


	General Information / Restaurants / Other Activities

Sailboat hauled for bottom paint; Reef Harbor

Sailboat hauled for bottom paint;
Blue Hills

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.

Diver near deep sponge, Northwest Point

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.

Access to Provo: American Airlines offers Boeing 737-800 jet service non-stop from Miami (flying time is about 75 minutes) three times daily once each day from New York/JFK airport.

Delta Airlines also flies daily from Atlanta, and beginning February 16, Spirit Airlines from Fort Lauderdale.

British Airways provides service every Sunday and Monday from London's Heathrow Airport. Departure from London is 10:10 am with the return from Provo at 7:20 pm. 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. US Airways offers service from Philadelphia or Charlotte to Provo.

Air Canada from Toronto to Provo. Air Jamaica offers service from Montego Bay to Provo. Bahamas Air from Nassau to Provo.

Under/over image Northwest Point shallows

Shipping Options: Travelers planning on bringing excess baggage might consider using the services of Luggage Free. Luggage Free is a specialty service offering travellers 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 travellers 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.

Conch cleaning at Boogaloo's Conch Shack

Conch cleaning at
"Da Conch Shack"

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.

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.

Seated Man

For Telephone reservations, please call 1-800-234-7768 (in the US)
954-351-9771 (all other countries)
E-mail: diving@diveprovo.com

For mail or fax reservations:
Dive Provo Reservation Service, 5601, Powerline Road, Suite 205, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309; Fax 954 351 9740

To contact Dive Provo directly on island:
Dive Provo, PO Box 413, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Telephone 649-946-5040, Fax 649-946-5936