New York City 4.6 hrs

Boston 5 hrs

Miami 1.75 hrs

Philadelphia 4.4 hrs

Los Angeles 6.75 hrs

Chicago 4.75 hrs

Dallas-Forth Worth 4.5 hrs

San Francisco 7.5 hrs

The main islands of Turks & Caicos consist of two groups separated by the Christopher Columbus Passage. Grand Turk and Salt Cay make up the Turks group, while the Caicos group consists of Providenciales, and South, East, Middle, North, and West Caicos. Some are uninhabited, and some are much smaller than others, but all boast world-renowned snorkeling and scuba diving.

Grand Turk: This island is home to Cockburn Town, the historic and cultural center of the islands. The streets of this 7-square-mile island are lined with 18th- and 19th-century landmarks that reflect Bermudan style architecture. Grand Turk also houses the Turks & Caicos National Museum (the islands' only museum). A protected coral reef, with clear calm waters awaits scuba divers and snorkelers.

Salt Cay: Less than 10 miles south of Grand Turk this former center of the Bermudan salt industry is a 3.5-square-mile cay that has been designated a historic site. Visitors here can see the windmills that once powered the salt industry and the 150-year-old White House, which was built by Bermudan salt rakers and still holds its original antique furniture. The ruins of an old whaling station are also on exhibit.

South Caicos: This is where you'll find some of the best diving and snorkeling in all of the islands. This 8.5-mile-long island has a plethora of secluded coves and thriving coral reefs. For a small fee, locals will take visitors sailing and fishing.

East Caicos: This 18-square-mile island is completely uninhabited. It was once home to a large sisal plantation and cattle industry, and ruins of an abandoned town, railroad tracks, and cave artwork remain. Today, much of the island is covered in swamps and mangroves, and sea turtles lay their eggs on the 17-mile beach.

Middle Caicos: At 48 square miles, this island (aka Grand Caicos) is the largest and least developed of the inhabited islands. Towering limestone cliffs and quiet beaches create a dramatic coastline. Conch Bay, on the north shore, features gigantic limestone caves. Just offshore in shallow water is the perfect place to snorkel and see a wide variety of marine life.

North Caicos: This 41-square-mile island offers miles of soft, white-sand beaches and water that's teeming with unusual fish. Visitors can also see a crab farm, plantation ruins, flocks of flamingos, and other birds.

Providenciales: Commonly referred to as Provo, this is Caicos' most developed island. With 38-square-miles and 12 miles of beaches, Provo offers major hotels, a casino, a golf course, and boutiques. A barrier reef attracts swimmers, divers, and boaters. An added bonus is JoJo, the Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin who has lived and played in these waters since 1983. He loves to give children rides on his back and perform tricks for anyone who'll watch.

West Caicos: Completely uninhabited, this 9-square-mile island has some of the most exotic diving imaginable. A wall inhabited by immeasurable species of marine life begins about one-quarter mile out to sea. The ruins of Yankee Town are evidence of the small civilization that once existed here.

Turks & Caicos is an archipelago of eight main islands and 30 to 40 small cays scattered around two large limestone platforms. The entire low-lying island country is surrounded by a continuous beautiful coral reef about two miles offshore.

The average temperatures hover between 75° and 85°. From June through October, daytime highs can reach the 90°s, especially in the late summer months. Constant trade winds sustain a comfortable climate year-round. Turks & Caicos get about 21 inches of rain per year, but showers are usually brief. The heart of hurricane season lasts from late August to early November, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.

Perpetual tropical temperatures and bright blue skies make Turks & Caicos an ideal vacation destination all year long. The most popular tourist season is from April-July and guests who visit during the "shoulder season" (August through March) will find less tourists, though crowds are rarely a problem in this secluded area of the Caribbean.

For a long time, scuba divers tried to keep Turks & Caicos a secret treasure all for themselves. But in recent years, the beautiful turquoise waters and powdery beaches have begun to attract more travelers who are truly looking to get away from it all. Crowds remain thin, and the islands resemble the peaceful beauty of the Caribbean of 20 years ago. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating excursions offer awe-inspiring glimpses of fantastic reefs and marine life. And back on land, top-notch tennis and golf abound.

