I flew into Providenciales expecting a smaller version of the Bahamas and found something better. Grace Bay Beach genuinely deserves its rankings – the sand is powder fine, the water is implausibly clear, and for most of my week there I could walk for half an hour without seeing more than a handful of people. The snorkelling off the reef was excellent even with basic equipment. What surprised me was how expensive everything is – this is not a budget destination. Dinner for two rarely came under $100, and the resorts charge premium prices. But if you want Caribbean beaches without the cruise ship crowds, Providenciales delivers.
Turks and Caicos is a cluster of 40 small islands, located near the Caribbean. Just 12 of the islands are inhabited, and the largest—Providenciales—is just under 100 square kilometres in size, and is home to around 31,000 people. Despite the small size of the island group, more than a million tourists visit every year to enjoy holidays in Providenciales amidst the gorgeous beaches and tropical climate.
Places to Go on Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Travel Guide
Despite Providenciales’ small size, there’s a wide variety of things to see and do and places to stay, with plenty of family-friendly resorts and hotels, as well as several adults-only resorts for singles and couples aged 18 and over. Grace Bay, located on the island’s north-east coast, is home to several hotels and resorts, including the family-focused Seven Stars, the boutique hotel Grace Bay Place, and the 18+ Club Med Turkoise.
For the ultimate in luxury holidays, Providenciales has the Windsong Resort, located at the stunning Grace Bay. The resort is situated right on the beach-front, and features fabulous one, two, and three bedroom luxury apartments with breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. While it can be difficult to find accommodation for villa holidays in Providenciales, by exploring all your options thoroughly and booking well in advance, it’s definitely possible to find a comfortable and private place to stay.
A holiday on Providenciales can be as quiet and relaxing or as energetic and exciting as you want it to be. Spend your days soaking up the sun on Grace Bay Beach—the island’s most popular attraction—or head into the water to explore mysterious coral reefs teeming with life. Go boating, sailing, or diving, or travel inland and explore the quiet roads and byways by car, moped, or bicycle. Providenciales may be a small island, but there’s still plenty to see and do. And if you decide to travel further afield, it’s easy to take a day trip to an adjacent island by catching a ferry.
Providenciales is a fairly quiet island, with only a small handful of nightclubs and bars. But there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy an evening, whether it’s with cocktails at a beach-side bar, a night of live music at a local pub, or a few hours spent at the Caicos Royale Casino at Turtle Cove Marina. And if you’ve opted for a Providenciales package holiday at a resort, you’ll have additional options for an evening’s entertainment.
What to See and Do on Providenciales
- Visit historic sites such as Sapodilla Hill Rock Carvings, located near Sapodilla Bay. Many rocks at this protected site have been carved with inscriptions that document ships and people dating back to the 1800s.
- Another fascinating historic site is the Cheshire Hill Plantation, which dates back to the 18th century. While most of the plantation is now in ruins, it’s still an interesting place to learn more about the local cotton industry.
- Head to Long Bay Beach for swimming and sun-bathing, and activities such as horse riding and kite surfing.
- If you’re on the island in the week after a full moon, book an evening boat tour to see marine glow worms, which are only visible during this part of the month.
- Visit Caicos Conch Farm to learn about the tiny crustaceans that are one of the island’s main exports, and an ingredient of many local dishes.
- During November, an annual Conch Festival is held in the Blue Hills area. This family-focused festival features a full weekend of activities, with plenty of food, music, and entertainment. Check the official Turks and Caicos tourism website for specific dates.
- Novices and experienced divers alike can enjoy diving to see incredible coral reefs, colourful fish, and exotic marine plants, in the gorgeous blue waters of Providenciales. On the island you can take your pick of snorkelling, scuba diving, and a combination of the two called snuba.
- Rent a boat or book a boat tour to head out on the water and visit the tiny islands in the waters surrounding Providenciales, go snorkelling, or enjoy skiing and other water sports.
- Enjoy a wide range of cuisines at local restaurants, including fabulous local dishes as well as international classics at Italian, Japanese, and Irish eateries.
- Visit the incredible Chalk Sound National Park, just a couple of miles south of the Downtown area. Chalk Sound is a natural lagoon with bright turquoise water and hundreds of tiny rock cays, and is highly popular with kayakers.
- Many package holidays in Providenciales include excursions to local attractions and activities; for example, Club Med Turkoise offers snorkelling, sailing, and other daily activities.
