Things To Do
Where When How Turks & Caicos Islands March / April 2009
Fun in the Sun - What There is To Do!
Boasting on average a remarkable 350 bright, sunshiny days a year, I think the Turks & Caicos Islands can legitimately flaunt the fact that not only do we enjoy a near perfect and often predictable climate... but also a perpetual summer that gives us the freedom to pursue ‘Fun in the Sun’ virtually every day of the year!
This dramatic archipelago of forty islands and cays boasts 230 miles of beaches. Consistently voted among the top beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is a quintessential Utopia of paradisiacal proportions, seemingly endless miles of pure and luminous powder-soft coralline sand, fused with the ethereal waters of the Atlantic’s ineffable shades of turquoise and sapphire... a brilliant and iridescent marriage of nature made in heaven, here on earth. Meander at your own pace... stroll, strut or saunter and experience firsthand what ‘Beautiful by Nature’ is all about.
Adventure . . .
Rent a power boat. Photo provided by Sun & Fun Seasports.
Our resident avian population welcomes ‘part time’ visitors of the migratory-inclined to total over 190 species of birds. A soaring Osprey in flight or a pre-dive bombing Pelican circling his prey in the depths below leave us yearning for a ‘birds eye view’ and parasailing gives you just that - the exhilaration of a panoramic perspective up to 500 feet above Grace Bay and getting wet is completely optional. Float above a larger-than-life natural aquarium and behold the spectacular coral reefs and marine life below and take in the stunning views of Providenciales and her neighbouring cays with Captain Marvin and Ocean Vibes.
A stretch of those 230 miles of beach lie off-the-beaten track on the southeast shore of Long Bay, a beautiful combination of sand dunes and rugged limestone outcroppings and an idyllic and picturesque setting for horseback riding right on the beach... this euphoric and halcyon experience can be yours at Provo Ponies. Imagine your steed cantering on powder-soft sand that appears to vanish beneath the surf making you feel like you’re in the movies! Don’t let the name fool you... this is not just ponies but a total of 21 horses / ponies each with a unique personality and an equally fascinating life story of their own; geared to riders of all levels of experience.
Looking for real adventure? Froggie’s Ultimate Tours invites you to get off the beaten track and explore areas not accessible by other tours with the exhilaration and excitement of driving your own ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Located in scenic Blue Hills, a one-hour tour takes you to Pelican Point and Northwest Point - both excellent photo-op and bird-watching locations. A two-hour tour takes you down the back strip of Provo to the caves and historic carvings of West Harbour Bluff, a swim on a secluded beach and a complimentary drink. ATV’s are fully automatic and easy to operate. You must be 18 to rent, 12 to ride and only single riders are permitted.
Excitement . . .
Boat tours, beach crusies and fishing by Catch the Wave Charters.
It was not that long ago when all the fun and excitement of boating occurred inside the boat. Today, all the action seems to be behind it! When it comes to evolution in sports, surface watersports simply have to be one of the fastest evolving, competitive, and obsessive diversions... period. A product of the baby boomer generation, I can remember when surfing and waterskiing were the only surface watersports around, soon followed by the dawning of windsurfing - then considered an unconventional and unorthodox sport. Today, watersports embrace limitless thrills and unbounded excitement be it waterskiing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing, barefooting or tubing.
If watersports had a ‘swami’ it would have to be Doug Camozzi of Nautique Sports. Doug insists, “Skiing in Turks & Caicos is the ultimate! Miles and miles of gorgeous ‘glass-like’ turquoise water, white sand beaches and very little boat traffic make this destination my top choice in the world.” He further states, “The skiing and wakeboarding techniques taught in the TCI are the most up to date and advanced in the Caribbean market.” Nautique Sports offers many types of “on top of the water” activities including tubing, snorkelling, kiteboarding, wakesurfing, wakeboarding, skiing and footin’. So, as Doug would say, “Get out there and rip up the glass!”
Abuv-It-All gives you the power to harness the wind and fly across the water while you are in total control of the giant sail (kite) abuv ripping through the waves for an adventure like no other. From shallow flats to north shore waves the uncrowded beaches and consistent winds make for superb kiteboarding conditions here on Provo for everyone from the beginner to the most extreme boarder. PASA certified instructors teach all the fundamentals beginning with ‘dry’ power kiting followed by the addition of H2O! Moreover, conditions here on Provo are equally unparalleled for windsurfing, and behind it all is the guru of windsurfing, Abuv-It-All’s Mike Rosati. With origins dating back to the surfin’ 60’s, today’s sailboards have evolved to considerable proportions with combined elements of water-skiing, surfing, sailing, and hand gliding - it’s even an Olympic event.
