Providenciales is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the Caribbean.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Historically, Grand Turk has been the main population center in the region. Providenciales was sparsely populated (as the rest of the Caicos Islands remain today) and its hardy settlers tried to make a living through sea salt harvesting and cotton agriculture. In 1967, Provident Limited obtained authorization from the government to develop an airstrip, port, and hotel. In 1970, the Third Turtle Inn opened as the first hotel on the island. In 1984, Club Med opened the first major resort, Club Med Turkoise. That same year, the local port at South Dock was upgraded to handle shipping containers and Providenciales International Airport opened.
Since there are no public buses, families or those wishing to travel to dinner and other attractions should rent a vehicle. In the Grace Bay area, there are many shops are within walking distance. If you are residing at resorts along the Grace Bay strip, a free shuttle will most likely be offered to take you to certain areas along Leeward Highway. Some of these places include: Yoshi's, Calico Jack's, Jimmy's Dive Bar, local boutiques, and the Graceway Supermarket. Taxis can get expensive if you are traveling from the heart of Grace Bay to areas surrounding the Turtle Cove Marina. The charge is approximately $6-8 per person.
Beaches. More than half the coastline of Providenciales is beach, covered in soft sand. Some beaches have sharp shells. Keep well clear of the path of any boats, as reckless boat operators have killed travellers. Free, all beaches are public.. Providenciales's main attraction is Grace Bay Beach, with its miles of soft white sand; turquoise water which one can wade into easily for swimming, snorkeling, and diving; and gentle waves and breezes. Most hotels and resorts are located at or near Grace Bay Beach. On the other side of the island is Long Bay Beach, another lengthy white sand beach which is even more impressive with turquoise water as far as the eye can see (to the horizon line).
Dive Provo, ☏ +1 649 946-5040. Owned and operated by Alan and Clare Jardine, both SSI Platinum Pros, each with over 20 years experience in the dive industry. Provo Golf Club. An 18 Hole Championship Golf Course on Providenciales which holds an annual Amateur Tournament. It hosted the Caribbean Amateur Open in 1999 and 2009. Kenard Cruises, Turtle Cove Marina (Next to Shark Bite Restaurant), ☏ +1 649 232-3866. 9AM-6PM. They specialize in custom cruises, using a power catamaran. custom. Kite Provo. Kite boarding on Long Bay beach. Lessons are needed in order to understand wind conditions, learn about equipment, and avoid trees! Certified instructors are available upon reservation.
Unlike other Caribbean destinations, none of the major fast food restaurant chains operate on Provo. On the one hand, if you are in a hurry, you cannot count on going through a fast food drive-through to order familiar menu items. On the other hand, the absence of fast food will force you to become acquainted with local grocery stores or restaurants. Anacaona at Grace Bay Club. A very quaint formal dining location that overlooks the ocean. Jimmy's Dive Bar & Grill. A great place to grab a drink and eat a very inexpensive, delicious meal. Jimmy’s has a great environment, a strong rum punch, but the service is usually slow.
Try these tasty colorful alcoholic beverages Flaming Provo. This flaming drink is served at the Infinity Bar at Grace Bay Club. Infinity Martini. Grace Bay Club's signature drink. Made with Hypnotic, Malibu, and pineapple juice. Rum Punch. An island favorite, made with Captain Morgan, Crème De Banana, Myers, Orange, and Pineapple Lime Juice Turks Head Beer. Signature island beer. Flaming Bob Marley. Divide a tall shot glass into thirds, fill the lowest third with grenadine syrup, the middle third with creme de menthe, and float the 151 in the top third. Light the 151 on fire, and drink through a straw. Three Queen's Bar, Blue Hills.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Providenciales typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
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