Travel Tips - Relax and Enjoy Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Providenciales is an island in the Turks Caicos Islands. The airport code is PLS. Tradewinds keep the island cool. This island boasts a 12 mile long powdery white sand beach.  There is also great saltwater fishing.

The cleanest, clearest, most beautiful turquoise water imaginable. The island is relaxing. It’s resorative. We went – we suggest you go, too!

Best reasons to go to Provo:

- Close proximity to Miami (direct flights from Miami less than 2 hours)

- Friendly locals who readily accept tourists

- 12 mile Grace Bay beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in the world)

- Excellent snorkeling off the beach

- Mild weather with refreshing breezes

- Best conch (you have to at least try it at the Conch Shack)

- American currency accepted everywhere

- Plenty of island to explore with a rental car; drive on the left, but it is easy to adapt. Really! (The main roads are two lane divided highways with round abouts. After a day – you will be a pro.)

Most food (except local seafood) is imported to the island which means higher prices at the grocery store (so bring sunscreen, coffee, batteries or anything else you think you can pack easily) - but pack light as you just need your swim suit and some casual clothes.

Grocery shopping:

- (Graceway IGA (tel. 649/941-5000; www.gracewayiga.com) on Leeward Highway (which also sells beer, wine, and liquor, but not on Sun -- you can only get alcohol in restaurants and bars on Sun).

- Lowest prices for alcohol – CBS Liquors at Walter Cox traffic circle – recommend Turks Head beer and Bambarra rum, both made in TCI)

Our pick: Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas, http://www.atlanticbeachfrontvillas.com/, which is located near Turtle Cove Marina on Grace Bay. It is an excellent option to the traditional hotel stay. The Villas are meticulous and lovingly maintained by onsite caretakers. Snorkel gear is available in each villa. Amenities include outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, BBQ grills, kayaking and within walking distance to restaurants at Turtle Cove Marina. The beach road between the villas is great for a stroll and you will probably meet a couple of friendly local dogs, called potcakes: http://www.potcakeplace.com/ who will accompany you along the beach.

(Villa reviews on trip advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147399-d1635994-Reviews-Atlantic_Ocean_Beach_Villas-Providenciales_Turks_and_Caicos.html#REVIEWS)

Day Trips:

Take the TCI Ferry from Walkin Marina Leeward Tel: (649) 946-5406 / Cell: 231-4191 to Middle Caicos.  Ferries leave several times a day – every day.  We took the 9:30am ferry and returned at 4pm which provided plenty of time to explore Middle and North Caicos.  (If you are an early riser – there is a 6am departure.) No advance purchase necessary. ($40 return same day fare – cash only.)  Call ahead to rent a jeep which will be waiting for you at the ferry arrival port in Middle Caicos.  Lunch at Daniel’s Café, and then explore Mudjin’s Cove to collect sea glass.  Link for restaurants and jeep rentals: http://middlecaicos.biz/links.htm

Chalk Sound:

Another great destination for exploring. Stop at Las Brisas for lunch, dinner, or a reserve a ride on a pontoon boat that you can either take for a day snorkeling trip or a sunset cruise. The water is iridescent turquoise. http://www.wherewhenhow.com/turks-caicos-islands/magazine/restaurant-reviews/las-brisas/

Snorkeling:

Most convenient to Atlantic Ocean Beach Villas (besides in front of the villas) is directly off the beach from Coral Gardens Hotel on Grace Bay. http://www.coralgardensongracebay.com. Besides being free – there is a huge reef ringed with buoys to protect fire coral. The fish and coral are magnificent.

Horseback riding:

Highly recommend Provo Ponies, https://www.provoponies.com/. The guides take you into the water with the horses that walk along chest deep in the turquoise water. It is extremely relaxing and pleasurable. They do not run or trot (unless you want to request an advanced ride experience). Otherwise for the novice, this is a great way to experience a little adventure in a safe environment while experiencing TCI via horseback. This was a trip-highlight for us.

Meet the locals:

Start at Danny Buoys – an Irish pub in the heart of a shopping district. You will be most welcome. Talk to the locals – ask where to go. They are great people from all over the world who now call Provo home. http://www.dannybuoys.com/

Nearby are lots of shops for diving, art work, jewelry and souvenirs – not too far from Atlantic Beach Villas.

Take a drive to Blue Hills:

Start at Three Queens (oldest of the Blue Hills restaurants, Three Queens (tel. 649/941-5984), is a favorite local hangout, hours are Monday to Saturday from 11am until past sunset. Bring cash. We went there during the day and Dick, the proprietor treated us like royalty. Then stop at Horse-Eye Jack's where there is a deck overlooking the beach and Jamaican-style jerk meat. And do not miss Da Conch Shack where live conch are held in pens in the shallows below and brought up to order. You can sit on picnic tables facing the water with your feet in the sand!

Shopping:

The Saltmills is the newest shopping district on Grace Bay. But here is a list of other areas, as well. http://www.visitprovidenciales.com/wheretoshop/default.aspx

To find out about other options please read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/providencialesandcaicos/0259010028.html#ixzz1IbghrscB

Many of your friends and family who did not accompany you would love to hear from you via the old fashioned way.  Stop by the post office and mail off a few postcards.  (Across the street from the Walter Cox traffic circle)