Need to Know Info for Providenciales
The official language of the Turks and Caicos Islands is English, and some residents also speak Spanish or Haitian Creole. The currency is the American dollar.
Thanks to the island group’s Caribbean location the climate is tropical, with warm weather for most of the year and monsoons during the summer, but there tends to be less rainfall in this region than in most other parts of the Caribbean. Monsoon season is usually from May through to October. Summertime temperatures reach the mid 30s on the hottest days, but typically remain in the low to mid 20s in the winter. Since the winters are mild as compared to the hot and often humid summers, the dry winter season—November through to April—is a popular time for family holidays in Providenciales.
Most people reach the Turks and Caicos Islands by air, landing at Providenciales International Airport. Because this island group is a British Overseas Territory, UK residents don’t need a visa to travel here; however, a passport is still required. The visa requirement is waived for residents of many other countries too, including most European countries as well as the US, Canada, and other British Overseas Territories.
Providenciales is so small that getting around is easy, and it rarely takes long to get anywhere. If you’re staying at a resort you’ll likely have access to a free shuttle that travels around the main activity hubs and beaches. Other options for travel include renting a car, moped, or bicycle; taking a taxi; or hiring a private car or van and driver.
Costs
Providenciales is expensive – one of the pricier Caribbean destinations.
Accommodation:
- Budget guesthouses: $150-250/night
- Mid-range hotels: $300-500/night
- Luxury resorts: $600-1,500+/night
Food and drink:
- Restaurant dinner for two: $100-200
- Casual lunch: $25-40
- Beer at bar: $8-12
- Conch dishes: $18-35
Activities:
- Snorkelling tour: $75-150
- Diving (two-tank): $150-200
- Boat trip to islands: $100-200
- Kayak rental: $40-60/half day
Why Grace Bay Beach Ranks Among the World’s Best
Grace Bay Beach consistently ranks in global “best beaches” lists for good reason. The sand is powder-fine and cool underfoot even in summer heat. The water is impossibly clear – you can see your feet in chest-deep water. The reef protects the bay from strong currents, making it safe for swimming. And unlike many famous beaches, it rarely feels overcrowded despite the resort development along its length.
The snorkelling is excellent even without a boat trip. Swim out to the reef from the beach and you’ll find healthy coral, parrotfish, and the occasional turtle. The reef runs parallel to much of the beach, making access easy from multiple points.
What Sets Providenciales Apart
The water clarity – Turks and Caicos has some of the clearest water in the Caribbean due to minimal rivers feeding silt into the ocean.
Diving quality – The wall diving rivals anywhere in the Caribbean. The continental shelf drops off dramatically just offshore, creating vertical walls covered in coral and sponges.
Conch culture – Conch is to Turks and Caicos what lobster is to Maine. The Caicos Conch Farm is the only commercial conch farm in the world. Try conch salad (raw, marinated in lime), cracked conch (battered and fried), or conch fritters at any local restaurant.
Low-key atmosphere – Despite the luxury resorts, Providenciales maintains a quiet, relaxed character. No cruise ships dock here. The nightlife is subdued. People come for the beach and the water, not the party scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Turks and Caicos?
UK residents don’t need a visa to travel to Turks and Caicos; however, a passport is still required. The visa requirement is waived for residents of many other countries including most European countries, the US, Canada, and other British Overseas Territories.
When is the best time to visit Providenciales?
The dry winter season from November to April is the most popular time for family holidays in Providenciales due to mild weather compared to hot and humid summers. Monsoon season runs from May through October. Winter temperatures stay in the low to mid 20s, while summer reaches the mid 30s on the hottest days.
What currency is used in Turks and Caicos?
The official currency of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the American dollar (US$). Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts and restaurants.
How do I get around Providenciales?
Getting around Providenciales is easy due to its small size. If you’re staying at a resort you’ll likely have access to a free shuttle. Other options include renting a car, moped, or bicycle, taking a taxi, or hiring a private car or van with driver.
How expensive is Providenciales?
Providenciales is not a budget destination and is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands. Dinner for two rarely comes under $100, and resorts charge premium prices. Plan accordingly for higher costs compared to other Caribbean destinations.
Is Grace Bay Beach worth visiting?
Yes, Grace Bay Beach genuinely deserves its world rankings. The sand is powder fine, the water is implausibly clear, and it’s possible to walk for extended periods seeing very few people. The snorkelling off the reef is excellent even with basic equipment, making it one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
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