Providenciales
White sand beaches with water so blue it looks photoshopped.The largest island in Turks & Caicos has white-sand beaches along Grace Bay, coral reefs for snorkeling, and a growing restaurant scene in the coastal area.
Providenciales is the gateway to Turks and Caicos Islands. Walk along Grace Bay Beach's powdery white sand, kayak through the limestone islets of Chalk Sound, or snorkel at Bight Reef among purple sea fans and yellow-striped angelfish. Watch JoJo, a wild bottlenose dolphin, swim near boats in Princess Alexandra National Park, or catch the wind while kiteboarding at Long Bay Beach.
Getting to Providenciales
All international flights to Turks and Caicos land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS), a 15-minute drive from the Grace Bay area where many hotels and restaurants cluster. Rent a car at the airport to avoid expensive taxi fares for multiple trips.
Beaches of Providenciales
Grace Bay Beach extends 12 miles along the north shore, with clear waters behind a barrier reef. Find eight public access points with free parking. Long Bay Beach's shallow waters reach a quarter mile from shore, making it ideal for families with children. Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay sit in sheltered coves with calm waters.
Water Activities and Marine Life
Swim directly from Bight Reef or Smith's Reef to see brain coral, purple sea fans, yellow-tailed parrotfish, and blue angelfish in 4-15 feet of water. Learn kiteboarding at Long Bay Beach, where steady trade winds and shallow waters create good conditions for beginners. Take half-day or full-day boat trips to remote cays and snorkeling spots to see hawksbill turtles, southern stingrays, and nurse sharks.
Chalk Sound and Protected Areas
Paddle through Chalk Sound National Park's three-mile lagoon, weaving between more than 365 small limestone islands in bright turquoise waters about three feet deep. Watch brown pelicans and frigatebirds nest on the small cays of Princess Alexandra National Park, or spot JoJo the bottlenose dolphin swimming near boats in the park's waters.
When to Visit
Plan your visit between December and April for temperatures around 80°F (27°C) with little rain. Summer months (June to November) heat up to 90°F (32°C) with short afternoon showers. Hurricane season runs from June through November, though direct hits rarely occur. Water stays between 75-85°F (24-29°C) year-round.
Getting Around the Island
Drive along Leeward Highway to reach most points on the island. While you can walk between Grace Bay hotels and restaurants, rent a car to explore beaches and sites across the 38-square-mile island. Ride bikes for trips under two miles - many resorts lend them to guests at no cost.
Local Food and Dining
Try fresh queen conch caught by local fishermen, prepared as fritters, in chowder, raw in salad, or grilled. Order fresh-caught grouper, snapper, and Caribbean spiny lobster (available August to March) at waterfront restaurants. Join locals at Thursday night fish fry at Bight Park, where 12 food vendors cook grilled fish and jerk chicken while ripsaw bands play live music.
