Posted by Grace Bay Beach on Provenciales, also called Provo, in the Turks and Caicos, is a standout among the Caribbean’s best beaches, and a must-see for anyone touring by yacht or ship.
Even the most frayed nerves can be soothed by looking out to sea and being hypnotized by Grace Bay Beach’s milky aqua waters and wide band of white sand. It’s no wonder Provenciales most famous shoreline has won numerous accolades in recent years.
Grace Bay Beach offers such a sensory feast that national publications, including Conde Nast Traveler, Caribbean Travel and Life and Forbes.com, periodically list the destination among their top picks of the worlds best beaches.
Resorts along the 12-mile-long curve of Grace Bay Beach are well maintained and landscaped with an abundance of tropical plants, adding to the beachs get-away-from-it-all allure.
Plenty of Fun Activities on Provenciales
While many visitors spend the middle of the day on Grace Bay Beach alternating between swimming in the calm turquoise waters, reading under an umbrella and sunbathing, others opt to take out catamarans and kayaks, which are available at most oceanfront resorts.
In addition to beach fun, there’s plenty to do on Provo. Sun Charters, for example, offers Provo sailing excursions and private charters aboard the 77-foot Atabeyra. Sailing around the island and into its inlets and estuaries is an excellent way to discover rarely visited coves and snorkeling sites. See more about sailing trips at www.yachtcharterspecialists.com.
In addition to taking out private charters for between two and 50 guests, the traditionally rigged cargo schooner regularly goes out for Friday night sunset cruises during daylight-saving-time months. The Atabeyra takes out evening tours out to see phosphorescent glow-worm show in the channel on the third and fourth days after the full moon.
Guests are invited to bring their own provisions aboard Atabeyra or can opt for catered lunches or dinners. A delicious lunch provided by Ocean Club Resort was served during my half-day charter.
Various marine adventures are offered by Provos Big Blue Unlimited. The eco-tourism company takes out divers to Provos abundant reef system and kayakers to the islands mangrove-lined estuaries.
Don’t Miss the Caicos Conch Farm
Those who enjoy eating fresh conch will not want to miss a trip to Caicos Conch Farm, the worlds only conch farm, while they are visiting Provo. Several resorts on the island, including Grace Bay Resort, serve fresh conch from the farm.
The farm, which is home to 5.5 million conchs in various parts of their life cycle, is helping supply the Caribbean and the United States’ growing appetite for conch. This is important because the delicacy is being over-fished in many areas of the Caribbean.
Visitors are able to see and touch conch growing in various shelters and ponds at the facility. The finale of the tour is a show put on by Sally and Jesse; two mature conchs that slide out of their shells to visit with guests.
Grace Bay Beach is sure to form a lasting memory, along with the rest of these beautiful islands that form the Turks and Caicos.