Effortlessly glide over Grace Bay’s layers of cerulean hues aboard a Hobie Wave Cat - able to accommodate up to four seadogs. No sailing experience? No problem - sailing instruction is available and learning is a breeze! Paddle away on a stable single or double Ocean Kayak or explore nearby cays aboard a 16-foot Carolina Skiff with a 15 HP Yamaha outboard.
Rent a SeaDoo. Photo provided by Sun & Fun Seasports.
If you think ‘chum’ is your good buddy; ‘drag’ is a form of alternative attire and a ‘bar’ is for libations, you’re not likely ‘hooked on fishing’! Landing the proverbial ‘Big One’ here in the Turks & Caicos Islands is the infinite and en masse, generally successful pursuit of many a visitor and resident... the pulse-racing, heart-throbbing excitement of the thrill of the catch be it tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, marlin, barracuda or even shark will send the most calm, cool and collected into palpitations. Up the ante to include a reef teeming with snapper and grouper coupled with the relentless hunt for the elusive bonefish and you have yourself a world-class fishing destination, not to mention the host of several local and international fishing tournaments. So ‘hook up’ with Silver Deep, Hook’Em, Gwendolyn or Catch the Wave.
Let the gaming begin! There’s a taste of Vegas right here in the Caribbean for high rollers and recreational ‘players’ alike. Just because the sun sets doesn’t mean the action stops... over the past few years Provo’s nightlife has dramatically increased with a sophisticated and cosmopolitan edge. At Casablanca Casino, the casino floor is now updated with the most popular games in the world from industry leaders - Double and Triple Diamonds series, Red White and Blue, Sizzling Sevens, Tabasco, and many, many more. Don’t forget the Progressives, Cash Express and Jackpot Carnival. Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournaments are played every day at 8pm, followed by Cash Games. Enjoy distinctive cocktails, beer and wine from the Casablanca Lounge & Bar.
While golf is typically not considered among the adrenaline-pumping sports, most passionate golfers would tend to disagree. The eternal fascination of the game coupled with the challenge of the course can be exhilarating indeed; especially if that course is The Provo Golf Club. Designed by Karl Litten, this now mature course is consistently rated as one of the top 10 in the Caribbean. Proud to be hosting the 53rd Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship in August 2009 the challenging ‘target-style’ course features rugged limestone outcroppings, lush, indigenous landscaping, beautifully manicured emerald greens, placid lakes abundant with resident and migratory birds and cooling trade winds. Pleasurable and challenging for the professional or amateur, a substantial investment has gone into enhancing the golfer’s experience including a restyled clubhouse and several exciting and impressive course improvements. Put your swing to the test with their state-of-the-art V1 video coaching system, or take advantage of their three PGA trained professionals for private lessons or group clinics. No clubs? No problem... Provo Golf Club will provide you with TaylorMade or Nike golf club rentals. The recent clubhouse expansion has virtually tripled the size of the original Pro Shop sporting an emporium of men’s and women’s brand-name golf apparel, shoes, hats, sunglasses and gift items all at great prices. After your 18 holes relax and enjoy casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Fairways Bar & Grill.
A commitment to a lifestyle of health and fitness seldom takes a vacation, and The Athletic Club in The Saltmills recognizes that reality. Their state-of-the-art facility features a comprehensive selection of strength and cardio equipment and personal training together with an extensive selection of group classes including Kickboxing, Body Sculpting, Pilates, Yoga, BOSU and one of the latest fitness sensations, Spinning. It’s the perfect workout for just about anyone - and there are no complicated moves to learn. Motivational music and enthusiastic instructors will guide you through a stimulating workout simulating cycling in the great outdoors all on your specialized stationary bike. Not only is this a serious cardio workout, you can burn an amazing amount of calories while seriously toning your quads and gluts climbing steep hills, tearing up ‘the road’ on a straightaway with the added benefits of interval training. Discounted rates are available to Hotel Guests - just present your hotel key!
Discover . . .
Snorkel and Sail with Sail Provo
If you think Grace Bay is awe-inspiring... explore a little further. You don’t have to go far to find uninhabited islands and cays with flawlessly beautiful and secluded beaches, excellent snorkelling and even caves, with some bearing proof of swashbuckling days gone by. Just beyond Provo’s shores lie an echelon of Elysian proportions - islands and cays with some of the purest and most spectacular beaches you will ever lay your eyes upon... easily accessible by sail or motor. Rock gently and float effortlessly upon tranquil seas with only the sounds of waves lapping the hull of your boat; or thrill to the power of speed. Book a private charter, customize your own plans or choose ‘the more, the merrier’ approach and tag along with a group aboard a variety of vessels including spacious catamarans and deck boats or revel in the pure nostalgia of a seventy-seven foot retired trading schooner complete with traditional rigging, the S/V Atabeyra. Cruise and drift off into oblivion basking under the Caribbean sun or embrace the opportunity for adventure. Private sailing can be arranged with Beluga, “adventure by appointment”, or for private or group power boat charters call Silver Deep or Catch the Wave. For a genuine, swash-buckling south-side adventure get on board with Captain Bill of Ocean Outback Adventures.
