Providenciales or Provo is the third-largest island in Turks and Caicos, and its perpetual charms lie in its powder-like white sand and crystalline sea-green waters. It’s home to world-class diving and snorkeling sites, uninhabited cays (small islands), unspoiled beaches, and striking landscapes. Providenciales has plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained throughout their stay and we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do so you won’t have to. All that’s left to do now is to just sit back, relax, and book your next trip to the island. Enjoy!
Go Horseback Riding At Provo Ponies
One of the most unique and memorable experiences you can have in Providenciales is horseback riding with Provo Ponies.
This reputable riding stable offers guided tours along the stunning coastlines and tranquil trails of the island. The calm, well-trained horses make this activity suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
The staff at Provo Ponies are friendly, professional, and committed to ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable ride. They’ll provide all the necessary equipment and a brief lesson before you set off. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety.
Enjoy Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay Beach is one of Turks and Caicos’ hallmarks and is also deemed the World’s Leading Beach Destination. There are no rough ocean swells, rocks, or seaweed littered about, just pure turquoise waters and delicate white sand to greet you. It’s also the main center of luxury resorts (like Beaches Turks and Caicos!), villas, spas, and water sports—everything you need for an extravagant vacation.
Go Whale Watching
If you’re visiting Providenciales between January and April, you’re in for a treat. This is when humpback whales migrate through the Turks and Caicos Islands, offering a rare and breathtaking spectacle.
These gentle giants of the sea are known to put on quite a show, with their breaching, tail-slapping, and singing.
Several local tour operators offer whale watching tours, providing you with the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The experienced guides know exactly where to find the whales and will provide you with interesting facts about their behavior, migration patterns, and the conservation efforts to protect them.
Go Night Snorkeling at Smith’s Reef
One of the most accessible and beautiful snorkeling spots on Providenciales is Smith’s Reef. (It’s 3.5 miles (5.6km) from Grace Bay Beach.) A wide variety of coral, fish, and marine life are present in the reef by day, but snorkeling at night is where the most interesting creatures emerge: large sea worms, snails, squids, French angelfish, and octopuses wander the area.
Try Shore Snorkeling on Bight Reef (Coral Gardens)
Bight Reef is a good starting point in all your underwater adventures and is also a famous spot for shore snorkeling. Small reefs and coral heads adorn the area with occasional sightings of green turtles as well as hawksbill turtles, southern brown stingrays, and the spotted eagle ray.
Go Paddle Boarding in Frenchmans Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve
Compared to kayaking, the added height of paddle boarding over the water lends to amazing views of the sea life beneath the mangrove wetlands and marshes. Let the calm waters and paddle guide you through the sheltered waterways that are home to small lemon sharks, turtles, pufferfish, and abundant reefs.
Take a Jet Ski Out on West Harbour Bluff
West Harbour Bluff’s secluded and open space of beautiful turquoise waters makes it the perfect spot for an incredible jet ski adventure with friends and family. You may spot a shark or two in the waters below or even 200-year-old inscriptions on the rocks left by shipwrecked sailors. Stop by the reserve for sightings of Green Herons, Brown Pelicans, Ospreys, and other tropical birds.
Experience Ocean Outback Catamaran Adventures on Sapodilla Bay
One of the oldest boat excursions since 1988 guided by Captain Bill is in this 40-foot catamaran that’s great for children and adults alike. A floating playground at best, the Jammin’ vessel features a slide, swing, jumping boards, and trampoline all while exploring the fascinating sights and attractions found in Pirates Cave and Split Rock, Bonefish Point, Turtle Rock, and Sapodilla Bay Beach.
Go Freediving at the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef Wall
While not for everyone, freediving at the wall can be done with an instructor and the right equipment. It takes practice to reach around 40-50 feet (12-15m) of depth, but once you get used to the challenge, you’re greeted with the most spectacular views of the blue waters, coral reefs, humpback whales, and sharks if you’re lucky.
Take a Historic Day Trip to South Caicos
The small island of South Caicos gives visitors that old laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. It’s also where much of the historical settlement of Cockburn Harbour can be seen as well as the sea salt trade. Explore in your own time and revel in the many scenic landscapes and beaches before heading back to Providenciales.
Try Snorkeling and Shore Diving at Malcolm’s Road Beach
A scenic stretch of coastline and ocean swells give Malcolm’s Road Beach its character. Those wanting to snorkel or shore dive can do so in Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef on calm days. Those who’d like a challenge can go freediving as the area offers great visibility, depth of the blue ocean, and “the wall.”
Indulge in a Luxury Sunset Champagne Cruise
There is no better way to celebrate a romantic moment than to go on a luxury champagne cruise just in time to watch the sunset. Sip on French champagne or cocktails, nibble on sumptuous appetizers and cap the evening off by just cruising and enjoying the gorgeous scenery.
Embark on a Sunset and Glow Worm Cruise
For a truly unique experience in Providenciales, be sure to watch the bioluminescence of glow worms on a spectacular sunset cruise! For a few evenings after the full moon each month, the waters of Caicos Banks play host to this natural phenomenon, when thousands of glow worms emit green flashes of light in the shallow sea just after sunset in Turks and Caicos. Be part of a magical evening aboard our Sailboat catamaran, enjoying wine, rum punch, local beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and light appetizers as you sail with an expert crew.
Take a Clear Kayak Tour in Mangrove and Iguana Island
In this unique trip, you get to be one with the crystal-clear waters in the comfort of your own kayak and are treated to stunning views of marine life below. Watch a collection of fish, turtles, coral reefs, and conch. Continue your trip in the mangrove estuaries and spot endemic rock iguanas that inhabit the Mangrove and Iguana Island.
