Turks and Caicos Islands are a collection of islands and cays, a large part of which is below sea level. Barrier reefs off the islands make up one of the largest coral reef systems in the world in addition to large and small areas of patch coral inside the reef. This unspoiled coral reef eco system hosting marine species ranging from turtles, spotted eagle rays, manta rays and numerous varieties of reef fish along with the calm clear shallow coastal waters, is famous the world over. Eleven national parks and eleven nature reserves have been created for ecosystem and biological conservation combined with recreation, while four areas have been demarcated as sanctuaries to protect the natural environment and its flora and fauna. A fishing ban at the national underwater parks has allowed the reefs to thrive and for their fragile eco systems to remain undisturbed.
Among the several national parks on Providenciales, the main island in the chain is Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park, set up for the conservation and management of sea grass beds, coral reefs, sand banks mangroves, dunes and seaside vegetation. Grace Beach, one of the hottest beach destinations in the area is found here. The island is also home to the Northwest Point Marine Natural Park and the Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve. Ospreys, brown pelicans and terns call the rugged coastline of the Northwest Point Marine Natural Park home, while flamingos, egrets, herons, oyster catchers and many more are found at the Northwest Point Pond Nature Reserve attracted by its two salt water ponds, mudflats and mangroves.
Nature reserves in the East and Middle Caicos include the Conch Bar Caves, a karst cave system with cave flora and fauna and wetland systems, home to several endemic and endangered species. The Ocean Hole and North Middle and East Caicos Nature Reserves are a 243 square mile major coastal wetland site. Other points of interest in these islands include Cottage Pond Reserve, a 150 foot diameter freshwater pond in North Caicos; a popular birding destination, Flamingo Pond Overlook from where thousands of flamingos can be seen at certain seasons of the year and Mudjing Harbour with its two miles of limestone cliffs and isolated beaches, said to offer the best scenery on the Islands.
Grand Turk Island and Salt Cay also hosts several national parks and sanctuaries, one of which is Columbus Landfall Marine National Park. This 1,280 acre area was set up to manage a barrier reef system with coral walls dropping more than 7,000 feet just off shore and hosting over sixty species of hard and soft corals. Grand Turk Land & Sea National Park is a 386 acre site with coral reefs and fish, conch and lobster habitats. South Creek National Park is a 183 acre salt water estuary with red, black and white mangroves. Long Cay and Big Sand Cay Sanctuaries are there to protect large iguana and cactus populations. The wreck of HMS Endymion, an 18th century warship, has also been deemed a marine sanctuary.
Everyone dreams of getting away from it all to a secluded island to experience silence broken only by the sound of the ocean and the wind in the trees, a soft sandy beach, a sumptuous setting with expansive ocean views, privacy and endless sunny days. Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos is just the place to experience this dream. Stay at the well appointed, spacious and unique rooms, villas and residences designed with the comfort of guests in mind and experience the many facilities and amenities specific only to award winning luxury resorts in the Caribbean. Enjoy eating in the resort’s informal dining spaces or a place of your choice and savour a range of fresh and organic produce. Try yoga or Pilates and treat yourself to luxurious spa treatments. One of the most lauded Turks and Caicos luxury resorts, it will provide the ultimate setting for a rejuvenating vacation.
