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Announcements Awards Turks Caicos Information

The Sands at Grace Bay Awards: We’re a “2015 Family Favorite Hotel”

A new addition to Sands at Grace Bay Awards – TripAdvisor’s family travel site, Family Vacation Critic, has once again named The Sands at Grace Bay a “Family Vacation Critic Favorite” 2015 hotel based on expert and consumer feedback. The resort was also recently named one of the, “Top 10 Caribbean Resorts For Families” by this leading family vacation website!

The Sands at Grace Bay - A 2015 "Family Favorite Hotel" by Family Vacation Critic
The Sands at Grace Bay – A 2015 “Family Favorite Hotel” by Family Vacation Critic

To be named a Family Vacation Critic Favorite hotel, hotels and resorts must have been personally vetted and visited by a member of Family Vacation Critic’s editorial team and must have been recommended by 75% or more families who have reviewed the property, with a four- or five-star review rating.

“The Family Vacation Critic Favorite winners represent hotels that truly excel as family-friendly properties. Because awards are only given to hotels that receive a high rating from both our team of experts and family travelers who have stayed at the property, the Family Vacation Critic Favorite Hotels designation offers parents a credible stamp of approval to use when searching for the perfect hotel for their family.”

– Lissa Poirot, Editor-in-Chief, Family Vacation Critic

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There are many reasons why families continue to visit our award-winning Providenciales, Turks & Caicos resort, including:

  • Our affordable low-season summer and fall rates and 4th Night Free Deal (valid between May 1st through December 19th)
  • Our unbeatable location on Grace Bay Beach, the Caribbean’s #1 Beach according to TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards
  • Fun and family-friendly island attractions in Providenciales, named the World’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travelers’ Choice Awards
  • Free use of resort watersports equipment including kayaks, snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards and Hobie Cats
  • Complimentary resort bicycles available for guest use from daylight to dusk
  • 3 Free-form swimming pools that flow throughout a central garden courtyard and are connected by canals.
  • On-property dining out at the island’s legendary Hemingway’s Beachfront Restaurant that offers kid-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinners
  • The option to dine “in” using fully equipped kitchens and comfortable dining areas in our one, two, and three-bedroom suites that provide families the convenience of preparing home-cooked meals during their resort stay
  • Fun family friend excursions, ranging from snorkeling, horseback riding, semi-submarine underwater tours, glow worm sunset cruises, snuba and more

For more information on our family-friendly resort amenities, optional excursions, and island kid-friendly dining and attraction recommendations, visit our resort’s family page: http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/families/introduction/

 

 

Categories
Announcements Turks Caicos Information

#SandsSelfie Turks and Caicos Contest Winners Announced!

After receiving over 420 entries, the results of our Winter #SandsSelfie Turks and Caicos contest are finally in – and we are excited to announce the “WINNING” photo submission that will be awarded the grand prize of a gift certificate for a 3-night stay in a luxurious One-Bedroom Oceanview Suite at The Sands at Grace Bay! Because we received so many terrific photo submissions from this 3-month contest, we’ve also decided to award a 2nd and 3rd place winner – and all #SandsSelfie winners and prizes are featured below.

Since we kicked off our SandsSelfie social media photo contest on December 1st, we have received over 200 #SandsSelfie photo submissions via Instagram and 221 total photo submissions posted onto our Facebook wall! We sincerely enjoyed all the creative, fun, and breathtaking SandsSelfie photos that our guests shared with us during their Turks & Caicos trip and stay at The Sands and hope you enjoy the 3 “winning” photos below:

The #1 WINNING Photo that was posted onto our Facebook wall by Kristen Rasmussen was taken from the crystal clear waters just offshore our stretch of Grace Bay Beach, shortly after getting married to her husband Ryan Rasmussen. This photo captures one of the many reasons why couples from around the world come to celebrate their weddings at our Providenciales resort, known for our award-winning beach, warm ocean waters, and fun amenities that couples enjoy using with their closest family members and friends. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Rasmussen – who have won our main prize of one complimentary 3-night stay in a 1-bedroom Oceanview Suite! We hope to see you for your honeymoon!

