Providenciales - “Provo” Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales is the hub of tourism development and activities in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Our population swells by an average of 27,000 visitors per month during the high season, and yet it never seems crowded.

Coconut Beach Villa — Sapodilla bay, Providenciales

About 18 miles long, and just over 7 miles wide, the island is lined with exquisite beaches that are truly world famous. At its highest point Blue Mountain reaches 135 feet up into the azure Caribbean sky, affording a simply breathtaking view of both the north shore and its barrier reef, and the south with its turquoise shallow banks.

The Palms Turks and Caicos features the islands largest and most elegant Spa experience

Visitors to the island discover accommodations and restaurants, from simple to sophisticated, geared towards most budgets and tastes. Choose from sprawling, sumptuous villas and condominiums, darling cottages, magnificent all-inclusive Beaches Resort or continental style hotels. You’ll be hard pressed to find any accommodation that is more than five minutes from our silken white beaches.

Aerial view of the resorts along Grace Bay Beach

The Grace Bay district, on fabulous Grace Bay Beach, is perhaps the best known district on Providenciales – for its luxury resorts and many fine restaurants and shops.

Parallel23 Restaurant at The Palms Turks and Caicos

You could easily dine at a different restaurant for every meal, every day and still have places to try when you leave. Connoisseurs will enjoy Asian, Italian, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, French, and Tex-Mex delights in addition to our local Caribbean cuisine.

Baked Caicos Lobster Tail at Baci Ristorante

You will not lack for tender, flavourful meats and creative vegetarian fare. However, seafood is just about everyone’s specialty. Choices are many and they are all fresh from our waters: lobster (in season), conch, crab, tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, grouper, snapper and more.

Explore the north shore with a private excursion aboard Caribbean Cruisin's luxury yacht

SCUBA divers discovered the TCI back in the early 70s. They are still coming, in droves, to enjoy the gin clear water and vibrant reefs. Almost every other conceivable watersport is offered, by experienced operators. Sailing and power yacht charters, SNUBA, parasailing, kite boarding, kayaking, SUP, personal watercraft tours are all at your service.

Flying high over Grace Bay by parasail you will see the entire island

Or you could just take a dip in the warm ocean and then flake out on the beach. This is a place where ‘Doing Nothing, Perfectly’ is an approved sport.

Relaxing on Grace Bay Beach at The Sands at Grace Bay

On land there are tours by scooter, or taxi or air conditioned busses, hitting restaurants, the cultural center, and some of the exceptionably beautiful photo-op spots. Golfers love the championship 18 hole course at the Provo Golf Club. You may wish to prove them right. Or go horseback riding on the beach and in the sea. Our horses are well cared for, well trained and they seem to take pride in looking after their riders.

Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales’ first motor vehicle rolled off a trawler at Heaving Down Rock in 1967. Roads were non-existent and the population of the island was barely a few hundred. Today we have paved roads running the length of the island, a resident population of more than 23,000, more than 20 international flights daily and an airport that is being expanded for the second time. We’ve come a long way.

THE BEACHES OF PROVIDENCIALES

Grace Bay Beach - Providenciales

The protective barrier reef which surrounds Providenciales offers some of the best scuba experiences in the world. This reef also breaks the incoming surf to create the calm, iridescent turquoise waters that edge our white sand beaches. Find the beach of your dreams! No matter where you go, you won’t find a crowd. Remember to use protective sun screen and take water to drink, especially if you travel off the beaten path. Please do not litter.

All beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands are public from the low tide line to the dune line. Please look for and use marked public access routes and do not use private property for beach access or exploration.

Do not leave valuables unattended either on the beach or in your car. It is recommended to not leave anything in your car at beach accesses or in remote areas. Leave your car unlocked so thieves do not have to break a window to discover there is nothing inside. When travelling to our remote areas it is always wise to carry a cell phone and drinking water.

* Best beaches for snorkelling.

1. The Bight Beach - Providenciales

   Easily accessible at the end of Pratt’s Road at the Lower Bight Road. Children's Park with facilities and parking. Home of the Thursday evening Fish Fry. A favourite Kite Boarding area.

2. The Bight Reef * - Providenciales

   At the end of Penn’s Road this area offers an exquisite snorkelling experience close to shore. The beach access is next to Coral Gardens and their beachfront restaurant. Snuba TCI is next door at the Windsong. PLEASE do not touch or stand on the fragile coral.

3. Blue Hills Beach - Providenciales

   This wild and scenic beach runs from Thompson Cove to Northwest Point. A favourite for photographers and artists. Several local restaurants and bars are found here, featuring fresh local seafood, conch, lobster, rum and music. Horseback riding is offered.

4. Grace Bay Beach - Providenciales

   One of the most beautiful beaches in the world...

   Grace Bay Beach - Providenciales

   The beach running all along the front of our popular resorts is referred to as Grace Bay Beach. From Beaches Resort & Spa to the Ocean Club Resort is approximately 3 miles. The most populated area is in the vicinity of Beaches Resort.

5. Leeward Beach - Providenciales

   The eastern end of Grace Bay is accessible from a public access within the Leeward community from Sunset Drive. Secluded with white sand, limestone cliffs and stone jetties.

6. Long Bay Beach - Providenciales

   This southeastern beach is 3 miles long and accessible by several paths from the Long Bay Hills Road. Beautiful and isolated, eastern breezes bring treasures from as far away as South America. A favourite Kite Boarding area.

7. Malcolm Roads Beach - Providenciales

   Malcolm Roads Beach - Providenciales. Photo by Carl McBurnie

   Enjoy a drive headed west through the seaside communities of Blue Hills and Wheeland, then bear left for a five mile trek through the hills and bush to a two mile long white sand beach. The road has been improved.

8. Pelican Beach - Providenciales

   A wide white sand beach at the far eastern end of Grace Bay is accessible from a public access within the Leeward community from Pelican Drive.

9. Sapodilla Bay Beach - Providenciales

   Sapodilla Bay Beach is just off Chalk Sound Drive

   To get to our southernmost beach, turn right off the road to South Dock on to Chalk Sound Drive. Look for a Rotary trash bin on your left. A quarter mile long white sand beach with gin clear shallow water make this beach a favourite gathering spot, perfect for small children and a yacht anchorage.

   Sapodilla Bay Beach is accessible from either end of the beach

10. Smith’s Reef * - Providenciales

    Smith’s Reef - Providenciales. Photo by Carl McBurnie

    At the mouth of the Turtle Cove Pond. Just off this point to the east is Smith’s Reef, an excellent spot to snorkel. This point also marks the beginning of a several mile long stretch of beach that ends at Leeward Going Through.

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