Turks & Caicos

Getting around

Boat

TCI Ferry Service (946-5406) is a new ferry operation taking passengers from the Leeward Marina on Providenciales to North Caicos (US$25, $40 round-trip same day), eliminating the need for the expensive and inconvenient flight. There are four departures each way daily.

A ferry runs biweekly trips from Grand Turk to Salt Cay (US$12, round-trip). Contact Salt Cay Charters (231-6663; piratequeen3@hotmail.com). Whale-watching boat trips with this company cost US$75.

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Car & motorcycle

Car, motorcycle & scooter

Taxis get expensive in the long run so renting a car makes sense if you plan to explore Provo or Grand Turk. The local companies are very good, and may be cheaper than the internationals. Rentals are around $80 per day and the cars are generally in good nick; most rental companies offer free drop-off and pickup. A government tax of $15 is levied on car rentals ($8 on scooter rentals). Mandatory insurance costs $15. A minimum age of 25 years may be required.

Driving is on the left-hand side. At roundabouts (traffic circles), remember to circle in a clockwise direction, entering to the left, and give way to traffic already on the roundabout.

Speed limits in the Turks and Caicos are 20mph (around 32km/h) in settlements and 40mph (around 65km/h) on main highways.

Please refer to island destinations for rental companies.

Fuel

Gas stations are plentiful and usually open from 8am to 7pm. Some close on Sunday. Gasoline costs about US$5.50 per US gallon – luckily most destinations are pretty close. Credit cards are accepted in major settlements. Elsewhere, it’s cash only, please!

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Bus & tram

Bus

The Gecko Shuttle (232-7433) is a privately run bus service on Provo. One ride is $4 or you can buy a day pass for $11. There isn’t a regular schedule; when you purchase tickets from a hotel desk they’ll call the bus for you.

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Local transport

Taxi

Taxis are available on all the inhabited islands. Most are minivans. They’re a good bet for touring, and most taxi drivers double as guides. Be sure to negotiate an agreeable price before setting out as the cabs are unmetered.

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Air

Following are airlines flying within the Turks and Caicos:

Air Turks & Caicos (941-5481; www.airturksandcaicos.com) Flies from Providenciales to Grand Turk six times daily, North Caicos three times daily, Middle Caicos four times per week, and Salt Cay daily. It also flies from Grand Turk to Salt Cay daily.

Skyking (941-5464; wwwskyking.tc) Flies from Providenciales to South Caicos three times daily, Grand Turk eight times daily, and from Grand Turk to South Caicos three times daily.

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Bicycle

Cycling is a cheap, convenient, healthy, environmentally sound and above all fun way to travel. Bicycles are complimentary to guests at many hotels or can be rented at concessions for around US$20 per day.

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