Art Galleries

The Grace Bay region on Providenciales is the center for art galleries, with most shops and galleries located in shopping plazas like the Saltmills, Regent Village, Ocean Club West Plaza, and Ports of Call. These galleries feature a wide array of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork inspired by the islands' stunning marine environments and beaches. Local artists like Alex Skye at Making Waves gallery specialize in original paintings and fine art photography.

Art Classes

Art and craft classes hosted by local studios are a popular activity for both locals and visitors in Providenciales. These events allow you to meet local artists and practice techniques, and are offered as scheduled classes or privately.

Tours and Excursions

Viator travelers recommend several art and culture tours and excursions in Turks and Caicos, including:

• Love Buggy Island Tour with Lunch
• Clear kayak tours and photoshoots
• Grand Turk Historical Sightseeing Tour by Tram
• Providenciales Unmissable Sightseeing Tour

Museums

While not as numerous as the art galleries, Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos do have some interesting museums to visit, such as:

• Tci Junkanoo Museum
• The Museum of History and Geography

Local Crafts

In addition to paintings and photography, the islands' art scene also features unique crafts like silk, glass, ceramic, and glazed works that make for perfect souvenirs and gifts. Local shops like Paradise Arts in the Saltmills Plaza carry a variety of these locally-made crafts

Kiteboarding

Long Bay Beach is the most popular kiteboarding spot in Providenciales, known for its consistent winds and calm waters. It is an ideal location for both beginners and experienced kiteboarders, with several kite schools offering lessons and rentals.

Snorkeling

Providenciales offers some of the best beach snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos, with numerous reef systems accessible from the shore. The central Bight Reef and Smith's Reef are particularly popular, featuring a variety of colorful fish and coral formations.

Diving

The Turks and Caicos is renowned for its pristine reefs and coral, and Providenciales is a great destination for diving. Sites along the entire western side of the Caicos barrier reef and wall are regularly accessed from the island, offering unique experiences and opportunities to spot marine life like sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the islands from a different perspective and get some exercise. Many resorts and rental companies offer kayaks for guests to use, and guided tours are available to explore hidden channels and waterways through the wetlands.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding (SUP Boarding)

Stand-up paddleboarding is another popular water sport in Providenciales, offering great views of the action above and below the water. Rentals and lessons are available on Long Bay Beach and Grace Bay Beach.

Subwinging

Subwinging is a relatively new water sport in Turks and Caicos that involves using a small winged board attached to a boat. This allows riders to move from side to side and dive up and down while exploring the underwater world.

Sea Scooters

Sea scooters are hand-held devices that propel you through the water quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for snorkeling and exploring the ocean floor.

Flyboarding

Flyboarding is an adrenaline-pumping water sport that involves strapping a jet-powered pack to your feet and soaring above the water. Several companies offer flyboarding sessions in Providenciales.

Freediving

Freediving involves holding your breath and diving deep to experience the underwater world in a natural state. With practice, you can reach depths of 35 to 60 feet and see a variety of marine life.

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding, also known as Wake Surfing, is a thrilling water sport that involves speeding across the water on a board behind a boat. Several instructors are available to teach beginners and experienced riders.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Turks and Caicos, with crystal clear waters, a huge barrier reef, and numerous underwater walls and plateaus. You can see a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral, sea fans, manta rays, turtles, and sharks.

Horseback Riding on Long Bay Beach

Long Bay Beach is a prime destination for horseback riding due to its long and wide beach and shallow waters. This is a great way to enjoy the beach and the surrounding scenery.

Fishing

Providenciales is a world-class sportfishing destination, with numerous fishing sites and charters available for deep-sea, bonefishing, and bottom fishing. The island hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Types of Fishing Charters

Turks and Caicos offers a range of fishing charters, including deep sea fishing, reef bottom fishing, and snorkeling. These charters provide opportunities to catch a variety of fish species and experience the marine life of the area.

