Provo is not just about sand, sun and diving. There are plenty of other Turks and Caicos activities and adventures to consider for vacationers of all ages!
Plan your vacation trip ahead for a hassle-free and fun experience! Here are some helpful information you might need when traveling to Turks and Caicos Islands.
ACTIVITIES
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Dining out is one of our favorite Turks and Caicos activities! There are many restaurant and bar options in Provo, but we’ve listed a few of our favorites below.
For a complete listing, you can download or just view the Providenciales Dining Guide.
Turks Kebab, close to the dive shop; inexpensive good food in a casual roadside setting. Also casual and inexpensive is Ricky’s Flamingo Café on the beach just past Club Med, a popular Sunday hangout for local families. Retreat Kitchen upstairs at Ports of Call offers fantastic vegetarian and vegan dishes for breakfast and lunch. You don’t have to put weight on during vacation!
For local flair and conch and fish inspired, try The Conch Shack in Blue Hills. The name says it all. Or try Boogaloos in Five Cays. Both require a car or taxi ride, but you can’t beat the setting.
For fine dining, try Caicos Café in the next little plaza, Bay Bistro on the beach at the Sibonne hotel, or Opus at Ocean Club. Coco Bistro is always popular and right next door is the more casual Coco Van. For a spectacular view over Turtle Cove Marina, try Magnolia. Ever popular at Turtle Cove are SharkBite bar and grill, Baci restaurant, and Mango Reef.
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Water-related adventures are on the top of everyone’s list of favorite Turks and Caicos activities!
Snuba: A step up from snorkeling, after a 15-minute orientation to the equipment, you take a guided tour of the reef underwater with surface-supplied air. There is no experience needed to take a Snuba tour. If you can breathe, look, and kick your legs then you too can SNUBA. Snuba is suitable for children as young as 8 years and fun for adults too! Many people who have tried SNUBA have become certified divers after just one Snuba experience.
Snuba tours need to be arranged directly with Snuba TCI. You can contact them at 1-649-333-7333 (reef) or via email at [email protected]
Kiteboarding — Kiteboarding is quickly becoming one of the most popular adrenaline-pumping of Turks and Caicos adventures. With consistent trade winds and shallow water, the learning conditions in Provo are nothing short of world-class.
Professional instructors from www.KiteProvo.com will get you started. First, learn to fly the kite on the beach and then out into the water with your board. KiteProvo also offers advanced lessons for those already up and riding and accommodations for kiteboarding vacations.
Sailing and Boating— Sailing is fun and safe for all the family! We recommend www.waterplayprovo.com who offer Hobie and windsurf rentals and lessons. Small boat excursions are also available, and if you crave speed, then there are also jet ski companies who will either rent a boat or offer guided tours.
Sailing Excursions — The 52-foot sailing catamaran “Ariel” offers half-day, full-day, and sunset cruises. You can sunbathe out front over the water in the trampolines or chill in the shade with Captain Jay Stubbs. Beverages and snacks are included on all sails. Just beware of the rum punch! sailprovo.com is a local favourite for sailing excursions is Atabeyra. They are often booked, but if you are here at glow worm mating time, this is a trip not to be missed!
Windsurfing – Kitesurf TCI is the most experienced windsurf school on Providenciales with 5-star Trip Advisor rating. All of the instructors hold certifications from IKO, WKO, or PASA. They have been teaching windsurfing for more than 20 years, teaching students as young as 5 years old to those more than 60.
Learning how to windsurf in Providenciales islands is a dream, this spectacular spot is an exclusive and luxury destination and the best place in the world to learn these watersports as the water is shallow, flat, crystal clear and warm.
