TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, “THE TURQUOISE NIRVANA”
by clay larroy
Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to
a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time
you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do
and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to
making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon
bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your
smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on
vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags around the Caribbean. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Things to see and do in Turks and Caicos Islands
Beaches
Powder-fine, soft and white, the sands of the Turks and Caicos
Islands are the stuff of romance. Chill out on the beach that lines
Providenciales' renowned Grace Bay, or seek out your own private spot; there's
plenty of choice, with some of the best on North and Middle Caicos.
Conch Bar Caves, Middle Caicos
Inland from the bluffs and small coves of Middle Caicos, this
extensive network of limestone caves has some spectacular rock formations, and
is also home to several species of bat, whose guano was once mined here. The
Conch Bar and nearby Indian Cave was once inhabited by Lucayan Indians and also
contained the remains of extinct animals.
Diving and Snorkeling
Largely pristine coral reefs and excellent underwater visibility
have brought diving fame to the islands, especially Providenciales, West and
South Caicos, and the Turks Islands. Marine species that can be observed
include turtles, spotted eagle rays and manta rays, as well as numerous colorful reef fish.
East Caicos
East Caicos is uninhabited but has some of the most beautiful
beaches in the Caribbean. Turtles come and lay their eggs on the 27km-long (17
miles) beach on the north coast. In the northwest of the island, at
Jacksonville, there is a series of caves with evidence of early petroglyphs
along with the ruins of a once-thriving farming and ranching community.
Fishing
For committed sports anglers in search of an adrenalin rush,
there's deep-sea fishing for species such as tuna, wahoo, blue marlin and
dorado. Rather gentler options include bottom and reef-fishing in shallow
waters where snapper and grouper congregate. Some of the best fishing is
available off the coast of South Caicos.
Glow-worm cruise
Once a month following the full moon, the waters around the
islands light up with glow worms as part of a mating ritual, and evening
cruises are laid on to see this magical display.
Grand Turk
A few minutes from South Caicos by air, with the small metropolis
of Cockburn Town, Grand Turk is the islands' seat of government and commerce,
as well as their historic and cultural centre. Front Street has a number of
colonial buildings, dating from the early 19th century. Visit the lighthouse
overlooking North Creek on the north coast - it was shipped to Grand Turk from
the UK in pieces in the 19th century and reassembled. Heritage walks and guided
tours are available.
Kayaking
What better way to see the islands up close than from a kayak?
This is an ideal way to explore both sheltered coves and inland waters, such as
Chalk Sound and Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve on Providenciales or an
excursion to Little Water Cay to visit its iguana sanctuary.
Little Water Cay, Providenciales
Known for its population of the endangered Turks and Caicos
iguanas, and a variety of bird life, this small cay is protected as a nature
reserve. The boat (or kayak) ride from Providenciales offers the chance to see
mangroves and other natural vegetation.
Middle Caicos
Also known as Grand Caicos, Middle Caicos is lightly developed.
The three main settlements on the island are Conch Bar, Banbarra and Lorimers.
Blessed with a lovely coastline, to the west of Conch Bar, the shoreline dips
in and out with bluffs and small coves, whilst the north and south coasts could
not be more different. In the north are limestone cliffs and sandy beaches
while the south is swampland and tidal flats. Do not miss the island's
spectacular caves. There is a causeway linking Middle Caicos and North Caicos,
so visitors can take the ferry from Provo to North Caicos and then drive to
Middle Caicos with relative ease.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is widespread
as rare birds and butterflies are found throughout the islands. Visitors can
see wild flamingos from Grand Turk to North Caicos to Provo; Grand Turk has
designated birding trails. On Provo, Northwest Point National Park offers the
best birdwatching opportunities and you may see ospreys, pelicans, egrets,
herons, and more.
North Caicos
The fertile soils and water of North Caicos, known as the 'Emerald
Isle' of the Caicos, provide good farmland. It has miles of deserted white sand
beaches with gentle surf and excellent snorkeling, along which hotels provide
luxurious and peaceful accommodation, all just a short ferry ride from
Providenciales. Flamingos, ospreys, iguanas and various other wildlife can be
seen at the island's nature reserve. The ruins of the Wade's Green Plantation,
built in 1789 to raise cotton and sisal, are also a popular destination for visitors.
Parrot Cay
Parrot Cay lies between Providenciales and North Caicos. Once a
hideout for legendary pirates such as Annie Bonnie and Mary Reid, it is now a
luxury private island resort called Parrot Cay by COMO.
