Attractions
Conch Farm
Long Bay Highway,
Providenciales (649) 946-5330
Facsimile: (649) 946-5849
Providenciales is home to the only Conch Farm in the World. The Queen Conch (pronounced "konk") is a large marine snail that lives in the waters of the northern Caribbean, Bermuda and off the shores of Florida. Conch "meat" is a staple in Caribbean diets and is now enjoyed in many forms around the world (i.e. conch fritters, conch chowder, conch salad). Many people enjoy the decorative qualities of the shell, and the rare conch pearl, as well. The Conch Farm was established in 1984 to help re-populate the Caribbean with conch, as its population has dropped dramatically over the last 10 years, and to increase the production of conch "meat". Explore the fascinating process of farming conch, from collection and hatching to watching the metamorphosis to maturity (i.e. 4 years old). Guided tours, Monday to Friday, open 9 am to 4 pm. Afterward, shop at The Conch Boutique for T-shirts, gifts and shells. Cost of tour is $6 per adult.
Glowworms
Glowworms are observed in the evening, during the mating of marine worms, in the current ebbing under the shallow water of the Caicos Banks. The mating of the Glowworm is timed by the moon, and occurs each month, five nights after the full moon. The luminescent mating display of the Glowworm can be observed approximately fifty-five minutes after sunset and lasts roughly fifteen minutes. The female releases an egg mass, this mass emits a pulsating green as it spirals to the surface. When the male encounters an egg mass, he darts and zig-zags in it and the system "turns on" with a brighter glow which subsides to darkness a few seconds later. This spawning cycle is controlled by the lunar and solar patterns and, as such, varies from month to month. If you are interested in observing the glowworms, you should contact a boat or tour operator for more details.
JoJo The Dolphin
JoJo is a seven-foot male bottlenose dolphin that has cruised the waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos Islands, primarily Provo, for over twelve years. Over the years his shy demeanor has diminished and he has become active with humans in the water, often following boats and greeting people. Although he is a friend of the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, visitors are asked to remember that JoJo is a wild dolphin and not a pet. One needs to exercise caution when with him. It is not a good idea to feed or touch JoJo, "chase" him or lie on your back when with him. If at any time you do not feel comfortable with JoJo you are advised to leave the water.
"The Hole"
"The Hole" at Long Bay, off of Seasage Hill Road, is a naturally existing limestone chimney. It is over forty feet across and eighty feet deep, with a salt water bottom. Be careful as it is not fenced off and is dangerous for children and those who are unsteady on their feet. You are advised not to attempt to enter the hole.
National Parks & Reserves
The Turks and Caicos Islands offer a wealth of history and untouched nature reserves for tropical wildlife, birds and flora. The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has set aside thirty-three specifically protected areas, over 325 square miles of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Sanctuaries and Historical Sites. A large part (210 square miles) is sensitive and ecologically essential wetlands ratified under the International Ramsar Bureau, an international treaty, protecting intertidal and shallow water flora, water birds, conch, lobster and fish nurseries. The National Parks were designated to protect the environment and wildlife habitats. Every island and many cays, offer interesting natural and historical sites to visit and explore.
For more information on the National Parks and Nature Reserves contact: the Department of Environment & Coastal Resource/ Ministry of Natural Resources, Grand Turk; Telephone: (649) 946-2855, Facsimile: (649) 946-2970, or by E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Protected Buildings
In addition to the various National Parks, Nature Reserves and Historical Sites, the government has also designated a number of Protected Buildings that cannot be torn down, as a measure of keeping the country's cultural heritage intact. The following buildings have been deemed protected:
Grand Turk: Guinep Tree Lodge, the
Police Station, Turk's Head Inn, Miss Wood's Home, Government House,
Governor's Mansion and the Prison.
South Caicos: the District Commissioner's House, the Salt Sheds and the Salt Works.
East Caicos: Jacksonville Plantation
North Caicos: "Wade's Green" Plantation and Bellevilledere Plantation.
West Caicos: Yankee Town.
Sunsets, Sunrises & Star-Gazing
The pollution-free, clear skies of the Turks and Caicos Islands allow wonderful stargazing. The sunrises and sunsets are often breathtaking and difficult to capture in a photograph. An early morning or evening stroll along the beach can be healthy, beautiful and romantic. During the summer months the sun rises at approximately 6 am and sets at about 7 pm. In the winter, sunrise is at approximately 6:30 am and sunset is at about 5 pm. During an evening, when the horizon is clear, free of haze and clouds, you may see a "green flash", the last rays to disappear during a sunset. Wait until the sun touches the horizon and watch for the "green flash".
Turks & Caicos National Museum
Guinep House, Front Street Grand Turk (649) 946-2160 Facsimile (649) 946-1059
A wealth of information about the culture and the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands is stored in the National Museum. See artifacts from the Molasses Reef Wreck, the earliest known shipwreck in the Western Hemisphere (pre 1509 AD) and the first shipwreck site to be excavated and exhibited. Open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. Cost of the museum tour is $5.00 per person.
