The Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands a British dependent territory in the Caribbean . As the name implies, these are two groups of islands with a total number of about 30, but only 8 of them are permanently inhabited.
The most popular vacation is on the island of Providenciales ( Provo ), whose snow-white beaches are often included in the ratings of the best beaches in the world. The Turks and Caicos is an ideal destination for lovers of water activities, diving and snorkeling. In addition to the magnificent beaches that are among the best beaches in the world, the islands boast a rich underwater world: the largest coral reef in the Caribbean is located in the coastal waters of the archipelago. In the summer, off the coast of the Turks and Caicos, you can meet entire flocks of rays of various species, and from December to April, witness the migration of humpback whales.The center of the resort life of the archipelago is the island of Providenciales, where international-class hotels, spa centers and numerous restaurants are built. Solitude lovers can go to the neighboring islands and experience the pleasure of absolute silence and the triumph of nature. Turks and Caicos is also suitable for romantic getaways, family vacations, ecotourism and adventure tours.
Location of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Coordinates: 21.505,-71.754. It’s two groups of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that make up the southeastern tip of the Bahamas archipelago (however, they are not politically included in the Bahamas ). 144 km south of the islands is the island of Haiti ( Hispaniola ).
The total land area of the Turks and Caicos Islands is about 430 km2 . The islands are predominantly low-lying, composed of sandstone. The highest (highest point 49 m) – he is also the most densely populated island – Providenciales.
Climate of the Turks and Caicos Islands
The islands strongly influenced by a tropical maritime climate with frequent trade winds making it easier to endure the hot months. The average annual temperature is +25…32?С, without significant fluctuations. Hurricanes often hit the country.
The water temperature in winter is +23-26, in summer – +28-29°C. In a year approx. 350 sunny days. From June to October there is a chance of hurricanes.The best time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands is from mid-December to mid-July.
Language
The official language in the country is English, the majority of the population in the Turks and Caicos Islands uses Creole.
Currency of the Turks and Caicos
The monetary unit in the country is the US dollar (USD code).
Customs regulations
Import and export of currency is not limited. Persons over the age of 18 are allowed duty-free import of up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 125 g of tobacco products; up to 1.13 liters of alcoholic beverages or up to 2 liters of wine.
The import of drugs and drug-containing drugs, pornography of all kinds and harpoon weapons for fishing is prohibited. A permit is required to import firearms.
How to get to the Turks and Caicos Islands
British Airways flight through London with a technical landing in the Bahamas. If the connection time does not exceed 12 hours.
AIRPORT TAX
When departing from the country, a fee of 15.00 U$ is charged at the airport.
ELECTRICITY
120 volts (American standard flat plug), in some hotels 240 volts, 50 hertz.
THE MEDICINE
In all major resorts you will be provided with medical assistance, where there are also well-equipped pharmacies at your service.
CLOTHES
Shorts, T-shirts and other light clothing are ideal for walking around the city, but by no means beach suits.
In the evenings it can be cool, so it is recommended to take a light sweater or blouse with you on a trip.
Some restaurants require evening costumes.
TRANSPORT
To rent a car, the necessary conditions are: the age of the driver is at least 21 years old; the presence of an international driver’s license and Russian rights of a new type, a driving experience of at least a year; a valid credit card from one of the systems widely used in the name of the driver!
TIPS
There are no specific rules.
If you liked the way you were served, then a tip of 15% of the total bill would be appropriate.
BANKS
Banks are open: Monday Thursday from 8:30 to 14:30
Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and from 14:30 to 16:30
HOLIDAYS AND NON-WORKING DAYS
January 1 – New Year
‘s Day March 14 – Commonwealth Day
March 25 – Good Friday
March-April – Easter and Easter Monday
May 30 – National Heroes Day
June 12 – Queen’s Birthday
August 1 – Emancipation Day
September 30 – Youth Day
October 10 – Columbus Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
Days off – Saturday and Sunday
Kitchen
Fish and exotic seafood dishes with pea and oat garnish are traditional for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Skilled cooks are especially good at lobsters, lobsters and clams in fragrant sauces and marinades. Treat “homini” is the hallmark of the islands. These are clams with peas, sometimes poultry meat is added to the dish. Local rum and punch based on it are certainly served at the festive table.
