Susan's guidebook to TCI
Turtle Cove neighbourhood
The Turtle Cove neighbourhood lies just to the west of the tourist hub of Grace Bay. There are several excellent restaurants and world-class snorkeling right off the beach within a 5-min walk.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turtle Cove neighbourhood lies just to the west of the tourist hub of Grace Bay. There are several excellent restaurants and world-class snorkeling right off the beach within a 5-min walk.
Turtle Cove Restaurants
This restaurant has a magical setting, overlooking the marina from a hilltop. The view is phenomenal and sunsets are often stunning. This is a great place for a special celebration. It's on the pricier end of my budget, but the food is amazing. The shrimp curry is divine, meat is always cooked perfectly. The chocolate cake is a home run. And the staff and service are great and attentive.
43 yerel halk öneriyor
Magnolia Wine Bar & Restaurant
76 Sunburst RoadThis restaurant has a magical setting, overlooking the marina from a hilltop. The view is phenomenal and sunsets are often stunning. This is a great place for a special celebration. It's on the pricier end of my budget, but the food is amazing. The shrimp curry is divine, meat is always cooked perfectly. The chocolate cake is a home run. And the staff and service are great and attentive.
A great little affordable, casual spot for lunch or dinner. Located right on (or over) Turtle Cove Marina...a 6-min walk from La Vista Azul. We often come here after a day of snorkeling at Smith's Reef. I'm a bit of a french fry snob and these are pretty good. A relaxed and happy vibe that I love.
40 yerel halk öneriyor
Sharkbites Bar & Grill
Lower Bight RoadA great little affordable, casual spot for lunch or dinner. Located right on (or over) Turtle Cove Marina...a 6-min walk from La Vista Azul. We often come here after a day of snorkeling at Smith's Reef. I'm a bit of a french fry snob and these are pretty good. A relaxed and happy vibe that I love.
Simone's Bar and Grill is a great spot located right at La Vista Azul. It's relaxed and fun and the food is good, reasonably-priced and comes in good-sized portions. The ribs and fries we had here were great. As was the spicy jerk pulled pork sandwich. The owner Simone is a really nice lady. She was kind and genuine with her guests.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Simone's
Simone's Bar and Grill is a great spot located right at La Vista Azul. It's relaxed and fun and the food is good, reasonably-priced and comes in good-sized portions. The ribs and fries we had here were great. As was the spicy jerk pulled pork sandwich. The owner Simone is a really nice lady. She was kind and genuine with her guests.
Baci Ristorante is a really great intimate restaurant in Turtle Cove Marina. The owner John is very friendly. The menu is small (a good sign, in my opinion) and portions are generous. The views of the marina and boats and fairy-lights was quite magical. If you are looking for a break from fish and seafood this is great, great choice. The fettuccine alfredo and pizzas we had were great.
50 yerel halk öneriyor
Baci Restaurant
Baci Ristorante is a really great intimate restaurant in Turtle Cove Marina. The owner John is very friendly. The menu is small (a good sign, in my opinion) and portions are generous. The views of the marina and boats and fairy-lights was quite magical. If you are looking for a break from fish and seafood this is great, great choice. The fettuccine alfredo and pizzas we had were great.
Mango Reef has a lovely location right on Turtle Cove Marina. Lots of travelers rave about this place and the food, but I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. We had the coconut shrimp entree and the risotto. The main courses we saw others enjoying looked better, but I can't speak from personal experience. I've only been there once, so I'll have to give it another go. The location though is lovely.
58 yerel halk öneriyor
Mango Reef Restaurant & Bar
Mango Reef has a lovely location right on Turtle Cove Marina. Lots of travelers rave about this place and the food, but I have to say I wasn't overly impressed. We had the coconut shrimp entree and the risotto. The main courses we saw others enjoying looked better, but I can't speak from personal experience. I've only been there once, so I'll have to give it another go. The location though is lovely.
The Hideaway Grill is a few minutes walk west of La Vista Azul and is a great local spot. The jerk chicken is among the best I've ever had...and I've had my fair share. The breakfast smoothies are also great. Highly recommend. We get takeaway and eat on our deck. It's cash only.
