drops abruptly from 50 feet into the thousands) create the perfect diving and snorkelling playground.
The sheltered and winding mangrove channels of the Turks and Caicos wetlands are prime spots for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. You’ll see conch, turtles, stingrays, baby sharks and bird life the way they are meant to be seen; in their natural environment.
Want to get your heart racing? Take in the view from above with parasailing over Grace Bay, go horseback riding on the beach, or cruise the unbelievably-turquoise Caicos Banks on a jet ski. Wakeboarding and tubing are also great, with incredible flat water spots hidden between our pristine cays and beaches.
On the breezier days, the kiteboarding and wind surfing conditions are excellent. The shallow turquoise water and clean sandy bottom of Long Bay Beach on Providenciales is increasingly becoming recognized for what it is: one of the finest kite spots in the region.
Exciting activities and attractions are found on land as well. Caves, historical ruins and nature await. For those with relaxation in mind, one of our luxurious spas is the perfect place to get away from it all.
