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Turks Caicos Information

Birds of the Turks and Caicos

turks and caicos wildlife

Image from Flickr

TCI’s salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. For all those bird watchers you can search for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey and Pelicans alongside Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. 

 As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds. 170 species of bird can be found in the Turks and Caicos Islands from Pelicans and Flamingos to Osprey and Cuban Crows. On North Caicos in particular the tidal flats on the South side of the island attract scores of birds including wild Pink Flamingos that regularly inhabit the aptly named Flamingo Pond.

Typical birds include:

  • Tropicbirds
  • Pelicans
  • Boobies and gannets
  • Cormorants
  • Frigatebirds

Turks and Caicos also is home to the West Indian Whistling-Duck, a rare bird that gets its name from a distinctive whistling call.

Turks and Caicos Nature Tours

There are a number of Turks and Caicos nature tour operators listed here and here.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

The Undersea Explorer Is Fun For Families in Turks & Caicos

Caicos Tours provides a fun way for families to see the underwater world without getting wet, from inside a semi-submarine vessel known as the “Undersea Explorer.” This specially designed boat operates just above the surface of the water and allows passengers to sit and view the breathtaking Coral Reef, fish, turtles, and even a “real life Mermaid” from five feet below water, through viewing windows.

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There are two undersea explorer tours that are offered: a Mermaid Adventure where you get to meet and see the real life Mermaid Bella as she swims underwater and Turtle Reef Adventure that takes you out into the ocean to visit different coral reef formations, where you’ll see plenty of beautiful reef fish and cruise through Turtle Town where you can view endangered Green Turtles in their natural habitat. The tours are approximately 45 minutes in length.

This is a great activity for families staying at The Sands at Grace Bay! For more information including rates, visit the Caicos Tours website.

"Fishy Reef"

mermaid_006

 

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Turks Caicos Information

Cool Facts About the Turks and Caicos

turks and caicos fun facts

Turks and Caicos is famous for a lot of things, most recently as the best place for SUP in the Caribbean, but here are some other fun, little-known facts about our island home:

The Turks & Caicos are actually geographically part of the Bahamas

The Turks & Caicos Islands form the southern tip of the Bahamas chain in the north of the Caribbean region. Their nearest neighbour to the south is the Dominican Republic.

It’s one big giant coral reef…

The islands are low-lying and are basically coral reefs exposed above the sea.

…Disguised as a chain of islands

The name Caicos may derive from ‘caya hico’, a phrase meaning ‘string of islands’ in the language of the indigenous Arawak people.

The Turks and Caicos is for the young

One third of the population is under 15 years old. Only 4% are 65 or older.

Tourists are a big demographic

Each year the islands’ population is outnumbered ten times by tourists who come for the beautiful beaches and ocean resorts.

This is a biodiversity hotspot

You’ll find lizard snakes which look like snakes, but are actually legless lizards.

Cricket is king

The national sport is cricket. Fishing, sailing and soccer are also quite popular.

Igloos in the Caribbean?

The flag of the Turks & Caicos Islands once depicted an igloo. This was caused by a map maker confusing piles of salt with these ice and snow structures.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Turks and Caicos Named Best SUP Paddleboarding Destination

This week the Caribbean Journal named the, “Best Caribbean Stand-Up Paddleboarding Destinations” and the Turks & Caicos Islands topped their list.

The article stated that our, “turquoise seas are a haven for paddle boarders” and we couldn’t agree more. Guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay are able to enjoy free use of our watersports equipment during their stay, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, hobie cats, and windsurfing and snorkeling gear.

Additionally, Provo’s Big Blue Unlimited offers SUP instruction and optional SUP eco-tours including a “Paddleboarding Wilderness Safari” that takes paddlers on an ocean adventure to explore the remote cays, mangroves, tidal creeks, and bird and marine life that can be found around our beautiful island.

SUP on Providenciales

We encourage you to try the increasingly popular sport of paddleboarding on your next visit to The Sands! It’s not only a fun and relaxing way to enjoy our turquoise waters, but it’s also a full body workout for those looking to stay active during their Turks & Caicos trip.

Here’s a link to view the Caribbean Journal article that features one of their favorite Caribbean paddleboarding destinations, Providenciales.

 

 

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Things To Do In The Caribbean

Top Day Trips In and Around Providenciales

Day Trips In ProvidencialesImage source: Wikipedia

If you can ever drag yourself away from beautiful Grace Bay Beach, an entire world is awaiting you here to explore in the Turks and Caicos.

Here are some easy day trips from The Sands at Grace Bay.

Explore Middle Caicos

It’s a great day trip, and close by. To get there, take a short trip on the ferry to North Caicos.

Next, rent a car at North Caicos to drive to Middle Caicos and take in the sights along the way (and be sure to ask at the Ferry Office for a map beforehand).

At Middle Caicos, explore the caves and cliffs at Blue Horizon Resort. But don’t forget to drive further down to the Indian Caves.

Bambarra Beach is a great stretch of white sand beach, and is the perfect place to take a nice picnic basket and spend the day swimming in that lovely turquoise water.

