Family Tours & Excursions

Attractions

Guests enjoy many diversions when staying at The Sands at Grace Bay.

The Turks & Caicos National Environmental Centre

Located along Providenciales’ Lower Bight Road, across from an excellent children’s park, the National Environmental Centre is a fun and informative way for visitors to learn about the indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora, and the habitats and ecosystems that can be found throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Both children and adults will enjoy the colorful exhibits on display, that provide information on the distinct beaches, shells, birds, reptiles, and wildlife that can be found around the island. Museum admission is free, and it is open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Cheshire Hall

A key historic attraction in Providenciales, this is the site of a former cotton plantation that dates back to the late 1700’s. Located on a hilltop near the downtown area off the Leeward Highway, this site consists of preserved ruins that can be viewed along a stone-lined trail that leads to fifteen points of interest, including the Great House, a cotton press base, kitchen, cistern, a well, a cannon and a reproduction of a slave cabin. Guided tours provide visitors with more information on the historic plantation days of the Caicos Islands. Cheshire Hall is open on weekdays between 8:30am to 4:00pm. There is a $10 entrance fee per person.

Weekly Island Fish Fry

Every Thursday evening from 5:30 – 9:30pm, the Island Fish Fry brings together locals and island visitors to celebrate an evening of “all things TCI.” Located at the Bight Children’s Park, this fun and casual family-friendly weekly event features local food vendors, entertainers, bands, and cultural acts. This a great way for families to take in the incredible sights, tastes, sounds, and distinct culture of our island. Local children’s groups perform, “Henry the Conch” makes an appearance, there is folkloric storytelling and skits, dancers bring the crowds to their feet and local restaurants serve up their specialty menu items including freshly caught fish and dishes bursting with island flavors. The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board sponsors the event in collaboration with the Department of Culture and DEMA.

Snorkeling at Coral Gardens

The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to one of the longest and most stunning coral reef systems in the world. 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 for families in Providenciales. The shallow 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 to bring children to snorkel. Plus, families staying at The Sands at Grace Bay may use the resort’s complimentary snorkeling gear to bring to this popular snorkeling site.

Chalk Sound National Park

Locals refer to the beaches surrounding Chalk Sound as “the children’s beaches” – including Sapodilla Bay Beach, which offers shallow, calm and crystal-clear water that is ideal for young children learning to swim. Chalk Sound is a protected national park and natural lagoon located on the southwest side of Providenciales. It features hundreds of small rocky islands and brilliant turquoise blue water. Kayak tours are an incredible way for families to experience the island’s vegetation, wildlife, birds, and breathtaking scenic views. Guided kayak eco-tours of Chalk Sound are offered through the local business Big Blue Unlimited.

Excursions

Families will love the natural wonders and diversity on Providenciales.

Visit to “Iguana Island”

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.

Snorkel & Conch Cruise

Caicos Dream Tours offers a popular half-day snorkeling trip that is ideal for families and children of all ages. This four-hour snorkel and conch cruise excursion is offered 7 days a week and allows families to experience the third largest coral reef system in the world that surrounds the island of Providenciales. This is a terrific excursion option for families looking for a half-day snorkeling adventure that offers breathtaking sights both above and below water and four hours of pure fun.

Undersea Explorer

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. Tours are 45 minutes in length. More information can be found on the Caicos Tours website.

Glow Worm Sunset Tours

 A Glow Worm Sunset Cruise promises a magical evening for all ages. On this unique boat tour, your family will have the opportunity to watch the water come alive with beautiful green flashes of light that are produced by marine worms – a unique natural phenomenon that only occurs in this part of the Caribbean for a few nights each month following a full moon. For more Glow Worm Tour information, visit our Tour Operator Desk located at our Beach Hut or contact us directly.

People on horses in the ocean.

Horseback Riding

Provo Ponies offers a one-of-a-kind horseback riding tour along a secluded stretch of Long Bay Beach on the southeast end of Providenciales, where horses may actually walk through the quiet shallow waters of the ocean. Two guided horseback rides, one morning and one afternoon ride, are offered every Monday through Friday. These tours are for children 7 years and older, and all riding levels are welcome including beginners who have limited or no experience riding. For added convenience, Provo Ponies offers optional transportation to/from The Sands at Grace Bay and their stables for an additional charge. Visit the Provo Ponies website for more information, rates, and to make reservations.

Snuba

Snuba is a fun, kid-friendly way to explore the underwater world without needing a scuba dive certification. Snuba is a shallow water diving system that bridges the gap between snorkeling and scuba diving. It allows all ages, from kids ages 8 and up to seniors, to swim a maximum of 20 feet underwater to view tropical marine life in their natural habitat including turtles, stingrays, lobsters, and beautiful fish and coral reefs. Click here for more information on Snuba tours in Providenciales.

Photography

Photos to Cherish for a Lifetime

Sands Resort Portraits with Paradise Photography

Create special memories of your vacation in the Turks and Caicos by arranging a beach portrait session during your stay at The Sands at Grace Bay. Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.The fun and friendly photographers at Paradise Photography know the best locations around resort and are experts when it comes to the beach. Whether you’re a family or couple, you’ll enjoy a relaxed one-hour session around the picturesque grounds of the Sands resort and world-famous Grace Bay Beach. Choose a morning or sunset portrait session that includes:

  • 1 hour of photography
  • All images in basic resolution
  • Online web gallery of all images to share with family and friends
  • Portrait guide with tips to prepare for your photos

Sessions are limited so contact Paradise Photography directly to book your portrait session. They can help you with choosing the best time of day and provide helpful tips on what to wear.

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