Picture perfect white sand beaches, glistening turquoise waters and the world’s third largest coral reef system are Turks and Caicos’ foremost attractions. If you are looking for a Caribbean destination with great shopping, exciting nightlife, booze cruises and familiar fast food joints, Turks and Caicos is not the place for you. If you are looking for the ideal island getaway where you are able to rediscover yourself, escape the pressures and stresses of everyday life and maybe work on your tan, Turks and Caicos is a dream come true. Turks and Caicos has long been a favourite of overworked, overstressed Americans. Canadians have begun to realize the magic of these idyllic islands as well. Turks and Caicos is actually a chain of small islands in the West Indies, eight of which are inhabited. Each island offers a different experience from modern luxurious hotels and spas to islands where time seems to stand still. Providenciales is the most developed and touristy of all the islands offering modern resorts, sports and activity operators, cafes, restaurants and more. Even with the island’s tourism boom, it is still easy to find a deserted stretch of beach just for you. Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos and a favourite destination with diving enthusiasts from around the world. Grand Turk also offers some great sightseeing opportunities and has recently opened some new historic sites. North Caicos is quite peaceful and unspoiled. This is a great place for birdwatching, sightseeing and fishing without crowds or even traffic. North Caicos is however touted to become the next tourism hotspot, so get there soon if you want to enjoy the area’s undisturbed natural beauty.

The beaches of Turks and Caicos are more breathtaking than you can even imagine. Grace Bay on Providenciales has been called one the world’s best beaches by renowned travel publications and is the pride of the island. This awe inspiring stretch of dazzling white sands and azure waters are also fringed by magnificent coral reef making this the perfect place for swimming, sandcastles, snorkelling, diving or pretty much whatever you want to do. Governers Beach is Grand Turks most popular beach and part of the Columbus Landfall National Park. Here you can enjoy some fun in the sun and then a picnic under the towering pines that line the sands. If you get the chance, check out the spectacular private island of Parrot Cay which seems to attract celebrity sun seekers. Other beaches you may want to check out include Bambarra Beach, Mudjin Harbour, Pelican Point Beach or Sandy Point.

Perhaps, the island’s best features are its coral reefs, abundant fish and marine life which offer outstanding scuba diving opportunities. Since the 1970’s, divers have flocked to Turks and Caicos to explore its vibrant under water world which has led to its designation as one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. If you are looking for an experienced dive operator to show you all the best sites, you will have plenty of choices. A few to try are Big Blue Unlimited which specializes in eco-diving experiences, Caicos Adventures, Oasis Divers and Salt Cay Divers. Shipwrecks, coral gardens, tunnels, sting rays, or sharks; whatever you want in your dive adventure, Turks and Caicos has it all. Some of the best dive sites around the islands include Gibbs’Cay, Black Forest, the 1790 shipwreck Endymion, Aquarium, West Caicos Marine National Park and Pinnacles. Whatever you come to Turks and Caicos for, you will leave feeling better than you have in long time and will already be counting the days until you can return.