DESTINATIONS

Turks and
Caicos Islands

Staff Writer

The two courses that you will encounter during your trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands are conviently located on the islands of Provo and Grand Turk. Provo is the country's most developed island while Grand Turk is the capital.

Golf Courses at a Glance

Provo Golf and Country Club
Ph: 809 946 5991
Karl Litten-designed championship course opened in 1992 and is now ranked as one of the top communities in the Caribbean.
Waterloo Golf Course
A nine hole, beachside course in Grand Turk, built adjacent to the British Governor's House.

Turks & Caicos Islands

FAQ

1. What and where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The islands cover a 193 square mile stretch in the Atlantic Ocean, 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles southeast of the Bahamas. Providenciales, commonly known as just Provo, is the most developed of the islands, and covers an area of 38 miles. The island of Grand Turk is the capital, and other popular tourist destinations include Middle, North and South Caicos, as well as Salt Cay. The Turks and the Caicos groups of islands are separated by the Columbus Island Passage.

2. Do I need any special documents once I get there?

Citizens of the United States and Canada need to present a birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo I.D. Visitors from all other countries must provide a passport. You are allowed to remain on the islands for a maximum of 30 days, and this can be renewed once.

3. Will I suffer from any jet lag?

Well, that of course depends on what part of the world you are traveling from, but the islands are in the Eastern Standard time zone, and they do observe daylight savings time from April to October.

4. What type of weather should I expect?

From June to October, the average temperatures range between 85 and 90 degress Farhenheit, while those numbers dip to a range of 80 to 84 degrees the rest of the year. All together, the islands receive about 350 days of sunshine a year, and an average annual rainfall of between 21 to 40 inches, the latter the case the more west you go. Hurricane season is June to October.

5. What is the official language and currency?

English, spoken with a dialect special to the islands, is the official language and the U.S. dollar is the official currency.

6. What kind of taxes will I pay during my stay?

There is a $23 departure tax that is levied on all visitors over the age of two. There is also a falt tax of $10 on all car rentals. Tipping is usually 15 percent.

7. Besides golf, what are some worthwhile activities?

What sets the Turks and Caicos Islands apart from others in the Caribbean is that they are surrounded by 1000 square miles of reef, earning the country the distinction of one of the best dive locations in the world. Add in lush beaches, night cruises and a few spas, and there is plenty to keep you busy and relaxed.

Transportation Information

Direct flights are available from Miami, New York, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Toronto and London via several airlines, including American, US Airways, Delta, Air Canada and British Airways. It is about a 75 minute flight from Miami and only three and a half hours from Charlotte and New York. Additionally, carriers such as Air Jamaica Express and Inter Island Airways make regular flights from within the Caribbean.

Most hotels offer complimentary hotel shuttles and taxis as well as hired tour guides are readily available, meaning renting a car is not a necessity, but it is a luxury that many indulge in. Popular rental agencies including Avis, Budget and Hertz are available, and there is a $10 flat tax on all rentals.

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