Providenciales Excursions for the Whole Family

Turks and Caicos Tours Offer Excitement for All Ages

If you are planning a family vacation or a family reunion in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you are probably researching Providenciales excursions for the whole family that will get you and your loved ones out onto the beautiful turquoise ocean for a memorable holiday experience. On your list of must-do activities, you may have included swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, fly fishing, deep sea fishing and exploring the many small cays and islets in proximity to Providenciales.

Fortunately, Providenciales has a whole slew of tour operators and friendly guides who are excited to show you the special beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

So, let’s get to that list!

Swimming

Let’s assume you’ve seen all the postcard perfect pictures of Grace Bay Beach and this is where you would like to spend your days swimming while you stay at Villa del Mar. Just a short 90-second walk from the reception of Villa del Mar, through the garden pathway of Grace Bay Club will bring you upon the startlingly white sand beach that curves along the northeastern side of Providenciales for a breathtaking 12 miles. Here in the calm, shallow waters, young children can play for hours. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, Grace Bay Beach is most likely to become your best beach day ever! For families the complimentary beach service handled by smiling twin brother Kerone and Lerone is a highlight of their time of Grace Bay Beach.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos Islands can take place directly off the beach or off a boat. If you are looking for a gentle introduction to the myriad of sea life that calls Provo home, then wander west on Grace Bay Beach to Bight Reef. Located near Coral Gardens resort and thus nicknamed the Coral Garden Reef, this compact reef formation is easily accessible from the beach. It’s best to visit early in the day and to wait for a calm day for best visibility.

But if patience is not your strength, fear not. There are plenty of other reefs to explore and you may just want to do so with a tour operator. Most operators provide complimentary pickup and drop off, refreshing beverages, snorkeling equipment and an opportunity to dive for conch.

Caicos Dream Tours

With a fleet of 7 boats, Caicos Dream Tours offers twice daily 1/2 day trips and a weekly full day trip each Thursday. The half day snorkel trips on a power catamaran includes a cruise along Grace Bay, snorkeling at the barrier reef, snorkeling at the Caicos Bank and a conch salad lunch at Half Moon Bay. By far their most popular excursion, the cost for adults is $89 and for $44.50 for children 10 and under. Contact the company at 649.231.7274 to join the fun.

Island Vibes Tours

Another local company that is popular with all ages, Island Vibes also offers 1/2 day tours twice daily. Price for adults is $89, with children under 10 paying half price for the excursion. To book your half day trip, call 649.231.8423.

Reef Peepers

Join Captain Santo from Reef Peepers for a 3 hour snorkeling adventure which includes a stop at Iguana Island aboard a 40 foot catamaran. Enjoy snorkeling with the fish or stay dry and watch the marine life float by through 2 Plexiglass hulls. The cost for adults is $90 and for $60 for children 3-12. An additional $8 per person charge will be collected as admission to Iguana Island. To arrange your tour call toll-free 1-877-258-7333.

Blue Whale Tours & Excursions

A 3-hour expedition with Blue Whale Tours promises 3 snorkeling locations and a light lunch at a price of $89 per adult and $50 per child. Call 649.246.2583 to plan your snorkeling trip on Providenciales.

If 3 hours just doesn’t seem like enough time, most operators offer full day tours which include additional stops for snorkeling, a fabulous BBQ picnic lunch, and stops a some of the most beautiful beaches for beachcombing and relaxing. Additionally if your group prefers a private excursion limited to your family members and friends, ask about private charters. Tour operators are happy to customize a private snorkeling excursion or boating excursion for your group.

Fishing

Without a doubt, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a fascinating and challenging playground for sportsfishermen. Among the many draws of fishing on the shallow banks, or within the deep blue, anglers are hooked onto Providenciales for its challenging bonefishing.

The silvery grey bonefish is a native species to the islands feeds in the shallow flats off Providenciales. Moving sleathily and without sudden movements is an important strategy to successfully catching the Albula vulpes, as the fish moves quickly and scares easily. Using a guide is helpful as they can lead you to known fishing areas and work with you on technique.

Bonefish Unlimited

Captains Barr and Will of Bonefish Unlimited possess expert knowledge of bonefishing around the islands, including Provo, Pine Cay, Water Cay and also North and Middle Caicos. Offering daily half and full day charters which includes bait, tackle, sunscreen and refreshments. The company advises you to bring extra rods, flies, spin gear and light tackle to make the most of day. A beaked hat, rain jacket/pants and any daily medications (if needed) are also recommended. Their 53 years of combined experience pretty much assures that your excursion will not only be successful but an immensely personal experience that you can share with your family members. Half day rates are $550 and full day rates are $850. Contact Captain Barr Gardiner at 649.231.0133 or Captain Will Vallely at 649.431.1393

D.B. Tours Bonefishing Charters

Captain Darin from D.B Tours Bonefishing Charters probably doesn’t recall life before bonefishing. Having fished the waters of the Turks and Caicos for years, he has honed in on his favorite spots for the elusive “grey ghost”. Expect to be whisked away to the South side of Provo, Pine Cay and to North Caicos and Middle Caico at 7:30am or noon for 1/2 day excursions. Rates for 1/2 day trips are $560 (including tax) and $896 (including tax) for full day expeditions. An additional $32 fee will be collected for a visitors fishing license for each angler over 16 years. Contact Captain Darin at 649.242.4327.

Silver Deep

Silver Deep has a number of boats and can take you either bonefishing or deep sea fishing. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of catching a sailfish or the fight with a tuna, Silver Deep can help you realize your dreams. If bonefishing is what you are after then you will be well taken care of by Arthur Dean, and you can attempt the hunt on the flats with sight casting and spin tackle, fly fishing with fly tackle, or even mud fishing which involves blind casting with spin tackle. Half and full day charters are available and prices may be requested by contacting Silver Deep at 649.946.5612.

Beach Combing

You may believe that Grace Bay Beach is the epitome of a beach day, but the Turks and Caicos Islands surprise, delight and enchant with an incredible array of beaches both on the island of Providenciales and on nearby cays, islets and islands. Spend an afternoon on Long Bay Beach, world renowned as kite boarding destination or perfect for horseback riding.

Or venture through the Five Cays area to visit tranquil Taylor Bay and historic Sapodilla Bay. You may choose instead to continue your drive along Leeward higway to Leeward Beach on the northeastern tip of Provo to take in the sights at Leeward Beach, a popular launch spot for kayakers heading to Little Water Cay or Mangrove Cay. And for a full on family day, grab the gang and head west to visit The Bight Beach complete with a Children’s Park, multiple snorkeling reefs, parking and picnic tables. For sturdier walkers who are able to withstand uneven terrain, plan a visit to Thompson Cove Beach, West Harbour Bluff, Northwest Point National Park or Malcolm’s Road.

If you are seeking a different perspective, take in the sights of Provo from the water. Any of the tour operators noted above can customize an excursion to outlying areas, such as Half Moon Bay, Ft. George Cay, Iguana Island and even farther to Middle and North Caicos Islands where secluded beaches, limestone cliffs, stunning coastlines and a network of caves make for fascinating exploration.

Family Fun on Providenciales

Time spent on the water is a must when you travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Depending on the size of your group and the ages of your party, you can select a customized private charter for 1/2 or full day snorkeling and island exploration, you may opt for a sportsfishing charter instead to pit yourself against the stealth of the bonefish, or you may choose to explore the island on your own. Family vacations on Providenciales can be customzied to suit, so ask the tour operator for their ideas and how they can help you have the best family reunion in the Turks and Caicos Islands.