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1st Place Winner of #SandsSelfie Contest!

 

Our 2nd Place #SandsSelfie winner, who will receive a gift certificate for a complimentary 2-Night Stay at The Sands at Grace Bay in a 1 Bedroom Oceanview Suite, is Aimee Madison Francart who posed with her husband Matt Francart for a Christmas themed Santa hat selfie in December, alongside our famous JoJo the dolphin beach sign. This sign is treasured amongst our resort guests who have had the opportunity to spot the island’s famous and friendly JoJo the dolphin during their stay with us here in Providenciales.

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2nd Place Winner of #SandsSelfie Contest

 

Our 3rd Place #SandsSelfie winner, who will receive a gift certificate for a complimentary 1-Night Stay at The Sands at Grace Bay in a 1-Bedroom Oceanview Suite, is Brittany Roderick who posted a terrific snorkeling photo from our crystal clear ocean waters. This photo captures another thing our guests love to do during their stay at The Sands – enjoy our complimentary watersports equipment and snorkeling gear for endless fun in the sun along our breathtaking Grace Bay Beach.

3rd Place Winner of #SandsSelfie Contest!
3rd Place Winner of #SandsSelfie Contest!

We will be contacting the three #SandsSelfie winners shortly via their personal Facebook and/or Instagram accounts, with more details on their gift certificate resort stay prizes! Thanks again to all of you who participated in our #SandsSelfie contest – and we hope that you continue to share your favorite #SandsSelfies on our Facebook and Instagram pages during your future stays at The Sands. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos

Kiteboarding in Turks and Caicos is an exciting watersport that allows you to take advantage of the constant east southeast trade winds and the shallow, clear ocean water that make Providenciales, Turks & Caicos an ideal kiteboarding destination.

Guests staying at Providenciales’ The Sands at Grace Bay often enjoy watching kiteboarders ride along the nearby Long Bay Beach, which is known as one of the best kiteboarding spots in Provo and is a great place for beginners to learn the sport.

For beginners or those wanting to enhance their riding skills, Kiteboarding lessons from experienced instructors are offered by several Kiteboarding schools here in Providenciales.

Lessons range from 1-3 hours in length and beginners can typically begin riding on your own after 2-3 lessons. Local kite schools in Provo also rent kiteboarding equipment by the day or week, for more advanced riders.

Tour providers also offer kiteboarding safaris where they take guests to more secluded kiteboarding spots around the island that are only accessible by boat.

For more information on kiteboarding lessons, tours, packages or equipment rentals offered in Providenciales, visit our Resort Tour Operator Desk or contact us directly.

Perfect harmony on Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales

Experience an earthly wonder of sand and sea at our 114-suite luxury resort on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies.

Family-friendly, yet ideally suited for romantic getaways and wedding celebrations, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a harmonious balance of home comforts and sublime Caribbean elegance – as well as a picture perfect location on the sparkling shores of Grace Bay Beach.

If you are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Caribbean that gives you the flexibility of having your own fully-equipped suite while enticing you with fine dining, pristine grounds and sigh-inducing vistas, we look forward to welcoming you to The Sands at Grace Bay.

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

5 Fun Activities In Turks and Caicos

A Luxury Travel Blog featured 5 experiences not to miss in Provo and we wanted to share these recommendations with our resort guests, as fun and optional day activities during your stay at The Sands at Grace Bay:

