subject: Turks And Caicos Coral Reef Paradise [print this page] Once dubbed the Forgotten Islands, the Turks and Caicos are now fast becoming one of the popular tropical destinations. It is hard to say where they are located because they are not exactly in the Caribbean, nor are they in the Atlantic. They are situated east of the Bahamas, directly north of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Here you will find vast stretches of white sandy beaches, small secluded coves and some of the most spectacular marine life in the world. The official language is English as these islands are part of the British Commonwealth.
Looking Back at Turks and Caicos
The original inhabitants of the islands were the Taino people, but soon after the discovery of the island by the Spanish in the late fifteenth century, they were enslaved and taken to nearby islands. As a result, the population was decimated. It remained uninhabited up until the 16th century and thereafter was controlled by Spain, Britain and France at different times. It was the favorite haunt of pirates who could hide in the coves and inlets.
It really wasnt until 1841 that the island really became inhabited. A Spanish slave ship was wrecked off the coast and the survivors made it to shore. Since it was in the hands of the British at the time, slavery was illegal, so these people could make their home in this paradise and live free. It became a separate colony in 1848 and later became a dependency of Jamaica. Today, although it is still part of Britain, it has its own governor and is being urged to become part of Canada.
Enjoying your time on Turks and Caicos
Provo
The majority of tourists stay in Provo, which is the industrial and financial hub of the islands. Here you can enjoy the white sands of Grace Bay Beach, which stretches for 12 miles. The swimming conditions are ideal for children because of the calm waters and sandy shoreline. There are many resorts along this beach. Even though this beach is quite stunning, there are others you dont want to miss out on. Long Bay Beach does not have very many hotels, which means you wont be overcrowded as you sunbathe. Take a trip off ythe beaten path to Malcolms Road Beach that you can only access by renting a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Take a fishing expedition to catch some of the large species that live in the waters. The Provo Golf Club is the only course on the island and offers a challenge to even the veteran golfers. Parasailing, kayaking and sailing are three of the other watersports available. Snorkeling and scuba diving is very popular with many providers renting equipment and providing charter service.
Spend some time exploring Chalk Sound, a public park in a landlocked lagoon. See the commercial production of conch at Caicos Conch Farm, the only facility of its kind in the West Indies.
The avid shopper will surely want to spend some time browsing the selections in Provo, especially those of the Bamboo Gallery. This is one of the leading art galleries on the islands.
Grand Turk
This is the capital of the islands of Turks and Caicos and is believed to be the location of Columbus landfall in America. This island is without a doubt one of the best areas for scuba diving in the Caribbean. Night dives are very popular and with the many shipwrecks that have occurred, you can also engage in wreck diving.
The main activity on this island is swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. There is a lighthouse here that many visit and it is also the location of the Turks and Caicos National Museum.
Accommodations on Turks and Caicos
Many of the world famous hotel and resort chains have accommodations on these islands. A family can book a suite at a very reasonable price and in the majority of locations, the rates are all-inclusive. Childrens activity programs are provided as well as babysitting services and coin-operated laundries. This is one destination in the Caribbean that really does cater to all classes of tourists, especially families with children.
Dining Options
Whatever your taste in food, you will find it in the restaurants of Provo and Grand Turk - Continental, Caribbean, Italian, Mexican and Mediterranean. If you have a yearning for pizza, you can get this here as well. Prices are very reasonable and wont break your budget and the service is friendly.