Sail Provo insists “there is no better place on earth to be on the water” and I would emphatically agree - glide above gin-clear and effulgent seas shimmering and sparkling in diverging hues of indescribable azure and aqua-marine aboard ‘Arielle’, a striking 53 foot catamaran, or their 50 foot trimaran, ‘Savanna’. Their impressive fleet can accommodate virtually any adventure including incentive groups, private daytime charters together with overnight and extended term charters and even weddings packages... or join in the fun with your fellow ‘mates’ on their extensive selection of public cruises. Or... sail away like never before aboard ‘Sandpiper’, the gleaming pride of the Sail Provo fleet, a state-of-the-art, twin-masted catamaran schooner with sixty-four feet of classic, clean lines featuring all-inclusive, 5-star luxury and service. Elegant and awe-inspiring she evokes the ageless beauty, nostalgia and fascination of the sailing schooners of days gone by but with cutting-edge, modern technology and quintessential opulence.
A Personal Luxury Cruise with Kenard Cruises
If your predilection sways toward champagne wishes and caviar dreams... ‘Dream Aweigh’ aboard the ultimate luxury yacht, Kenard Cruises’ 42-foot catamaran. A 22 foot beam translates into an expansive deck area perfect for basking and soaking up the Caribbean sun. Retreat to an air-conditioned main salon with wrap-around windows, a 42” plasma TV and a Bose sound system featuring three berths, three bathrooms and a hot shower. Indulge in gourmet cuisine from local restaurants, or let Captain Kenard arrange your own private chef. Navigate our dazzling turquoise seas and explore our secluded beaches all at your own pace in sophisticated style and incomparable class. A ‘Dream Aweigh’ cruise promises to be the experience of a lifetime with unparalleled luxury, complete stability, outstanding power and superlative speed compliments of twin 440 hp engines.
Feel the sensation of flying across a sheet of glass on a Sea Doo Watercraft Safari or Sea Doo Sport Boat with Sun & Fun Seasports. Explore the south side of Providenciales which boasts endless stretches of shallow seas, or the idyllic Parrot Cay, Dellis Cay and Pine Cay.
Taking the ‘road less travelled’ is always an adventure in itself, and if you choose to take the South Dock Road that leads to Provo’s southwest tip you will be rewarded with some of the most picturesque and unparalleled beauty imaginable. Neptune Villas invites you to experience the peace and tranquility of Chalk Sound National Park - cruise aboard their 28 foot Neptune Villas Pontoon Boat (4-12 persons) and enjoy the panoramic vista of this idyllic natural ‘park’ for an inspirational day cruise, a magical sunset cruise - or even arrange your own catered cruise. Bring your own snorkelling gear and discover an abundance of undersea life snorkelling among the tiny reefs and countless cays. If you crave the absolute ‘up close and personal’ experience the more physically inclined can navigate the untouched beauty of Chalk Sound National Park in kayaks or paddle boats - glide through the placid and calm waters and discover tiny sand beaches hidden among the cays that are home to many Rock Iguanas.
Five Flamingo Tours takes you on an unforgettable excursion of historic and natural discovery to North and Middle Caicos. A pleasurable and scenic cruise on the ferry takes you to nearby Sandy Point, North Caicos where you discover the historical ruins at Wades Green Plantation, the mystery and wonderment of the limestone caves on Middle Caicos, the largest cave system in the Caribbean - navigate your way through stalactites, stalagmites while bats and owls curiously observe from above - gaze in awe at Mudjin Harbor - with its magnificent cliffs and pristine beaches it simply has to be one of the most naturally beautiful and dramatic places in the TCI... or even the world. Back on North visit Cottage Pond, a true wonder of nature - a bottomless cenote (a deep, natural limestone hole). Enjoy delicious authentic local cuisine for lunch with a view that will take your breath away overlooking Flamingo Pond - a protected nature reserve home to an incalculable ‘flock’ of pink flamingos - happy and content among the swamps and tidal flats, be enchanted not only by this rare and spectacular vision, but also of its unusual and unforgettable melodious and ‘cackling’ harmony!
