A chain of low-lying coral islands east of Cuba in the Lucayan Archipelago, split into the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands — famous for Grace Bay Beach, world-class diving and snorkeling, kiteboarding and a laid-back luxury scene.
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are a British Overseas Territory made up of the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, two groups of low-lying tropical islands in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean, in the northern West Indies. View map →
Of roughly 100 named islands and cays, only about nine are inhabited. Providenciales ("Provo") is the most populated and the territory's tourism hub, home to world-famous Grace Bay Beach; Grand Turk is second and hosts the capital, Cockburn Town. The islands are known for exotic beaches, a huge range of watersports, and seasonal whale watching. Read the full fact sheet →
Nationality: British Overseas Territories Citizen · Size: 616 km² (238 sq mi) · The Turks Island Passage separating the two island groups plunges to about 2,200 m (7,200 ft) deep
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Turks And Caicos Islands consist of seven main islands in the country and about 40 small islands and uninhabited cays. Providenciales and Grand Turk are home to the majority of the country's population. Both islands host nearly all of the infrastructure and tourism. Home to the Best Beach in the World, breathtaking hues from inviting waters, and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing. World class Turks and Caicos Luxury Hotels, Spas, and Restaurants await, as do our famous stretches of uncrowded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. On land or below the water, you'll relax in the unique serenity, hospitality and beauty of our islands.
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The stories behind the postcard — a few things worth knowing before you go.
The islands are renowned for stunning beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making them a haven for beach lovers and snorkelers alike — Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is often ranked among the world's best.
The islands' history was shaped by indigenous Lucayan people, Spanish explorers and later British colonizers — they were an important center for the salt industry across the 17th and 18th centuries.
TCI boasts some of the best coral reefs in the world, attracting divers and snorkelers to a vibrant underwater ecosystem — the protected barrier reef system teems with marine life.
The islands are a popular destination for celebrities seeking privacy and luxury, with many high-end resorts and villas catering to travelers looking for exclusive getaways.
The annual Conch Festival on Providenciales celebrates the islands' cultural heritage and culinary delights centered on the conch shell — music, food stalls and competitions draw crowds every year.
Ranked by locals — the Turks & Caicos essentials.
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“This Land of Ours”
The first inhabitants were Taíno people who arrived from Hispaniola between 500 and 800 AD, later joined by others from Cuba and the southern Bahamas — they lived here peacefully as fishermen and farmers for nearly seven centuries before the Spanish arrived in 1492. British, French and Spanish exploration followed without permanent settlement, until Bermudian salt collectors settled in the 17th century to rake salt from the shallow waters.
In 1841 a Spanish slave ship, the Trouvadore, wrecked near East Caicos; the 192 Africans who survived served as apprentices to the British for a year before being freed. The islands were annexed to the Bahamas in 1799, then to Jamaica in 1874 after the "Great Bahamas Hurricane," and became a British crown colony in their own right in 1962 when Jamaica gained independence.
Today the Turks and Caicos Islands are a leading international investment center for offshore finance, alongside their tourism economy centered on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales.
Often ranked as the best beach in the world. On Providenciales' north coast, part of Princess Alexandra National Park and home to many of the territory's luxury resorts — protected by a barrier reef with great scuba diving. To the west sit Bight Beach and the snorkeling sites of Bight Reef and Smith's Reef.
East of Grace Bay, with no large luxury resorts — quiet and secluded. The channels off its eastern side are ideal for wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
A top attraction on Middle Caicos — high limestone cliffs, a white sand beach, Dragon Cay, caves and breaking surf create a spectacular landscape reminiscent of Bermuda's bluffs.
Providenciales' kiteboarding spot — fine white sand and shallow turquoise water stretching for miles across the Caicos Banks, with trustworthy trade winds and great conditions for beginners and pros alike.
A beach and sand-bar lagoon between Water Cay and Little Water Cay — the number one boat excursion destination in TCI, home to the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana and a picturesque shallow lagoon.
Tips by Liz Strauss, an experienced traveler and piano entertainer. www.lizpiano.com · Disclosure
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