5 Things You Didn't Know About Turks & Caicos
We’re synonymous with sun, sand and surf, but there's much more to discover beneath the surface.
November 2024 | The Turks & Caicos Islands are often considered a hidden gem in the Caribbean, offering pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and a laid-back atmosphere. While our islands are well-known for their beauty and vacation appeal, there’s much more to them than meets the eye. Whether you're planning your next trip or simply curious about this tropical paradise, here are five fascinating things you didn’t know about Turks & Caicos.
Turks & Caicos Is A British Overseas Territory
Though Turks & Caicos has a distinct Caribbean culture, it’s actually a British Overseas Territory. This means that our official head of state is the British monarch, but we also have our own locally elected government. The British influence is evident in everything from the legal system to the occasional appearance of Union Jack flags, giving the islands a unique blend of British and Caribbean culture. This connection also ensures a level of stability and safety that attracts international investors and travellers alike.
One Of The Oldest Settlements In The Caribbean
Few people know that the Turks & Caicos Islands boast one of the longest continually inhabited settlements in the Caribbean. The islands were originally settled by the Lucayan Taino people, who were later displaced by European colonisation. However, the islands' history as a hub for salt production and trade stretches back centuries, and you can still visit historic salt ponds and learn about the region’s past at places like the Cheshire Hall Plantation and the Salt Cay island salt pans, where salt production was a major industry until the 1960s.
Home To The World’s Third-Largest Coral Reef
While the Maldives and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef often get all the glory, Turks & Caicos is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Stretching for over 230 miles, the reef is a haven for marine life and an ideal spot for divers and snorkelers. The waters around the islands are teeming with vibrant coral, tropical fish, rays, and even endangered species like sea turtles. The protected waters of the national park and marine reserves make it a prime destination for underwater exploration.
Prime Spot For ‘Celebrity’ Starfish
If you’ve ever seen photos of crystal-clear waters with a starfish perfectly positioned in the surf, there's a good chance the starfish came from the shallow, calm waters around Turks & Caicos. The island chain is famous for hosting the ‘celebrity’ starfish – large, vibrant red and orange sea stars that are often spotted in the shallow sandbars, particularly around Little Water Cay. The starfish are a draw for photographers and tourists alike, who get the chance to wade in the warm waters and capture a beautiful tropical moment.
More Than Just Beaches – We’re An Eco-Destination
Although the stunning beaches are undoubtedly one of the main draws of Turks & Caicos, the islands are also an emerging eco-tourism destination. The islands are home to several national parks and protected areas, including the Princess Alexandra National Park, which is teeming with wildlife. Here you can spot native species like the endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana, hike through mangroves, or go birdwatching in the wetlands. The islands are also committed to preserving their natural beauty through sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that they remain a pristine destination for generations to come.
Ready To Explore?
From a rich history of salt production and a stunning coral reef to a unique cultural blend of British influence and Caribbean charm, these islands are brimming with surprises. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, Turks & Caicos offers experiences that go far beyond the typical beach vacation, and Windsong On The Reef is your perfect resort destination. If you’re an explorer, the beauty and charm of this tropical haven await!
5 Things You Didn't Know About Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos Is A British Overseas Territory
Though Turks & Caicos has a distinct Caribbean culture, it’s actually a British Overseas Territory. This means that our official head of state is the British monarch, but we also have our own locally elected government. The British influence is evident in everything from the legal system to the occasional appearance of Union Jack flags, giving the islands a unique blend of British and Caribbean culture. This connection also ensures a level of stability and safety that attracts international investors and travellers alike.
One Of The Oldest Settlements In The Caribbean
Few people know that the Turks & Caicos Islands boast one of the longest continually inhabited settlements in the Caribbean. The islands were originally settled by the Lucayan Taino people, who were later displaced by European colonisation. However, the islands' history as a hub for salt production and trade stretches back centuries, and you can still visit historic salt ponds and learn about the region’s past at places like the Cheshire Hall Plantation and the Salt Cay island salt pans, where salt production was a major industry until the 1960s.
Home To The World’s Third-Largest Coral Reef
While the Maldives and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef often get all the glory, Turks & Caicos is home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Stretching for over 230 miles, the reef is a haven for marine life and an ideal spot for divers and snorkelers. The waters around the islands are teeming with vibrant coral, tropical fish, rays, and even endangered species like sea turtles. The protected waters of the national park and marine reserves make it a prime destination for underwater exploration.
Prime Spot For ‘Celebrity’ Starfish
If you’ve ever seen photos of crystal-clear waters with a starfish perfectly positioned in the surf, there's a good chance the starfish came from the shallow, calm waters around Turks & Caicos. The island chain is famous for hosting the ‘celebrity’ starfish – large, vibrant red and orange sea stars that are often spotted in the shallow sandbars, particularly around Little Water Cay. The starfish are a draw for photographers and tourists alike, who get the chance to wade in the warm waters and capture a beautiful tropical moment.
More Than Just Beaches – We’re An Eco-Destination
Although the stunning beaches are undoubtedly one of the main draws of Turks & Caicos, the islands are also an emerging eco-tourism destination. The islands are home to several national parks and protected areas, including the Princess Alexandra National Park, which is teeming with wildlife. Here you can spot native species like the endangered Turks and Caicos rock iguana, hike through mangroves, or go birdwatching in the wetlands. The islands are also committed to preserving their natural beauty through sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that they remain a pristine destination for generations to come.
Ready To Explore?
From a rich history of salt production and a stunning coral reef to a unique cultural blend of British influence and Caribbean charm, these islands are brimming with surprises. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, Turks & Caicos offers experiences that go far beyond the typical beach vacation, and Windsong On The Reef is your perfect resort destination. If you’re an explorer, the beauty and charm of this tropical haven await!