A phenomenon of nature, the enormous barrier reef that surrounds these Islands is a masterpiece eternally in progress. Millions of years in the making, this spectacle is approximately two hundred miles long and sixty-five feet across and just one of the many reasons the Turks and Caicos Islands are among the top world-class diving destinations. Separating Grand Turk and Salt Cay is a twenty-two mile wide channel that is a staggering seven thousand feet deep. This Colombus Passage serves as a thoroughfare for all marine creatures, but in particular, the annual migration of the Humpback Whales that occurs every January through March. To behold and observe one of these massive and magnificent creatures is in and of itself the quintessence of discovery... imagine going a step further... imagine the auspicious privilege of being among them diving or snorkelling, observing them in their own domain.
Snorkelling simply has to be one of the most accessible and uncomplicated activities for just about any age range and it is the epitome of ease here in these Islands. While just about every charter offers outstanding snorkelling in a seemingly infinite number of locations, there are also several locations where you can simply walk to the waters’ edge and instantly be among a multitude of marine life including turtles, rays and a huge variety of fish, at the Bight Reef and Smiths Reef. If you’re a beginner, take your time and once you have found your comfort level you will be amazed at how effortlessly you float in the buoyant salt water. I have spent many an afternoon simply standing on sand (sans snorkel) still in the calm waters at The Bight Reef while numerous curious fish come to investigate this human visitor in their aquarium. Always remember that the coral reef is an extremely fragile ecosystem and must always be treated with care; please follow ‘reef etiquette’ to sustain it not only for future visitors, but also for future generations to enjoy. Take only pictures, and leave only bubbles.
Take an Adventure Cruise with Ocean Outback
If snorkelling is unfathomable to you, there is still a way for landlubbers to enjoy the sea world below. Aboard the Undersea Explorer stay perfectly dry and enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and its creatures from five feet below the surface in the air-conditioned lower observatory. Your hostess provides an amusing, entertaining and knowledgeable running commentary identifying fish and coral inhabitants of the reef as they are sighted right outside your window. A recent Undersea Explorer voyager boasted of her adventure, claiming it was like 10 snorkelling trips rolled into one - thrilled to see at least 10 turtles, 2 eagle rays and a kaleidoscope of multicoloured Caribbean reef fish!
Or, probe the depths below on one of several glass bottom catamaran excursions that give you the best of both worlds, above and below the surface, and the added benefit of optional snorkelling with Reef Peepers, Silver Deep and Ocean Outback.
The ethereal act of descending to the silent and weightless depths down under is the absolute paragon of discovery, the wonder and privilege of the diver and diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands is truly a divine experience. Multiple dive sites located all along this archipelago will leave no doubt as to why these Islands are hailed as one of the top diving destinations in the world. Read the complete TCI Diving cover story featured in the November/December issue of Where When How archived on www.wherewhenhow.com.
Couples, families, children and even seniors... anyone from the age of eight to seventy-eight (highest documented in the TCI so far) can get an almost instant taste of that ‘divine diving experience’ with SNUBA. I confess that I have long thought that SNUBA was simply a clever word combination of snorkel and scuba but it is in reality an acronym for Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus. A twenty foot air line connected to a floating standard scuba tank allows you to safely explore and navigate our own underwater ‘Neverland’ guided by a diving professional all without the burden of heavy, cumbersome equipment and extensive courses at a fraction of the cost. Many of the participants enthusiastically acknowledge that the perspective from a SNUBA experience was incredibly and overwhelmingly different from snorkelling the same reef from the surface above.
For those with voyeuristic tendencies of the G-rated variety, the Glow Worms perform their monthly mating rituals three to six nights following a full moon just after sunset in the shallow waters of the Caicos Banks. Luminescent pulsating greens light up the water as the female releases the eggs and the male zig zags and darts around the mass increasing the glow. Too bad fella’s, it’s a one-night stand and a fatal one at that as the male sinks to the bottom of the sea. Charters depart just before sunset, so you take advantage of the additional bonus of Mother Nature’s nightly show, usually augmented by various libations and nibbles.
Understand . . .
Owing to great strides in education and public awareness, today’s more sophisticated vacationers understand the fragility of the environment and realize the importance of its preservation. Our string of islands and cays remain relatively undiscovered territory, and with many of them still uninhabited, we can make every effort to maintain their virginal and pristine qualities and remain justified to be ‘Beautiful By Nature’ for we have all witnessed the outcome precipitated by negligence and irresponsibility. In essence, the Turks and Caicos Islands are the exemplification of a ‘new frontier’ of islands and cays that can be observed and explored without intrusion.