Snorkel the Black Forest: Just off-shore in 35 feet of water is a "forest" of black coral chock-full of brilliantly-colored coral and marine life. It's snorkel heaven, not to mention a fantastic spot for underwater photography!

Caicos Conch Farm: You'll learn all about these unusual sea critters from their breeding stage to egg incubation to full maturation through touch tanks and engaging videos.

Scuba Diving: All the islands offer excellent diving. Countless varieties of colorful fish and coral, and a breathtaking reef that is 65 miles across and 200 miles long, are just the beginning of the underwater attractions. Off the northwest corner of Provo is Smith's Reef, which houses brain and fan corals, sea cucumbers, green parrot fish, long-nosed trumpet fish, and hawksbill turtles. Off the shore of Provo's Grace Bay is a 14-mile long barrier reef that's teeming with everything from vibrant schools of fish to barracuda to rotund grouper. At Grand Turk, divers can take a night dive on a wall. Bioluminescence turns the daytime colors into phosphorescent illuminations of the night. Off Salt Cay divers can explore the HMS Endymion, which sank in 1790. The ship's cannons and anchors are still clearly visible. And off the southern shore of West Caicos is Molasses Reef, which is rumored to be the resting place of Columbus' ship, the Pinta.

Beaches: Non-divers can enjoy the spectacular ocean scenery from the pristine beaches. On Provo, Grace Bay has calm, iridescent waters and is the perfect place for a stroll at daybreak or dusk. Erebus Beach offers great snorkeling at Smith's Reef. And on isolated Long Bay, along Provo's southeastern shore, visitors find blissful solitude. On Grand Turk, Governor's Beach is the most popular spot for picnics and parties.

Boating: Don't miss out on one of the many boating excursions offered throughout the islands. Many include snorkeling and lunch (usually a picnic or barbecue). Some offers sunset cruises and glass-bottomed boats. Guests lucky enough to be on the islands from December through April may have an incredible whale-sighting as the entire Atlantic pod of 2,500 humpback whales migrate by the shores.

Biking: The flat terrain and mostly paved surfaces are perfect for leisurely bicycle riding. And biking offers a great way to see the many sites in town, including the beautiful Bermudan buildings in Cockburn Town. Many of the hotels have bicycles available, as do bike shops around the islands.

Golf: Golf lovers will love the Provo Golf Club, which is ranked among the Caribbean's Top 10. Along with the 18-hole course, golfers will find an air-conditioned West Indian-style clubhouse, a bar and grill, a driving range, and a pro shop.

Tennis: There are many courts available, and while most of them belong to the hotels, non-guests are usually welcome to use them for a small fee.

Turks & Caicos National Museum: The islands' only museum is on Grand Turk. The exhibits here offer a peek into the early days of the islands, going as far back as the tribal population. Don't miss the fascinating exhibit on the Molasses Reef wreck.

Shopping: Those looking to shop should head to Provo. The Bamboo Gallery sells various Caribbean art, everything from Haitian paintings to native metal sculptures. Greensleeves offers paintings, rag rugs, baskets, and jewelry all made by local artists. Maison Creole has furniture, carved wood masks, and canes. Mama's Gifts sells hand-woven and embroidered straw baskets, handbags, hats, and shell & wood jewelry. And Paradise Gifts/Art has an on-site ceramics studio, as well as jewelry and T-shirts.

Like everything else on the islands, dining out is a casual affair, which is not to say the meals are not delicious. In fact, the island's recent increase in tourism is attracting a flurry of talented and inventive young chefs. Fresh seafood is a mainstay on most menus, and you're likely to see grouper, tuna, conch, spiny lobster, and hogfish, which is a local favorite. Many dishes are seasoned with tangy spices, and Cajun blackening and Jamaican jerking are popular. Most restaurants are located within hotels and resorts, and reservations are generally suggested, but not required.

