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The Turks & Caicos are an archipelago of more than 40 islands
forming the southeastern end of the Bahamas chain. There are
two principal groups, each surrounded by a continuous coral
reef. Caicos is the larger group and includes Providenciales,
Middle Caicos, and the islands of North, South, East and West
Caicos, plus numerous small cays, some of which are inhabited.
The Turks group, separated by a 22-mile wide channel of water,
consists of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and a number of small
uninhabited cays.
Providenciales (Provo) is the capital of the Caicos Islands and
its topography is arid like the Bahamas. This laid back
island is famous for its diving (there are 7 world class
sites), amazing water color, wonderful beaches and off-shore
banking. Several fun and excellent restaurants dot the island and there is
some nightlife including a few entertaining local bars
and a casino. There is also the very chic "resort", Parrot
Cay and a new Aman Hotel, which have put Provo on the map. Island activities include: great
snorkeling, very good deep sea/ bone fishing, tennis, an
18-hole, par 72 golf course, SNUBA (Surface Nexus Underwater
Breathing Apparatus - an innovation in diving, geared to the novice and
beginner requiring no special training),
miniature golf, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, spa treatments, visiting the conch
farm and
meeting the resident celebrity, a wild dolphin named JoJo.
Various boat tours include: sunset cruises, picnics on deserted cays and
to see glow worms (a couple of nights after the full moon, about an hour
after sunset, marine glow worms emit a green luminescence for about 15
minutes while they mate. It's a wild sight!) One can also take day trips
to other T & C islands like Middle Caicos to visit the Conch Bar
Caves (one of the largest in the Caribbean) and Mudjin Harbour, which
has an incredible amphitheater-like overhang and a spectacular large
beach.
Local currency is the US dollar. Non-stop flights to Provo from Miami (about
1½ hours), JFK, Atlanta, Boston and Philadelphia are available
on carriers such as American, Delta and US Air. Carriers and cities depend
on the day and/or season. |
