10 Amazing Things to Do in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos July 6, 2022
1. Clear Kayak to Mangrove Cay and Iguana Island
Turks and Caicos is famous for its vibrant underwater life, but you won’t have to go beneath the surface to find it. Instead, you can rent a clear kayak and paddle out to Mangrove Cay and Iguana Island (Little Water Cay), where you’ll likely see the endemic rock iguanas that flourish here. You’ll paddle past colorful fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, and more – all visible from the bottom of your clear kayak!
You can simply rent a kayak or take a tour if you prefer. Most places will also have stand-up paddleboards and regular kayaks as well but the clear kayak is a staple for the area and is a whole other experience in itself!
Clear Bottom Adventures and The Looking Glass are two great companies to rent or take a tour with. Just be sure to book in advance as some companies often only bring enough kayaks for their confirmed bookings to the beach. Make sure to read our tips for Turks and Caicos article so you’re armed with all the advice you need for your trip!
2. Kiteboarding and Kitesurfing
3. Snorkeling and Diving
Snorkeling is a rite of passage when you visit Provo. There are fantastic snorkeling options right off the beach, making it easy to dive below the surface. Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef are the most convenient options for beach snorkeling.
You’ll likely spot sea turtles, eagle rays, and parrotfish swimming beneath the surface. These spots are easy enough to reach and do by yourself but if you want to explore further, you can opt for a snorkel tour.
If you happen to be staying at The Atrium, you’ll be lucky enough to have Sunset Beach in your front yard. When you walk out to the beach you’ll notice a rocky outcrop that doesn’t seem like much but is actually a small snorkeling spot that’s an oasis for colorful fish and massive lobsters!
Want to take it a step further? Book a diving trip so you can plunge to the depths of oceans just off the coast of paradise. Dive Provo is one of the best on the island.
4. Eat!
Eating is one of the best things to do in Providenciales, period! Perhaps the best way to indulge your taste buds is by attending the Thursday Night Fish Fry at PTV headquarters at Stubbs Diamond Plaza (formerly at Bight Park). There are usually about a dozen of the island’s best seafood restaurants in attendance, serving up specialties like conch fritters and grilled lobster under tents and stalls.
A Turks Head Brewery stand along with other bar stands serve up cocktails in pineapples and rum punches to last you all night. You can come down to shop for some local trinkets and souvenirs as well. Be sure to arrive early before this tasty grub sells out!
While in Provo, you must try other local delicacies, including conch salad, steamed fish, peas n’ rice, and sweet plantains. Da Conch Shack, Cocovan, and Bob’s Bar and Eats are a few more favorites. Check out our guide to restaurants in Providenciales for more of our recommendations.
5. La Famille Express Shipwreck
If you’ve ever wanted to check out a real-life shipwreck, then don’t miss La Famille Express. This grounded shipwreck sits above the water, so there’s no need for any diving experience or equipment. This makes it a great excursion for families with young kiddos. La Famille Express sits about two miles off of Long Bay Beach, and while it looks close enough to shore, you’ll need to charter a boat or jet ski out to the shipwreck.
There are plenty of boats that offer tours out here or you can pop by the north end of Long Beach and see jet skis for rent.
6. Best Beaches in Providenciales
Home to some of the most idyllic and picturesque beaches in Turks and Caicos, bumming on the beach is one of the best things to do in Providenciales. However, there’s more to Provo’s stunning beaches than just soft sand and beautiful views.
- You can enjoy the bars, restaurants, and world-famous sand and sea at Grace Bay Beach.
- Some of the island’s best snorkeling is at Smith’s Reef—make sure to head up to the west end as it’s said to be the better area.
- Long Bay Beach is a kiteboarder’s heaven!
- Or take the kids swimming in the shallow waters at Taylor Bay on the island’s southern coast.
- Sapodilla Beach is a great spot for having beers on the beach and for sunset, climb the nearby hill for a great view!
- If you want to avoid the crowds, head to the western edge of the island and enjoy the solitude of Malcolm’s Road Beach. Just be sure you have high ground clearance on your vehicle or a 4-wheel drive because the ride out here is very rough.
7. Horseback Ride on the Beach
This is your chance if you’ve ever dreamed of riding horseback along a stunning white sand beach! There are various excursions available with different tour companies, and it’s the perfect activity for families or couples looking for a romantic way to spend the day.
You’ll find Unique Tours and Rentals on Blue Hills Beach, which is a gorgeous spot to gallop around. This is also near the Conch Shack which is a must-visit restaurant in Turks and Caicos.
8. Chalk Sound
Chalk Sound National Park is one of the most breathtaking areas in Turks and Caicos. Situated on the southern tip of Provo, the park encompasses an aquamarine lagoon and small rocky islands. You can drive around the park or get up close and personal via kayak, which can be rented from Las Brisas Restaurant.
If you head to Monika Chalk Sound View, you’ll have a little trail to wander around and a hill to get even better views. Not many people venture this far down so you might be lucky enough to get it to yourself.
9. Take a Boat Tour to Half Moon Bay
One of the best spots for a great day trip is Half Moon Bay, situated north of the famous Little Water Cay. The scenery is stunning, and you’ll likely see at least a few iguanas and baby lemon sharks along the way. Once you’re ready for a break, sprawl out on the soft white sand on the northern side of the cay.
Island Vibes Tour takes you out on a catamaran tour to this idyllic island to spend a half day snorkeling, exploring, and beach bumming.
10. The Atrium
When it comes time to resting your eyes each night, there’s no better place to go home to than The Atrium. This luxury resort is situated in the exclusive Leeward community and boasts top-notch amenities for the whole family.
Spend the day at the heated outdoor pool (complete with a swim-up bar), hang out in the game room, or enjoy a relaxing couples massage at the on-site spa. You can stay in shape during your stay thanks to the modern fitness center and on-site personal trainer.
Choose from a studio or one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites, each fully equipped with a full kitchen, a private balcony/patio, air conditioning, a TV, a washer and dryer, and a safe. This will be your home away from home while here in Turks and Caicos!
