Villa Tropica - Turks and Caicos

Local Area

World famous beach of Turks and Caicos at walking distance of Home Rental

Local Area Information

Providenciales is one of today's hottest vacation destinations. Providenciales is the most developed island in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a remnant of the British Empire found only 90 minutes from Miami or 3 hours from New York. With daily flights from these and other cities, Providenciales is quick and easy to get to.

Providenciales, or more commonly known as "Provo", covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Found on the west side of the islands Provo can offer all modern conveniences, including superb villas, hotels, a casino and a Golf Club. Although Provo is the most mature of the islands, it is still a destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax.

Getting Around


Getting around Providenciales can be both difficult and expensive if you don't have a car, and it's for this reason that we recommend that you rent one, at least for part of your stay. Most attractions, except for the beach and shops, are almost definitely out of walking distance. You must also be 25 years old to rent a car from most agencies. The government tax rate is 12%; be aware some agencies choose to charge more

We drive on the left, as in the UK and Commonwealth countries. Roundabouts are frequently used, and there are no stoplights anywhere in the country. The speed limit is 40 MPH on highways, and 20 MPH through settlements.

There is no bus or public transportation anywhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Taxis can be found on all of the islands, and there are always plenty of taxis to be found outside the airport. The going rate is about $2 per mile traveled, though it is always a good idea to verify the fee with the driver beforehand. Cabs can also be ordered in advance to take you on day long sightseeing trips.

Scooters should be rented with caution, due to the danger posed by other drivers.

Beaches

One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complimented with crystal-clear waters.

Note that all Turks and Caïcos Islands beaches are public.

Snorkeling and Diving

Gorgeous weather and the warm temperatures of the Caribbean Sea combined with amazing aquatic life and stunning coral formations make the Turks and Caïcos Islands the perfect destination for your next scuba diving or snorkeling vacation. In fact, many of the vacationers visiting this Caribbean vacation destination spot come just to explore its waters.

Snorkeling is excellent here, due to high-quality reefs near shore and the fewer numbers of tourists.

Sport Fishing

Providenciales is the center for the excellent sport fishing found in the Turks and Caicos. Every year, several tournaments take place here, from the international Caicos Classic deep-sea bill fishing event held in Turtle Cove Marina to many smaller reefs and bottom fishing contests. Amazing bone fishing is also found on the Caicos flats surrounding Providenciales.

Bottom fishing is for edible fish, and there are several restaurants that will clean, prepare, and cook any fish you've caught for your dinner.


Caicos Water Fun offers private charters at the very best price. Get 15% off on snorkeling, fishing and excursions tours !

Historic sites

Great House at Cheshire Hall Plantation on Providenciales

For those interested in history, Providenciales has a few ruins from the 1800s scattered around the island. Cheshire Hall is the main area and the only one easily accessible for tourists. At Sapodilla Bay Hill there are rock carvings left by sailors in the 1800s, but these aren't easily accessible.

Natural beauty areas exist, but these are usually not 'developed' for tourists (rough unpaved roads and no guided trails), and thus only suitable for the adventurous. If you like exploring, be sure to visit some of the remote areas of the island such as Northwest Point or the Pirates Cave at West Harbour Bluff.

Conch farm

At the eastern end of the island is the world's only conch farm, with tours available plotting the life of this large and unusual marine snail that features in many local dishes.

Water Sport

The main attraction is our truly beautiful beaches, the main and best one being Grace Bay Beach. Once you get tired of lying on the beach or splashing about in the water, try out our water activities, which include parasailing, kite surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and much more.

Land Sports and Activities

Provo Golf Club Turks and Caicos

Land sports include golf (both a professional 18 courses and miniature golf), horseback riding, and tennis. There are two sports centers with indoor basketball courts, and the National Stadium, which hosted the 2007 CARICOM Games.

Golfers will appreciate the beautiful 18-hole course designed by Karl Litton, which is ranked as on the 10 ten in the Caribbean and is the only 18-hole course in the country.

The Turks and Caicos are one of the few places where you can ride a horse on the beach and in the ocean. This is a highly recommended activity, both for those who've never ridden a horse and professional equestrians.

Tours, Excursions, Islands Day Trips

Several taxi operators provide general tours of the island, and there is another off-road-style tour that takes visitors to the remote parts of the islands, mostly down rough, unpaved roads.

Providenciales is just one of the eight main islands in the Turks and Caicos. We recommend the short ride or paddle to the nearby Little Water Cay, also known as Iguana Island. Iguanas used to cover all the islands in the country, but the introduction of dogs and cats by humans has wiped them out on the islands populated by people and as a result small cays are their only homes now.

More adventurous visitors staying a bit longer might be interested in day trips to North and Middle Caicos, and also Grand Turk or Salt Cay. These will take the entire day and are more expensive, especially Grand Turk and Salt Cay (as they are part of the further away Turks Islands and only accessible by plane), but they do have an entirely different feel and history to Providenciales.

Entertainment

The nightlife and 'entertainment' segment on Providenciales is generally weak. There are no nightclubs or discos catering to tourists, although there are many bars and pubs.

There's only one cinema in Providenciales (and the whole country), showing films on the North American schedule.

There are a few casinos, and several other venues have slot machines.