Sightseeing and Snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos islands are an archipelago of 40 coral islands in the British Overseas Territory southeast of the Bahamas. Provo island, home to Grace Bay Beach, is known for its luxury resorts and 14-mile barrier reef. Grand Turk is home to a dramatic underwater wall. There are plenty of things to do and see on the islands, so make sure to get your sea legs and head out for a snorkeling adventure. The islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and the name "Turk" was a pirate's nickname. Juan Ponce de Leon landed on the islands in 1512, and little activity took place for several decades. Then, the islands were passed from Spain to France and Britain in loose "control". Early on, the Turks and Caicos experienced a plague of piracy. Buccaneers hid in natural channels and coves and preyed on unsuspecting ships. Pirate raiders continued until the Loyalist period, when Fort Saint George was built and naval patrols by Britain began. Today, the i...