Turks and Caicos Islands – Let’s explore here

What’s it like in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The Turks and Caicos Islands are two sets of around 75 islands, Islets and cays located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. As a British Overseas Territory, the British monarch is the head of state. The territory has a population of around 49,000 people (2023), about 10% of whom live in and around the capital city, Cockburn Town, on Grand Turk Island. 

The Turks islands mainly consists of two islands, Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which are the centre of the government. The Turks islands are separated from the Caicos islands by the Turks Island Passage, which is more than 7,200 ft (2,200 m) deep and over 50 miles wide. The Caicos islands are a far larger group of larger islands that form the centre for the tourist resorts.

The largest of all the Turks and Caicos islands is Middle Caicos, which is around 56 square miles (144 square km) in area. Although it’s the largest island, fewer than 200 people live there. Most of the population, around 24,000 people, live on Providenciales island. The total area of all of the Turks and Caicos Islands is about the same as that of the Isle of Man, England, UK.

The terrain on the islands consists mostly of flat limestone with some marshes, and with some lovely beaches. The Turks and Caicos Islands’ highest point is Blue Hills, at 161 ft (49 m) above sea level.

Although the Turks and Caicos Islands rely heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands, they are also a tax haven.

A bit about the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Early History and Indigenous Peoples

The Turks and Caicos Islands were originally inhabited by the Taino and Lucayan peoples, who arrived from the mainland of the Americas. These indigenous people lived on the islands and fished, farmed, and traded with other Caribbean communities. However, their population was decimated following European contact due to diseases brought by settlers.

European Discovery and Settlement

Christopher Columbus is believed to have passed by the islands in 1492 during his voyages to the New World, although he did not land there. The first recorded European settlement came in the 17th century when the islands were used as a base by the Spanish, French and British. The islands were largely ignored during early colonisation, with their strategic location often overlooked by European powers.

British Colonization and the Salt Industry

In the 18th century, the Turks and Caicos Islands came under British control, though the British initially focused more on neighbouring islands. The islands became important in the production of salt, which was used for preserving fish and meat. Salt harvesting became the main economic activity, and the islands’ economy relied heavily on this industry. During this period, the islands were often used as a base for privateers, which contributed to their importance in the colonial trade routes.

19th Century and Slavery

Like many Caribbean islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands were involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans were brought to work on the salt ponds and plantations. However, the population of enslaved people was relatively small compared to other Caribbean colonies. Slavery was abolished in 1834 across the British Empire, and the Turks and Caicos Islands saw significant changes to its agricultural and economic systems as a result.

British Colony and Political Structure

In 1873, the Turks and Caicos Islands officially became a British colony, governed under the administration of the Bahamas. The islands continued to rely on salt production, though the economic base remained limited. In 1962, the islands became a separate British Overseas Territory, and in 1970, they gained self-government, though the British government retained control over defense and foreign affairs.

Economic Diversification and Tourism

In the late 20th century, the Turks and Caicos Islands began to diversify their economy, with tourism becoming a significant driver. The islands’ pristine beaches, clear waters, and warm climate attracted international visitors, particularly from the United States. In addition to tourism, financial services, including offshore banking, also contributed to the islands’ growing economy.

Modern-Day Turks and Caicos Islands

Today, the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a British Overseas Territory with a high degree of self-governance. The islands’ economy is primarily based on tourism, particularly luxury resorts and financial services. The population has grown due to immigration from other Caribbean nations, and the islands continue to focus on tourism as a key industry. Though the islands have enjoyed economic success, they also face challenges such as maintaining sustainable development and managing environmental concerns related to tourism and climate change. The Turks and Caicos Islands retain strong political and economic ties to the United Kingdom while maintaining autonomy in local governance, and they are an important part of the British Caribbean territories.

Turks and Caicos Islands road trip

The Turks and Caicos Islands is our 25th planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having (hopefully) explored Haiti, our next stop is the Bahamas.

Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.

Weather in the Turks and Caicos Islands

When is the best time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The best time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands is from January to April. During these months, the islands have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.4 – 2.2 inches (35 – 55mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 20 – 29°C (68 – 84°F).

When is the worst time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The worst time to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 1.4 – 4.7 inches (35 – 120mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 22 – 32°C (72 – 90°F).

Hurricane Season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.

Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.

Travel in and around the Turks and Caicos Islands

Ferries to other islands within the Turks and Caicos Islands

There are no scheduled ferries suitable for the transport of cars or vehicles. The regular ferries are small passenger vessels that carry 15–50 people. There are no ferries between the Turks islands and the Caicos islands.

Ferries between the Turks Islands

The Salt Cay Community ferry travels between Grand Turk and Salt Cay. There are no ferries between the Turks islands and the Caicos islands.

Ferries between the Caicos Islands

Caribbean Cruisin’ Ferries and MV My Girl Ferry Services travel between North Caicos and Providenciales, and takes around two hours.

The South Caicos Ferry travels between South Caicos and Providenciales.

Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from the Turks and Caicos Islands

There are no ferries from the Turks and Caicos Islands to other Caribbean island countries.

What’s it like to drive in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

They drive on the left hand side of the road in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The majority of the roads in the British Virgin Islands are in fairly good condition, although some more minor roads are little more than dirt tracks.

What is the speed limit in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The speed limit in Turks and Caicos is 20mph in towns and 40mph elsewhere.

Do you require an international driving permit in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Can you use your UK driving license when driving through the Turks and Caicos Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

What currency do they use in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

In the Turks and Caicos Islands they use the US dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

They speak English and Creole in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Spanish is also spoken by some.

What time zone is the Turks and Caicos Islands in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

No, wild camping is illegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

What plug / socket type do they use in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

In the Turks and Caicos Islands they use plug / socket types A and B.

Health issues in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Is it safe to drink water in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bottled water is readily available across the country. 

What vaccinations are required for the Turks and Caicos Islands?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Phones in the Turks and Caicos Islands

What is the country calling code for the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The country calling code for the Turks and Caicos Islands is +1 649

What are the emergency phone numbers in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

• The emergency number for police in the Turks and Caicos Islands is: 911
• In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911
• The emergency number for fire in the Turks and Caicos Islands is: 911

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!