The main resorts of Turks and Caicos
The best beaches and hotels in the country are located on the island of Providenciales or Provo. The most popular (Pin Cay, Sam Beach, Black Bay Beach) have excellent hotels and entertainment facilities for every taste and age. Coastal waters are ideal for diving enthusiasts: you can watch and even take pictures of dolphins, stingrays and whales in a natural environment, penetrate into underwater caves. Near the island of Western Caicos, the remains of ships that sank more than 500 years ago lie at the bottom. Those who wish can rent a yacht for walking and fishing. Lovers of an active nightlife are waiting for Grace Bay and its most popular resort Turks Reef Resort.
Landmarks in Turks and Caicos
The main attractions of the picturesque capital of the islands are the Museum-Garden, the monument to Columbus, the National Museum with a very original exposition of jewelry and household items of the local population. The farm for growing shells is very popular among tourists; some specimens reach huge sizes. It is worth visiting the Marine Sanctuary on the Western Caicos Island and seeing the protected flamingos on Katherine Lake. The protected reef of Little Water Cay will be of interest to lovers of marine fauna. No less interesting are the national parks of the North Caicos, which protect several species of exotic birds and inhabitants of the depths.
FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
A huge number of holidays and festivals are held on these tiny islands, which is not surprisingly a colorful mixture of cultures and customs, characteristic of the Turks and Caicos, led to the formation of a large number of common traditions, and a predominantly Christian culture to the emergence of a large number of religious rites, each of which gradually ” overgrown with a large number of ceremonies.
On January 1, Grand Turk and Providenciales host the grandiose Giancanu Jump Up, accompanied by dancing from midnight to sunrise.
January 30 is the traditional Mini Triathlon in Providenciales.
In mid-February, the Cactus Slam Festival is celebrated.
March 17 is celebrated throughout the country as St. Patrick’s Day.
March 31 – end of lobster season (on all islands).
On April 17, the annual Kite Flying Competition is held.
At the end of April – Earth Day and Salt Cay Island Festival (April 28-30).
At the end of May, the annual regatta is held in South Caicos, and the traditional folklore festival of Kinko de Mayo is held in Tartle Cove Bay.
Grand Turk Island
hosts a two-day Summerjam festival every June, accompanied by live performances and beauty pageants.
On June 5, Providenciales hosts the Golf Club Cup competition.
June 19 – Father’s Day.
At the end of June – Oval Ball rugby competition.
In June-July, the annual Turks and Caicos Fishing Championship is held in the waters surrounding Providenciales.
In July, Grand Turk hosts the Rack and Scrape Festival with parades of bands playing traditional music, the Conch Carnival, the annual Rotary Fishing Tournament, the Heineken Tournament and the Turks and Caicos Classic, and the annual regatta. North Caicos during this period hosts guests at the Festarama festival, and Providenciales hosts a week-long Summer Festival (the island’s biggest holiday) with numerous regattas, parades, and a theatrical beauty contest.
From the beginning of June to the end of July, Providenciales hosts the International Women’s Football Festival. On August 1, all the islands celebrate the opening of the lobster season. In late August and early September, Cultural Week (Cultural Festival) takes place throughout the Turks and Caicos.
In mid-August, Providenciales celebrates Caicos Day, and at the end of the month, the Grand Turk Carnival takes place during the week.
In October, North Caicos hosts: the noisy Extravaganza festival, the annual Oktoberfest festival (on all islands), the traditional Wave World regatta in Grace Bay and the Turks and Caicos Music and Poetry Festival.
On October 24, in the same place, in North Caicos, International Human Rights Day is held, and on October 31 – Halloween.
November hosts the annual Providenciales International Film Festival and Fisherman’s Day, the annual Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair, and Museum Day.
In December, there are: a colorful Homecoming Holiday, Christmas evenings of the head of government, the annual illumination competitions in the Caicos Islands, and on Grand Turk the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.