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is another popular motorized water sport in Turks and Caicos, offering guided tours and hourly rentals. These tours often include stops at popular sites like the conch farm in Leeward and the shipwreck in Half Moon Bay.

Surfing

Surfing conditions in Providenciales are unpredictable, but there are some decent breaks available, particularly in the Leeward Beach area. Stand-up paddleboard surfing is a popular alternative due to the small size of the waves.

Tubing

Tubing is a unique water sport in Turks and Caicos that involves riding an inflatable tube behind a powerboat. This is a fun and relaxing activity for all ages

Providenciales, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant dining scene. From casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants with breathtaking views, Providenciales offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. Here are some of the top-rated restaurants in Providenciales that you should consider visiting during your trip:

Bay Bistro

Located in the Sibonne Beach Hotel, Bay Bistro is a popular spot for its great beach and sunset views. While the food is just alright, the atmosphere and beachside seating make it a popular spot. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta, while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.

CocoVan

This food truck in the garden of Coco Bistro serves small dishes in a nice atmosphere. It is a great option if you want to avoid long lines, as it is best to visit early or late in the day. CocoVan offers a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Infinity

Located in the Grace Bay Club, Infinity is a popular spot for expats to meet on Fridays. It offers great sunsets and a beachside location, but the service can be slow due to the crowds. Infinity serves a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta, and has a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Solana Restaurant

Located in the Ocean Club, Solana is known for its great sushi and beachside location. It also has a beach bar and offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta. Solana is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and its relaxed and casual atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Chinson's Grill Shack

This casual eatery is located in Lower Blue Mountain and is known for its great food and lively atmosphere. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and offers a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Chinson's Grill Shack is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, and its relaxed and casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a night out.

Hideaway Grill and Chill

Located in Turtle Cove, Hideaway Grill and Chill is a popular spot for its great food and relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its grilled dishes and has a casual, laid-back vibe. Hideaway Grill and Chill is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, and its relaxed and casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a night out.

Pelican Bay Restaurant and Bar

Located in the Royal West Indies Resort, Pelican Bay is known for its great food and beachside location. It offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta, and has a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Pelican Bay is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and its beachside location makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Las Brisas Restaurant

Located in Chalk Sound, Las Brisas is known for its great food and beautiful views. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta. Las Brisas has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Hemingway's on the Beach

Located in Grace Bay, Hemingway's is known for its great sunsets and beachside location. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta. Hemingway's has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Mango Reef

Located in the Turtle Cove Marina, Mango Reef is known for its great seafood and beachside location. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta. Mango Reef has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

These are some of the top-rated restaurants in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, offering a range of dining experiences from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants with breathtaking views. Whether you're looking for great food, beautiful views, or a lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone in Providenciales.

Providenciales, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, offers a unique shopping experience that combines luxury brands, local crafts, and souvenirs. Here are some of the best shopping plans in Providenciales:

Shopping Areas

1. Regent Village and Saltmills Plaza: These two adjacent plazas in the heart of Grace Bay are the central hub for shopping in Providenciales. They offer a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, including Potcake Place, The Wellington Collection, Anna's Art Gallery, and Turksberry Frozen Yogourt.
2. Turtle Cove: This vacation enclave in central Providenciales supports a few restaurants and shops, providing additional shopping options.

Local Souvenirs and Gifts

1. Authentic and High-Quality Goods: The selection of authentic and high-quality goods in Providenciales is better than what's typically found at other Caribbean islands. Look for locally manufactured items such as jewelry made from Turks and Caicos sea glass, beach sand, and conch, or cast in silver from native seashells.
2. Boutique Arts and Crafts: There has been a significant increase in boutique arts and crafts, designer fashion, handmade jewelry, and accessories. These locally made items have a strong connection to the islands.

Skincare and Cosmetics

1. Lucayan Skincare Products: Several art galleries in Grace Bay offer handcrafted and boutique soaps, including Lucayan Skincare products.