  1. Watch Mermaids Swim: The Undersea Explorer offers semi-submarine tours that allow kids to see a real life “Bella the Mermaid” – a free diver who swims in a mermaid suit for all to experience during this underwater excursion adventure.
  1. Snuba: This cross between snorkeling and scuba diving allows travelers (8 years and older) to stay underwater for long periods of time and see the gorgeous underwater sights of Provo without the hassle of wearing a scuba tank or taking scuba dive lessons. Enjoy the gorgeous barrier reef with bright corals and abundant marine life by booking a Snuba excursion on your next trip to Turks & Caicos.
  1. Visit Iguana Island: Endangered Turks & Caicos native Rock Iguanas have made “Iguana Island” their home. Just a short boat ride away from Provo, this uninhabited and protected island allows visitors to view friendly and harmless Rock Iguanas sunning themselves on the beach and rocks and is a favorite day trip for families. Island tour and excursion providers including Caicos Dream Tours offer snorkeling adventure excursions that include stops to Iguana Island for a truly fun family outing. Caicos_Dream_Tours_DG_0118
  1. Good Ship Atabeyra: Offering sunset cruises and glow worm tours, this ship used to be a trading schooner that ferried commodities between the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Turks & Caicos.
  1. Island’s Weekly Fish Fry: Experience the island’s weekly Thursday night Fish Fry and celebration, that boasts freshly caught fish and seafood, local bands and entertainment, dancers and much more. This celebration brings together tourists and locals for a fun night of everything “Turks & Caicos.”

To checkout the blog article, visit the following link: http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2014/10/07/5-experiences-not-to-miss-on-the-turks-caicos-provo/

For an extensive list of Turks & Caicos excursions and activities in Providenciales, visit our enhanced “excursions” page at the following link:http://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/excursions/overview/ 

 

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Beach Weddings Turks Caicos

An Extraordinary Turks and Caicos Wedding… In The Rain

We had the pleasure of recently hosting the wedding of Lisa & Kevin Owens. Their wedding day was far from ordinary – in fact, it was extraordinary.

On the day of their Grace Bay Beach wedding ceremony that was held at our resort, it was a picture perfect day here in Turks & Caicos complete with sunny and clear skies.

As the beach ceremony began, the weather took a sudden turn for the worse and the skies opened to pouring rain – not something that the bride and groom had ever expected would happen during their beautiful beach wedding ceremony. However, Lisa and Kevin were as determined as ever to say their “I Do’s” even in the midst of the pouring rain. Our resort staff worked quickly to provide umbrellas and beach towels to the soaked wedding guests, while the ceremony continued.

While most couples fear rain on their wedding day, Lisa and Kevin’s positive outlook, humor and extraordinarily memorable wedding experience that they graciously shared with us below, will hopefully reduce the fears of unexpected weather to future brides and grooms who are worried that rain may damper their special day:

“Lidra Barranco at The Sands was my contact for planning the wedding ceremony (and Ri-ann helped her to execute everything the day of the wedding). She was very helpful and responsive to my 8 months-worth of email communications to her. The ceremony package we had through The Sands included the officiant & marriage documents, the beach arch, chairs with white covers, bouquets & boutonnieres for our wedding party, a steel drum player, and the wedding cake – which meant less planning for me! They handled all the details! The ceremony was set up on the far side of Grace Bay beach at The Sands where the huts ended. Everything looked beautiful and went smoothly, until the skies opened up out of nowhere and it started pouring, soaking everyone. The staff provided umbrellas and towels as quickly as they could to try to dry people off. The ceremony kept going – we all had some good laughs – and we envision the pictures will be pretty entertaining!

All in all, our wedding day was perfect and we couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. We heard a ton of “best wedding ever” and “best trip ever” comments from our guests, which made us so happy since everyone had traveled so far to celebrate with us. It was slightly nerve-wracking planning a destination wedding sight unseen, having never been to the island before, and not using a hired wedding planner. Meeting with all of the vendors/staff the week leading up to the wedding put my nerves at ease – they know what they are doing and they are great at it!

Thank you, Sands, for a wonderful wedding ceremony, honeymoon, and memories that will last forever. We can’t wait to return to the island and hopefully see some of the wonderful people we met again.”
– Lisa & Kevin Owens

In the end, Lisa and Kevin enjoyed a beautiful rainbow as the tropical Turks & Caicos rainstorm subsided following their wet wedding ceremony. They still made memories of a lifetime and have taken away incredible photos and stories from their beach wedding ceremony – that was filled with lots of laughter and love.