Big Blue Unlimited’s Eco Adventures take safeguarding these Islands seriously and “invite you to become more than a tourist” as they encourage the entire family to participate, explore, discover and learn together through kayaking, snorkelling, mountain biking, nature hikes and bird watching (remember there’s over 190 species!) Big Blue’s axiom may be “Keeping It Simple”, but I personally believe Big Blue has found the absolute modus operandi of “Keeping It Real.”
While environmental protection will always remain the ongoing aegis of all residents and visitors alike, paralleling this essential obligation is the preservation of our historical, cultural heritage and natural heritage. Through their mission statement, The Turks & Caicos National Trust is dedicated to this profound commitment. Several ongoing projects and programs encourage public awareness to ensure the protection and preservation of the Turks & Caicos Islands and its populace of living creatures be they dwellers of air, land or sea. Sites of historic and natural significance located throughout the Islands are closely protected and maintained and visitation is welcomed. The endangered Rock Iguana has found sanctuary on Little Water Cay; ruins from the Loyalist period from centuries past can be discovered at Wades Green in North Caicos, and Cheshire Hall on Providenciales; while on Middle Caicos, Crossing Place Trail offers hiking and biking trails. Visit their office located in Grace Bay Plaza below Pizza Pizza La Terrazza or downtown to arrange these tours and others, and to take home a treasure of national culture in the form of many handicrafts. Fanner grass, found in the wetlands of Provo, Middle and North Caicos, is dried and woven into baskets and trays, plus hats, bags and purses made from straw collected from white top and silver top palms, T-shirts featuring some of the historic sites, locally made dolls and ceramics.
Relax . . .
Let the Spa come to your villa with Spa Tropique
Hedonistic pleasures do not have to end with our glorious and captivating beaches; indulge your body and your senses to the limit at any one of our exceptional spas conveniently located throughout the Islands, or let the pampering come to you with Spa Tropique. In addition to three resort locations and a full-service day spa, Spa Tropique affords the sublime indulgence... a sumptuous and heavenly massage for you, or for both of you - what could be more romantic and pleasurable than a couples massage, all in the privacy and seclusion of your own villa or suite? Lavish and luxuriate in a surfeit of services and tempting treatments for hair and body available at our many resorts along with Spa Sanay, Beauty & the Beach, April’s Place and New Waves Design.
‘Let’s go to the movies!’ Just because you’re on an island in the middle of the Caribbean doesn’t mean you can’t see the latest cinematic releases! The LRaye Cinemas have three comfortable air-conditioned cinemas seating 220, 110 and 75, and even a Sky Box for private viewing. Those inimitable aromas of popping popcorn will tempt your tastebuds for that classic and traditional movie snack, along with a veritable cornucopia of other tasty treats and beverages.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are indeed in and of themselves; a ‘work of art’, a veritable masterpiece of natural creation, and their ever-growing wealth of indigenous artists produce work of international calibre that has been recognized far beyond these shores. Augmented by works created by artists from around the world, these islands play host to a considerable number of galleries well worth your attention each with their own cache of creations from near and far - Art Provo, Anna’s Art Gallery and Greensleeves.
Just a few short years ago, vacationing ‘shop-aholics’ were likely to find they were experiencing symptoms of withdrawal! Rodeo Drive it’s not... nor do I ever want it to be - but today’s visitors can get an admirable and respectable ‘fix’ to satiate all their shopping desires... browse through the ‘Where to Shop’ pages to discover a myriad of ‘shop till you drop’ possibilities.
While once upon a time it was possible to be incommunicado in the Turks and Caicos Islands, in today’s age of modern technology it seems virtually impossible to truly ‘get away from it all’. Inevitable advances in telecommunications now connect us to the outside world from even the most remote and secluded beaches, ultimately disconnecting and distracting us from the one paramount reason we take a vacation... to relax. Incredibly, it is not unusual to see visitors on the beach with a Blackberry in one hand and a Rum Punch in the other... with some even balancing a laptop on lotion smeared thighs! It’s time to silence the Blackberry, lose the laptop and refill that Rum Punch... it’s time for adventure, excitement, discovery, understanding and relaxation.
Everyone has an agenda... flip through these pages to discover the limitless possibilities and create your own “To Do List”... one that Horace would be envious of. Seize the day... seize the excitement... seize the tranquility... seize the beauty... seize the Turks & Caicos Islands!
Care was taken to ensure correctness of information at press time. Information is subject to change without notice. Ad Vantage Ltd. accepts no responsibility for such alterations or for typographical errors or omissions. Entire contents of this page may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission of Ad Vantage Ltd. © March/April 2009 Where When How - Turks & Caicos Islands.
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