Locals recommend 8 things to do in Turks and Caicos
Providenciales is an amazing island with lots to do
Shopping for your next vacation and trying to decide on the perfect destination can be daunting, when you don’t have a close friend or family member with recent, concrete advice. You find yourself on Tripadvisor, reading hundreds of reviews, wondering if those people enjoy the same things you do or if the destination itself is perhaps filtering the information. Confusing? Absolutely. My wife Pina knows what it’s like. She’s been a travel agent for many years now. Why bring this up? Because I’m now living on Providenciales and can tell you all about it. My 11 year-old also has his list. If you’d like to explore Turks through a kids eyes read HERE.
Where do we start?
A local TCI magazine recently published 70 things to do on Providenciales and, though we like the list, we thought we’d narrow it down for you. Here’s a short list of specific activities our family loves. Keep in mind, if one word had to be used to describe the island experience, it would have to be ‘water’. Not the cold, slushy, rainy version. The crystal clear, warm yet refreshing, therapeutic liquid that provides much joy to all that visit. Our recommendations tend to revolve around water quite a bit 😉
Boating
You are visiting a group of islands. You have gorgeous weather, sunny skies, amazingly blue waters and access to great snorkeling, diving, fishing and more. It’s a given that you’ll want to spend some time on the water. When? Anytime. Early morning island hopping, afternoon play or sunset magic, take your pick. Boats give you access to secluded islands and beaches, specific snorkeling spots, water skiing, tubing and more.
Kitesurfing
Did you know that Long Bay is one of the the best places in the world to learn how to kitesurf? Perhaps you do because you already love this activity. Regardless of your level, the shallow, turquoise water, steady wind, perfect orientation, schooling and great equipment will make your experience unforgettable. Oh! And kids over 12 can learn, too! Here’s our post on kiteboarding 101!
Jet Ski Tours
Many people will rent a jetski and jump waves in the same crowded area, over and over. We’ve done this, too! However, we especially love the guided tours that take you out for 2 hours, visit different islands and give you an insider’s view of the destination. It’s a fun way to really explore the surroundings. Can you do it with kids? Well yes, and no. We would suggest going with older kids—at least 8 years old—because the water can get choppy and you don’t want to worry about your little one falling off the jetski.
SUP / Kayak
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a trendy activity that’s certainly found its home in and around Providenciales. Accessible and easy, it allows you to paddle at your own speed, explore the mangroves and several beautiful, natural spots around Providenciales. If you prefer to kayak, you might want to sit on the board then. Equally fun and perhaps simpler if you’re travelling with younger children. By the way, Iguana island and Chalk sound should be on your SUP list.
Sun & Sand
The beauty of staying on an island like Providenciales is the amount of beaches you can choose from, making your days anything but monotonous. Travelling with small children? Sapodilla and Taylor beach are ideal and we’ve got some beach toys at the villa to keep your little ones busy. Want quiet time but still enjoy people watching? Long Bay offers peace and quiet, plus talented kitesurfers that put on a show. Grace Bay is the social sun and sand spot, while you can also scope out lesser known corners that will delight the most adventurous ocean lover. Read THIS POST to find out more about this favorite activity.
Oh, and if pool swimming is more your style, you’ll be happy to know we have a lap pool and a children’s section in our villas.
Snorkeling
You don’t need a boat to enjoy the water every day. Off-shore snorkeling is another fun way to spend some time in the water. Coral Garden and Smith’s Reef, two known snorkel spots, are easily accessible from the shore. Not keen on bringing equipment? Not a problem. We’ve have 4 adult and 2 kid sets available at the villa.
Tennis
Although, not a water-related activity, tennis has to find its way on our list because it was the first activity to bring me to the Caribbean. Years ago, I worked as a tennis coach under the sun for quite some time. A fan of the sport, yet also a Montrealer who didn’t have much outdoor playing time, I worked in resorts and developed a passion for the Caribbean lifestyle. I’ve finally come full circle and love my time on the court at the GraceWay Sports Center or Golf Provo.
Tasting Around Town
When your island isn’t an all-inclusive destination, it tends to work harder to offer a wide variety of activities and services. Often, much more than your typical holiday spot. Providenciales is a reproduction of what you’d expect in a city back home: it’s loaded with options! Wining and dining are at the top of the list. Known for the quality of its restaurants, our island’s amenities were conceived with the desires and needs of the luxury tourism market in mind. When you host discerning, experienced travellers, expectations are high and products and services must live up. In our case, we’re especially impressed with the scope and quality of food choices around the island. Whether you lunch by the sea, want gourmet breakfast, homemade ice cream, a spectacular dinner or even want to shop and cook with the finest ingredients, we’ve got it all.
This is a roundup of 8 great things to do, but there’s lots more you can indulge in while on Providenciales. Horseback riding, biking, freediving, just to name a few. Also, it’s perfectly acceptable to just want to rest, renew and restore.
We’ll talk about other activities on future blog posts but for now, when are you coming over?
Hope to see you soon!
Simon, Pina and Max
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