Turks and Caicos Islands "Beautiful by Nature"
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, only 8 of which are currently inhabited. The islands are located at the southern tip of the Bahamas Chain approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami, just northeast of Cuba and north of the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti).
Although, technically speaking, the Turks and Caicos Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean Sea, they are still a truly Caribbean destination, and known for perfect weather the year round; in fact they are commonly called "The Isles of Perpetual June".
Providenciales, most commonly known as "Provo", is by far the most developed of all the Turks and Caicos Islands and also the main travel destination. There are a variety of airlines and airports that fly direct to The Turks and Caicos. The vast majority of visitors enter the Turks and Caicos Islands via Providenciales International Airport (PLS). All our holiday villas are located on Providenciales (Provo).
Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI
Providenciales, most commonly known as "Provo" to its friends, is the main travel destination in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. Geographically located at the southern tip of the Bahama Chain, but politically British, Provo offers an away-from-it-all destination with spectacular beaches and friendly people. The climate is perfect, with temperatures in the 80's (27 - 32°C) year-round with comfortable trade winds ever present. No wonder these islands are sometimes called "The Isles of Perpetual June", for here it is not too hot nor too cold any time of the year.
Provo is what a lot of places used to be. These are the 'good old days' in Provo. In addition to the good living and good times awaiting you here, you will additionally be pleased to know there is no sales tax, no property tax, and no income tax, and although the country is a British Overseas Territory, the US dollar is the official currency.
The topography too is just right. The island is not too flat nor too mountainous, but gently rolling with views of the sea from just about anywhere you go.
Go to a beach and you will find the sand to be white as sugar, typically with the only footprints in the sand being your own! Go snorkeling in gin clear waters and see fish and coral containing all the colors of a Provo sunset. Scuba diving too can provide underwater scenery like nowhere else, for here the diving is regarded as among the best in the world; likewise for bone fishing with flats, coves and holes almost certain to make your reel sing on the first cast. And there's easy fishing inside the reef where you will bring back snapper and jack, or try your luck in the deep blue for wahoo, tuna, and marlin. By land there's tennis, golf, shopping, sightseeing, exploring, and numerous good restaurants set in lush tropical surroundings.
One of the slogans of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board is "Beautiful by Nature" and there is certainly no shortage of natural beauty on land or underwater! With a great variety of native seabirds and even birds of prey. You can also take a short boat ride to Little Water Cay, otherwise known as Iguana Island, which is maintained and protected by the National Trust. If you're one of those people who always finds it a shame when the sun goes down on a beautiful day, you'll find a beautiful Provo sunset more than adequate compensation!
The nights here are clear, so clear in fact, a quarter moon casts a shadow and a full moon lights up the entire landscape. Entertainment at night is mostly the person you are with; however, some of the restaurants and hotels now have live entertainment on certain nights. Provo has supermarkets, liquor stores, doctors, lawyers, car rentals, churches, sailboat excursions, restaurants, and a large jet runway. Of course, some other islands may have these amenities too, but few will have the friendly people and kindness found in these islands. Right now Provo is an unspoiled sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of today's pace.
Quick Facts
- Climate
- From June to October the average temperature ranges between 85 to 90 degrees (29 - 32°C) and the water temperature between 82 to 84 degrees (28 - 29°C).
- From November to May the average temperature ranges between 80 to 84 degrees (27 - 29°C) and the water temperature between 74 to 78 degrees (23 - 26°C).
- A constant trade wind keeps the climate comfortable all year round. The average annual rainfall ranges from 21 inches in the east of the Turks and Caicos Islands to 40 inches in the west. The Turks and Caicos Islands enjoy an average of 350 days of sunshine per year. The official hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30.
- Crime
- The Turks and Caicos Islands boast one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. However, normal precautions and common sense should still be followed. Do not leave valuables unattended and lock all doors and windows. Confrontation and violent crimes are extremely rare. Any incidents should be reported immediately to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police.
- Currency
- The official currency of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the US dollar. Most credit cards are also readily accepted.
- Customs & Immigration
- Duty free goods that may be brought in to the Turks and Caicos Islands include: 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 1.136 liters of spirits or wine and perfume for personal use.
- All US Citizens traveling by air to the Turks and Caicos Islands must have a valid US passport. This is a new US government requirement effective from January 8, 2007. Visitors from other countries also require passports, but no visas are necessary with the exception of some former Eastern Bloc countries. If you have any doubts you are advised to contact the nearest British Consulate Office.
- All visitors must hold a round trip ticket and will be permitted to stay for a duration 90 days upon entry (possibility to renew).
- Economy
- The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is predominantly based on tourism, real estate development and seafood exports. There is also a growing offshore financial services sector.
- Electricity
- 110 volt/60 cycle which is suitable for US appliances. Visitors from other areas, particularly Europe, should check their appliances and bring an adapter.
- Government
- The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Crown Colony. A Governor is appointed by Her Majesty The Queen and presides over an Executive Council formed by a democratically elected, local self-government. The legal system is based on English Common Law.
- Language
- English
- Population
- There are approximately 30,000 full time residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the islands welcome approximately 200,000 visitors per year. The majority of the Turks and Caicos Islanders (known as "Belongers") are of African descent. There is also a large expatriate population of Americans, Bahamians, British, Canadians, French and many other countries.
- Time Zone
- Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5) and Daylight Saving Time (GMT -4) is observed from April to October.
Airline Services To Providenciales International Airport
The international airport code for Providenciales International Airport is PLS.
Providenciales is served by nonstop jet service right to the island from the following cities (subject to change by the airlines at any time):
- Atlanta on Delta
- Boston on American
- Boston on JetBlue
- Charlotte on US Air
- Dallas / Fort Worth on American
- Fort Lauderdale on Spirit
- Kingston on Sky King
- London on British Airways
- Miami on American
- Nassau on Sky King
- New York on American
- New York on JetBlue
- Newark on Continental
- Ottowa on Air Canada
- Philadelphia on US Air
- Toronto on Air Canada
The villas are all well-located approximately 5 miles from the airport.
For more information and availability contact any of our knowledgeable staff
tel. (404) 467-4858, or toll free (877) 467-4858,
or send an e-mail to info@tcvillas.com.
We specialize in Providenciales, and only Providenciales since 1970.