Hideaway Grill and Chill
The Hideaway Grill is a few minutes walk west of La Vista Azul and is a great local spot. The jerk chicken is among the best I've ever had...and I've had my fair share. The breakfast smoothies are also great. Highly recommend. We get takeaway and eat on our deck. It's cash only.
A great breakfast spot located at the corner of lower bight and Bridge roads. Great strong cappuccinos and eggs Benedict.
Turks Wave
A great breakfast spot located at the corner of lower bight and Bridge roads. Great strong cappuccinos and eggs Benedict.
Jammin' Gelato is a great spot at La Vista Azul for home-made gelato style ice cream. A great treat after a day at the beach. They also serve all-day breakfast.
Jammin' Gelato
Jammin' Gelato is a great spot at La Vista Azul for home-made gelato style ice cream. A great treat after a day at the beach. They also serve all-day breakfast.
Snorkeling spots
There are many great snorkeling spots in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Whether you go to one of the off-the-beach sites, such as Smith's Reef or charter a boat, you won't be disappointed.
On one of our first visits, a kind local gave us some tips on how to spot areas of reef in the midst of stretches of sea grass. From the shore, the darker, uniform areas are sea grass and the more varied and lighter brown areas are the reefs. It made a huge difference to our ability to get to the areas teaming with underwater life.
Our reefs are very healthy and we ask our visitors to use reef-safe (rather than reef-friendly) sunscreen. There are many different kinds. The ones we use are Blue Lizard or Thinksport. They are comparably priced to other good sunscreens and are easily available. We've provided three snorkeling masks and flippers in children and adult men and women sizes for our guests to use. Also, good water shoes are a good thing to bring, as it's a bit rocky in the heart of smith's reef.
There are two accesses that are close to us at La Vista Azul. For the main access turn left when leaving La Vista Azul. Then right onto Bridge road. Then turn left on Coconut Road and walk about 3 mins there will be a path on the right. Rocky access here, but worth it!
The second access is closer, but the reef areas are smaller. It's a lovely sandy access. To get here, turn right when leaving La Vista Azul and then left on the east beach access. Once on the beach, there is a nice area of reef just to the right when looking at the water.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Smiths Reef Road
Smiths Reef RoadThere are two accesses that are close to us at La Vista Azul. For the main access turn left when leaving La Vista Azul. Then right onto Bridge road. Then turn left on Coconut Road and walk about 3 mins there will be a path on the right. Rocky access here, but worth it!
The second access is closer, but the reef areas are smaller. It's a lovely sandy access. To get here, turn right when leaving La Vista Azul and then left on the east beach access. Once on the beach, there is a nice area of reef just to the right when looking at the water.
This off-the-beach snorkeling spot is called either Coral Gardens or Bight Reef. It is located just past the Bight Park parking lot. From La Vista Azul it's just a few minutes by car. We usually access from Penn's Road. It is often busier here than Smith's Reef, but is sometimes calmer and better for young children. A very nice beach access.
36 yerel halk öneriyor
Coral Gardens Resort
Penn's RoadThis off-the-beach snorkeling spot is called either Coral Gardens or Bight Reef. It is located just past the Bight Park parking lot. From La Vista Azul it's just a few minutes by car. We usually access from Penn's Road. It is often busier here than Smith's Reef, but is sometimes calmer and better for young children. A very nice beach access.
Beaches
So, so, so many beautiful beaches, so little time.
This is the beach closest to La Vista Azul. I love everything about this beach. It's wilder than Grace Bay, the next beach over, but you are often the only folks there. There is great snorkeling here. It is sometimes called Bight Beach or West Grace Bay. It's an unsung gem, in my opinion.
Four Boys Beach
This is the beach closest to La Vista Azul. I love everything about this beach. It's wilder than Grace Bay, the next beach over, but you are often the only folks there. There is great snorkeling here. It is sometimes called Bight Beach or West Grace Bay. It's an unsung gem, in my opinion.
