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Interesting Facts about the Turks and Caicos Islands
Table of Contents
Interesting fact(s) about Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands draw visitors to their dreamy beaches from all over the world. You’ve probably heard of the idyllic beaches, sunny islands, and friendly people of Turks and Caicos, which sit in the tropical Caribbean region. But did you know that the Turks and Caicos Islands are actually located in the Atlantic Ocean and not the Caribbean?
There are many interesting facts about the islands. For those of you who are curious, here are some interesting facts about it.
1. The origin of the "Turks and Caicos" name
As for the first interesting fact about Turks and Caicos, let’s see how they got their name. There was a group of Islamic pirates who attacked ships in the Mediterranean for many centuries before the 1800s. They also attacked ships that were near the coasts of Europe and Africa.
These raiders were mostly referred to as “Turks,” and the name eventually became synonymous with pirates. Mapmakers in the past used this in conjunction with an abbreviation for a series of islands called “Cayo Hico” in Lucayan. It was a warning to others to stay away from the pirate islands.
2. There are no lakes or rivers
Did you know that there are no lakes or rivers in Turks and Caicos? Rainfall or pricey desalinated water are the only sources of fresh water there.
3. The USD is the currency of this British territory
The islands have had a number of different owners in the past. The islands are now owned by the British. However, the USD is the most widely accepted currency on the islands.
4. Turks and Caicos have the world's third-largest barrier reef system
In addition to being the third biggest barrier reef system in the world, it protects Grace Bay Beach from strong waves, allowing the water to remain quiet and perfectly clear. Sea turtles, coral, starfish, and eagle rays are just a few of the fascinating creatures that inhabit the reef.
5. You can find a lot of underwater cave systems in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Another interesting fact about Turks and Caicos is that this archipelago features a number of underwater caves. The Boiling Hole in South Caicos and Cottage Pond in North Caicos are two well-known examples. However, the vast majority of these systems remain unknown.
6. The world's widest blue hole can be found here
One of the biggest blue holes in the Turks and Caicos is the Middle Caicos Ocean Hole, which is almost 2,000 feet (0.6 kilometers) in diameter. It has a diameter that is almost twice that of Belize’s Great Blue Hole and three times that of Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas. Thus, the Middle Caicos Ocean Hole is possibly the world’s largest blue hole.
This is another interesting fact about Turks and Caicos. There was a huge misunderstanding as to how the flag came to have this apparently random picture. Because of a map maker’s confusion between salt piles and frozen igloos in the Caribbean, the islands were incorrectly labeled as icy igloos instead of salt piles. Thankfully, the muddle is now history!
8. Turks and Caicos was a famous hideout for pirates
The Turks and Caicos Islands, like other islands in the area, have a long history of piracy. It is said that Calico Jack Rackham used Parrot Cay as a hideaway. Pirate Cay got its initial name from Anne Bonny, a female pirate accomplice of Calico Jack Rackham who lived on Parrot Cay.
9. The Turks and Caicos Islands have an annual migration of humpback whales
From late January to early April, North Atlantic humpback whales can be seen in the waters near the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay. As part of their yearly migration for mating and giving birth, these magnificent creatures pass through this region.
10. George Washington's favorite salt was from the Turks and Caicos Island
This is the last interesting fact about Turks and Caicos on the list. During the American Revolutionary War, former US President George Washington made a request for salt from the islands. However, Bermudian ships were alleged to have disregarded the blockades and brought the salt, which had been obtained at a low rate from the islands.
Did this make you want to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands?
There’s no doubt that these interesting facts about Turks and Caicos make you want to go there and see it all by yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Crystalline turquoise waters and beautiful white sand beaches are awaiting your arrival at Turks and Caicos.
Thinking about where to stay? The place you are going to stay can make or break your trip if you don’t find the perfect accommodation to stay in beforehand. For someone visiting Turks and Caicos, there’s no other place to get the most out of your vacation than Aqua Divina, with its luxury studios and villas. Don’t forget to add Aqua Divina to your travel itinerary!