The Turks and Caicos Islands are a natural playground, and there are always plenty to do for both newlyweds and post-wedding guests. The Turks Bank, two large underwater limestone plateaus, provide the setting for incredible diving adventures among coral reefs inhabited by turtles, dolphins and Blue Marlin.
On land, there are many mudflats that serve as refuges for migratory birds, such as egrets, terns and frigatebirds. There is also habitat, on certain isolated keys, for rare iguanas. Bird watchers can track more than 150 species of birds, including pelicans, flamingos, ospreys, and Cuban ravens. There’s even a flamingo pond that’s home to hundreds of these graceful pink creatures.
The islands are also known for their limestone cave formations, the largest in the entire Caribbean. The most famous caves can be found in Middle Caicos. The first thing that greets visitors to this cay is the fabulous cliff that towers over Mudjidin Beach. The caves are reached after a short walk inside.
Closer to Grace Bay in Providenciales is “The Hole,” an 80-foot deep limestone pit with a swimming hole at the bottom that is quite cool even in the height of summer.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and it’s all protected by 33 nature reserves, sanctuaries, and historic sites spread over 325 square miles.
To get a sense of the island chain’s history, Cheshire Hall is a must-see destination. The well-preserved remains illustrate plantation life during the early days when the islands were still a colony of Great Britain. The buildings at this historic site have been maintained by the National Trust and include a cotton gin, cotton press and the Great House of the former plantation.
As elsewhere in the islands, the area around Chesire House provides a rich habitat for many animals, including insects, birds and lizards, as well as local plants, the most beautiful of which are Guinea grass, cow and torchwood trees.
However, the main attraction for honeymooners in the Turks and Caicos Islands is the surrounding sea. Where else can you find a resident population of humpback whales? Giant cetaceans arrive in the region in winter and early spring to give birth. And, any time of year, dolphins can be found frolicking in the waves off Grace Bay Beach, an uninvited guest sure to be a welcome sight on your Turks and Caicos Islands.
