The country is a British Overseas Territory named The Turks and Caicos Islands. This can be shortened to TCI, but do not call us Turks.
The Turks Islands comprise the capitol island 'Grand Turk' known for scuba diving, gorgeous beaches, historic architecture and a cruise ship port. Salt Cay has beautiful beaches and is known to be laid-back with excellent diving, snorkelling and whale watching. These islands are accessible from Providenciales by small plane. Several uninhabited cays (keys) are popular picnic and snorkelling spots, Gibbs Cay for stingrays.
The Caicos Islands include South Caicos known for diving and the fishing industry with yet undiscovered dramatic views and beaches, Middle Caicos known for Mudjin Harbour/Dragon Cay picturesque photo ops, caves and locally woven baskets, North Caicos with miles of beaches, accessible bone-fishing, home to boat builders, local restaurants and historic plantations.
These three islands are accessible from Providenciales by ferry that carries people only, no cars. Parrot Cay and Pine Cay are reached by boat.The island of Providenciales is where most planes and private jets land, the site of Grace Bay Beach. Many condominium type resorts from 3 to 7 stories are found along the beach which runs uninterrupted for approx. seven miles. The powder white sand beach and the gin clear aquamarine to turquoise water is the main attraction, protected by the worlds third largest reef. Watersports, scuba, snorkelling, many restaurants, spas, a casino and a little nightlife are found. Boat excursions will take you fishing, snorkelling, diving or to uninhabited cays.We are a country of islands - eight inhabited islands, 40 some uninhabited, with 230 miles of beaches.
