The Turks and Caicos Islands are Caribbean islands, famous for their beautiful unspoiled beaches, coral reefs and coral walls that plunge down from turquoise shallows to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean 7000 feet below. The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles (or 75 minutes) southeast of Miami. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system and the best tropical beaches in the world, making it a premier beach, diving and snorkeling destination and an ideal location for romance, family vacations, ecotourism and adventure seekers, which is probably why 60% of our visitors come back over and over again.

In previous centuries the Turks and Caicos Islands have been havens for famous pirates and traps for treasure-laden ships.

They were exporters of salt (the white gold), conches and lobsters. Now a stable British Overseas Territory, the high-lights are tourism and off-shore finance. Scuba divers and wildlife enthusiasts can see manta rays, iguanas, great whales, dolphins, and more!

Visiting Turks and Caicos Islands is most common January through March, with the usual rates during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period. Several hotels on Provo offer shoulder-season rates in April and May. During the off-season, rates are reduced by as much as 40%.

Tipping - Hotels usually add 10% to 15% to your bill automatically, to cover service. If individual staff members perform various services for you, it is customary to tip them something extra. In restaurants, 10% to 15% is appropriate unless a service charge has already been added. If in doubt, ask. Taxi drivers like at least a 10% tip.

The US dollar is the official currency of Turks and Caicos. Most hotels, restaurants and taxi services accept traveler’s cheques, which can be cashed at local banks. Most credit cards are accepted and banks offer ATM's as well as cash advances on credit cards.

Tipping is normally paid to waiters, taxi drivers, maids and porters at 15%.