Turks & Caicos

Discovered by Columbus in 1492, he named it Hispaniola. The native Arawaks called it Settled by the English and Loyalists during the American Revolution, the Turks & Caicos Islands remained out of the tourist mainstream until recent years. Consisting of eight main islands and numerous cays and sandbars, today they are known for their tranquility and as an ideal location for diving and other water sports.

 Providencials Island, with some 6500 inhabitants, in addition to dive sites with wrecks and diverse marine life, also has an 18-hole golf course and casino. Grand Turk with the capital Cockburn Town, still retains a laid back island ambience. Islands such as Salt Cay, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, East Caicos, and West Caicos all have excellent tranquil beaches.

 For bird watchers, these islands have an abundance of species – a flamingo colony on North Caicos and nesting sites of Sooty and Noddy Terns among others.

 Because of its excellent diving, many scuba enthusiasts are drawn here and the islands have seen an influx of tourism in recent years. There is a wide range of accommodations ranging from luxury leaders to small inns that will assure a comfortable stay.