Activities
Air Charter Services
Blue Hills Aviation Providenciales (649) 946-4644
Caicos Air Services Ltd. Providenciales (649) 946-3283 Facsimile (649) 946-3377
Global Airways Ltd. Providenciales (649) 941-3222 North Caicos (649) 946-7093 Facsimile (649) 946-7290 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
InterIsland Airways Ltd./Majestic Tours Providenciales (649) 946-4181/941-5481 Grand Turk (649) 946-1667 Facsimile: (649) 946-4040 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Provo Air Charter/Republic Flying Boat Providenciales Cellular (649) 231-0685
After Hours (649) 941-5578
TCI SkyKing: All Departments (649) 941-5464 Facsimile: (649) 941-5127 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Turks & Caicos Airways (TCA) Providenciales (649) 946-4255 Facsimile: (649) 946-4438 Grand Turk (649) 946-2709 Middle Caicos (649) 946-6136 North Caicos (649) 946-7246 Salt Cay (649) 946-6968 South Caicos (649) 946-3279
Turquoise Airways Providenciales (649) 941-5138 Cellular (649) 231-0394 Facsimile (649) 941-5138
Bus Tours
Executive Tours Ltd. Providenciales (649) 946-4524 Facsimile: (649) 941-5391
Casinos
Casablanca, Grace Bay, Providenciales (649) 941-3737 Facsimile: (649) 946-4400)
Fitness Centers
Many Turks and Caicos Resorts have their own fitness center on property. Ask Concierge at your hotel/ resort about an on property fitness center. Many resorts also offer classes in yoga, core fitness, pilates, weight training, and more…Fitness centers in Provo include…
Golf
Provo Golf and Country Club Grace Bay Road, Providenciales (649) 946-5991 Facsimile: (649) 946-5992
First class golf facility designed by Karl Litten. The 6500 yard, 18 hole, 72 par championship course has a rating of 71.2 and a slope of 124. The course winds its way through limestone outcroppings, natural foliage, and lush greens and fairways, a challenge and a fun time for every caliber of golfer. The air-conditioned Club -house is the centre of off-course activity. Facilities include a clubroom, Fairways Bar & Grill (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner), lighted tennis courts, Pro Shop, and men's and women's showers and locker rooms. Practice facilities include a chipping green, putting green, and driving range. Golf lessons or small clinics can be arranged by appointment. Visitors can enjoy special three or five day package rates through their hotel or tour operator. Standard green fee passes can also be purchased, which include the mandatory electric cart. Golf clubs may be rented through the Pro Shop.
Waterloo Golf Club Grand Turk (649) 946-2308 Or (649) 946-2309 Facsimile: (649) 946-2903
Waterloo Golf Club is a 2,758 yards, 9 hole, 54 par course on Grand Turk. The course is located on the grounds of His Excellency The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This course was designed by His Excellency the Governor and built by volunteers. The course is open to tourists and the green fees are only US$25 per day. A limited number of clubs are available for hire. Call the Governor's office to "book a tee time".
Movie Theatre
LRaye Cinema located on the Leeward Highway-649-941-3541
Tennis
Tennis is a popular sport in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many resorts, condominiums and villas have tennis facilities. Refer to the Accommodation Information Grid on pages 66-68 for more information. The Provo Golf & Country Club also has lighted tennis courts that is open to the public for a small fee.
Water Sports
Diving and Snorkelling
The TCI offer some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. In particular, our crystal clear waters, spectacular vertical drop-offs, coral reefs and myriad species of plants, fish and mammals make the Turks and Caicos a world class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Diving and excursion operators offer diving instruction, excursions and equipment rental and sales.
Windsurfing, Sea Cycling & Kayaking
The calm waters of Grace Bay offer splendid windsurfing, kayaking and sea cycling. Equipment rental and instructions are available from various operators in the Islands.
Deep Sea Fishing & Fishing Charters
Outside of the coral reefs surrounding the islands, the Atlantic Ocean offers great deep-water fishing. For those that like the thrill of a BIG catch there are many fish to choose from: Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi-mahi, sharks and dolphins. Or try light tackle trolling for Mackerel, Jack and Barracuda. You can fly the flats for Bonefish and Tarpon, or spin cast for Bone- fish. Some may prefer bottom-fishing charters, for Snapper and Grouper.
Cruises, Power Boat & Sailing Charters
A variety of boating activities await you. Due to the coral reefs and shallow water, powerboat charters are a popular way to tour the waters and relax in the sun. Inflatable boats and sixteen and eighteen foot runabouts are available to explore Providenciales's bluffs, caves and snorkeling sites. Half day, full day and sunset cruises aboard a range of vessels are another option for site seeing and relaxation. There are a variety of cruises, excursions and charters, to meet most interests. Refreshments are usually included in all cruises and meals are normally provided for full day charters.
Parasailing
Captain Marvin's Turtle Parasail Providenciales (649) 946-4956 Cellular: (649) 231-0643 E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.CaptainMarvinsParasail.com
Skypilot Parasail (649) 333-3000 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Web: www.skypilotparasail.com
An exhilarating way to explore the Islands, as from the air you can combine the thrill of skydiving and hang gliding. You will experience the breathtaking view of Grace Bay Beach as you sail through our clean skies, pulled by a speedboat.
