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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PROVO
Located 575 miles southeast of Miami, the Turks & Caicos Islands are a British Commonwealth Colony that were first populated by the Lucayan or Arawak Indians. Columbus claimed the islands for the Spanish in 1492. In 1670, Spain ceded the islands to Britain. The islands were a dependency of the Bahamas until 1874 when control was assumed by the Jamaican government. In 1962 they became a British Commonwealth Colony, now referred to as British Overseas territory.
The islands are self-governing, with British diplomatic representation provided by a resident Governor. The seat of government and the Governor's mansion are based in the country's capital, Grand Turk.
Providenciales (otherwise known as Provo) is 37.5 square miles and is the most developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a variety of resorts to choose from, excellent restaurants, good shopping and modern amenities. The ambience of the island is laid back and friendly and the beaches and waters remain unspoiled.
Airline Access to Provo: Air service varies depending on the time
of year.
From the US: American Airlines offers Boeing 737-800 jet service non-stop from
Miami (flying time is about 75 minutes) two to three time daily
(depending on the season), once a day from New York/JFK airport
in high season and weekends only in low season. Saturday direct from Dallas Fort
Worth, Texas and Boston also operate during high season.
Other carriers include JetBlue Airways with direct flights from JFK/New York,
Continental Airlines from Newark
Liberty International Airport (EWR),
Delta Airlines from Atlanta,
Georgia and US Air from Charlotte, North Carolina.
From Canada: Air Canada flies from Toronto to Provo
and WestJet/Transat from Montreal and Toronto.
From the UK: British Airways provides service every Sunday from London's Heathrow Airport. The service includes a stop in Nassau in both directions. Stop-overs
can be arranged in Nassau in either direction creating the possibility for a two
destination vacation.
From the Bahamas: Bahamas Air flies daily from Nassau.
Shipping Options: Travelers planning on bringing excess baggage might
consider using the services of Luggage Free. Luggage Free is a specialty service
offering travelers the option to send luggage ahead to nearly any destination,
worldwide, to avoid the inconvenience of carrying, checking and claiming bags —
even going through customs. On-time delivery is guaranteed, allowing travelers
the ability to avoid unnecessary aggravation, save time, and protect their
possessions — simply and in style. For more information on their luxury
service visit
http://www.luggagefree.com
Entry Requirements: All visitors to Provo must have a valid passport as
well as an onward or return airline ticket.
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time with Daylight Savings Time April 1 to October 27.
Currency: The U.S. dollar is the official currency
Electricity: 115 volts/60 cycles; same as the U.S.
Medical Facility/Recompression Chamber: In case of medical problems on vacation there is a government clinic, staffed 24 hours, and also private health centers with doctors on call around the clock. An operational recompression chamber is located at the Menzies Medical Centre.
Vehicle Rental: Cars and scooters are for rent with 4WD being a favorite.
Drive on the left side of the road. A valid driver's license in necessary.
Grace Bay Car
Rentals is the largest independently owned car rental company on
the island with the most affordable rates. It is located in the heart of Grace Bay a
couple of minutes from the Dive Provo shop. Avis and Hertz are also located close to Dive Provo, along with Tropical Auto Rental and Provo Rent a Car.
Credit Cards:
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels and larger business establishments. Cash or travelers checks are recommended in smaller businesses.
ATM: There is an ATM in the Ports of Call shopping centre in Grace Bay, one at the IGA supermarket and at the banks.
Climate: With little rainfall, sunny days are almost always guaranteed. The island's climate helps make it a haven for many species of tropical birds, flowers and wildlife found in their natural habitats including trails, beaches and unique sand dunes.
Air & Water Temperature Averages:
| Air Temp |
Water Temp |
| Jan |
75-78°F 24-26°C |
75-77°F 24-25°C |
|---|
| Feb |
75-78°F 24-26°C |
75-77°F 24-25°C |
|---|
| Mar |
75-78°F 24-26°C |
75-77°F 24-25°C |
|---|
| Apr |
78-85°F 26-29°C |
77-80°F 25-27°C |
|---|
| May |
78-85°F 26-29°C |
77-80°F 25-27°C |
|---|
| Jun |
90-96°F 32-36°C |
82-86°F 28-30°C |
|---|
| Jul |
90-96°F 32-36°C |
82-86°F 28-30°C |
|---|
| Aug |
90-96°F 32-36°C |
82-86°F 28-30°C |
|---|
| Sep |
85-90°F 29-32°C |
77-81°F 25-27°C |
|---|
| Oct |
85-90°F 29-32°C |
77-81°F 25-27°C |
|---|
| Nov |
85-90°F 29-32°C |
77-81°F 25-27°C |
|---|
| Dec |
75-78°F 24-26°C |
75-77°F 24-25°C |
|---|
 Beaches: Provo has some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. The beaches are uncrowded expanses of fine off-white sand. The 14 mile expanse of beach along Grace Bay is frequently compared to the beauty of 7 mile beach on Grand Cayman. The surrounding water is the most exquisite shade of turquoise blue to be found anywhere in the world.
Natives: A small population of warm and friendly people invite tourists to share their tropical island paradise. Provo remains essentially as it was when Columbus arrived in 1492 -- enchanting, alluring and with a natural island charm and beauty all its own.
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