Grace Bay Beach is regularly voted the best beach in the world, and it's easy to see why. The sand is so white and soft, it's almost hard to believe. The water is so clear and blue it can take your breath away. For these reasons (and others) it's rare to have it to yourself, but is very worth a visit (or two or three). We have beach towels, two beach chairs and an umbrella for guests to use.
70 yerel halk öneriyor
Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay Beach is regularly voted the best beach in the world, and it's easy to see why. The sand is so white and soft, it's almost hard to believe. The water is so clear and blue it can take your breath away. For these reasons (and others) it's rare to have it to yourself, but is very worth a visit (or two or three). We have beach towels, two beach chairs and an umbrella for guests to use.
Sapodilla Bay Beach is a very shallow beach and usually calm. In recent years, vendors (including alcohol) have set up here to mixed reviews. Some people love it, some say it has ruined its charm. It used to be a great beach for young children, but I’d say that’s changed. This beach is a bit far from us and not through the nicest part of Provo. It's a good 15-20 min. by car.
50 yerel halk öneriyor
Sapodilla Bay Beach
Sapodilla Bay Beach is a very shallow beach and usually calm. In recent years, vendors (including alcohol) have set up here to mixed reviews. Some people love it, some say it has ruined its charm. It used to be a great beach for young children, but I’d say that’s changed. This beach is a bit far from us and not through the nicest part of Provo. It's a good 15-20 min. by car.
Sometimes called Leeward Beach. Gorgeous sunsets, often not busy. At high-tide access to a long walk is sometimes harder. We usually access through Nightjar Rd.
8 yerel halk öneriyor
Pelican Plajı
Sometimes called Leeward Beach. Gorgeous sunsets, often not busy. At high-tide access to a long walk is sometimes harder. We usually access through Nightjar Rd.
This is a very secluded beach. I would recommend using a 4 by 4 as if you get stuck in the sand it's a pain and it's expensive to get a tow! It's a lovely picnic spot with lots of birds.
Northwest Point National Park
This is a very secluded beach. I would recommend using a 4 by 4 as if you get stuck in the sand it's a pain and it's expensive to get a tow! It's a lovely picnic spot with lots of birds.
Taylor Bay Beach is one beach west from Sapadillo Bay Beach. It's very shallow, calm and warm. You can walk for 100s of yards waist deep in crystal clear water. Great for young children. You are often among only a handful of people here. To find the entrance while on Chalk Sound Drive ..make a left onto Ocean Point Drive....about 1100 feet down the road you will come to a stone wall that says Ocean Point. (Across the road there is usually a few cars parked. Walk down the path...(just a few yards) and you will be on the beach.
55 yerel halk öneriyor
Taylor Bay Plajı
Taylor Bay Beach is one beach west from Sapadillo Bay Beach. It's very shallow, calm and warm. You can walk for 100s of yards waist deep in crystal clear water. Great for young children. You are often among only a handful of people here. To find the entrance while on Chalk Sound Drive ..make a left onto Ocean Point Drive....about 1100 feet down the road you will come to a stone wall that says Ocean Point. (Across the road there is usually a few cars parked. Walk down the path...(just a few yards) and you will be on the beach.
This is the lovely far eastern edge of Grace Bay. Usually quiet and great, great sunsets. One of my favourites.
8 yerel halk öneriyor
Sunset Beach
31 Tranquility LnThis is the lovely far eastern edge of Grace Bay. Usually quiet and great, great sunsets. One of my favourites.
Beautiful, breezy beach with shade. Lots of kite surfing here due to wind conditions. Beach access is easy to find by following the signs. Rentals and lessons are available as is transportation out to La Famille Express Shipwreck.
Long Bay Beach
Beautiful, breezy beach with shade. Lots of kite surfing here due to wind conditions. Beach access is easy to find by following the signs. Rentals and lessons are available as is transportation out to La Famille Express Shipwreck.
Essentials
There are ways to make your trip to TCI more affordable and food shopping is one way. You can find everything you need on Provo, but it comes as a price as everything is imported. I usually pay for one extra suitcase or pack a much larger suitcase and bring a few food items in. Tops on my list are: cold cuts; sirloin; snacks like crackers and chips and granola bars (so pricey on island) There is some great info here about what you can bring: https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/importing-animal-and-plant-products
The general rule is: if it's frozen and still in store packaging it's okay.
