Fast Facts
- We drive on the left side of the road
- Conch is our national dish
- TCI has a small yet growing sea salt industry! The salt produced in Turks and Caicos is known for its high quality and unique flavor, and it is used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.
- Turks and Caicos Islands are made up of 40 small coral islands and cays, with eight of the islands being inhabited.
- We are home to the third-largest barrier reef in the world
- We use USD currency
- Alcohol is not sold on Sundays, except for at bars and restaurants
Providenciales Island, and it’s Beaches
Providenciales, or “Provo,” as it is often called, is home to several beautiful beaches that offer a variety of activities and amenities. Here are a few of the most popular beaches in Providenciales (that are pretty great for E-Foiling, too!)
Grace Bay Beach
This stunning 12-mile stretch of powdery white sand is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. Grace Bay Beach is popular for swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, and e-foiling.
Long Bay Beach
Located just a few minutes from Grace Bay, Long Bay Beach is known for its calm waters and intimate location. This secluded beach is a great spot for families with young children, as well as for those who want to escape the crowds.
Chalk Sound National Park
Located on the southwest corner of Providenciales, Chalk Sound National Park is a beautiful spot for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and other water sports. The park is also home to several secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Malcolm Road Beach
Located on the northwest side of Providenciales, Malcolm Road Beach is a quiet, secluded spot that is popular with locals. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
Taylor Bay Beach
Located on the south side of Providenciales, Taylor Bay Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is also a great spot for snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, and e-foiling.
Conch Bar Caves
The Conch Bar Caves are a series of underground limestone caves located on Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos. These caves are thought to be over 6,000 years old and were once used as a shelter by the island’s indigenous peoples. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their unique geology and rich history.
To explore the Conch Bar Caves, visitors can take a guided tour led by knowledgeable local guides. During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to see stalactites and stalagmites, as well as learn about the history and geology of the caves. The tours typically last about an hour and involve some light hiking and climbing, so it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
In addition to the opportunity for guided tours, the Conch Bar Caves also allow for self-guided tours, for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. These self-guided tours allow visitors to explore the caves on their own, using a map and informational signs to guide their way. No matter which tour option you choose, the Conch Bar Caves are a must-see attraction on Providenciales Island and offer a unique and fascinating look at the island’s history and geology.
Cultural Experiences
Home to a rich cultural history that can be explored through various excursions and events, here are a few cultural experiences that tourists can participate in while visiting the island:
Cultural Village Tour
This tour offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the island’s indigenous people, the Taino. The tour includes a visit to a replica of a traditional Taino village, where visitors can learn about the daily life and traditions of the Taino people.
Conch Festival
This annual festival celebrates the island’s rich conch heritage and takes place in November. The festival includes live music, traditional conch dishes, and other cultural activities.
Fish Fry
The Thursday Fish Fry is a great gathering place for tourists and locals alike, located next to popular local restaurant Mr. Groupers. Grab a taste of Turks and Caicos culture by visiting food booths offering local foods and delicacies. Other vendors are also available and set up with jewelry, clothing, and other souvenirs to buy. There are also often live bands and DJs, making for a great place to meet, dance, and grab a cocktail.
Blue Hills Cultural and Heritage Day
This annual event takes place in December and celebrates the island’s African and Caribbean heritage. The event includes live music, traditional food, and cultural displays.
Cultural Walking Tours
Several local tour companies offer guided walking tours that focus on the island’s cultural history. These tours typically include visits to historic sites such as the Cheshire Hall Plantation, and offer significant insight into the island’s past.
Overall, there are many opportunities for tourists to experience the culture and heritage of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos through various excursions and events. These experiences provide a unique and enriching way to learn about the island and its people.
Outdoor Adventures
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Here are a few popular outdoor activities to consider while visiting the island:
E-Foiling
As mentioned earlier, e-foiling is a thrilling water sport that involves riding a hydrofoil board with an electric motor. This activity is a great way to experience the island’s beautiful waters and is available at several locations around Providenciales. E-Foiling is a fully electric activity, and produces a zero-negative impact on surrounding marine life and it’s corresponding ecosystems.
Go Snorkelling or Diving on the World’s Third-Largest Barrier Reef
After Australia and Belize, Turks and Caicos has the third largest barrier reef in the world. The crystal-clear waters around Providenciales are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a top destination for snorkelling. There are several snorkelling spots around the island, including Grace Bay Beach and Smith’s Reef. Some of our favorites are: Smith’s Reef- popular for turtles and eagle rays, Malcolm’s Beach- known for crystal clear clarity and proximity to a popular scuba spot and Coral Gardens- best for beautiful and intricate coral heads.
Hiking
The island has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast and the surrounding landscape. The Chalk Sound National Park and the Princess Alexandra National Park are both popular spots for hiking and offer a variety of trails to choose from.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the island’s many coves and inlets and offers a unique perspective on the island’s natural beauty. There are several local tour companies that offer guided kayaking tours, as well as rentals for those who prefer to explore on their own. We recommend My Time Tours, who offer clear bottom kayak adventures where you can explore marine life in our beautiful mangroves and waterways.
Link: https://www.mytimetours.com/
Island Hopping
Turks and Caicos is made up of several small islands, each with its own unique character and attractions. Island hopping is a great way to explore the different islands and can be done by boat or plane, and TCI Ferry offers daily ferries from Provo to North Caicos throughout the day making it easy to do a day trip. If you’re the adventurous type, take the ferry to North Caicos (about a 20-30 minute ride) where you can rent a car and explore the two island’s beautiful selection of beaches.
Link: https://tciferry.tciferry.com/
Paddle Boarding the Mangroves
Turks and Caicos is very fortunate to have a beautiful mangrove system scattered around the islands. Mangroves are incredibly special because they are often classed as the ocean’s nursery. This is the best place to spot baby sharks, sea turtles, puffer fish, stingrays and jellyfish. This activity can be done with a guide or solo but we suggest booking with a tour company as local guides can provide some extra insight and education on the mangrove ecosystems. We recommend travelling with Mako Watersports, as they offer paddle board excursions into the mangroves in leeward cut.
Link: https://www.makowatersports.com/
Kite-Boarding
Ever wanted to learn how to Kite Board? Kite Provo offers packages for first time riders, as well as varying experience levels. Kite Provo is the longest standing kiteboarding company in the Turks and Caicos, who offer comprehensive lessons to ensure you have a fun and safe experience. Located on Long Bay, world renowned kiteboarding beach, you are destined to have consistent windy conditions consistent with a great kite boarding trip.
Link: https://kiteprovo.com/
Wakeboarding
If you’re looking for a thrilling water sport to try while in Turks and Caicos, wakeboarding is definitely worth checking out. Wake to Wake Watersports is a private water sports company offering multiple activities to choose from including wakeboarding, wake-surfing, tubing, waterski, and much more. Catering to groups of up to 14 people, they offer charters by the hour, half day or full. Wake to Wake provides instruction to all experience levels to include a wide variety of skillsets.
Link: https://waketowake.tc/
Overall, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are perfect for those looking to experience the island’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer to snorkel, e-foil, hike, or kayak, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the island.