Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Iridescent blue water against incredibly white sand
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Likes: Spectacular beaches and world-class diving
Dislikes: Flat and semi-barren, the island is not your typical “tropical” landscape
Many Travelers? Some

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, except after rain showers. However, the beaches that dot the island are ranked among the best in the world.

Particularly well-known is Grace Bay beach, where multi-million dollar homes and luxury resorts are in abundance. There is no shortage of opulence here. The unbelievably white sand and surreal hues of the ocean draw visitors to these shores.

Huge walls dropping to 7,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, a deep channel where eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and humpback whales frequent, and a multitude of dive sites, ranks Turks and Caicos as one of the world’s top dive locales and draws a steady stream of scuba divers seeking unique encounters.

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 rack up quickly.

One can easily spend a week or more on the island. Provo offers stellar dining, miles of beaches to set foot upon, wind and kite surfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, and a multitude of nightlife spots. A short trip will give a glimpse of what the island has to offer. And being such a short trip from Miami, it’s convenient to get to for those located on the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Islanders, called “Belongers,” are generally cordial. Some animosity can be felt at times, due in part to the high population of ex-pats. But you’ll find that if you strike up a conversation, most welcome the communication.

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. However prudence is best and one should take note of their surroundings.

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, and although hurricanes are not common here, these months see more rain and inclement weather.

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.

---

Beautiful beaches and top class diving
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Likes: Seeing sharks almost every dive
Dislikes: Very expensive
Many Travelers? Some

I visited Provo on a diving holiday - fortunately I had friends who were living on the island at the time, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford to come here. Accommodation is plentiful if you have deep pockets, but there's nothing much at the budget/mid-range level. Everything on the island has to be imported, so prices are high in the supermarkets too.

The beaches were stunning - fine white sand, fringed by palm trees, the turquoise sea lapping against the shore...bliss! Away from the coast the island's not that attractive though - it isn't the paradise island one dreams of.

The diving was super - lots of reef sharks, a fair few turtles, some rays, moray eels and a big friendly groupers to keep you amused. Not so much macro stuff, and the coral was nothing to write home about. My favourite dive sites included Amphitheatre, which both have nice topography.

Keen UW photographers should make sure they visit Chimney & Thunderdome - there's a collapsed dome-like structure here that was built for a French reality TV show, which is now a cool collection of twisted metal that provides shelter for schools of fish. It's a great site, and I was lucky enough to dive here three times. On the second occasion I got to hang out at the dome for most of the time, snapping away as happy as a sandboy.

Above the water I went on a guided eco kayak tour which was heaps of fun - take plenty of sunscreen and water. Also took a trip to North and Middle Caicos and visited some caves - another fun day out.

A FatPassport member submitted this review as their subjective opinion. This review is not an opinion of FatPassport.