Visit the Hole

The Hole is a limestone sinkhole that’s about 50 feet deep. There are no paths or handrails, so you have to be careful – it’s not really a place to bring kids, and is strictly off-limits for climbers.

However, the sinkhole and the vegetation at the bottom is quite a beautiful sight.

Visit Chesire Hill Plantation

Chesire Hall Plantation, in Provo’s Blue Hills neighborhood, is really worth visiting. The building ruins have been carefully preserved, and it’s an interesting feeling looking at the ruins on one side, with a view of downtown Provo on the other side.

If you like natural history, there is a lot of information about local birds and wildlife on signposts located around the attraction.

Visit the Fish Fry

The weekly Fish Fry *the* must-do for visitors and residents alike on Provo.

The Fish Fry is held every Thursday at the Bight Park, about 10 minutes by car from the Sands hotel. The event gives visitors a chance to experience our island culture whether it be the great food, the music, or the interesting performances by local artists. The Bight Park, with swings, a slide and places to climb, is perfect for kids.

Besides crab ‘n rice, lobster mac ‘n cheese and fish from local water, conch salad and conch fritters are sold here as well. It’s delicious and is a great way to meet the Provo locals.

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Turks Caicos Information

Kid-Friendly Snorkeling in Provo: Bight Reef, Coral Gardens

family vacation

Also known as Bight Reef, the Coral Gardens snorkeling area is just a short walk down the beach from the Sands at Grace Bay resort and is one of the most popular snorkeling areas in Providenciales. The shallow and calm waters that can be accessed right from the beach, the diversity of fish, the clearly marked boundaries, and the safely roped off area make this a great spot for families and beginners to snorkel. Plus, guests staying at The Sands at Grace Bay may use the resort’s complimentary snorkeling gear to bring to this popular snorkeling site.

The reef extends 350 feet out from the beach and tends to have a large number of tame fish, as well as sea turtles, stingrays, and lobsters. Water depth ranges from 3 to 16 feet.

There is also a Bight Reef Snorkel Trail here, with markers that are anchored to the sea floor describing the beautiful corals that can be found around this snorkeling site. Two marker buoys indicate both ends of the snorkel trail.

For more information and photos, visit: http://www.visittci.com/providenciales/bight-reef

Snorkeling children

bight-reef-map

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Turks Caicos Information

Tips For Families Staying at The Sands, From A Former Guest

The following guest blog post was written by Shnieka Johnson:

I still daydream of the Sands at Grace Bay even though it has been years since I last visited.  When I was given the opportunity to reminisce and write this post, I wanted to share my experience and tips for families staying at the resort. The Sands at Grace Bay is a great place to travel with family whether you explore the resort or the larger island of Turks and Caicos.

It was mid-December; my husband and I flew direct from New York to Turks and Caicos on an early morning with our two-year old baby and his gear in tow.  We were thrilled to have a break away from the grind of New York City life, and were in need of a relaxing beach vacation.  We were not interested in a lot of frills or excursions – just a beautiful beach and maybe a massage at the spa.

We love to travel, but when our baby arrived, my husband and I had to change our approach to vacationing.  After reading the description for the Sands at Grace Bay, I knew that the resort was ideal for our next family vacation.  Upon reaching the entrance of the resort, we were welcomed by friendly staff in the open-air lobby.  From the lobby, we could see the manicured grounds and glistening pools, with the sounds of the ocean in the distance.

The room that we selected was a one-bedroom suite, which was far more spacious than a standard hotel.  There was a separate living area, outdoor space, full kitchen and washer/dryer.  Once unpacked, we toured the resort.  Given the full kitchen, we planned to buy groceries and cook many of our meals.  We had breakfast on the porch each morning and lunch at the beach.  During many evenings, we had dinner at the onsite Hemingway’s restaurant that had variety of Caribbean cuisine.  You simply cannot visit the Caribbean without getting your fill of conch fritters.

Throughout our stay, there was a sense of thoughtfulness in the resort’s activities and events.  A staff member was dressed as Santa and took photos with the kids.  Our favorite amenity was, of course, the beach.  Just a walk down the path from our room and my son was making sandcastles.

thesandstc

We have fond memories of our vacation to Turks and Caicos.  I’m sure you and your family will too.  As you’re trip planning, here are few tips to make your stay a little easier:

  • Limit the baby gear.  An inexpensive umbrella stroller and carrier should be sufficient for this carefree trip.
  • Keep meal schedules and bedtime routines.  The transition once you’ve returned home will be much easier.
  • Make the stay as convenient as home (well, if home were a tropical paradise.)
  • Pack less and use the laundry closet.
  • Take time for yourself.

Shnieka Johnson is a freelance writer and contributor for New York Parenting Media publications.  Her articles range in topic, addressing Education, Parenting and Family Travel.  Shnieka can be reached via her website: http://shniekajohnson.com/contact/

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Sands Employee Profiles

Introducing Delroy McIntosh, Sands Resort’s June Superstar

sands resort staff superstars

We were excited when so many Sands employees were nominated to receive Star Awards earlier this year.

So, to give our guests with an inside look at how “locals” spend their free time around our Caribbean island, we’re profiling our “superstar” staff to learn more about what they love about life on Provo.

