Turks and Caicos Guide
Useful Tips
Planning a trip to Turks and Caicos? Here’s everything you need to know.
Official Language
English
Capital
Grand Turk
Currency
US Dollar
Time Zone
GMT-4
Block Title
Turks and Caicos Island is located 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida and 75 miles north of the Dominican Republic. Turks and Caicos Island is made up of two groups of islands in the Caribbean Sea, Turks Island and Caicos Island. Turks Island includes Grand Turk and Salt Cay and Caicos Island includes North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, West Caicos, and Providenciales. Providenciales is the most developed of the islands and it is where the international airport is located. There are plenty of hotels, luxury villas and restaurants on the island.
The Island is known for their white powdery sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is home to Grace Bay Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Turks and Caicos Island is a British Overseas Territory.
Climate and Weather in Turks and Caicos
The island has a tropical climate. In general, the average daily temperatures range between 75F- 95F (24 – 35 C).
The rainy season is from May through November and the weather tends to be hotter and muggier during this time. Low season is from August – November, which is also Atlantic hurricane season. August and September are the hottest months of the year and many businesses close during this time as tourism is low. (UJ tip: This is when you will find the best deals).
December – April are a lot more pleasant and considered peak season. It is not too hot or humid at this time, and there is very little rainfall.
Getting to Turks and Caicos
International flights arrive into Providenciales International Airport from: Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Dominica Republic, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.
Getting around Turks and Caicos
The best way to get around the island is by car or taxi. There are no ride-sharing companies that operate on the island. Cars can be rented at Providenciales International Airport and taxis can be booked through your hotel.
Things to do in Turks and Caicos
There are many activities to take part in on the island. Scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and paddle boarding are all popular activities.
- Whale watching – There is an annual whale migration through Turks and Caicos from January through April, which makes it a perfect time for whale watching. The whales migrate from the North to the Caribbean to mate and give birth. Check out some of the whale watching tours or keep your eye on the horizon.
- Eco tourism – Turks and Caicos is home to unique and endangered species including rock iguana and the west Indian manatee.
- Grace Bay Beach is located on Providenciales and it is consistently awarded the best beach in the world by Conde Naste Traveler Readers Choice Awards, TripAdvisor, and more.
- Visit Conch Bar Cavies, a heritage site located in Middle Caicos. It is a natural structure made up of limestone and the best known cave in the country.
- Take a boat tour around Chalk Sound National Park, a turquoise lagoon with many small islands and cays.
- Snorkel and dive around the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef, the third largest barrier reef in the world.
- Observe endangered rock iguanas on Iguana Island (Little Water Cay), which are native to Turks and Caicos.
- Take a horseback ride (and maybe even a swim) along the coast of Providenciales with Provo Ponies.
Events in Turks and Caicos
The Big South Regatta is held annually every May and is one of the island’s oldest festivals. The first one was in 1966 in honor of a visit from the Royals, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. The event attracts tourists and locals and consists of a street parade, boat races, beauty pageants, live music and more.
The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival is a three day event and held every year in Turks and Caicos. The event is hosted by many local businesses and showcases the best of food and wine. Attendees can enjoy wine tastings, cocktail tastings, plenty of food, seminars and more.
The Caribbean House Evolution Boat Party is centered around the Caribbean house music genre and takes place over three days around mid-summer. Expect beach parties, pool parties and boat parties centering around Caribbean house music.
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