Unique Gifts

1. Turks Islands Landfall: This massive and fascinating history book offers insights on epochs ranging from the pre-Columbian Lucayans to the modern era.
2. Middle Caicos Co-op: Products from the Middle Caicos Co-op, including woven baskets and hats, old-fashioned dolls, and model sailboats, are crafted in the same fashion and with the same materials as they were over a century ago.

Duty-Free Shopping

1. Providenciales International Airport (PLS): The airport is the only location for duty-free shopping in Providenciales. Jai's offers top-tier jewelry and luxury goods, and there are also stores carrying alcohol and tobacco products.

Other Shopping Favorites

1. TCI Cultural Craft Market: Located next to Beaches Turks & Caicos resort, this market offers a variety of locally made items and souvenirs, including eye-catching basketry, beachwear, Haitian metal works, tie-dyed T-shirts, and works of art.
2. Alverna's Craft Market: This long-running souvenir market in Grace Bay offers locally made goods at reasonable prices, including wood carvings, woven bags, doll crafts, conch shell jewelry, baskets, t-shirts, and local candies.
3. Shops of Ports of Call: This retail complex connected to the Ports of Call Resort offers a range of goods, including pirate-themed items.

Tips and Recommendations

1. Walking Distance: Most shopping areas are within walking distance from the main tourist area of Grace Bay, known as “The Grace Bay Strip”.
2. Parking: Parking is readily available on the main street or within the complexes themselves.
3. Duty-Free Shopping: Be sure to stock up on local beer Turk’s Head or Bambarra Rum at the airport.
4. Local Favorites: Enjoy unique and beautiful sterling silver jewelry at JSquared Designs, which can be found in many local shops on Providenciales and at Grace Bay.

Providenciales, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors. Here are some of the best entertainment plans in Providenciales:

Nightlife

1. Casablanca Casino: Located in the Ritz-Carlton, this casino offers a range of games and a lively atmosphere.
2. Restaurants and Bars with Live Music: Enjoy live music and a variety of dining options at various restaurants and bars throughout the island.
3. Beach Bonfires and BBQs: Many resorts and vacation rentals offer beach bonfires and BBQs, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
4. Sunset and Glowworm Evening Cruises: Take a romantic sunset cruise or enjoy the magical glowworms lighting up the water during the full moon period.

Family-Friendly Activities

1. Beach Days on Grace Bay Beach: Spend a day at the quintessential family-friendly beach, known for its soft white sands and shallow, calm waters.
2. Snorkeling Adventures: Explore the underwater world with guided snorkeling tours, suitable for all skill levels, at Bight Reef in Princess Alexandra National Park.
3. 2-Seater Catamaran Tours: Enjoy a fun and thrilling catamaran adventure with High Wave Tours, offering different tour options and experiences.
4. Family Fishing Excursions: Go deep-sea fishing with family-friendly charters, such as Black Diamond Fishing & Tours and Panoply Sport Fishing & Luxury Charters.
5. Golf and Tennis: Play a round of golf at the Royal Turks & Caicos Golf Club or enjoy a game of tennis at the Turks and Caicos Islands Tennis Academy.
6. Sunset Cruise: End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise, often including dolphin spotting and a beach barbecue.

Eco-Tours and Outdoor Activities

1. Glow Worm and Whale-Watching Excursions: Take an eco-friendly tour to spot glow worms or whales in their natural habitats.
2. Kayaking: Explore the pristine mangrove channels and wetlands on an eco-friendly kayak tour.

Shopping and Dining

1. Shopping in the Grace Bay Area: Visit the boutique shops and art galleries in the Grace Bay area, offering a range of local crafts, designer fashion, and unique souvenirs.
2. Dining at Local Restaurants: Enjoy a variety of dining options at local restaurants, including those with live music and beachside seating.

Tips and Recommendations

1. Local Events: Check local event calendars for festivals, concerts, and other activities that may be happening during your visit.
2. Private Charters: Consider booking private charters for a more personalized and exclusive experience.