Parasailing — Parasail fly 600 ft high above Grace Bay beach for a bird’s eye view of the island. Soar above the Turks and Caicos Islands’ skyline along the pristine shore of Grace Bay taking in the breathtaking views in our parasail while being towed behind our sleek powerboat. While soaring, be sure to keep a watchful eye for Jojo, our resident Dolphin.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding– Explore the beauty of Turks and Caicos Islands from the SUP point of view. It’s fun and relaxing for all ages and abilities. Most get the hang of paddling within minutes. Let SUPPROVO.com organize a unique paddle board experience for your entire group or family, or rent a board and create a journey of your own. Countless backcountry paddle boarding opportunities, hidden turquoise waterways, and islands that only Stand Up Paddle Boards can access.
Deep Sea, Bottom, and Bone Fishing — On off-diving days, fish for Marlin, Sailfish, Barracuda, Wahoo, Tuna, and Bonefish for a full or half day. Fishing licenses are extra and must be obtained by the fisherman when on island. There are many experienced fishing companies and independent fishermen who will take you out. We recommend Silver Deep, especially for bonefishing. For more information, e-mail silver deep at [email protected]
Kayaking — Several reputable companies offer guided Kayak excursions and kayak rentals. In fact, it is one of the most popular of the Turks and Caicos activities. Kayaking on Providenciales can generally be broken into two areas: flatwater cruising in Grace Bay and off the south coast, and mangroves and wetlands eco-tours. Visit the iguana sanctuary, explore mangrove channels and view marine and bird life.
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Horseback Riding – Providenciales has two small riding stables, each offering rides along the beautiful beaches of Provo. Located on the southeast side of the island, Provo Ponies is the island’s oldest stable and offers both group and private rides. Caicos Corral is located near Turtle Cove and offers private excursions for up to four guests.
Shop! Though not known as a shopping mecca, Provo offers some excellent buys. Boutiques are to be found island-wide, with the most concentrated in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales (Provo) at Caicos Café Plaza, La Petite Place, Ports of Call, Regent Village, and The Saltmills – and don’t forget to save some time to shop at Dive Provo! Our retail location at The Saltmills is widely stocked with not only must-haves for diving and snorkeling but a large selection of T-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs.
Semi-Submarine — For non-swimmers the semi-submarine offers a great way to view the reef. You sit 5ft beneath the waves and watch the undersea world unfold before your eyes while staying completely dry. This is a great excursion for all the family, young children to grandma.
Visit the Caicos Conch Farm – The World’s Only Sea Farm that raises Caribbean Queen conchs from veliger to adult. Learn about the process, see conch pearls and even purchase fresh conch for a fabulous conch salad. Conch is quickly becoming a rising star food, with top chefs from the USA and around the World choosing to use Turks and Caicos Conch Farmed products in their new dishes.
Spas — There are numerous Spa services on the island with many resorts offering their own on-property spa. Conveniently located in Grace Bay are Spa Tropique and Maxim’s European Hair and Beauty salon.
Provo Golf Club — A Karl Litten Masterpiece- Providenciales not only boasts some of the world’s most spectacular beaches but is home to one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. Provo Golf Club is reminiscent of a “Desert Style” course design with target areas and waste bunkers. It is a magnificent blend of lush greens and fairways and Provo’s rugged limestone outcroppings. The twelve acres of inland lakes and marsh areas are home to many species of birds. It is common to see many herons and pink flamingos in the marsh areas and six different species of ducks. Litten has designed the course in a way that offers a larger green area if the approach shot is a long one, while the shorter approaches will be to smaller greens tucked behind bunkers or mounds. The golf course is a great test for golfers of any caliber. The clubhouse offers an ideal place to relax, dine, or cool off with a tropical drink, while a fully-equipped pro shop caters to the needs of every golfer. Residential lots and townhouses are available for those interested in a home or vacation home in the Turks & Caicos.
Explore! Some of the hotels have bicycles for guests to use at no charge. Check with your hotel front desk.
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 is necessary.
