Frommers® Portable Turks & Caicos

See the very best of Turks & Caicos

Whether you're looking for pristine beaches or flavorful island cuisine, our expert author guides you to your best Turks & Caicos experience.Detailed maps throughoutExact prices, directions, opening hours, and other practical informationCandid reviews of hotels and restaurants, plus attractions, shopping, and nightlifeInsider tips from local expert authors

List of Maps vi

1 THE BEST OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS 1

The Best Beaches 2

The Best Outdoor Adventures 3

The Best Luxury Resorts 7

The Best Inns & Guesthouses 9

The Best Moderately Priced Lodgings 9

The Best Family Resorts 10

The Best Restaurants 11

2 EXPLORING PROVIDEN CIALES & THE CAICOS ISLANDS 14

Beaches 14

HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH 18

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling 21

CAICOS WATERSPORTS OPERATORS: MASTER LIST 22

Beach Excursions & Boat Charters 25

Sailing, Parasailing & Other Watersports 26

Fishing 29

Golf & Tennis 30

Exploring the Islands 30

Spas & Gyms 33

Shopping 35

SHOPPING THE HOTEL BOUTIQUES 36

Entertainment & Nightlife 38

3 WHERE TO EAT IN PROVIDEN CIALES & THE CAICOS ISLANDS 41

Providenciales 42

HEAD FOR THE (BLUE) HILLS 53

North & Middle Caicos 56

4 WHERE TO STAY IN PROVIDEN CIALES & THE CAICOS ISLANDS 59

Providenciales 60

Caicos Cays 81

North Caicos 83

Middle Caicos 84

5 THE TURKS ISLANDS: GRAND TURK & SALT CAY 86

Grand Turk 86

THE DAY THE CRUISE SHIPS CAME TO TOWN 88

FAST FACTS: GRAND TURK 89

GRAND TURK DIVE SHOPS: MASTER LIST 93

RAKING & MAKING SALT 94

RIPPIN′ RIPSAW 97

Salt Cay 102

SALT CAY WATERSPORTS OPERATORS: MASTER LIST 105

A VILLA STAY IN SALT CAY 111

6 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS 113

Getting to Know the Turks & Caicos 113

A LITTLE HISTORY 116

TURKS & CAICOS AT A GLANCE 117

The Islands in Brief 118

Visitor Information 120

When to Go 121

TURKS & CAICOS CALENDAR OF EVENTS 124

Entry Requirements 126

Getting There & Getting Around 127

Money & Costs 135

Health 136

Crime & Safety 138

Specialized Travel Resources 138

TAKE HOME A POTCAKE . . . OR TWO 139

Responsible Tourism 141

GENERAL RESOURCES FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 142

Staying Connected 143

CALLING HOME 144

Getting Married in the Turks & Caicos 144

Tips on Accommodations 145

FAST FACTS: TURKS & CAICOS 148

Index 151

General Index 151

Accommodations Index 156

Restaurant Index 156

LIST OF MAPS

Best Beaches in the Turks & Caicos Islands 4

Exploring Providenciales & the Caicos Islands 16

Restaurants in Providenciales & the Caicos Islands 44

Hotels in Providenciales & the Caicos Islands 62

Grand Turk 87

Salt Cay 103