 

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Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

Holiday Turks and Caicos Travel Tips For Families

The Sands at Grace Bay is delighted to be named a “2014 Family Favorite Hotel” by TripAdvisor’s Family Travel Site, Family Vacation Critic. Family Vacation Critic recently compiled a helpful list of tips for families that are planning to travel over the busy holiday travel season, from the help of their readers. These tips are great for families planning a holiday or winter trip to Turks & Caicos and The Sands at Grace Bay. Here is a summary of three of these top holiday travel tips compiled by Family Vacation Critic’s Amanda Geronikos:

1. Plan in Advance: Reserve your flight and airline seats early, to ensure the entire family can sit together. It can be hard enough for families to make it through a flight with young children, so skip the hassle of having to ask people to switch their assigned seats so your family members can sit together by reserving your airline seats well in advance.

2. Download Travel Apps: Family Vacation Critic shared a few of their favorite apps that are helpful for families, but we especially liked their “TSA Await” app recommendation – because this app calculates how much time you may spend waiting in the airport security lines. Those traveling with kids may wish to check this app when planning their airport arrival times, to ensure that the family gets through the security check in lines without having to rush or fearing a missed flight.

3. Pack Snacks & Activities: Never underestimate the power of preparing an “activity bag” to keep children busy during a long flight. Great children activities for a flight may include crayons and coloring books, joke books and crossword puzzles, a journal and paper for writing, and DVD’s. You would also be wise to pack a favorite pillow and blanket for kids to sleep more soundly during their travels.

Snorkeling children

The Sands at Grace Bay resort is an increasingly popular choice for families looking for a luxurious yet still affordable Turks & Caicos getaway. Families enjoy the resort’s spacious studio and suite accommodations that feature all the comforts of home, complete with modern kitchens, dining and living room areas, screened-in balconies and much more – just steps away from Grace Bay Beach. Guests also enjoy the array of complimentary guest amenities and offerings during their stay, including the following freebies: use of watersports equipment – including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, snorkeling gear and Hobie Cats; bicycles for island exploration; a Tuesday Manager’s cocktail party; three swimming pools; a tennis/basketball court, and more.

The Sands at Grace Bay still has availability during the upcoming Caribbean high-season, but travelers will need to reserve their winter stay soon as space is limited.For winter bookings, families can check resort availability online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; or from Canada (800) 567-5327.

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Things To Do In The Caribbean Turks Caicos Information

New Beach Gear that we love, for your next Turks & Caicos trip

This summer Travel + Leisure featured some cool new beach gadgets and gear that will help travelers in Turks & Caicos have even more fun in the sun. We wanted to share a few of these great beach gear suggestions with our guests, or for anyone visiting the Turks & Caicos Islands which are known for having the most beautiful beaches in the world. Since we have ideal beach-weather in Provo year-round, we thought our guests may be particularly interested in the following beach products mentioned in the article:

ECOXPRO Waterproof Case – this is a tough waterproof case for devices ranging from iPods to BlackBerrys, that also doubles as a speaker. We like the following perks: it floats in the water, lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, and allows you to play tunes while on the beach without fear of damaging your phone or iPod. For info. visit www.ecoxgear.com.

CGear Sand-Free Tote Bag – this is a perfect beach tote that was designed for military use to ensure that no sand seeps into your bag. It’s great for carrying everything you may need for a day at the beach….a book, towels, suntan lotion, drinks and more. Find it at www.hearthsong.com

Waterfi Waterproofed Kindle Paperwhite – The Kindle Paperwhite 2nd Generation 2-reader not only makes it easier on your eyes to read in the bright sunlight, but it also comes equipped with a waterproof custom coating that will protect your Kindle from ocean or pool water, suntan lotion, and spilled drinks (which is likely to be rum punch if you’re on Grace Bay Beach!). Find it at www.waterfi.com