The Graceway IGA is very well stocked with food and liquor. Everything is imported so it can be pricey, but you are usually able to find a cheaper option for what you are looking for. It's a three-min drive from us on Leeward highway in the Graceway plaza. When we travel to the island, it's the last grocery store we go to. Whatever we can't find (cheaper) elsewhere, we will find here.
124 yerel halk öneriyor
Graceway IGA
102 Leeward HwyThe Graceway IGA is very well stocked with food and liquor. Everything is imported so it can be pricey, but you are usually able to find a cheaper option for what you are looking for. It's a three-min drive from us on Leeward highway in the Graceway plaza. When we travel to the island, it's the last grocery store we go to. Whatever we can't find (cheaper) elsewhere, we will find here.
Significantly cheaper than Graceway. Some call this the Costco of TCI. Some of what they have is bulk so too much for your average vacation, but we get our bottled drinks here and they have some well priced meats and veggies. I come here before going to Graceway IGA.
Sunny Foods Retail & Wholesale Supermarket
Significantly cheaper than Graceway. Some call this the Costco of TCI. Some of what they have is bulk so too much for your average vacation, but we get our bottled drinks here and they have some well priced meats and veggies. I come here before going to Graceway IGA.
Quality
Where locals shop.
This is in the heart of Grace Bay. It is also on the pricier end of grocery stores, but has a selection of prepared foods.
86 yerel halk öneriyor
Graceway Gourmet
Allegro RoadThis is in the heart of Grace Bay. It is also on the pricier end of grocery stores, but has a selection of prepared foods.
The staff at Scooter Bob's is great. It's about a 15 min walk from La Vista Azul. If you ask, they will leave the car in the very small airport parking lot, so no waiting around ... and will drop you off at the airport for your departure free of charge. Highly recommend.
25 yerel halk öneriyor
Scooter Bob's Auto Rentals
Turtle CoveThe staff at Scooter Bob's is great. It's about a 15 min walk from La Vista Azul. If you ask, they will leave the car in the very small airport parking lot, so no waiting around ... and will drop you off at the airport for your departure free of charge. Highly recommend.
Flamingo Pharmacy is located in the same complex as the Graceway IGA. Fully stocked pharmacy for your needs.
14 yerel halk öneriyor
Flamingo Pharmacy
102 Leeward HwyFlamingo Pharmacy is located in the same complex as the Graceway IGA. Fully stocked pharmacy for your needs.
The number one spot for your liquor and wine needs on island. The Graceway IGA also has a decent selection of wines.
9 yerel halk öneriyor
The Wine Cellar
1025 Leeward HwyThe number one spot for your liquor and wine needs on island. The Graceway IGA also has a decent selection of wines.
Activities
Suggestions of things to do.
Food. Drinks. Live music. Dancing. Provo's legendary Thursday night Fish Fry is back after being shut down by COVID for two years. Locals and tourists all come to have a good time. It now happens from 5:30 to 9:30 Thursdays at Stubbs Diamond Plaza. Lots of food vendors, drink vendors, and souvenir vendors. It is a good idea to bring cash as most vendors can't accept credit cards at this location. This is very popular so usually a big crowd. Parking is at a premium. Mr. Grouper's (nearby restaurant) also hosts an after hours event on Thursday's.
21 yerel halk öneriyor
The Bight Fish Fry
Princess DriveFood. Drinks. Live music. Dancing. Provo's legendary Thursday night Fish Fry is back after being shut down by COVID for two years. Locals and tourists all come to have a good time. It now happens from 5:30 to 9:30 Thursdays at Stubbs Diamond Plaza. Lots of food vendors, drink vendors, and souvenir vendors. It is a good idea to bring cash as most vendors can't accept credit cards at this location. This is very popular so usually a big crowd. Parking is at a premium. Mr. Grouper's (nearby restaurant) also hosts an after hours event on Thursday's.
