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| Grace Bay beach |
If you’re looking for a relaxing, beach vacation, it's tough to beat Providenciales’ white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s long been a favorite to the rich and famous who appreciate the relaxed and refined atmosphere and can afford it; most everything is imported here. Provo (as the locals call it) is a pleasant albeit pricey alternative to the typical, tourist-packed Caribbean beach resort.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
If you are looking for a lot of action or daily activities, Provo is not the place. I would recommend it for pure relaxation and a resort vacation.
Turks and Caicos lies due north of the Dominican Republican in the Caribbean.
Turks and Caicos is comprised of eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, West Caicos and Providenciales.
Provo is the most-developed island and typically where most tourists visit. It lies on the western end of Turks and Caicos.
Temperatures range from 80-90 degrees year-round.
Turks & Caicos is closer than you might think. A flight from Miami takes a little over an hour. From New York it is about a 3-hour trip.
- American Airlines flies non-stop from New York & Miami.
- Jet Blue flies non-stop from New York & Boston.
- Delta flies non-stop from Atlanta.
- U.S. Airways flies direct from Charlotte, Boston, & Philadelphia.
- British Airways flies non-stop from London.
U.S. electric appliances will work on the island.
Locals are called "belongers".
High season runs from Christmas until March. Discounted rooms can be found in April & May.
Remember, hurricane season typically runs from July - October.
The Turks & Caicos Conch Festival runs in late November.
A passport is required.
Taxis are quite expensive. If you want to move about the island often, consider renting a car. Budget, Hertz & Avis are located on the island. However, know it is pricey as well, and you'll have to factor in $5+/gallon gasoline. Cars drive on the left-hand side of the street.
TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:
1. Grace Bay Beach
A perfectly walkable, 12 mile, white sand beach. Grab an umbrella drink, take a stroll, and feel the sand in your toes.
Feast on fresh conch (pronounced: conk) with the locals at this gem right on the beach. A must for all things mollusk: conch salad, conch fritters, conch chowder and more. Take a cab and plan on lunch beachside.
3. Fancy Dinner
Try Anacaona (at the Grace Bay Club). Get there early and have a drink at its Infiniti Bar. Don't be surprised when you open your menu and it lights up! A nice touch for after the sun sets.
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| Anacaona's light up menu |
4. Snorkeling and Scuba diving
Turks & Caicos are known for exceptional diving thanks to an abundance of coral reefs. Try organizing a dive with local outfitters Flamingo Divers. Make sure to visit Salt Cay.
If you are looking to grab a beverage, but want to avoid the $10+ cocktail? Why not opt for something a little more casual? My favorites: Jimmy's Dive Bar or Irish pub hot spot Danny Buoys.
6. Malcom's Road Beach
Rent a car and drive the dirt road to a beach that feels like your own private getaway.
7. The Beluga
Catamaran & captain for hire.
It's not hard to find pricey souvenirs on an island full of luxuries. The added bonus? There is no sales tax and no luxury tax. Some items like jewelery, watches, cigars and liquor are available to US and Canadian residents duty-free at selected locations.
That said, It’s more difficult than one might think to find those lesser-priced keepsakes (i.e. magnets, t-shirts, etc). I suggest bringing home one of the most beautiful souvenirs from the island: the conch shell.
9. Turks Head Beer
Turks & Caicos pretty much imports all beer, except this local favorite brewed on Provo. You’ve got two choices: Turk’s Head Amber Ale and Turk’s Head Light Lager.10. Golf
The Provo golf club is the only one on the island, but few - if any - other Caribbean islands can boast flamingos as caddies.
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME:
• The “local” market – We asked our hotel to send us in the direction of a place we could buy tourist souvenirs. They assured us the local market nearby would have just what we wanted. However, it turned out to be pushy locals trying to sell over-priced knickknacks in the middle of nowhere. Stick to the hotel gift shops.
USEFUL LINKS:
Wonderful & convenient beach resort
The Conch Shack
Sail Beluga
