The
islands are arrayed around the edges of
two large limestone plateaus, the Turks
Bank, with deep offshore waters that serve
as major transit points for Humpback Whales,
spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays and Turtles.
Anglers who are fishing for Tuna, Wahoo
and Blue Marlin use these same rich waters.
Bordering the edges of the islands are
lines of coral reef and some of the most
impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean.
In
the last decade on Turks and Caicos, divers
have begun to discover some of the finest
coral reefs and walls in the world. From
the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West
Caicos and Provo's Northwest Point to
the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay,
a dozen world-class walls have become
Mecca for the serious diver.
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From
late December through April, the entire Atlantic
herd of 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the
shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir
Bank, just 20 - 30 miles southeast. During this
period divers can listen to an underwater concert
of the wale's' songs. During the summer, divers
encounter Manta Rays cruising the face of the
walls. Encounters with Dolphin are not uncommon.
The
salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent
feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds.
Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, osprey
and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates,
Boobies and other water birds. As part of the
National Parks system more than twelve small
cays have been set aside and protected for breeding
grounds.
On
some of the less disturbed and smaller islands
such as Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay,
it is the Turks island Iguana that dominates
the land. The Iguana is endangered and delicate
but it thrives on these deserted islands, away
from the influence of man. These islands are
also protected by the National Parks system.
The
National Parks were designed to protect the
scenic environment and habitats, to preserve
and conserve them for future generations as
well as make them available for public recreation.
In
1992 the government set aside 33 specific protected
areas, a list that include nature reserves,
sanctuaries and historical sites totaling more
than 325 square miles. 210 square miles of this
total amount are sensitive and ecologically
essential wetlands ratified under the international
Ramsar Bureau. Other protected areas include
marine replenishment areas as well as breeding
grounds for turtles, seabirds and other creatures.
A marine mooring buoy system is just one of
the many projects currently underway.
The
Turks and Caicos Islands are famous for the
1,000 square miles of reef that surrounds us.
We have been ranked "Best Fish Life",
"Best Overall Destination", "Top
Fifteen Most Popular Dive Destinations Worldwide",
"Best Wall Diving",
"Best Beginner Diving", "Best
Big Animal Encounters" , and most recently
ranked #1 "Healthiest Marine Environment"
all from Rodales’ Scuba Diving Magazine.
If
that isn’t enough to get you here the
"Best Tropical Beaches in the World"
from Conde Nast rating will. We are fortunate
to be blessed with crystal clear turquoise waters
and powder white sand beaches making it heaven
for the beach enthusiast. A variety of water
sport activities are available as well as land
based activities
Links
& Sources:
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