Providenciales beaches Travel Guide
About Providenciales beaches
Providenciales, commonly known as Provo, is the most developed island in the Turks and Caicos. Surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and shimmering, crystal waters, it boasts grand condominium resorts and luxurious spas while deserted stretches of shoreline can still be found on the southern shoreline and the western tip of the island.
Beach:
Grace Bay Beach, on the north shore, is a sweeping 18km (12 mile) stretch of breathtaking, sugary white sand. Here is Princess Alexandra Marine Park, the playground for Jo Jo, the famous bottlenose dolphin. It is also home to most of Provo's beachfront resorts. Those in search of small, secluded beaches and cays can explore Sapodilla Bay in Chalk Sound or the pristine islets of Malcolm's Bay along the northwestern tip of the island.
Beyond the beach:
Play golf at Provo Golf Club (Governor's Road, Grace Bay) (www.provogolfclub.com), an 18-hole championship course that features a challenging combination of lush greens, fairways, rugged limestone outcroppings and lakes. Sail on a day cruise along the barrier reef and visit the home of the indigenous rock iguana at Water Cay. Explore the remains of a cotton plantation owned by a British Loyalist at the archaeological site Cheshire Hall (near downtown), or venture into caves that were once hideaways for pirates at Cooper Jack Bay. For an inland adventure, visit The Hole at Long Bay and descend a large limestone chimney by rope to swim in the salt water at the bottom of this mysterious inland crevice.
Family fun:
Families can sightsee below the waves in a glass bottom semi-submarine. Long beaches and secluded lanes are perfect trails for horseback riding. Visit Caicos' Conch Farm (on the north tip of Provo) (www.caicosconchfarm.com), a unique place to see thousands of Queen Conches, a shellfish that has become a favourite meal throughout the Caribbean. When there is a full moon, watch glow worms turn a pulsating neon green during their mesmerizing mating ritual. Kayak along mangrove channels and in calm, secluded cays. Watch humpback whales on their migration past the island December through April.
Exploring further:
Island hop and experience the diversity of the Turks and Caicos. Cockburn Town, on Grand Turk has a quaint and charming cluster of historic buildings and an old lighthouse. Take a day trip to Salt Cay to see the old salt ponds, windmills and a roaming band of wild donkeys on this rustic island where salt was king.