Beachcombing — A deserted island might be the ultimate place for beachcombing, but Provo has an ample share of beaches around its perimeter. The 14-mile shoreline of Grace Bay is a feast for those whose bare feet hunger for a long or short walk in the off-white sand or shallow water where sand meets the bay. Much of the close-in water is a clear emerald green over a rippled sand bottom.
A walker finds a smorgasbord of sights that vary with the time of day. Joggers in the morning, volleyball nets a little later, sun worshipers of all sizes, shapes, and gender, children with colorful plastic buckets and shovels, windsurfers preparing boards and sails for their quick voyages, boats of divers leaving docks, and you name it. The fortunate visitor leaves the back door of their hotel room and finds the beach waiting for them just steps away.
Still not sure what to do with your precious vacation time? Then ask our staff! They will be more than happy to give you their ideas!
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We work with several properties that offer periodic specials that range from lower comps to free nights to free days of diving, so be sure to ask about any Specials first!
Dive Shops organizing travel for their clients are also eligible to earn commissions.
When planning, please feel free to invite your dive students! We know part of the service you offer your clients is the ability to certify students whilst on vacation. As such, we will allow any active scuba instructor to conduct training onboard Dive Provo’s boats as long as they produce copies of their instructor insurance naming Dive Provo as an additional insured.
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Dive Provo believes the trip leader escorting the dive group should get as much enjoyment out of the holiday as the trip participants, so we work hard to ensure that everything goes smoothly from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart.
The best way to accomplish this is by getting off to a good start by calling the Dive Provo shop immediately after checking into your resort. This way, we can discuss your dive plans. Unless otherwise arranged, we will have scheduled your diving to start the day after your arrival, and space will have been held for you on the boat.
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Every effort will be made to give dive groups their own boat; however, when the group size is less than our dive boat capacity during busy periods, this may not be possible. However, the shop staff will do their best to include divers on your trip who are self-sufficient or will gel with your dive group. We can accommodate 15 divers on 2 of our boats and 14 on the third boat. Each boat is tanked and insured for 18 divers, so larger groups who like togetherness can be accommodated.
Should you wish to have guaranteed privacy, Full Day Private Charters are available for $2500.00 per day for up to 4 divers – additional divers pay $200.00 per person. Choose to do 1, 2, or 3 dives. Gear rental, lunch, and refreshments included.
Dive boats depart from the docks at Turtle Cove Marina for diving along Provo’s north shore and from our dock on the south side of the island for trips to West Caicos and French Cay at 8:00. The average return time is 2.30 pm. The south side trips have the later return times, with Grace Bay being the only area with a 1:00 pm return.
After each dive, the staff takes care of all gear, cleaning it, storing it at the day’s end, then delivering it to the boat for the next day’s outing, leaving you free of duties and allowing you to enjoy the remaining afternoon hours resting and relaxing!
DIVE GROUPS
Planning for and traveling for dive groups is made easy with Dive Provo. Whether working with our reservations staff or your favorite travel provider, our goal is to eliminate the stress of the planning process. We’ll present you with the best options for accommodations that fit your dive group’s taste and budget, set up a dive itinerary that satisfies your group’s interest and activity level, and secure the best deals possible for your group’s air travel. Our reservations staff can also suggest activities for any non-diving companions joining the group.
WEATHER INFORMATION
The average year-round temperature is 83F (28C). The hottest months are September and October, when temperatures can reach 90 to 95F (33 to 35C). The almost-constant easterly trade winds temper the heat and keep life comfortable. Visitors are advised to wear protective clothing and a sun hat, and use waterproof sunscreen when out in the tropical sun. A 3-mm shorty or full suit is recommended for diving.
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Trying to decide which wet suit to pack? Or if you need to pack a sweater for the nights? Here are some annual weather statistics that might help:
- Average hours of pure sunshine: six to eight hours a day!
- The warmest months of the year? August – October.
- The coolest months? January and February. At night at a lovely 70 F, that sweater just might feel good!
- March is the driest month; October is when you might expect more rainfall.
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