Rapidly becoming popular by North American and European vacationers is the island of Providenciales, nestled among two groups of islands in the northern Caribbean known as the Turks and Caicos Islands – or, as others have dubbed them, the Caribbean’s Last Frontier.
You’ll find the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are a British territory, 575 miles southeast of Miami (about 90 minutes by plane).
Providenciales, called Provo for short, is the most developed island and is growing quickly as a tourism and offshore financial center. It is 38 square miles with a rocky terrain producing small hills in places. Vegetation is sparse.
Surrounded by virgin coral reefs, Provo and its sister islands are perfect for diving, snorkeling and virtually any other activity imaginable in or on turquoise waters. Divers are impressed with the abundance of marine life and the fact that, at certain times of the year, underwater visibility can reach or exceed 175 feet.
The one casino licensed so far by the government is located at the Turquoise Reef Hotel. It’s relatively small, but professionally operated and a great deal of fun. Island bands entertain mainly at the hotels.
Visitors will find a good selection of restaurants, many of them offering first-class cuisine.
The island has established itself as an offshore financial center and is steadily welcoming increasing numbers of foreign investors to its tax-free shores. Investment opportunities in real estate and other projects are numerous as luxury hotels and condominiums spring up.
This is a great island to visit to relax, enjoy watersports, golf, gamble and gaze at some incredible sunsets.
Flying time from Miami to Provo via jet is about 80 minutes. Various charters arrive weekly from Miami, New York, Detroit, Toronto, and other major North American cities.
There are three international airports in the Turks & Caicos Islands: On Provo, Grand Turk, and South Caicos. Regularly scheduled service and charter flights connect the islands to one another. Flights are available from the TCI to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and most Caribbean destinations.
U.S. citizens and Canadians may enter on a birth certificate and a photo identification card together with a return ticket. Citizens of other countries require passports.
Turks & Caicos Facts
• Population: Approximately 15,000 people live in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
• Currency: The U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, car rental firms and most other tourist-oriented businesses.
• Taxes: The Turks and Caicos Islands are a tax-free British territory with no direct taxation of any kind. There are no income taxes, property taxes or corporate taxes. The government earns revenue from customs import duties, stamp duty on certain transactions and departure taxes.
• Language: English
Restaurants
Provo has a good selection of restaurants ranging from casual to casually elegant. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Reservations are recommended.