This month we introduce Star Awards winner Delroy McIntosh (second from left in the photo of our wonderful staff above), who many of you will recognize as a friendly smiling face around the pools at the Sands. Delroy earned the “Ambassador Award” at the Star Awards ceremony, for his warm greetings to visitors, helpful actions, and good deeds that represent the resort and Turks & Caicos Islands.

Delroy is a lifelong resident of the Turks and Caicos.

How do you like to spend your free time in Provo?

Most of my free time is spent with my family – as everyone knows, Provo is a great place if you have children. We can go to our “secret” beach, but we also like to spend time in parks, like at the Bight near the Sands Resort. I also try to keep fit by running and jogging on the beach.

What is one “must-do” or “must-see” attraction for tourists to experience in Provo?

If you are adventurous and don’t mind a bit of a thrill, you should make a visit to The Hole near Long Bay Hills on Provo.

The Hole is a limestone sinkhole that’s about 50 feet deep. There are no paths or handrails, so you have to be careful – it’s not really a place to bring kids. It would also be foolhardy to try to climb down to the bottom.

However, the sinkhole is quite a beautiful sight.

To get to the Hole, you have to drive. Take the Long Bay Highway off of Leeward Highway. After about a mile, turn right onto Seasage Drive. The Hole is found half a mile down this road on the left. A small sign attached to a telephone pole indicates the spot.

Besides Hemingway’s, are there any other island restaurants that you like?

I like to have dinner at the Mango Reef. It’s just down Grace Bay Beach from the Sands Resort and is right on the water.

If you ask ahead you can get a table right on the beach at sunset, which is really romantic. The restaurant has a very fun and laid-back vibe that’s really enjoyable.

They have a huge menu, so there is something for everyone, with even a kids menu. I like the grouper myself. It’s caught right here off Provo and is often served lightly breaded and fried. If you’re lucky they serve mac and cheese with it, a true TCI treat!

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Turks Caicos Information

Grace Bay Beach Named “Best Walking Beach”

The Caribbean Journal recently featured an article titled, “The Best Caribbean Beaches for Everything” and our Providenciales’ Grace Bay Beach topped the list for the “Best Walking Beach.” The photo used in the article was taken along our beautiful stretch of Grace Bay Beach at The Sands at Grace Bay resort.

Grace Bay Beach - The Sands at Grace Bay

 

While our Grace Bay Beach location regularly receives numerous awards and world-renowned recognition for its pristine soft white-sand and brilliant turquoise water, there are many other beautiful beaches around Providenciales that we encourage our guests to explore. Visit our “Beautiful Beaches of Providenciales” Pinterest board, to learn more about other beaches that visitors can explore on their Turks & Caicos trip to our island – including a helpful map of the beaches of Providenciales: http://www.pinterest.com/thesandstc/beautiful-beaches-of-providenciales/.

The read the complete Caribbean Journal Best Caribbean Beach article, Click here.

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Turks Caicos Information

Craft Beer and Other Unique Souvenirs to Track Down on Provo

turks and caicos craft beer

While many visitors to Provo seek out delicious conch fritters and cool down with a delicious rum punch that is unique to our island home, there are other local delicacies to try out during your stay in TCI.

Turk’s Head Beer

Turk’s Head is a small microbrewery that creates and sells the “national beer” of the Turks and Caicos. Producing a pale ale and a lager, Turks Head uses Patagonia malt and local filtered spring water. The source of the hops varies, but British Columbia, in Canada, and Portland, Oregon, are major sources.

The beers are intended to be refreshing after a long day spent at the beach. Turk’s Head brewery is open to the public and brews 32 cans a minute. If you want a tour, contact the concierge at the Sands to get set up.

Cuban Crafters Cigars

If you’re in the Caribbean, you might as well try real Cuba cigars. Cuba is located quite near to the Turks and Caicos, and it’s quite easy to get Cuban cigars on Provo. Cuban Crafters is the place to find them. The store is located at Salt Mills Plaza, where two skilled cigar rollers from Nicaragua roll 200 cigars a day with authentic Cuban tobacco leaves at Cuban Crafters on Providenciales.

The cigars are rolled with pure Cuban-seed tobacco and are only available in the Island. Their taste and quality far outweighs many of the more expensive Cuban cigars. That’s why it’s non-officially become the official cigar of the Turks and Caicos.

Sakaja Hot Sauce

You’ve probably heard of Jamaican jerk sauce, but the Turks and Caicos also have their own rich history of spicy, fiery condiments.

Sakaja Wild Wheeland Pepper Sauce is a locally-produced pepper sauce, the creation of Da Conch Shack alumni Delano Handfield. Handfield makes his famous Sakaja sauce with all-natural ingredients, including distilled vinegar, citrus, sugar, salt, Scotch Bonnet Peppers, and all-natural flavoring.

Tourists make a point of buying Handfield’s sauces in bulk, multiple Providenciales restaurants now offer it at the table, restaurant chains in the United States have inquired about following suit, and his website, www.SAKAJAltd.com, is gearing up to take international web orders.