Providenciales : A Stunning Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands with Beautiful Attractions

Providenciales is the most populated island the Turks and Caicos Islands, a beautiful nation in the Caribbean. Filled with hotels and restaurants for relaxation and dining, Providenciales is also the home to stunning sightseeing attractions making it a worthy destination to go to. On this article, we are going to identify ten of the best sightseeing destinations in Providenciales.

1. Grace Bay

One of the most sought destinations in Providenciales is the Grace Bay Beach. Stunning and picturesque, the Grace Bay Beach is characterized by its soft powdery sand and its turquoise waters which are to die for. It is regarded by some as the sanctuary from the life outside. Additionally, this sightseeing attraction has topped several lists as the best beach in the world including those from Conde Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor. Relax, lay down on its white sand or swim on its refreshing waters as you enjoy all the perks that could be found on this one of a kind beach.

2. Half Moon Bay

Since Providenciales is home to a myriad of beautiful beaches, it could not be denied that our list will have another one. The Half Moon Bay is another stunning place where you could take half a day. It is characterized by its breathtaking views of the white sand beach and the turquoise waters of the ocean, the low cliffs, a sheltered lagoon with crystal clear water, and the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas. Tourists could go here for sightseeing and swimming. However, they could also avail of other exciting activities such as day trips, picnics by the beach, boat cruises, and kayaking.

3. Leeward Beach

A lot of sightseeing visitors also try the Leeward Beach, another breathtaking beach that could be found at Providenciales. This is the perfect spot to walk with your romantic partner while gazing at the vast horizon. At the end of your walk out to Emerald Point, you might be able to see the TCI Ferry that is going or coming from the North Caicos. In the distance, you will be able to see the Little Water Cay where local iguanas are able to roam freely. It would be a great experience to be going to the Leeward Beach.

4. Caicos Conch Farm

Straying away from the beautiful beaches of Providenciales for a moment, we arrive at Caicos Conch Farm. This sightseeing destination is currently owned and operated by Trade Winds Industries Limited, a Turks and Caicos Islands Registered Company. It currently operates on ten acres of company-owned oceanfront property. It cultures the Queen Conch, scientifically known as the Strombus gigas, a staple diet of the Caribbeans for a long time already. Its meat is rich in protein while its shell has been used for jewellery and tools.

5. Cheshire Hall Plantation

The Cheshire Hall Plantation is the best-preserved set of ruins on Providenciales during the plantations era. It is also the most significant site for cultural heritage on the said island. The Cheshire Hall, in particular, consists of several ship graffiti that are inscribed on a lower exterior wall found at the rear of the main building. It is worth noting that walk-ins are not allowed if you are planning to go sightseeing at the Cheshire Hall Plantation. However, tours could be availed by reservations.

6. Our Lady of Divine Providence

The Our Lady of Divine Providence is the term given to a Catholic Church located on the island of Providenciales, specifically at the Leeward Highway. This church follows the Latin or Roman rites. It also depends on the mission sui juris of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Religious activities and sacraments in the church are usually done in English. However, Spanish and Haitian Creole are also the other languages used in their services on other days. Perhaps you could add the Our Lady of Divine Providence the next time you go to Providenciales.

7. Taylor Bay Beach

Let us go back to the beautiful beaches of Providenciales. The Taylor Bay is a small yet scenic cove that provides a shallow and calm water, making it an ideal sightseeing destination for tourists who have brought with them their kids. The Taylor Bay Beach remains public up to the high tide point. However, it is worth noting that the only way for sightseeing tourists to be able to access the coast is from the ocean itself. When at the beach, you could find some rental vacation villas.

8. Chalk Sound

The Chalk Sound National Park, or simply called Chalk Sound, is a breathtaking turquoise lagoon which is definitely worth sightseeing when you are at Providenciales. This national park consists of shallow yet crystal clear waters with hundreds of small rocky islands. Because of its protected status, powdered watercraft is strictly prohibited at Chalk Sound. However, you could still enjoy various attractions such as sightseeing by road on the southern portion, or kayaking and paddle boarding. It is worth noting that the Chalk Sound is clean and free from algae.

9. Princess Alexandra National Park

The Princess Alexandra National Park is another national park and a marine preserve that consists of other sightseeing attractions such as the Bight Reef (Coral Gardens, the Smith's Reef, and an expansive part of the northern barrier reef of Providenciales. In addition to these, the reserve also includes the iguana sanctuary of Little Water Cay, the rocks of Lizard Cay, and the wetlands islands of Mangrove Cay and Donna Cay. A lot of watersport uses around the island of Providenciales are being held at the Princess Alexandra National Park.

10. Anna's Art Gallery

Finally, we end our list with the Anna's Art Gallery, an art exhibit in Providenciales that displays the artworks of local artists. Present in this art galleries are prints, paintings, jewellery items, and sculptures that have been crafted by only the best locals of Providenciales. When you are sightseeing at the Anna's Art Gallery, you will surely witness the display of pink glazed conchs outside. Also present are collections of sea urchins, sundial shells, and more. Painted waterscapes could also be seen because they are prominently displayed in the shop.

◎ Closing

From white sand beaches to specialty art galleries, Providenciales has all the reasons for you to visit the island in the nearest possible time. With these destinations, you should already know which places to visit when you go sightseeing at Providenciales.