This is a bucket list experience for me. Provo Ponies is a small riding stable located on the southeast end of the island of Providenciales. They do two guided rides on the beach a day, morning ride at 9:30am and an afternoon ride at 3:00pm during winter hours, 3:30pm during the summer. They also regularly rescue horses and put a lot of energy into treating their horses well. You can book return transportation for $15 per person. They book up WAY in advance, so it's a good idea to book ahead.
27 yerel halk öneriyor
Provo Ponies
32 Dolphin LaneThis is a bucket list experience for me. Provo Ponies is a small riding stable located on the southeast end of the island of Providenciales. They do two guided rides on the beach a day, morning ride at 9:30am and an afternoon ride at 3:00pm during winter hours, 3:30pm during the summer. They also regularly rescue horses and put a lot of energy into treating their horses well. You can book return transportation for $15 per person. They book up WAY in advance, so it's a good idea to book ahead.
With this locally-owned and operated tour company you can book a spot for snorkel trips and sunset cruises for a reasonable price and connect with other travelers or charter your own private experience. Highly recommend and they are located at Turtle Cove Marina, but can pick you up whenever you are along Grace Bay and West Grace Bay.
Ocean Vibes Scuba & Watersports
With this locally-owned and operated tour company you can book a spot for snorkel trips and sunset cruises for a reasonable price and connect with other travelers or charter your own private experience. Highly recommend and they are located at Turtle Cove Marina, but can pick you up whenever you are along Grace Bay and West Grace Bay.
Turks Head beer does a tour. I haven't personally experienced it, but many people I know have and loved it. Imported beer can also be very expensive on the island. These guys make lovely, local alternatives. Highly recommend.
11 yerel halk öneriyor
Turk's Head Brewery
52 Universal DrTurks Head beer does a tour. I haven't personally experienced it, but many people I know have and loved it. Imported beer can also be very expensive on the island. These guys make lovely, local alternatives. Highly recommend.
For the dog lovers among us. Potcake Place K9 Rescue- all volunteer not-for-profit charity with a goal to greatly reduce the number of homeless dogs in the Turks & Caicos Islands. You can "adopt" a puppy for a fun day at the beach or adopt a dog for a lifetime. They regularly need potcake helpers to deliver a potcake puppy to their new homes.
16 yerel halk öneriyor
Potcake Place K9 Rescue
For the dog lovers among us. Potcake Place K9 Rescue- all volunteer not-for-profit charity with a goal to greatly reduce the number of homeless dogs in the Turks & Caicos Islands. You can "adopt" a puppy for a fun day at the beach or adopt a dog for a lifetime. They regularly need potcake helpers to deliver a potcake puppy to their new homes.
If Kiteboarding looks like fun, but you have never done it, the Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding school on Long Bay Beach is a great place to try. They have an amazing group of instructors.
Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding
If Kiteboarding looks like fun, but you have never done it, the Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding school on Long Bay Beach is a great place to try. They have an amazing group of instructors.
Waterscape TC allows you to rent a seadoo to go out to the La Famille Express shipwreck. Or to go out to the floating Tiki bar. I recommend bringing water shoes.
Waterscape Turks and Caicos
Waterscape TC allows you to rent a seadoo to go out to the La Famille Express shipwreck. Or to go out to the floating Tiki bar. I recommend bringing water shoes.
Cielo is upstairs at the Ports of Call Plaza. I haven't been, but have seen videos of people dancing and having a great time, with a good dj in house every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to closing. If you are looking for some nightlife, this looked like a great option.
Cielo
Grace Bay RoadCielo is upstairs at the Ports of Call Plaza. I haven't been, but have seen videos of people dancing and having a great time, with a good dj in house every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to closing. If you are looking for some nightlife, this looked like a great option.
Whether you are a small group or a large group, I can't recommend Caicos Island Charters enough. Their prices are more than reasonable - $120 plus tax per person for a half day with light breakfast and lunch included. The food was great. The boats are super clean and the crew and guides were knowledgeable and fun. They got everyone up dancing on the way home. It was a highlight of our trip. highly recommend. They also offer parasailing.
