Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Spectacular beaches and world-class diving
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Many Travelers? Some
Likes: Iridescent blue water against incredibly white sand
Dislikes: Flat and semi-barren

Providenciales, affectionately known as “Provo,” is an island paradise located just a short flight from Miami. Part of the Turks and Caicos island chain, Providenciales is the most populated of the group and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The island itself is not much to look at. Slightly higher than sea level, this semi-barren, rocky terra firma is dusty and dry. However, the beaches that dot the island are among the best in the world. Particularly well-known is Grace Bay beach, where expensive homes and luxury resorts are in abundance. The unbelievably white sand and surreal hues of the ocean draw visitors to these shores.

Turks and Caicos is one of the world’s top dive locales and draws a steady stream of scuba divers seeking unique encounters. Huge walls drop to 7000 feet below the ocean’s surface, with a deep channel where eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and humpback whales frequent.

While the island has increasingly become more and more expensive and known as a playground for the rich and famous, there are still “bargains” to be had. However travelers on a low budget will most likely find a trip here difficult, as nothing is “cheap” on the island. From accommodations, to gas, to groceries, costs can add up quickly.

One can easily spend a week or more on the island. Provo offers stellar dining, miles of beaches, wind and kite surfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, and a multitude of nightlife spots. Being such a short trip from Miami, it’s convenient to get to for those located on the eastern seaboard of the United States.

The language of the Turks and Caicos is English and the currency here is the American dollar. Food and water quality standards are on par with any first world nation so there should be no worries about the drinking water or food making you sick. The island is fairly safe and the crime rate is low.

Provo is a year-round island with mild temperatures in the winter, giving way to hotter temperatures in the early summer months, and more extreme temperatures in the late summer months of August and September. Hurricane season begins in June and continues on to November, with risk highest August through October.

Provo is a beach lover’s dream destination, and those seeking high-end resorts, renowned spas, world-class restaurants, and amazing scuba diving and snorkeling, will not be disappointed.

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