Turks & Caicos Sections Getting There Where To Stay Activities Visitor Tips Scuba Diving Getting Married Calendar Weather Maps Information Request Turks & Caicos CTW Main	Description The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles (or 75 minutes) southeast of Miami. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system and the best tropical beaches in the world, making it a premier beach, diving and snorkelling destination and an ideal location for romance, family vacations, ecotourism and adventure seekers. There are eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos along with several other fascinating cays are uninhabited. The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the country is also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the Turks and Caicos islands on South Caicos in particular. The island of Providenciales is the main tourist island, where you will find International style hotel accommodations, most of them being located on the beach. Most restaurants offer native dishes such as fresh fish and peas and rice are served along with international cuisine with tropical twists. More casual, rustic and intimate accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays. The Columbus Passage, 22 mile-wide channel, separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. This 8,000 foot deep passage serves as major transit lines for migrating *Humpback Whales, Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins. Background The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed and the islands remain a British overseas territory. History The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Turks & Caicos At A Glance - Language: English (official) Government: Overseas territory of the UK Capital: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town) Size: 430 sq km, 389 km of coastline Location: Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti Climate: The average temperature ranges between 85 and 90 degrees (29-32 degrees celsius) from June to October, sometimes reaching the mid 90's (35 degrees celsius), especially in the late summer months. From November to May the average temperature is 80 to 84 degrees (27-29 degrees celsius). Electricity: Electricity follows the U.S. standard: 120/240 Volts/60 Cycles. Currency: US dollar (USD) Driving: Drive on left Rentals: A valid driver’s license from your place of residence is required when renting a vehicle
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