Caicos Island Charters
Whether you are a small group or a large group, I can't recommend Caicos Island Charters enough. Their prices are more than reasonable - $120 plus tax per person for a half day with light breakfast and lunch included. The food was great. The boats are super clean and the crew and guides were knowledgeable and fun. They got everyone up dancing on the way home. It was a highlight of our trip. highly recommend. They also offer parasailing.
Da Conch Shack is a lovely, relaxed spot for lunch. On Wednesday nights it's the place to be as they have live cultural music and a fire performer (not sure how else to describe) It's a really fun time. The food is just okay. Reservations for Wednesday's are a must.
110 yerel halk öneriyor
Da Conch Shack
Blue Hills RoadDa Conch Shack is a lovely, relaxed spot for lunch. On Wednesday nights it's the place to be as they have live cultural music and a fire performer (not sure how else to describe) It's a really fun time. The food is just okay. Reservations for Wednesday's are a must.
Other great restaurants
Some more of our go-to restaurants on Provindenciales.
Bay Bistro is one of my favourite restaurants in TCI. If you book ahead, you can get your table set up on the beach. It's a magical setting and the food is really terrific, and reasonably priced for what you get. Highly recommend. Sundays they offer a cocktail with breakfast at a super reasonable price.
43 yerel halk öneriyor
Bay Bistro
Princess DriveBay Bistro is one of my favourite restaurants in TCI. If you book ahead, you can get your table set up on the beach. It's a magical setting and the food is really terrific, and reasonably priced for what you get. Highly recommend. Sundays they offer a cocktail with breakfast at a super reasonable price.
A great happy hour spot. A relaxed and happy vibe right on beautiful Bight Beach. There is often live music and a helpful staff. Affordable food. Excellent fajitas. It is one of my favourite spots.
69 yerel halk öneriyor
Somewhere Café and Lounge
Penn's RoadA great happy hour spot. A relaxed and happy vibe right on beautiful Bight Beach. There is often live music and a helpful staff. Affordable food. Excellent fajitas. It is one of my favourite spots.
Coco Bistro is a Turks and Caicos Islands institution. It isn't on the beach, but its location is magical nonetheless, under swaying palm trees covered in fairy lights. There are many very strong supporters of Coco Bistro and an equal number of detractors. The times I've been here the food has been very good, but it is also very, very expensive.
104 yerel halk öneriyor
Coco Bistro
Coco Bistro is a Turks and Caicos Islands institution. It isn't on the beach, but its location is magical nonetheless, under swaying palm trees covered in fairy lights. There are many very strong supporters of Coco Bistro and an equal number of detractors. The times I've been here the food has been very good, but it is also very, very expensive.
Nestled into the grounds of Coco Bistro, Cocovan is favourite for many. From their macroni and cheese balls to their tacos, they are casual, relaxed and affordable dining at its best. The food is served from a classic 1974 Airstream Kitchen.
37 yerel halk öneriyor
Cocovan Airstream Lounge
Nestled into the grounds of Coco Bistro, Cocovan is favourite for many. From their macroni and cheese balls to their tacos, they are casual, relaxed and affordable dining at its best. The food is served from a classic 1974 Airstream Kitchen.
Another affordable, yummy food spot. Their homemade hot sauce is delicious!! There are great vegetarian options here. This is a must visit place when I’m on the island. And it’s very reasonable price-wise. And keeps its beer nice and cold.
33 yerel halk öneriyor
Turks Kebab
Allegro RoadAnother affordable, yummy food spot. Their homemade hot sauce is delicious!! There are great vegetarian options here. This is a must visit place when I’m on the island. And it’s very reasonable price-wise. And keeps its beer nice and cold.
This is a new addition to the Provo restaurant scene just across from Bight Park and Wymara resort. It was spectacular in every way. The food was exceptional and the service was flawless. Definitely at the high end of my budget, but I couldn't have enjoyed our meal there more.
Marine Room
This is a new addition to the Provo restaurant scene just across from Bight Park and Wymara resort. It was spectacular in every way. The food was exceptional and the service was flawless. Definitely at the high end of my budget, but I couldn't have enjoyed our meal there more.