Unforgettable Island Experiences

We Grand Turk has been the seat of government for over 400 years and is the political capital of the Turks and Caicos and home to the Governor’s residence. In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed here on his first voyage in search of the Far East.
Today Grand Turk is a quiet island offering old world charm and excellent diving. Bermudian colonial architecture is still in evidence and a visit to the Turks and Caicos National Museum is a must. Look out for wandering donkeys. 
Salt Cay is known locally as “The Land That Time Forgot”. Little has changed since 1900, when the salt industry flourished on this tiny island and the Salinas are still in evidence. This is the place to come between January and March to watch the migrating whales. Just to the south of the island lies the Endymion Wreck, a 140 ft wooden hulled British warship, which sank in 1790 after hitting the reef. A must-see for diving enthusiasts. South Caicos lies 22 miles to the west of Grand Turk and is the nearest of the Caicos Islands. Once a flourishing producer of salt and sisal (a plant for making rope) South Caicos is now a very quiet island, whose economy is sustained by the export of conch and lobster. Due to its very protected harbour, South Caicos hosts the Turks and Caicos Islands annual sailing regatta each May. East Caicos despite its size is completely uninhabited, with no plans at this time for development. There is a 17-mile stretch of pristine deserted beach on the north coast. Middle Caicos is perhaps the most dramatic and picturesque of all the Caicos Islands and has a population of about 200 people living in the settlements of Conch Bar, Bambarra and Lorimers. Visit Mudjin Harbour for spectacular scenery. The limestone caverns, dating back to Lucayan times are a must see part of the local tour of this lush island. North Caicos is know locally as the breadbasket of the Turks and Caicos and is the greenest of the islands and the local population is concentrated into four settlements, Sandy Point, Kew, Whitby and Bottle Creek.British loyalist fled here in 1789 during the American War of Independence and established cotton plantations. One of the most successful was Wades Green and a visit to the well-preserved ruins is a must. 
Today, North Caicos, with its beautiful deserted beaches is beginning to develop into a very attractive and peaceful tourist destination, with small hotels and guesthouses. Flamingos, osprey and pelicans abound. West Caicos is currently an uninhabited island and nature reserve. In the late 1800 this was home to a thriving sisal plantation and some railroad tracks still remain. It is a favourite diving site and its small sandy beaches are excellent for finding shells and perfect for secluded picnics. Look for Osprey nests amid the old Haitian sloops.
Other notable Cays include Parrot Cay now home to an exclusive 5 star resort and spa, this small island was once a pirate hideout in the 1700’s; Pine Cay a private Island boasting exclusive homes, with nine miles of nature trails and no cars. Residents travel around on golf carts; Dellis Cay an excellent place to find shells, including sand dollars; Little Water Cay asanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas and a popular stop off point for beach cruises; Fort George Cay a national historic site where Loyalist cannons can be seen in the shallow waters close to the shore. All are easily accessible by boat from Providenciales and well worth a visit.