Things to do in  Providenciales

Known locally as Iguana Island, Little Water Cay emerges from the crystal clear waters just outside Providenciales. The tiny islet is ringed by white sandy beaches—a tranquil habitat for the endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana, a charismatic green lizard endemic to the islands.

Named the “Best Beach in the World” multiple times (and by multiple entities), Grace Bay Beach is so beautiful that it really needs to be seen to be believed. This is the main beach on the island of Providenciales, in Turks and Caicos, and is lined with upscale resorts.

Connected to the ocean via a small channel, Chalk Sound is a landlocked lagoon that attracts swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. The dazzling body of water takes up the southwestern coast of Providenciales, south of the island’s airport and downtown area, just inland from Sapodilla Bay. The lake stretches for 3 miles (5 kilometers), separated from the coast by a thin peninsula of resort-studded sand.

Perched atop a hill on the island of Providenciales, the ruins of this former cotton plantation offer an essential perspective into the island’s history. Protected by the National Trust, today the grounds of 18th-century Cheshire Hall contain the remains of the house owned by a British loyalist, slave quarters, kitchen, and cotton press bases. The original cotton fields have been overtaken by modern-day infrastructure.

Riven with sea inlets and lagoons populated by pink flamingos, lush North Caicos is the Turks and Caicos’s second-largest island and lies about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from its eastern neighbor, Providenciales. Dotted with small settlements and former plantations, the quiet island boasts long sandy beaches with coral reefs for swimming and snorkeling.

Get a feel for the seafaring history of the Turks and Caicos Islands with a trip to see the rock carvings made by shipwrecked sailors at Sapodilla Bay. The inscriptions on the rocks range from names and dates to carvings of ships and buildings. The unfortunate sailors chose Sapodilla Hill as their lookout, as it affords a wide view of the ocean beyond.

Covering the northwest tip of Providenciales island, this protected area covers both land and sea, and is a great spot for walking, beachcombing, birdwatching, and relaxing on the secluded beach nearby.

Salt Cay island is the smallest of the main inhabited Turks and Caicos Islands. At only 2 square miles (around 7 square kilometers) with no built-up tourist hotels or resorts, it attracts visitors hoping for something a little more adventurous than the typical Caribbean holiday, but with all the laid-back charm of the region.

On the peaceful North Caicos Island, Whitby Beach is one of the best. Head here for an unspoiled white sand beach and water perfect for swimming.