Overview

The name Turks is derived after the indigenous Turk's Head 'fez' cactus, and the name Caicos is a Lucayan term 'caya hico', meaning string of islands. Columbus was said to have discovered the islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first.

Whoever first discovered the islands, in 1962, having been a Jamaican dependency for some 75 years, the Turks & Caicos Islands became a separate British Colony – a status that it retains to this day.

The islands are a spectacular destination for those who wish to get away from it all. One of the most valuable possessions of the Turks & Caicos Islands are their pristine white sandy beaches, which are complemented with crystal clear turquoise waters. In addition, there are numerous national parks, nature preserves, sanctuaries and historical sites.

Despite an increase in tourist numbers (tourism is the islands' main source of revenue), the islands remain largely uncommercialised and unspoilt with small, personal places to stay and a heavy emphasis on ecotourism. In addition to tourism, the Turks and Caicos economy is based on fishing and offshore financial services.

People on the islands known as 'Belongers' are known for their friendly spirit, which will ensure this is a destination that will help people de-stress, feel comfortable and truly relax.

General Information

Location

Caribbean, southeast of The Bahamas.

Time

GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).

Area

430 sq km (166 sq miles).

Population

26,000 (2005 census estimate).

Population Density

44.2 per sq km.

Capital

Grand Turk. Population: 3720 (official estimate 2003).

Geography

The Turks & Caicos Islands are an archipelago of 40 islands (8 of which are inhabited) 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 (or Grand) 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 35km- (22 mile-) wide channel of water, consists of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and a number of small uninhabited cays.

Government

British Overseas Territory since 1670. Gained internal autonomy in 1962. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by His Excellency Richard Tauwhare (with effect from 11 July 2005). Head of Government: Premier Michael Eugene Misick since 2003. Recent history: The ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) won a second term in government following parliamentary elections in February 2007. The party originally came to power in 2003 after eight years in opposition. The PNP holds 13 of the 15 seats available in parliament.

Language

The official language is English. Some Creole is spoken.

Religion

Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal.

Electricity

120/240 volts AC, 60 Hz.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is important and, when visiting someone's home, normal social courtesies should be observed - if possible, a return invitation should be made. A souvenir from home is well received. Informal dress is accepted for most events, but beachwear should be confined to the beach.

Vaccinations and Health:

Turks and Caicos enjoys a high level of health standards. As long as you have not visited an infected area within the last 14 days, there are no required vaccinations from the US, although you can check with your local doctor for recommended precautions for travel into Turks and Caicos, or the Center For Disease Control - CDC for up to date information on health concerns in countries you are traveling to.
Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize

Passports

Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of Canada and the USA, provided holding proof of identity (birth certificate and photo ID).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.php.

Visas

Not required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except the following for stays of up to 30 days (renewable one time only).

Note: Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Main Airports

Grand Turk (GDT) is 3.2km (2 miles) south of Cockburn Town (travel time - five minutes). To/from the airport: There is a taxi service from Grand Turk to hotels; prices vary. Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, bars and restaurants. There are international airstrips on Providenciales (PLS) and South Caicos (XSC).

Departure Tax

US$35. Children under two are exempt.

Flight Times

From Grand Turk to London, via the USA or Jamaica, is approximately 13 hours 30 minutes, to Miami is one hour 15 minutes, and to New York is three hours. From Providenciales to Miami is one hour 20 minutes, and to New York is five hours 50 minutes (via Miami). It takes three hours 30 minutes to get to Boston. There are direct flights from the UK, Canada, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Main ports: Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos), Grand Turk, Providenciales and Salt Cay. Harbour facilities on South Caicos are currently being improved. There are plans to build a new port on North Caicos.
The archipelago is off the beaten track for most major cruise lines. However, Fred Olsen Cruises sail to the islands. Boats can be chartered to sail to islands in the Bahamas or Haiti.

Getting Around by Air

In addition to the international airports on Grand Turk, Providenciales and South Caicos, there are landing strips on Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Parrot Cay, Pine Cay and Salt Cay. Turks & Caicos Airways runs a regular air-taxi service to all the inhabited islands, as well as flights to Cap Haïtien, Nassau and Puerto Plata. Charter flights are also available.

Flight Times

The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Grand Turk to other major cities/towns on the islands:

Getting Around by Water

Limited coast-hopping and inter-island services. Boats may be chartered at most of the inhabited islands.

Getting Around by Road

There are over 120km (75 miles) of roads on the islands, of which about one-fifth are sealed. Traffic drives on the left. Speed limits are 20 mph (32 kph) in town and 40 mph (64 kph) elsewhere. If possible, driving at night in Providenciales should be avoided. Taxi: Available at most airports, but the supply may be limited and sharing is often necessary. Negotiate on the fare beforehand. Car hire: Available from some local firms on Grand Turk, Providenciales, and North and South Caicos. Regulations: Seatbelts must be worn at all times. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Documentation: Local licence available for a fee if holding a national driving licence or an International Driving Permit. A tax of US$10 is levied on all rentals.

Climate

Tropical; tempered by trade winds, generally pleasant. Cool nights. Rain in winter. Hurricanes and tropical storms (with flooding) can strike between July to November.

Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights. Light sweaters are advised for evenings.

COURTESY OF WORLD TRAVEL GUIDE

GREAT EXPEDITIONS / 6142 HYGIENE ROAD/ LONGMONT CO 80503

720-494-1530 / TOLL FREE 1-888-SNORKEL / FAX 720-494-1542

INFO@GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM / WWW.GREATEXPEDITIONSTRAVEL.COM