Providenciales Tours, Excursions, & Day Trips
There’s a nice selection of options on Providenciales when it comes to exploring the Turks and Caicos Islands by land, sea, and air.
ATV and buggy tours and taxi tours are the primary land-based excursions to choose from on Providenciales. These tend to visit the central sites on the island, such as The Hole, Chalk Sound, Sapodilla Hill, and Blue Mountain, and ATVs often visit the remote areas of West Harbour Bluff and Malcolm's Road Beach.
This page covers land tours and day trips by ferry or plane. For boat tours of the reef and nearby cays, see Providenciales Boat Cruises.
Unfortunately, there are no helicopter tours offered in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Island Day Trips
While it's a relatively small country, the Turks and Caicos is comprised of different islands, each offering a unique atmosphere.
Over the last two decades, Providenciales has seen a tourism boom, with the development and construction to match. The less-populated islands haven’t changed much over the years, though, and offer a rare glimpse into the old way of life.
A day trip to one of the other inhabited islands, such as North Caicos, Middle Caicos, or Grand Turk, is a tranquil and fascinating experience.
Planning Your Own Adventure vs. Booking a Tour
You can either plan a day trip on your own or book an organized tour with a local company.
If you’d simply like to see the main beaches and sights, planning your own trip will typically be the best choice. You’ll pay less and be able to spend time at the sites that interest you.
Of the inhabited islands, the lush and expansive North Caicos and Middle Caicos are a great first choice. A regular passenger ferry service runs several times per day between Heaving Down Rock Marina (Walkin Marina) on Providenciales and Bellefield Landing on North Caicos, and rental cars are readily available. A causeway connects the two islands, and collectively there are many beautiful places to see.
Due to the regularly scheduled flights and car rental companies catering to the cruise ships, a day trip to Grand Turk is likewise easy to set up. As the political capital of the country, many historical attractions are found in Cockburn Town and on Grand Turk.
A visit to the quiet islands of South Caicos or Salt Cay can definitely be rewarding, but due to ferry and flight time constraints and the availability of rental vehicles, a little more research and planning is necessary. In most cases, it makes sense to stay overnight.
Fishing, Snorkeling, Diving, and Boat Charters
Taking a relaxing boat cruise to one of the many quiet cays is the most popular activity. You have the option of joining a shared charter or reserving a private boat.
Most of the cruises offer snorkeling and may include diving for conch and preparing the islands' famous conch salad.
Large catamarans are a popular choice for boat cruises, due to the room and shallow draft afforded. Along with daytime island hopping and beach excursions, sunset cruises are very popular and there are many tour operators to choose from.
Alternatively, there’s always the choice of a private fishing charter or scuba diving charter.
Kayaking, Hiking, and Camping
If you want to truly get off the beaten track and see the obscure historical and natural sights of the Turks and Caicos, consult a qualified guide who can plan and lead your adventure.
Reclaimed by the dense vegetation, many historical ruins and blue hole and cave features are almost impossible to find without some prior knowledge.
The quality of camping sites and kayaking destinations also varies greatly by location. You’ll have the best experience if you know where to go.
Several businesses offer outdoor adventures of this type, but none are scheduled. If you’re interested in this activity, ensure that you inquire and book well in advance.