Turks and Caicos
Festivals
Most events are linked to the sea and land-based activities are tacked on to regattas or fishing tournaments. In Providenciales the billfishing tournament (see Beaches & Watersports) is a big event with lots of parties every night. Provo Day festivities follow Emancipation Day in August.
Entertainment - Providenciales
Cinema: Village Cinemas is a new 2-screen movie theatre complex which will seat 370 people, T9414108
Entertainment - Grand Turk
Grand Turk is not an island where you will find lots of nightlife. Most of the evening activity takes place when people get together for meals and drinks at the small inns and restaurants. Do not expect a lot of action
Entertainment
Local bands play mostly calypso, reggae and the traditional island music with its Haitian and African influences. On Provo, ask hoteliers and residents when and where live bands are playing. Latin influence in discos such as Club Latino (Downtown-Provo) and Caribbean Macks in Blue Hills, featuring soca, reggae and latino, loudly! Live entertainment, Friday nights, Ports of Call courtyard.
Diving & Marine Life
Marine life is varied and beautiful and can be enjoyed by snorkellers & sailors as well as scuba divers. Colourful fish and grouper can be seen on the coral and close to the shore there are green and loggerhead turtles and manta and spotted eagle rays. Because there is no soil run off from the islands, water visibility is excellent. The best months for diving are Apr to Nov.
Beaches & Watersports
Grace Bay on Provo is the longest stretch of sand, at 12 miles, and despite the hotels it is possible to find plenty of empty space, but no shade. There is rarely any shade on the beaches. Most watersports can be arranged through the hotels or tour operators. 230 miles of white sand beaches & coral reefs surround the islands.
Accommodation - Salt Cay
The most expensive and exclusive hotel is the architect-designed and owned LL Windmills Plantation on a 2½ mile beach, which appeals to people who want to do nothing undisturbed, 8 suites, including all food and drink, meals taken family style, local recipes, saltwater pool, no children, diving can be arranged with Salt Cay Divers, reservations (minimum 3 nights) The Windmills Pla
Accommodation - South Caicos
L-AL South Caicos Ocean Haven, in town, T9463444, F9463446, 22 rooms, a/c, fishing can be arranged, also diving packages available, salt water pool, restaurant. B Mae’s Bed & Breakfast, Forth Street, T9463207. 3 rooms, laundry service, no credit cards. A few people in the town rent out rooms. Love’s, local dishes.
Accommodation - Providenciales
When confirming rates & availability, check whether tax & service are included.
Accommodation - North Caicos
All accommodation is in the Whitby beach area on the N coast. LL Datai Villa, www.datai-villa.com New in 1999, on beach, 2 separate buildings open on to patio with large deck, master bedroom in one, 2 further bedrooms in the other, sleep 2-6 people. LL-L Club Vacanze (formerly The Prospect of Whitby), T9467119, F9467114.
Accommodation & Places to Eat - Middle Caicos
LL-L Blue Horizon Resort on Mudgeon Harbour beach, T9466141, F9466139, www.bhresort.com Offers 4 small and large studio cottages and a 2-bedroomed house, screened porches, on 50 acres (land for sale), weekly rental available, bicycles, fishing, tours arranged, bring own groceries or ask for accommodation to be stocked with your requirements.
Accommodation - Grand Turk
LL Water’s Edge Townhomes, south of town, T9462055, F9462911, 3 2-storey houses on beach. L Osprey Beach, PO Box 42, T9462232, F9462877. Rooms on ground floor, open directly onto the sand, suites available with kitchenette. L-AL Turks Head Inn on Duke St, PO Box 58, T9462466, F9461716, tophotel@grand-turk.com, is recommended.
Accommodations
There is a 10-15% service charge & 9% bed tax added to the bill. Hotels on Provo are aiming for North American standards and so they are expensive. Rack rates will not include tax and service, be sure to check what you are quoted. Most hotels on Provo are all-inclusive or condominium-style.
Tourist Information
Local Tourist Office: Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, PO Box 128, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, T9462321/2322, T800-2410824, F9462733, www.turksandcaicostourism.com On Provo the tourist office is at Turtle Cove, PO Box 174, T9464970, F9415494.
Communication
Telephone Services: Grand Turk, Provo and South Caicos have a modern local and international telephone service, with Cable and Wireless offices in Grand Turk and Provo. Telephone services on the North and Middle Caicos and Salt City are improving. There are two exchanges, 946 and 941.
