About Providenciales
Providenciales is the main tourism island in the Turks and Caicos with an area of approx. 38 square miles and a population of approx. 25,000 people. "Provo", as it is locally known, has the largest population and the third largest area in the Turks & Caicos islands. Provo has been consistently ranked as one of the best beach destinations in the world a number of traveler’s choice awards.
Location and History
Situated halfway between Florida and the Virgins, Provo provides a convenient resting stop en-route to or from the Eastern Caribbean. It can be considered as a cruising destination in its own right with several cruiser-friendly marinas, good anchorage points, well charted cruising routes, landmarks and clearly marked hazards. (refer to Wavy Line charts available from Blue Water Books, Wavey Line Publishing for excellent charts).
As recently as 1964, Provo did not feature a single wheeled vehicle. However, following in the footsteps of Club Med’s opening on Grace Bay beach, the island's first large hotel and casino complex opened in 1984 and touched off a development boom. Provo is now the most tourist-oriented and developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands, boasting many resort hotels and a championship 18-hole golf course. The island has become popular with property investors from around the world, kindling a boom of residential development. Grace Bay and Long Bay has seen luxury condos developed on its shores catering to a low-density, high-end tourism experience. The traditional settlements of Turks Islanders still provide a local flair to the island.
The resorts on Providenciales are primarily centered on 5 mile (8.0 km) long Grace Bay beach. Apart from the beaches and turquoise waters, the island's charm lies in its rugged hills and ridges, which are carpeted with prickly pear cactus and scrub vegetation. World class diving along the third largest barrier reef in the world, located close to shore, and the common migration route for the Humpback whales are additional draws. Providenciales is surrounded by uninhabited cays that are easily reached by boat or organized excursions.
Provo is home to the Providenciales International Airport and two professional FBOs, only a 20 minute drive away from South Bank. Direct commercial flights exist from a number of cities and hubs including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington DC and London. Many Inter-Caribbean flight connections are also available.
Opportunities for sightseeing and hiking include the remnants of Caribbean pirates at Osprey Rock and Sapodilla Hill, and the ruins of Cheshire Hall, a 1790s plantation house constructed by British loyalists, are also notable. Neighboring islands and cays offer further historic sites. Visit the Turks and Caicos National Trust for more information (www.tcnationaltrust.org).
