Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is one of 40 islands and cays that conform the archipelago. Only 8 of these islands are habitated! In this blog post, we’ll go over 10 interesting facts about Provo.
1- Providenciales (known locally as Provo) is part of the Caicos Islands and boasts most of the tourism development in the country. E.g. Luxury villas, tour operators, businesses, and infrastructure.
2- The reefs around the Caicos Bank form the second largest barrier reef system in the Western Hemisphere. This makes Providenciales one of the most sought after destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world.
3- It is estimated that 60 species of coral live on the reefs surrounding the Caicos Bank and over 250 species of fish live around the Turks & Caicos Islands -making Provo a meca for sports fishing enthusiasts.
4- Providenciales is home to Grace Bay Beach -the hallmark of the Turks and Caicos. Winner of countless awards such as Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination 2020 and Traveler’s Choice #2 Beach in the World 2020.
5- Since there is very little hard stone on island, the beaches are mostly composed of powdered coral. This is the reason for the uniquely soft and white sands that cover Provo’s shoreline.
6- The beaches around Providenciales express distinctive tones of azures and turquoises -characteristic of shallow coastal waters. They can be as deep as waist-high for miles!
7- There is evidence to suggest that Turks & Caicos was Christopher Columbus’ first landfall in 1492.
8- By 1520, Provo became a safe & secret base for actual pirates of the Caribbean. You can find centuries-old pirate carvings all throughout the island’s hills!
9- As a British overseas territory, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. Interestingly enough, the US dollar is the official currency.
10- Turks and Caicos’ highest elevation (at 163 ft) is in the Blue Hills region in Providenciales.