Turks and Caicos Islands Information

Location

The Turks and Caicos Islands are located only 575 miles southeast of Miami and 90 miles north of Haiti. They are situated between 21 degrees and 22 degrees latitude and between 71 degrees and 72 degrees longitude.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a small archipelago of eight major islands and many uninhabited cays. The islands are surrounded by some 230 miles of virgin coral reef. This combined with miles and miles of unobstructed, unpopulated white sandy beach, makes the Turks and Caicos Islands one of the most sought after Caribbean destinations on the market today. Divers were first to discover the islands as the long barrier reef which protects the Islands is home to a multitude of wildlife and magnificent coral formations. The breath-taking wall dives make the islands a very popular dive destination.

Getting here

Providenciales is serviced by American Airlines (800-433-7300) with three flights daily in and out of Miami and additional weekly flights from New York and Boston. US Air is flying daily to Providenciales from Charlotte, North Carolina. British Airways serves Providenciales from London Gatwick once a week. During the high season (December 15th to April 30) charters provide service from many major cities in the Unites States and Canada.

Flight time is approximately one hour and twenty minutes from Miami to Providenciales. For those of you wishing to travel outside Providenciales to the other islands, connections are easily made with a variety of local carriers.

Ground transportation

There are several car rental companies. In order to rent a car in the Turks and Caicos Islands you must be at least twenty one years of age and must hold a valid driver's license. We drive on the left side of the road.

Currency

The unit of currency in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the U.S. dollar. All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Groceries

There are two major grocery stores on the island of Providenciales, Island Pride and IGA Supermarket (click) , plus numerous small convenience stores. These stores carry a wide variety of goods and you will find most items available on island.

Medical services

Providenciales has four general practitioners in private practice and a government clinic. The government hospital is located in Grand Turk.

Language

English is the language of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Climate

High temperatures vary from 95° (F) in the summer to 80° (F), 27° (C) in the winter. The almost constant island breezes keep the heat at bay and make the island temperature feel cooler than thermometer readings. September and October are the hottest months of the year.

Marriage licenses

Getting married in the Turks and Caicos Islands is becoming a popular trend (not to mention the numerous possibilities for romantic and secluded honeymoon locations). In order to get married in the Turks and Caicos Islands you must be in residence for at least twenty four hours before the ceremony takes place. A marriage license costs $50.00 and may be obtained from the Chief Secretary's office in Providenciales or Grand Turk. You can arrange to be married in a civil ceremony by a marriage officer appointed by the Government or, if you prefer to be married in a church, you can contact any of the churches on the island. Almost every denomination is represented. Ceremonies can be performed in a variety of romantic settings including aboard a sail boat.