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Banks
Bank opening hours are 8.30am–2.30pm, Mondays to Thursdays and 8.30am-4.30pm on Fridays. Banks are closed at the weekend, but there are ATMs on the main islands that accept credit cards and dispense US Dollars.
Providenciales
Bank of Nova Scotia, Cherokee Road, t 946 4750
First Caribbean International Bank, Leeward Highway, t 946 5303
TCI Bank Limited, t 941 7500
Grand Turk
First Caribbean International Bank, PO Box 258, t 946 2831
TCI Bank Limited, t 941 7503
First Caribbean International Bank, South Caicos, t 946 3268
TCI Bank Limited, North Caicos, t 946 7700 |
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Beaches
Superb white sand, vivid blue sea, good snorkelling and a lack of crowds all add up to make the beaches on the Turks and Caicos Islands exceptional. Some consider them to be amongst the best in the world. All Turks and Caicos beaches are public up to the high water mark, so you can visit the smaller islands if you wish, but if the land is owned, say by a hotel, you will need to contact them in advance if you wish to use their facilities. Many of the beaches are undeveloped and so you should take all you need in terms of water and food.
Below is a selection of some of the best on the Turks and Caicos Islands:
Providenciales Beaches
Grace Bay
On the north coast of Providenciales. Miles and miles of pristine sand looking north to a barrier reef offshore which breaks the incoming surf to create calm, crystal-clear water. There are many hotels and condominium developments giving excellent facilities, also superb walking.
Erebus Beach
Accessible snorkelling at the mouth of Turtle Cove.
Leeward Beach
Located at the eastern end of Grace Bay, a secluded stretch of sand with stone jetties and small cliffs. Easily accessible by various roads and paths in the Leeward district.
Malcolm Roadstead
Spectacular two mile beach near the north west shore of the island, with excellent snorkelling and Tiki huts to provide shade. Accessible with a four wheel drive vehicle a short ride from the Blue Hills area.
Sapodilla Bay Beach
Fairly secluded, warm shallow waters on the south of Providenciales. Also an anchorage for visiting yachts.
Islands east of Providenciales (West to East)
Little Water Cay
An excellent stretch of sugar white sand with plenty of opportunity for beach combing. The endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguanas can be seen on the island and there is a nature trail. Day trips visit this island.
Pine Cay
Stunning silky sand beach stretching for two miles. The Meridian Club is a private resort but you can get lunch there if you contact them in advance, t 946 5128.
Parrot Cay
Excellent white coral sand giving onto azure sea, a beautiful place to spend a day. Home to the Parrot Cay Hotel, t 946 7788, so you need permission to go visit the island itself.
North Caicos
A relatively undeveloped area with miles of wild and empty sand on the north coast, protected from the Atlantic swell by offshore islands and reefs.
Middle Caicos
Breathtaking views of coastal bluffs, caves and cove-enclosed beaches from Mudjin Harbour. Nature trail runs along the cliffs.
South Caicos
Idyllic curves of undeveloped sand on the northern side of the island, right by the airstrip. Take food, drink and snorkelling gear if you plan to spend the day.
Grand Turk
Governor’s Beach, which runs south from Cockburn Town, is a popular picnic and party spot. Food, drinks and watersports gear available at the hotels along the central shore. Pillory Beach, near the Guanahani Beach Resort, is a wide stretch where it is rumoured Columbus landed.
Salt Cay
A gorgeous white sand beach hems the entire north shore of the island. There are also sandy coves on the eastern side. |
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Casinos
There are two casinos in the Turks and Caicos Islands, both on Providenciales. Gambling otherwise is relatively limited but there are bars with slot machines.
Casablanca, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales.
Games include blackjack, roulette and poker alongside slot machines and a bar. Open 7pm to 5am with extended hours during peak season.
Players Club, Turtle Cove, Providenciales, t 649 941 4263
Over 100 digitally monitored gaming machines in a large air-conditioned setting. Open 10am-2am Sunday to Thursday, 10am-4am Friday and Saturday. |
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Check in/Check Out
As a general rule check out times are 12 noon and check in is not usually before 3pm, during which time the accommodation is made ready for new arrivals. The relative lateness of the check in is not usually a problem because the majority of international arrivals into the country are in the mid to late afternoon. Some hotels may be able provide day rooms/shower facilities for departing guests if they are leaving after check out. Similarly, if you know that you will arrive on island before the usual check in time, get in touch and they may be able to have a room ready for you ahead of time |
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Cruises
Grand Turk sees many large liners arrive at its cruise ship terminal on the western side of the island. One of the smaller and more stylish ship lines that put into the island is Seabourn Cruise Line and from winter 2009, Silversea Cruises.
Because some of the excellent Turks and Caicos scuba diving is quite remote, live-aboard dive boats are a popular choice. |
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