Pine Cay
Privately owned Pine Cay is inhabited mostly by tropical birds and
iguanas, and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caicos Islands, if
not the whole Caribbean. The northern end has many freshwater lakes with
species of saltwater fish brought here by Hurricane Donna in 1960. Part of the
Caicos Cays National Underwater Park is located here. The reefs of the Caicos
bank, with their rich variety of corals and vividly coloured fish, are a
must-see; the most practical way to do so is to stay at the Meridian Club, the
only resort on the island.
Plantations
For a short time at the end of the 18th century, the cotton
plantations of Cheshire Hall on Providenciales and Wade's Green on North Caicos
were worked by numerous slaves owned by Loyalist refugees from the former
American colonies. Now in ruins, the plantations remain evocative places to
visit, and through a degree of restoration, their story lives on.
Providenciales
This island is the centre of the country's major tourist
development, rich in luxury resorts and fine dining restaurants. There are
beautiful white beaches, a coral reef and an abundance of aquatic life. The
main tourist centre lies around Turtle Cove, with its peaceful yacht basin, and
Grace Bay. Grace Bay has a 19km (12-mile) beach and the Princess Alexandra
National Park; also popular are the Caicos Conch Farm (the only one of its type
in the world), the Bamboo Gallery (an art center) and the Ports of Call
shopping area. Explore Blight and Blue Hills, the two main and oldest
settlements on the island. Chalk Sound is a large turquoise lake in the south
of Providenciales.
Salt Cay
The second-largest island in Turks & Caicos is lightly
inhabited but has a few small inns and restaurants. Visitors can explore the
island by bicycle or golf cart; main attractions include whale watching and
diving. The island was once a center of salt production in Turks & Caicos.
Salt Cay
The tiny Salt Cay is home
to just 70 people, and a handful of self-catering villas for visitors.
Uncluttered and unspoiled, its timelessness is accentuated by disused salt ponds
and an almost total lack of motorised transport. Island Thyme (www.islandthyme.tc)
makes a great venue for lunch or dinner.
South Caicos
The town of Cockburn Harbor is situated on a small ridge at the
extreme southwest of the island of South Caicos. It was once the chief port for
the shipment of salt from the islands. The town is a quiet and pleasant place
to potter around in the evening, with some interesting remnants of the salt
industry and a few local restaurants serving fresh fish. During the day, there
are beaches to explore on the east and south coasts and, as everywhere in the
Turks & Caicos group, there is superb diving and big-game fishing – the
island is considered the country's angling capital.
Turks and Caicos National Museum
The Turks & Caicos
National Museum (http://tcmuseum.org), situated on the waterfront in
Cockburn Town, tells the story of the Molasses shipwreck discovered in the Americas
and exhibits rare prints and manuscripts from all of the islands.
Turtle Cove, Providenciales
All manner of boats seek out the peaceful harbour at Turtle Cove,
where several restaurants offer the perfect spot for a relaxed meal. Keep an
eye out for nurse sharks as they cruise through the shallows.
Walking and cycling
A network of field-roads across North, Middle and East Caicos
makes for great walking and cycling across these unspoilt islands, sometimes
joining up the dots between plantations, beaches and other attractions. On
Provo, the Grace Bay and Turtle Cove areas are the safest for on-road cycling,
and Grace Bay has pavements for safe strolling. Of course, walking beautiful
Grace Bay Beach is also very popular.
West Caicos
The westernmost island has an abrupt coastline leading to deep
water that is ideal for fishing and scuba-diving. Uninhabited, it is currently
only visited by sailors, fishermen and thousands of seabirds. An ideal place to
see a variety of birdlife is Lake Catherine. Ruins of Yankee Town, a railroad
and a steam engine are remnants of the time when the island was habited; a more
modern 'ruin' is that of the unfinished Ritz-Carlton Molasses Reef resort on
the island's north end.
Whale Watching
During February, March and April, whale watching enthusiasts are
able to observe large numbers of the North Atlantic humpback whale population
passing very close to the western shores of Grand Turk and Salt Cay en route to
their breeding grounds at Mouchoir Bank nearby. During this period, divers can
listen to an underwater concert of whale songs; charter boats equipped with
hydrophones also allow visitors to see and hear whales. Other marine species
that can be observed include dolphins, turtles, spotted eagle rays, and manta
rays.
REFERENCE SITES
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“Those who live by the sea can hardly form a single thought of which
the sea would not be part.”
― Hermann Broch
Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!
