Enticing by Nature
Blessed by nature, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer vacationers more than 370km (230mi) of sandy beaches along a clear, limpid sea. In addition, the islands are located near one of the world's longest coral reefs. Pure bliss for snorkel and diving enthusiasts! At specific times of the year, dolphins, rays and sea turtles abound in the warm waters around the islands. Here you will find several natural sites that are protected areas ideal for observing the many bird species found in these islands. Rock Iguanas, for their part, are unique to the region, making it imperative to protect and ensure the survival of the 50,000 that live here. Grand Turk is the archipelago's administrative, historic and cultural centre. The island includes a historic and cultural village known as Cockburn Town, where visitors can observe old buildings and vestiges that are reminders of the great Caribbean conquests of the past. According to legend, in 1492 the island welcomed explorer Christopher Columbus during one of his trips to the New World. The Turks and Caicos National Museum introduces history buffs to the various activities of Grand Turk and the archipelago. It also displays artefacts recovered from the wreck of a European ship said to have been built in the early 16th century, making it the oldest ever discovered in these waters. Salt Cay, which was the heart of the Bermudas' salt industry from the early 17th century to 1960, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can still admire the architecture and structures from the days when "salt was king."
Providenciales, or simply Provo, is the most developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It features a wide array of luxury hotels, a casino and a much sought-after golf course. The island's northern region boasts superb beaches and a spectacular coral reef. Located on Leeward Highway in the middle of the island, Cheshire Hall is a former cotton plantation where you can get a taste of early 19th century life on the island. You can take another trip back in time at the top of Sapodilla Hill near Chalk Sound, where sailors left rock carvings to mark their passage. Most of these carvings date back to before 1844.
The world’s only conch farm, the Caicos Conch Farm raises Caribbean Queen conches for commercial export and local use. Located on Grace Bay, the Princess Alexandra Marine Park’s stunning seabed offers a superb environment for snorkelling. In the western part of the island, 3.5km-long Malcolm Beach is perfect for sunning, strolling or snorkelling, while the Northwest Point Marine National Park protects some 8km of coastline and coral reefs. Clear, turquoise waters wash over Chalk Sound National Park, which spreads over 5km in the southwestern part of the island Among the other islands are North Caicos, which, thanks to its abundant rainfall, features lush vegetation and exotic fauna that can easily be observed. South Caicos, for its part, is the fishing capital, while Middle Caicos and West Caicos are unique for their beautiful natural landscapes. The former includes the largest caverns in the archipelago; the latter features the most magnificent diving sites.