| Here you'll have no choice but to relax. Affectionately dubbed the Caribbean's last frontier, the Turks and Caicos are two groups of low-lying, undeveloped islands and cays completely surrounded by virgin coral reefs. All told, there are more than 200 miles of sparkling beaches. Aside from just plain basking in the sun, major attractions are diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, golfing and birdwatching. Caicos is also home to the world's only conch farm -- conch fritters are a delectable staple in the local diet.
This paradise of more than 40 islands and small cays, only eight of which are inhabited, is a great escape for beach and sports lovers.
Sports: Scuba diving here ranks among the Caribbean's best. For close-to-shore snorkeling, there's the White House Reef and Smith's Reef. Opportunities for parasailing, wind-surfing and waterskiing abound. Other activities include sailing Provo's reef-protected waters and deep-sea fishing.
Things To Do and See: Near Provo on Providenciales, guided tours are offered of the Caicos Conch Farm.
Shopping: Local crafts include wood carvings, handmade dolls, metalwork, delicately woven baskets and polished conch shells.
Festivals: The Provo Summer Festival in late July includes carnival pageants, cultural shows and a beauty pageants.
Island Trivia: Modern-day treasure seekers still explore the numerous shipwrecks between West Caicos and Provo.
Language: English, Spanish, French and Creole
Electricity: 120/240 volts
Currency: The U.S. dollar |
