Boating and Sailing
Provo's calm, reef-protected seas combine with constant easterly trade winds for excellent boating conditions. Several companies offer charters with snorkeling stops, food and beverage service, and sunset vistas. Prices range from $80 per person for group trips (subject to passenger minimums) to $800 or more for private charters.
Beluga Sailboat. Beluga offers private charters for two to eight passengers. Owner operator Tim Ainley, otherwise known as Captain Tim, knows these waters: he's been sailing them for more than two decades now. This is true sailing, no motors allowed. Staff will pick you up and take you to the marina where the boat is moored, and then ferry you off for a day of magic, exploring the reef and the cays east of Provo. Their specialty is a romantic encounter; all trips begin at $800. 649/231–0372; www.sailbeluga.com.
Caicos Dream Tours. Caicos Dream Tours offers several boating options, including one that has you diving for conch before lunch off a gorgeous beach. You may choose from two different excursions shared with others, starting at $89/person, or decide to charter a private boat for as many as 12 people, beginning at $1,100 for a half day. With seven boats in their fleet, Dream Tours is able to accommodate up to 150 guests at the same time, so wedding parties and conference groups have the option of enjoying a day out together. Maximum capacity on one boat is 40 guests. They also offer a bottom-fishing charter for up to six people for those die-hard fishermen traveling together. Note that Caicos Dream Tours is the only island excursion operator that offers a combo of bottom-fishing and snorkeling on the same charter; this one makes the whole family happy! Alexandra Resort, Princess Dr., Grace Bay, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/231–7274; www.caicosdreamtours.com.
Catch the Wave. Captain Ed offers a charter service with several boats to choose from, depending on the activity a client wishes to participate in: fishing, beach cruises, or snorkel excursions. You can customize your trip to suit everyone in your group 649/941–3047; www.catchthewavecharter.com.
Island Vibes. Turks and Caicos–born and raised, the boys who own and operate Island Vibes make their excursions stand out. If conditions are right, they’ll give you the opportunity to snorkel out over the wall, where the reef drops an amazing 3,000 feet. With a 12-foot curve slide off the roof, a diving board, and spacious bathroom on board with freshwater showers, these fun excursions add just a little more excitement to your day. Join a group for the half-day snorkel at $89/person, or throw yourself into their full-day barbecue adventure that combines an amazing lunch set up under the shade of tall island pines with exploring small cays, snorkeling, conch diving, and just plain beach strolling. There is also the option of a private sunset cruise seven days a week. Turtle Cove Marina, Lower Bight Rd., Turtle Cove, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/231–8423; www.islandvibestours.com. Starting at $89/person.
Kenard Cruises. This luxury private catamaran is first-class all the way, including a chef who can prepare gourmet meals, a 42-inch TV, air-conditioning, and Bose surround sound. It can be chartered for a half day or full day on a custom itinerary—so you'll feel like a celebrity! 649/232–3866; www.kenardcruises.com.
Sail Provo. Very popular for private charters, Sail Provo also offers scheduled half-day, full-day, sunset, and dedicated snorkeling trips to those who don’t mind sharing with other holidaymakers on 52- and 38-foot sailing catamarans. They also head out on starlit evening cruises to share the marine world’s glowworm extravaganza: underwater creatures light up the sea's surface not long after sunset a few days after the full moon each month. Check out their website to peruse the wide variety of excursions they offer with a beach pickup right in front of your Grace Bay resort. Blue Haven Marina, Marina Rd., Leeward, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/946–4783; 649/331--3184; www.sailprovo.com.
Silver Deep. Silver Deep excursions include several half-day and full-day trip options. You can choose from all types of fishing, a dedicated snorkeling adventure, exploration of North and Middle Caicos, and the most popular: a Native Beach Barbecue. Their most unique opportunity is their night-fishing private charter, just in case your days are too busy with naps and enjoying the beach. Other private charters may be arranged starting at $1,100; your itinerary may be personalized to include a multitude of activities, keeping all members in your group happy. Ocean Club West Plaza, Grace Bay Rd., Grace Bay, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/946–5612; 649/232–5612; www.silverdeep.com. From $99 / person.
Sun Charters. The Atabeyra, operated by Sun Charters, is a 70-foot schooner with a big wide belly. It’s the residents' choice for special events, as it is by far the most family-friendly adventure. Kids can run around without too many worries about going overboard, and the boom overhead is strong enough for them to sit and survey the seascape—just as a pirate would have done. Although they are primarily known as a private charter service, they also offer an amazing sunset rum punch party and glowworm excursions as their specialty, with a weekly Sail & Snorkel for individuals to join in on. Their newest trip is Night with the Stars, where the Atabeyra sails out at sunset and then throws anchor in a secluded spot; a night sky app and laser discussion will introduce you to a light-pollution-free night sky. The boat is perfect for larger groups who wish to sail together, accommodating 2 to 50 people. Blue Haven Resort, Marina Rd., Leeward, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/231–0624; www.suncharters.tc.
Undersea Explorer. For sightseeing below the waves, try the Undersea Explorer, a semi-submarine operated by Caicos Tours out of Turtle Cove Marina. It’s an ocean adventure that takes you into the underwater world without getting wet! Your one-hour tour of the reef is led by a knowledgeable captain and viewed through large windows below the surface on either side, all in air-conditioned comfort. It’s the perfect trip for young and old alike. Your choice: the Mermaid Adventure, which is a theatrical voyage with a “surprise” spotting of Mermaid Bella along the way and a pirate captain making a guest appearance, or the Turtle Reef Adventure, which sticks strictly to the business of exploring the reef as an informative voyage. Turtle Cove Marina, Lower Bight Rd., Turtle Cove, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/432–0006; www.caicostours.com. $60. Closed Sun..
Water Play Provo. Right on the beach, Water Play Provo has kiteboards, windsurfers, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. You can take a lesson, join a guided tour, or rent the equipment for multiple days or by the week. The owner, Jill, also conducts swim lessons in private villa pools; she specializes in infant self-rescue, and she's also an open-water swim coach and an American Red Cross swim instructor. Ocean Club (East), Governor's Rd., Grace Bay, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ. 649/231–3122; www.waterplayprovo.com.
Wild One. Thrill-seekers will enjoy this 45-minute jetboat ride that combines 360-degree spins and heart-racing nose-offs in water as shallow as 9 inches. You may get wet, so be prepared! The boat is operated by Caicos Tours out of Blue Haven Marina. Turtle Cove Marina, Turtle Cove, Providenciales. 649/431–9453; www.caicostours.com.
