Grand Turk
The political capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands for over 400 years, Bermudian colonial architecture is still in evidence. Recent years have seen the development of an offshore finance industry. Many believe that Grand Turk was Columbus' first landfall in the New World, fitting his journal description of a low-lying "bean-shaped" island with ponds in the middle.
Six miles long and one mile wide, quiet beaches surround the island. Pristine diving areas in shallow water and the world's best wall diving on coral cliffs that drop from 30 feet to over 7,000 feet lie within 300 yards of the western shore. Mooring buoys protect the fragile corals and three dive operations cater to the Grand Turk diving visitor. The Old-World charm of Grand Turk is evident on touring the island. Each building has a walled courtyard to keep wandering horses and donkeys from dining on the foliage. A stroll down historic Duke Street and Front Street unveils an eclectic collection of inns, boutiques, dive shops and colourful houses lining the seaside. Stamp lovers can stop by the post office or the Philatelic Bureau in Church Folly. Churches are reflected in the salt pans. A 140-plus year old lighthouse awaits restoration at the north end of the island. Flamingos forage for their meals where North Creek meets the sea. While diving is the number one recreation and attraction on Grand Turk other activities include bird watching, horseback riding and beachcombing for artifacts, beach glass and pottery. Regular scheduled air service and chartered day trips will get you to Grand Turk from Providenciales in just 30 minutes.
Turks and Caicos National Museum
The cultural history of the Islands, their discovery and the impact of early European settlement, natural and political history and the role played in twentieth century space exploration are all recorded at the museum. Discover the Turks & Caicos Islands through exhibits housed at "Guinep House," one of the oldest native stone buildings in the Islands. Also on display are artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest shipwreck in the Americas and the first shipwreck site in the Caribbean to be scientifically excavated and exhibited.
| Where To Stay |
| Island House 649-946-1519 Fax: 649-946-2646 Email: ishouse@tciway.tc Mediterranean style villa hotel. Situated on the water, high atop the ridge with spectacular panoramic views. Stylish, spacious, private suites with balcony, kitchen, air-conditioned bedrooms. Swimming pool plus free golf cart for touring the island. Moderate rates. Web: http://www.islandhouse-tci.com |
| Banking Services |
| Turks and Caicos Banking Company Limited Tel 649-946-2368 Fax 649-946-2365 PO Box 123, Duke Street, Grand Turk Tel 649-941-4994 Fax 649-941-5943 Telex 82226 TQ Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Email tcbc@tciway.tc Your Partner for Private Investment Banking. Established in 1980. Banking Services Include: Term/Notice Deposits, Foreign Exchange, Precious Metals, International Transfers, Portfolio Management, Stock and Bond Trading. Web: http://www.turksandcaicosbanking.tc |
| Professional Services |
| Finbar F. Dempsey and Co. 649-946-2245 Fax 649-946-2758 Email: ffdlawco@tciway.tc The longest established legal practice in the Turks & Caicos Islands based in Grand Turk with associate offices in Providenciales. Assisting in real estate conveyancing and development law; intellectual property and e-commerce; corporate and commercial law. Web: http://www.turksandcaicoslaw.com |
| SeaCair Ltd. 649-946-2591 / 946-2697 |
| Museum |
| Turks & Caicos National Museum 649-946-2160 Web: http://www.tcmuseum.org/ |
