The spectacular Turks and Caicos Islands are located 575 miles (or 75 minutes) from the southeast of Miami. These Islands stretch over 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, and have the third largest coral reef and some of the best beaches in the world. These attributes make the Turks and Caicos Islands a premier family beach vacation spot and a sought after snorkeling and diving destination. The Turks and Caicos are an ideal place for not only spending holidays with the family but also romance and ecotourism. In fact, spending time in the Turks and Caicos is so delightful that, nearly 60% visitors pay repeat visits and come back for more family beach vacations.

About the Turks and Caicos

The turquoise waters of the pristine white sandy beaches, spread across 230 miles, are among the most valuable possessions of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The islands in Turks and Caicos are relatively flat, but vary from one another in terms of sand dunes and density of vegetation. Only eight of the islands are populated, namely - Salt Cay, South Caicos, Grand Turk, North Caicos, Providenciales, Middle Caicos, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay. The inhabitants of these islands are known as ?Belongers? who are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness, attributes which ensure that the tourists feel de-stressed and relaxed in the true sense. The uninhabited islands such as West Caicos and East Caicos are extremely fascinating and popular. Tourism is the biggest industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is easy to understand once you visit.

Getting There

Getting to the Turks and Caicos Islands is very easy. American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta Airlines, and US Airways offer direct flights to the island from Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, London, Boston, Toronto, and New York. Those within the region can fly to the destination with Bahamas Air, Sky King, Air Jamaica Express, and Air Turks & Caicos.

What To Do

You can indulge in a variety of activities in the Turks and Caicos on your family beach vacation, starting from playing tennis and golf, deep-sea fishing, bird-watching, island style bone fishing, horseback rising, cycling, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, whale watching, parasailing, and touring the biggest cave network. Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly the most popular activities in the Islands.

Where to Go

The Providenciales Island is the most popular tourist destination in Turks and Caicos with its international standard accommodation facilities, offering unique surroundings and word-class cuisines and spas. Among the cuisines, you can try native cooking made of fresh fish, and rice and peas, served with international cuisines for tropical twists. You will also find more casual, intimate, and rustic accommodations on other islands and smaller cays.

Do not miss visiting Grand Turk, the capital city, for its rich historical heritage. The city also has the Turks and Caicos National Museum, exhibiting the Molasses Reef Wreck, one of the most crucial underwater archaeological discoveries along with artifacts related to Columbus' first landfall. Your family will love a beach vacation in the Turks and Caicos.