The Best Travel Guide to Providenciales (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales

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Caribbean Turks and Caicos Islands Providenciales

Overview

Providenciales The guide was updated: 2024-09-15

Providenciales is the primary tourist destination of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, which sits just north of Hispaniola. Its popularity is hardly surprising: this Caribbean island offers long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for extended snorkelling sessions. That's why so many upscale resorts and restaurants have come to line its shores, and a plethora of boutiques and galleries greet tourists that stroll around the main plazas: everything is in place for a welcoming and fun-filled stay.

Facts

Population:	Turks and Caicos Islands Population: 39,269 (2021)
Currency:	US Dollar, $1 = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, ambulance and fire brigade: 911
Newspapers:	Turks and Caicos Weekly News – www.tcweeklynews.com Turks and Caicos Sun Newspaper – www.suntci.com
Opening hours:	While most stores open at 9am, the ones around the main plazas close at 7pm, but some may stay open until 10pm.
Tourist information:	Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Providenciales Post Office Box: 868 Address: Regent House, Ventura Drive, Grace Bay, Providenciales Telephone: +1 649 946 4970 Email: info@turksandcaicostourism.com *This guide was researched and written by Gabriele Malacasa

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Section in Providenciales

If there are two things Providenciales is famous for, those must be its beaches and crystalline waters. Grace Bay Beach is certainly the most visited, but don't forget about the stretches of white sand located at Sapodilla Bay and Turtle Tail. The many snorkelling and scuba diving companies will let you explore local coral reefs and marine life, in case you choose to go beyond simply enjoying the shoreline vistas.

Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach

Regarded by some as one of the best beaches in the world, Grace Bay Beach is three miles long and features pristine-white sand together with seaweed- and pollution-free waters. If you're looking for more activities other than shoreline walks and admiring the nearby coral reefs, you can book a parasailing flight to enjoy a different viewing angle.

Leeward Beach

Leeward Beach

Even though it stretches to the east from Grace Bay Beach, Leeward Beach is less crowded than its neighbouring counterpart, allowing you to find the perfect spot for relaxing on its shoreline. Walking here grants you the opportunity to enjoy the view of the many local resorts, but also to visit the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana sanctuary. Other activities include water sports like wakeboarding and kayaking.

Sapodilla Bay Beach

Sapodilla Bay Beach

With its shallow and calm waters, Sapodilla Bay Beach makes for a fine destination for families with children. Nearby attractions include Chalk Sound and its rocky islands, as well as Sapodilla Bay Hill Rock Carvings, featuring inscriptions that date back to the 1700s.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Providenciales is filled with good snorkelling spots, but the best ones are arguably Bight Reef and Smith's Reef, both located in the central region of the island. You have good chances of spotting green turtles, southern brown stingrays and even nurse sharks. If you want to see nocturnal sea creatures like squid and octopus, you're free to do some night snorkelling (provided that you have the equipment for it).

Wake To Wake Watersports Turks and Caicos

Wake To Wake Watersports Turks and Caicos

Wake To Wake is a boat tour company that will arrange trips catering to your needs, offering half day and full day excursions, the latter including a beach BBQ and snacks. You can also take part in a wide range of water sports, from subwing to wake surfing, as well as water skiing and tubing. With enough luck, even the local dolphins will join in on the fun.

Deep Sea Fishing with M & J's Charters

Deep Sea Fishing with M & J's Charters

If you feel up to some big game fishing, M & J's Charters will give you the opportunity to do just that. The trained crew will guide you towards the best spots to catch barracuda, mahi-mahi, snapper and even swordfish and white marlin. The tour includes sandwiches to carry you through the day, as well as a beach BBQ at the end.

Bike Tour with Caicos Cyclery

Bike Tour with Caicos Cyclery

On top of selling bikes and offering repair services, Caicos Cyclery also gives you the opportunity to pedal through the main spots of the island. The "Java Cruise" is a short and relaxed ride that can be done during the morning or evening, the "North and Middle Caicos Bike Adventure" features island hopping between middle and North Caicos, while the Iron Man Road Bike Ride features a 42-mile long track that will put your endurance to the test.

Horseback Riding with Provo Ponies

Horseback Riding with Provo Ponies

The oldest stable of the island, Provo Ponies offers both group and private horseback riding tours through Long Bay Beach. You'll be able to wade through the waters with the provided steed; trotting and cantering will be available, if conditions allow it, on the two rides that are scheduled every day.

Turks and Caicos National Museum

Turks and Caicos National Museum

This museum is a smaller branch of the one located on the Grand Turk island, but plans are being made to expand its size, collection and exhibition spaces. It now hosts different anchors that belonged to centuries-old ships and a 1700s cannon, as well as a reproduction of a 1800s home and two examples of a Caicos Sloop, the signature vessel of the island.

Turk's Head Brewery Tour

Turk's Head Brewery Tour

Producing four different variations of the local Turk's Head Beer, this brewery offers tours detailing how their signature ale is made, finishing off with a tasting course where you'll be able to try them all out. The gift shop here sells not only bottles that you can bring home, but also articles like t-shirts and other souvenirs.

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