For the complete Travel + Leisure “Best Beach Gadgets and Gear” list and article, visit the following link: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-beach-gadgets-and-gear/1

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

Ways To Rekindle Romance at The Sands at Grace Bay

Whether you are celebrating a new love, your honeymoon, a special anniversary, or simply a vacation with the love of your life, The Sands at Grace Bay is an ideal Caribbean resort destination for a romantic retreat. Here are some ways that you can rekindle romance with your loved one during your next tip to our top-rated Turks & Caicos resort:

  • Couples may take our complimentary snorkel equipment to Smith’s Reef – a somewhat isolated beach where you can spend a relaxing day together swimming, snorkeling, and lying along the sand while soaking in the breathtaking scenery
  • Book an Island Magic Champagne Sunset Cruise – an adults-only 2-hour cruise where you will sail off the northeast tip of Providenciales on a 48-foot sailing catamaran and toast the setting sun with champagne and fine wines.
  • Fly high above the ocean and take in a birds eye views of Provo’s breathtaking beaches on a tandem Parasail Ride– from 500 feet above water.
  • Book a Double Decadence romantic couples massage at our Spa Tropique – that offers couples massages for 50, 70, or 90 minutes.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the beach – and you’ll see why Grace Bay Beach was named the “Best Walking Beach” by the Caribbean Journal

Our resort also offers the following two Romance Packages that allow couples to customize the details of their stay by selecting your preferred suite, length of stay, and time of visit:

Fall in Love Again Romance Package

  • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival
  • 70 minute Swedish massage for 2
  • Couples Sunset Beach Cruise (based on space availability of the excursion)

Lasting Love Romance Package

  • Chilled bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival
  • His and Hers spa treatments including: 70 minute Swedish massage for 2, Full Scalp massage for 2, Mini Reflexology for 2
  • Couples Sunset Beach Cruise (based on space availability of the excursion)
  • Couples Beach Cruise: Tour secluded Cays, snorkel along the reef and collect seashells (based on space availability of the excursion)
  • Fresh Flowers and strawberries in room upon arrival
  • Roundtrip airport transfers

More information on our romance packages can be found here: Romance Packages

Categories
Turks Caicos Information

5 Reasons To Visit Providenciales This Fall

The Sands at Grace Bay resort announces five reasons why budget-savvy travelers should consider a vacation to Providenciales (“Provo”) this Fall. Named the Caribbean’s #1 Island by TripAdvisor’s 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards, travelers can enjoy significant savings, beautiful weather, partake in exciting culinary events, and experience some of the world’s most breathtaking white-sand beaches during Provo’s off-season. Not only is this leading Turks & Caicos resort tempting travelers with its reduced low season rates and resort-wide 4th Night Free Deal offered for bookings now through December 20th, but The Sands at Grace Bay is also offering the following five reasons why travelers should plan a Turks & Caicos vacation to Providenciales this Fall:

1. Score Island-Wide Savings During Provo’s Low Season – Fall is considered the final few months of the Caribbean’s low-season and is a time when travelers can receive significant resort discounts, reduced airfares, and enjoy a variety of free and affordable attractions throughout Turks & Caicos. During Fall travel season, you can still book last-minute trips and find availability at The Sands at Grace Bay – one or Provo’s top-rated resorts that can booked up to a year in advance during the peak season (December through April). Provo’s low-season allows travelers to plan a reasonably priced vacation to this first-class Caribbean destination for much less, complete with a luxurious resort-stay and added-value savings for travel this September through December.

2. Fall Culinary Events, Fit for Foodies – Two highly anticipated culinary events take place in Provo during the month of November: the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival and Provo’s Annual Conch Festival. These annual events draw all-star chefs and foodies from around the world. Provo’s 4th Annual Food & Wine Festival takes place November 6-8th and includes a weekend of exciting island dining experiences featuring the local food and unique flavors of the island. The 11th Annual Turks & Caicos Conch Festival is held the last weekend of November and features island foods, music, and fun events for all ages. The festival hosts a culinary competition where the island’s best chefs serve up their tastiest conch dishes, offering visitors a delicious taste of the island’s native mollusk that is creatively served in a myriad of delectable ways.