Tour Turk’s Head Brewery
The only brewery in the Turks and Caicos Islands, specifically in Provo. It produces four variants of beer and lager: Turk’s Head Lager, Turk’s Head Amber, Island Hopping Ale (IPA), and Turk’s Head Lite (light lager) as well as seasonal brews. Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of the whole brewing process with a free sampling right after the tour.
Try Kiteboarding at Long Bay Beach
Nothing like the cool Turks and Caicos wind and sea to power you through an unforgettable kiteboarding experience at Long Bay Beach. It’s become one of the most popular watersports on the island, and you can see lots of colorful kites gliding through the ocean on a windy day. Bight Beach, Grace Bay Beach, and Leeward Beach are also notable spots where you can try this sport.
Indulge in Luxury Spa Treatments
Tired muscles after a busy day at the beach? Since the island is also known as the paradise hub of relaxation, you may want to treat yourself to a luxury spa session as many resorts and wellness centers offer this package on-site or via mobile service. Choose a session of wellness massage, facial, wax treatment, hot stone massage, salt scrub, or manicures and pedicures. (Beaches Resorts on-site spa has phenomenal services!)
Try Yoga by the Beach
In terms of personal care and fitness, Providenciales is home to several yoga and Pilates studios. Staying fit has never looked more appealing since some yoga sessions are done by the beach instead of in the studio. Let the sound of the waves and scenic landscape refresh your mind, body, and soul so you can take on the many adventures that await you on the island.
Indulge in Sumptuous Island Cuisine in Grace Bay
You can still find some of the popular and long-standing island cuisines in Grace Bay, and the giant conch sea snail is a must-try. Seafood is still the main dish on the island including tuna, snapper, grouper, and lobster. The authentic fish with peas n’ rice is another local favorite. This can be found in Blue Hills and Five Cays.
Go Souvenir Shopping at Alverna’s Craft Market
A small but vibrant shop on Dolphin Drive and is also one of the oldest shopping sites on the island. The shop features eclectic finds and carries local and imported Haitian arts and crafts. Many souvenirs are handmade including sheet metal art, jewelry, and hardwood carvings you can bring home as gifts.
Get Inspired by an Art Gallery and Studio Tour
Get inspired and browse the local galleries featuring talented artists from the island and abroad. View the many paintings, fine art photography, ceramic, and glazed works curated at The Wellington Collection, Anna’s Art Gallery, Art Provo, Making Waves, Brilliant Studios Gallery, and Driftwood Studio among others. You can also sign up for an art class hosted by local studios.
Go Fishing
Yes, it’s an option! You can catch your own fish and eat it, too, since there are friendly local fishing charters willing to take you out fishing to some of the best spots in Providenciales. There are also local seafood markets like the Provo Seafood located on the dock at Five Cays where you can buy seafood for a cookout
Chill at Caicos Café Plaza
Nothing like a day of chilling in one of the island’s oldest tourist shopping plaza in Central Grace Bay. Order a coffee and freshly baked pastries (with Mediterranean influence) and sit outside the garden surrounded by palm and tropical trees.
Watch for JoJo the Dolphin
A conservation symbol and a National Treasure of Turks and Caicos Islands, JoJo the dolphin is a wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and is the friendliest water creature you’ll ever meet when swimming in Grace Bay Beach. US wildlife advocate Dean Bernal struck a friendship with JoJo in the 80s and has promoted dolphin conservation until today.
Note: if you are in the water you have to wait for Jojo to voluntarily interact with you. (JoJo came to say hello to us while we were sitting on the end of a dock!)
Learn E-foil Surfing with Fly TCI
Electronic foil surfing is a modern mix of surfing and kiteboarding. These e-foil surfboards are powered by batteries, electric motors, and masts with hydrofoil wings allowing the user to glide above the waters quickly. There are lessons provided by Fly TCI, and most beginners usually get the hang of the sport after a short practice.
Level Up Your Outdoor Photography Skills
Providenciales is a haven for outdoor photographers since it features world-class landscapes, beaches, and nature sceneries worthy of eco-tourism awards. The subjects are endless for a photo opportunity, some are even endangered like the Rock Iguana, and you’ll get to explore each unique island subject while hiking, diving, or swimming in paradise.
Book a Photo Shoot
Are you not interested in photography, but would you still like professional photos to remember your trip by? Why not book a private photoshoot while in Provo?! These experienced and creative photographers will meet you at your resort or villa, and help you create the perfect portfolio of memories of your Turks and Caicos vacation.
Play or Learn Tennis
Never miss a game even while on vacation or enjoy a match or two with friends and family. Luxury vacation rentals offer tennis as either a course or an amenity, and you can do so at the Provo Golf Club in Grace Bay and the Graceway Sports Centre on Leeward Highway. (This is also included in the Beaches Resorts rate!)
Volunteer or Adopt a Dog at Potcake Place
Potcakes are nicknames of island dogs found in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and they are sheltered at the Potcake Place at the Saltmills Plaza in central Grace Bay. It’s a growing attraction on Providenciales where guests can take out the puppies on a two-hour walk or adopt them as part of the island’s rescue effort.
Go Hobie Cat Sailing
Hobie Cats are little unsinkable catamaran sailboats you can sail on your own after an hour or two of practice. It’s not as intimidating as professional sailing but it can provide the same exhilarating experience of exploring the waters. It’s also the best way to introduce kids to sailing with Grace Bay and Long Bay as starting points.
The article “28 AMAZING Things to Do in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos” first appeared on Have Clothes, Will Travel.
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