The last time I visited I visited the Turks and Cacios was in 2005 . I never made it to the Conch Farm.  I was too busy taking in the sun and sand on the beach.  Did you know that Provo is home to the only Conch farm in the world?  These mollusks have beautiful pink shells and they take five years to grow to their adult size.  Have you ever had Conch Soup?

The Conch Farm is open for tours during the winter months.

Providenciales, also known as “Provo“, is a 25 mile long island in the Turks & Caicos Islands.  The island is situated on the west side of the Caicos archipelago.  Provo has an area of 38 square miles.

Besides being home to the only conch farm in the world,  Providenciales is famous for it’s 12 mile Grace Bay Beach.   One of my favorite magazines Conde Naste, has rated Grace Bay Beach among the top ten beaches in the world.

Grace Bay Beach features beautiful white sand that edges spectacular clear, turquoise water and pristine coral reefs.  Providenciales offers an uncomplicated lifestyle and natural beauty.  Provo is a divers’ and water lovers’ paradise.

Provo is the urban center of the Turks & Caicos Islands.  This island offers all the modern conveniences one could dream of taking an awesome vacation to get away from the stress and the hustle-bustle of the overpopulated cities.

Provo has an 18 hole golf course, a casino, shopping centers, three marinas, a growing number of of bars and excellent restaurants.   Provo is also a divers’ and water lovers’ paradise.  There is something here for everyone!

The Caicos Bank, on the south part of the island, is a shallow, pale turquoise sea.  It is partly composed of swamp and tidal flats, filled with an abundant resource of conch and lobster.   On the opposite end of Providenciales, the deep channel of Leeward Going Through makes a natural and safe harbor on the northeast end of the island.  Sapodilla Bay is a popular mooring for yachts traveling through the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The natural island formations offer safe mooring areas for sailors.  On a hill overlooking Sapodilla Bay, stones engraved by shipwrecked sailors can be found.

Turks and Caicos is one of my very most favorite places in the world… Yes,  I am thinking of going back this winter to enjoy the white sand & the crystal blue water.  Living in upstate New York, I need some more photos to remind me of warmer days… it’s about 35 degrees right now where I live….. oh to be basking in the sun once again…

It is easy to get there.  The Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is a modern, full service facility that welcomes dozens of international flights every week from North America, Europe and other Caribbean Islands.  It is also the gateway to the rest of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The goal of the PLS is to make your arrival and departure from their island paradise as smooth and efficient as possible.

Ready, Set, Let’s Go!

The only way to get to this island to fly in or travel by boat.  If you take the ferry, your car will have to take the ferry, too.  And, if you miss the last ferry, you’d better plan to spend the night.  Click Here for ferry information and the schedule.

Visit the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse to see North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse which is still operating but it isn’t open for climbing.   Hang gliding and water sports, including kayaking and fishing, are very popular here.

If you are a fan of Blackbeard the Pirate, You will want to visit Ocracoke for sure. They say that Blackbeard the Pirate Ocracoke’s Most Famous Visitor.  Blackbeard was the most notorious pirate in the history of seafaring.  

http://www.nps.gov/archive/caha/blackb.htm

http://www.teachshole.com/

Click on these links for more information on Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke History

Outer Banks History Center

Wild Horse Safari

Beach Information

Professor Beach Worlds Best Beachtowns for airport information, chamber of commerce and more!