Exploring the Turks and Caicos Islands

If you want all the perks of a Caribbean vacation without the crowds, then Turks and Caicos is the ideal vacation locale. A collection of intriguing islands and islets, Turks and Caicos is a burgeoning tourist destination that offers more than a few ways to fill your itinerary. Vacationers who explore the Turks and Caicos Islands will encounter a wide variety of unique travel experiences. Here are just a few of the favorite adventures that can be discovered in this exotic travel destination:

Exploring the Beaches in Turks and Caicos

Some of the most secluded beaches in the world can be found in Turks and Caicos. Providenciales, the main tourist islet, includes several prime beachfront destinations. Even during the peak travel season, you can expect to find sparsely crowded expanses of sandy beaches in Turks and Caicos. Soak up the sun or take a dip in the pristine water along Long Bay Beach. Salt Cay is another popular stretch of coastline, in large part due to the sugar-sand beach and bounty of seashells just waiting to be discovered.

Sport and Bone Fishing in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Widely regarded as one of the premier spots for sport fishing in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is the ideal spot to reel in the story of a lifetime. Marlin, sailfish and barracuda are all possible catches just off the shores of the islets. For the best chance of landing the big one, plan the perfect Turks and Caicos vacation with one of the many charters that are available.

Turks and Caicos Beachcombing Cruises

Hitching a ride on a tour boat is a convenient way to see all that Turks and Caicos has to offer. Choose from half-day and full-day excursions as you hop from islet to islet in search of adventure and inspiration. When selecting a boat tour, be sure it includes a stop at Little Water Cay. This unique islet has been set aside as a natural reserve for the rare colony of rock iguanas that sunbathe on the rocky shoreline.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The breathtaking Caribbean Reef that intertwines the Turks and Caicos islands delivers some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Grab your flippers (or rent them at a shop) and swim among an eclectic and colorful mixture of marine life. Encounter phenomenal reef structures, sea turtles and numerous species of fish as you skim below the surface of the warm Caribbean Sea. For a diving experience that can't be beat, check out Grand Turk. Just offshore is a huge drop in the continental shelf that delivers an especially astounding abundance of sea creatures.

Explore Crossing Place Trail

Follow one of the numerous hiking and biking trails as you take in awe-inspiring views of the islets. Gaze down from expansive bluffs into the pristine ocean shallows or explore dilapidated remnants of 18th-century plantations. Along the trails, the Conch Bar Cave is a beautiful sight not to be missed. The local Lucayan Indian tribe frequented this sprawling above ground cave system more than 600 years ago.

Take in a Natural Light Show

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting Turks and Caicos after a full moon, you're in for a spectacular treat. Four or five days after the full moon shines, glowworms set the shoreline ablaze in an enchanting green glow. Plan a Turks and Caicos couples getaway with the glowworm cruise in the Caicos Cays or simply take in the show from one of the Caicos Bank docks. Either way, you'll be entranced from the moment you lay eyes on this one-of-a-kind ocean experience.

The quickest way to discount airline tickets, great hotel deals and affordable car rentals by far is to book with AOL Travel. We focus on bringing you a huge selection of affordable flights, hotel rates and rent a car options to suit your fancy, and your pocketbook. You ll find great deals on flights, unforgettable hotels, and car rentals for every occasion. Looking for discount flights on the web? You ll find fantastic prices on flights no matter if you re leaving next month or next weekend. Want to book your next family vacation for less? Take advantage of our partner discounts for airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, cruises and ideas on the hottest destinations. And if you re ready for a quick last-minute travel getaway, search for last-minute deals that offer discount airline tickets, rental cars and hotels in the places you want to go.

Don t set out on your next vacation without doing your destination homework. We have compiled a huge database of destination guides and traveling advice to make your next trip smooth sailing. And when you can t get out and see the sights for yourself, watch AOL Travel correspondent Peter Greenberg s video articles on fabulous places all over the world. You just might be inspired to book airline tickets to the featured destination. Regardless if you need flights for exotic international locales, or are cruising just around the corner, AOL Travel has the discount airline tickets, great hotel deals, unforgettable cruises and car rentals to get you there for less.

2009 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Portions copyright 2009 wCities, DiscoverOurTown.com and Northstar Travel Media LLC.