Things To Do and Activities
in the Turks & Caicos
The Turks and Caicos consist of 40 different islands, only 8 of which are still inhabited. The islands of the Turks and Caicos are almost as diverse as its people. From the main tourist center of Providenciales to the quiet and tranquil islands of North and Middle Caicos to the historic Capital Island of Grand Turk; each one offers a different experience and a unique character but all offer the same Turks and Caicos Islands all year round great climate, beaches and underwater activities.
Most of the islands are only about 10 to 25 minutes by air from Provo and most can be reached by boat too. There are also regular ferries from North to Middle Caicos.
Wildlife, Whale Watching and Scuba Diving
The islands are arrayed around the edges of two large limestone plateaus, the Turks Bank, with deep offshore waters that serve as major transit points for Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle rays, Manta Rays and Turtles. Anglers who are fishing for Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin use these same rich waters. Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reef and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean.
In the last decade on Turks and Caicos, divers have begun to discover some of the finest coral reefs and walls in the world. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo's Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world-class walls have become Mecca for the serious diver.
From late December through April, the entire Atlantic herd of 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank, just 20 - 30 miles southeast. During this period divers can listen to an underwater concert of the wale's' songs. During the summer, divers encounter Manta Rays cruising the face of the walls. Encounters with Dolphin are not uncommon.
The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds.
On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands such as Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay, it is the Turks island Iguana that dominates the land. The Iguana is endangered and delicate but it thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system.
The National Parks were designed to protect the scenic environment and habitats, to preserve and conserve them for future generations as well as make them available for public recreation.
Sports and Activities
Golf
The Provo Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Karl Litten. Although this is a private club, visitors may use the facilities with prior arrangements.
Tennis
The Provo Golf & Country Club also has two tennis courts.
Horseback Riding
Every evening you'll notice the horseback riders taking their sunset ride along Grace Bay Beach. If you want to join in - you'll have to make arrangements in advance.
Football
The Turks & Caicos Football Association has a website at www.football.tc with all the details and schedules. Games are held at the stadium behind the IGA supermarket.
Beach Cruise and BBQ
Visit Little Water Cay or Iguana Island as we call it. This small-uninhabited cay is home to hundreds of Iguanas; there is a boardwalk that takes you on a tour of these amazing creatures. Cruise along the uninhabited cays, snorkel for sand dollars and collect shells from the white sand beaches on a private cay, snorkel for conchs and the captain will prepare a tasty conch salad for you. Spend all or half a day beach combing and snorkeling the turquoise waters, your captain will free dive for lobster (in season) or catch fish which he will grill for you on a secluded beach, and serve with a variety of island food and beverages.
Bird watching
The salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. Search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds.170 species of bird can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Pelicans and Flamingos to Osprey and Cuban Crows.
Cycling
All of the Turks and Caicos Islands offer a wide variety of terrain for hardened mountain bikers and more relaxed cyclists – most of the islands are quite flat and so cycling is in general not too taxing. Cyclists can enjoy excellent views and can explore more off-road tracks that lead to secluded bays, creeks and coves throughout the country. Most hotels and some dive operators offer bike and scooter hire.