Turks and Caicos

Leaving this island may be the only hard thing to do.

It is believed that Columbus’s first landfall was made on Grand Turk Island. How he found the strength to leave this paradise still leaves those who now visit amazed. Embraced by 1,000 square miles of reef, the 45 islands and cays of Turks and Caicos have been drawing visitors to its postcard beaches and awardwinning dive destinations for years. Spend any amount of time in the translucent waters here and you are very likely to come within touching distance of a manta ray or a dolphin. Beneath them, the legendary walls of Grand Turk, as well as the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, are truly nirvana for the serious diver. And December offers a site to behold when the entire herd of Atlantic humpback whales passes by the shores during its annual migration. Turn your attention landward, if you can, and the “Belongers,” as the locals are known, will invite you in and wine and dine you until you too wonder how Columbus found the strength to leave.

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