Spectacular beaches, luxury holiday destinations and some of the best food in the world…Providenciales offers it all. As the most developed hub island in the stomping grounds of Big Blue Collective, today we’re going to guide you through everything you need to know about this arresting corner of Turks and Caicos- though we still say it’s time to come and see Providenciales for yourself!
Sunny beaches in Turks and Caicos
Chances are you’ll land any trip to the Turks and Caicos on Providenciales, as almost all international flights come into this island. Fortunately, it’s also home to some of the top beaches in the area so if a day of surf and sun sounds like the perfect vacation for you, you know where to head. Leeward, Bight, Taylor Bay and Grace Bay beaches are all breathtaking in their natural beauty and perfect for soaking up the sun. Needless to say, the area is jam packed with adrenaline- pumping water sports, diving, snorkeling and adventures as well, so it’s perfect for an active holiday that will get your blood pumping. Be sure to drink in the beauty of the reefs in the area while you enjoy. Take a relaxing time out and sip cocktails on the beautiful Providenciales beaches to round out a day of fun in the sun.
What can I do in Turks and Caicos?
Sun and surf isn’t all Turks and Caicos offers, however- imagine a ‘necklace’ of delicate limestone islands nestled in a crystal-clear, turquoise lagoon, and you have an idea of the natural marvels awaiting you at Chalk Sound National Park. Take to a personally chartered boat to see the area from a different angle, and truly drink in the depth and beauty of this pristine, secluded island area. Or head out to the sheltered wetlands to get in some paddle boarding and kayaking while baby sharks, turtles and starfish play around you.
Avid golfer? Don’t worry, you can still practice your swing. Provo Golf Course actually rates as one of the best in the Caribbean with a scenic par 72 course waiting for you to tee off. Turks and Caicos island tours– including Big Blue Collective’s eco-tours– can easily be booked [why not let us help with your watersports in Providenciales too?]. There’s also quad tours, cycle tours and even horseback riding through the area. Bird watching and hiking this spectacular are both incredibly rewarding.
Alongside the beaches, natural beauty and watersports, there’s ample opportunity to explore the arts and handicrafts the island is becoming famous for. Jewelry and fashion is also a surprising niche, with silk scarves, stunning silver jewellery and their own fashion brand becoming the flavour of the day. Gourmet coffee, seashell crafts and so much more will call to your pocketbook- don’t be afraid to splurge a little.
Indulge in some spa time if you’re staying at one of the larger resorts, or have fun on the [often complimentary] non-powered water equipment. It’s worth noting that almost all resorts on Providenciales are family friendly, which is rare for the Caribbean. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, consider renting a villa for your stay. The area’s nightlife isn’t the best, but you’ll be too tired from a day of adventure to care.
Provo is packed with things to do, from sampling craft beers to exploring the conch industry, visiting the historical sights of the island, meeting the local ocean wildlife and exploring her beauty spots so come prepared to enjoy- you may need to come back again and again to fit it all in!
Why visit Providenciales?
Besides the splendid scenery, beautiful beaches, heart-racing water sports and unparalleled experience of the world, you mean? Don’t worry, there really is more! The ancient home of the Taino aboriginal peoples, historical Provo was home only to a handful of intrepid sea salt ‘miners’. With the rise of the 1700’s, this largest of the Turks and Caicos islands saw cotton and sisal plantations spring up, but they were short lived. Emerging from a dark period, the island surprisingly made a resurgence as a destination for sponge farming, only to again fade away until the 1980s, where it’s most natural industry- tourism- has helped power development in the area. Basking in warm sunshine, surrounded by beautiful ocean, it’s surprising it didn’t become a destination sooner given the tasty food, awe inspiring natural beauty, achingly beautiful ocean and pleasant climate.
There’s a considerable upside to this for you, though. The area’s infrastructure is all modern and welcoming, and the locals are friendly and used to tourists, so your trip to Providenciales is guaranteed to be wonderful.
How do I get to Providenciales?
Getting to Provo couldn’t be simpler- you fly in to the island’s international airport. Domestic flights to two of the other Turks and Caicos islands, as well as provision for private planes, are also offered here. You likely won’t need a visa, although it’s always best to check with your local authorities. The area isn’t blessed with a public transport network, but you can easily hire a car or take a resort-linked taxi [avoid the illegal local ‘jitneys’] wherever you want to go. Local drivers are slightly better than found in the rest of the Caribbean, but don’t expect model behaviour, and US visitors to Turks and Caicos do note- they drive on the left, like in the UK, despite many US vehicles, so it can get a little muddled! Signage can be limited in some areas, too, so be sure to snag a free map at the airport or opt for a guided tour of Providenciales and surrounding islands instead. If you happen to want to cruise in on a yacht, go ahead- stays longer than a week to need a crusie permit, but many marinas are open to you.
What is there to eat on Provo?
Provo is the home of fine dining, so come ready to enjoy! A mouth watering cafe, bistro or restaurant always lies just around the corner for you to explore. You’ll find an abundance of Mediterranean, French, Italian and Contemporary Fusion cuisines alongside Indian, Japanese, Chinese and even Thai offerings, although [naturally] Caribbean fusion is also very much on offer. You simply have to sample a proper Caribbean BBQ to complete your Turks and Caicos dining experience! The only thing you won’t find is chain restaurants- so come prepared to experiment, your tastebuds will love you for it.
race Bay is packed with top-notch restaurants linked to the luxury resorts in the area, but be sure to reserve a spot so you aren’t disappointed. Take a tip from us- don’t fill up on your main course if you have any kind of sweet tooth! The islands is well known for its delectable focus on dessert, and you’re sure to enjoy sampling the decadent wonders available to you.
Fishermen, opt for a deep sea fishing adventure and have the restaurant cook your catch for you- what’s better then succulent, fresh caught tuna or mahi-mahi? One you caught yourself, of course! Naturally, there’s a focus on tasty fresh seafood in the islands, but if you want a taste of Provo, opt for a prepared Queen Conch snail stewed, in a salad, or even as a fritter. If you truly want to taste authentic Turks and Caicos cuisine in its totality, however, head out to the North and Middle Caicos as well.
Let Big Blue Collective help you plan the ultimate water sport and island hopping adventure in the exquisite Turks and Caicos and, of course, Providenciales itself- it’s an experience you’ll remember forever!