3. Cool Ocean Breezes Temper The Heat – In the beginning of Fall, the tropical Turks & Caicos heat begins to cool down as the southeasterly trade winds return, as do the brief but more frequent rain showers. The ocean water remains comfortably warm from the summer heat and is perfect for swimming. The average daily temperature ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit now through December, ideal for travelers to enjoy the variety of outdoor and ocean activities. The trade winds bring cool ocean breezes, while sunshine remains abundant as the Turks & Caicos Islands receive an average of 350 sunny days per year. Plus, the winds provide excellent weather for a variety of popular watersports like sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and using Hobie cats along the coast.

4. Fewer Crowds & More Secluded Beaches – While increasing in popularity as one of the Caribbean’s leading winter vacation destinations, far fewer people travel to the Turks & Caicos Islands during the Fall season. Often, travelers don’t think about visiting this tropical destination until the winter months, once the temperatures are near freezing at home. Fewer island visitors means that it’s the perfect time of year for couples to plan a trip to Provo – when the island’s secluded white-sand beaches offer the perfect backdrop for rekindling romance. Located on Provo’s world-famous Grace Bay Beach, The Sands at Grace Bay offers a variety of themed vacation packages that are discounted during the off-season and are ideal for couples including a “Fall in Love Again” romance package, a “Babymoon” package for new mom and dad’s “to be,” and a “Scuba Dive” vacation package for travelers to explore Provo’s underwater world.

5. Caribbean Spiny Lobster Season – The Caribbean spiny lobster season kicked off on August 15th, allowing travelers to take advantage of this local delicacy that is featured as a special menu item at the island restaurants throughout Fall. Seafood lovers can enjoy freshly caught lobster, conch, and fish cooked and prepared in a variety of ways by local chefs during Provo’s weekly Thursday Night Fish Fry. This island-wide party created by The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in collaboration with the Department of Culture, brings travelers together with locals to enjoy the fresh island flavors, sounds, and sights for an evening of mouth-watering cuisine and cultural entertainment. Lively steel bands, dancing, and folkloric storytelling celebrate “all things TCI.”

Fall travelers can enjoy incredible savings at Providenciales’ The Sands at Grace Bay, which is offering a 4th Night FREE promotion valid for new bookings made on all room categories for travel now through December 20th, 2014. Resort guests also enjoy an array of added value guest amenities including free use of watersports equipment, bicycles, a weekly manager cocktail party, three swimming pools, and much more. Travelers can book the resort’s Fall 4th Night Free offer online at www.thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com, using the promo code “4NF2014” – or call toll-free from the U.S. (877) 777-2637; from Canada (800) 567-5327.

 

 

Categories
Things To Do In The Caribbean

Visit “Iguana Island” On Your Next Turks & Caicos Trip

We often recommend that guests and families staying at The Sands at Grace Bay consider planning a visit to “Iguana Island” during their Turks & Caicos trip.

Several Providenciales tour providers offer round trip boat rides and snorkeling excursions that include a visit to Little Water Cay – aka “Iguana Island” – a small, protected cay that is home to thousands of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas.

This is one of the only places in the world where you can spot these unique iguanas in their natural habitat – and is top attraction for kids.

These large lizards may look scary at first, but they are actually harmless and shy herbivores. A walking trail through Little Water Cay offers visitors an opportunity to view these incredible reptiles up close, as they sun along the sand and rocks of their protected island.

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Reef Peepers offers a popular half-day snorkeling trip with a visit to Iguana Island that is ideal for families with children 3 years and older, and includes convenient resort pick-up and drop-off by boat. This three hour snorkeling adventure features a 40-foot catamaran boat ride to Iguana Island, snorkel stops along the barrier reef, and time to relax and swim along Providenciales’ secluded beaches. For reservations, tour times, and rates, visit the Reef Peepers website.