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 snorkelling
destination and an ideal location for romance, family vacations,
ecotourism and adventure seekers.
There
are eight inhabited islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos,
Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Parrot Cay and
Pine Cay. East Caicos and West Caicos along with several other
fascinating cays are uninhabited.
The Columbus Passage, 22 mile-wide channel, separates the Turks
Islands from the Caicos Islands. This 8,000 foot deep passage
serves as major transit lines for migrating *Humpback Whales,
Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Turtles and Dolphins.
Excellent
visibility, pristine reefs, abundant tropical flora and fauna,
fish and other marine life, quality diving services and easy
conditions make the Turks and Caicos Islands a world class dive
destination. World famous walls are lushly landscaped in rich
marine decor and play host to a tremendous variety of sea creatures.
Shipwrecks, old and new further enhance these islands as an
outstanding diving destination.
Turks and Caicos has assured that for generations to come, divers
will be able to enjoy this underwater wonderland. A series of
marine parks and nature reserves have been set aside to protect
these beautiful and fragile areas. A system of moorings is in
place which protect the reef from anchoring damage at popular
dive sites.
*From late December through April, the entire Atlantic herd
of 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual
migration to the Mouchoir Bank, just 20 - 30 miles southeast.
During this period divers can listen to an underwater concert
of the whale's' songs.
Climate 75 - 90F 24 - 32C
Water Temp 77 - 85F 25 - 29C
Visibility 100+ ft 30+ m