Gourmet: Alfred's Place has a terrace dining room that offers a wonderful view of Turtle Cove. The menu consists mostly of seafood and European dishes, with everything from lobster and veal to conch sashimi. Gourmet desserts and Caicos coffee top off the meal, with live entertainment as an added bonus. Provo

Highly Recommended: Secret Garden offers both local and American dishes. While hungry beachcombers can get sandwiches and burgers early in the day, dinner is a more elaborate affair in the garden. House specialties include the award-winning Junkanoo-style barbecued spareribs and Conch Creole. Go on a Wednesday or Sunday night and take part in the festive sing-a-longs. Grand Turk

Local Flair: The Water's Edge is an open-air, wood-framed restaurant perched atop a small sand dune near the sea. Many diners come by boat and tie up at a nearby dock. The delicious menu features local delicacies, such as grilled grouper, fish soup, leg of lamb, and curried lobster. Irresistible homemade pies and a breathtaking sunset view make the meal perfect. Cockburn Town, Grand Turk

Romantic: Anacaona is set in three thatch-roofed buildings, and offers candlelight dining right by the water. The chef's 3- and 4-course meals combine traditional French recipes with fresh seafood and Caribbean produce and spices. Choices include blackened lobster salad with pineapple and red pepper salsa, and red snapper with aubergine feuillantine, onion confit, and star anise sauce. The extensive wine cellar, homemade desserts, and gourmet coffee - not to mention and the soothing ocean breeze and birdsong - guarantee a night to remember. Provo

Many of the hotels and resorts provide nightly entertainment. If your doesn't, Grand Turk and Providenciales have a few bars and clubs that offer music and dancing. Casino games are another popular nighttime diversion.

The Salt Raker and The Turk's Head Inn: Both are on Duke Street in Grand Turk, and offer music and sing-a-longs.

The Rack Room: On Grand Turk at Back Salina, it hosts live local bands and DJs that keep people dancing all night.

The Disco Elite: One of the islands' few discos, the party scene here is pretty good.

Casablanca: This is one of the hottest nighttime spots at Grace Bay in Provo, is a lively club with mirrors, music, drinks, and lots of fun.

The Casino at Allegro Resort: Try your hand at blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud, roulette, and poker. There are also about 100 slot machines. The casino often draws a large crowd and waiters serve frosty drinks all night.

The Commonwealth Regatta: Also called the South Caicos Regatta, this is the biggest event on the islands. Sailboat races, donkey races, sports competitions and a beauty pageant offer something for everyone. May

International Billfish Tournament: Held on Provo, this is a tag-and-release tournament with cash prizes. It has become so popular that there are now two rounds. June-August

The Provo Summer Festival: A major celebration, this is a week-long annual event with races, parades, regattas, and a Miss Turks & Caicos beauty pageant. August

The North Caicos Extravaganza: Enjoy sailboat races, parades, dancing, and an abundance of local cuisine. October

The laid-back ambiance of Turks & Caicos is reflected in its very casual dress code - bathing suits, shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and sandals. This is appropriate night and day, except in a few of the most upscale restaurants. Also, you may need a light sweater for winter evenings.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Sunburn & Heatstroke: The sun can be harsh, especially in summer, so sunblock and a hat are essential. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

English is the primary language spoken on the islands, though you may hear locals speaking many different dialects.

Turks & Caicos uses the same 110-volt/60-amp current as the United States, so no electrical adapters are needed.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: Visitors from the US need a passport or birth certificate and a photo ID are required for entry. Visitors are allowed to stay 30 days, and must posses a return or on-going ticket. A $15.00 departure tax is required for all departees over age 12.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Turks & Caicos Customs: Visitors can bring in the following items without any customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225 grams of tobacco, 1.136 liters of liquor or wine. There are no restrictions on cameras, film, or sports equipment, except spear guns, which are illegal.

US Customs: Returning US citizens who have been abroad for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. There is a flat rate of 10% duty on your next $1000 worth of purchases. Be sure to save your receipts. The duty-free limit for gifts received is$100. You cannot bring fresh foodstuffs into the United States; tinned foods are allowed.

Turks and Caicos Tourist Board: PO Box 128/Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI, phone 649-946-2321 or toll-free 800-241-0824, fax 649-946-2733, email tci.tourism@tciway.tc

Miami: 11645 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 302, North Miami, FL 33181, phone 800-241-0824

New York: 20 E 46th Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10017, phone 212-682-0435