Harbour Club Villas and Marina

Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Six villas with lake views and with a private marina where dive boats moor.

Harbour Club Villas and Marina is a small, family owned, island hideaway on the more tranquil south side of Providenciales.
We have six, stand alone, one bedroom villas nestled between Flamingo Lake and a quiet marina surrounded by tropical gardens, gazebo and pool.

Harbour Club Villas is a unique place to enjoy your vacation in paradise.

Best of all, we are just a short, five minute drive to Grace Bay beach.

We have BONEFISHING in the lake and a private Marina where three of the islands’ best SCUBA dive companies moor their boats.

Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Harbour Club’s Marina is home for many dive boats.

Island’s finest dive operators run out of our marina. Aqua TCI and Flamingo Divers with Caicos Adventures found a little further down in the Marina.

Harbour Club's villas on the southern shore of Providenciales
Villas with a view on the southern shore of Provo

Our small six villa estate has a special appeal to couples, families or small groups looking for something a little bit different to your typical resort.

Our guests often tell us that we are the best kept secret in the Caribbean Islands.

We have six individual and identical villas surrounded by palm trees and tropical bushes and flowers, a tiki hut with a barbecue/grill and seating right beside the pool. We offer our guests a unique location to stay at and from which to explore our island.

Villas at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Six stand-alone cottages surrounded by flowers and trees.

Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Three of the six individual villas with bedroom, full kitchen and with lots of room

Each Harbour Club Villa has:

BEDROOM with air conditioning in the bedroom only, a queen-sized bed, open shelving closet and luggage rack.

LIVING ROOM with a queen sofa bed, rattan couches, large flat screened TV, dining table and chairs with views of the lake, lockable safe, WiFi, louvered and screened windows to catch the island breezes and ceiling fans throughout.

BATHROOM with walk in shower, toiletries, towels and beach towels too.

KITCHEN is fully equipped with everything you might need.

Harbour Club Villas villa accommodation on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Dining nook and large living space with several couches and chair,
Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
We have a spacious floor plan with several couches and chairs with flat screened TV’s
Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Living area with couches, dining room table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchen
Comfortable living and dining room area, bright and airy.
Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Each villa has a queen sofa bed for those extra guests
Lake views at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Dining area with a view over the lake
Bedroom at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Bedroom with queen sized bed and air conditioning
Bathroom at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Bathroom with walk in shower, toiletries, towels and beach towels.
Fully equipped kitchen at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Kitchen has a stove top, fridge, appliances and is fully equipped with all that guests may need.
Kitchen and dining area at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Stove top and appliances in the villa kitchens with dining area.
Rental cottages with full kitchens at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
49 ” flat screened smart TV’s with fire sticks.
Living area at villa rental Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Open and airy living area with dining nook, comfortable couches, TV and kitchen

The villas are set on a ridge between Flamingo Lake and our private Marina with access to beautiful Cooper Jack Bight and surrounded by flowering shrubs, bushes and trees including coconut palms.

Flamingos and other water birds at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
And YES! we do see flamingos on Flamingo Lake.
Stone walkways at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
One bedroom villas with stone walkways made from rocks collected from the property

We have six individual villas with a shared pool and Tiki Hut where guests can lounge, enjoy the sunshine or have a barbecue.

PRIVATE PATIO with table and chairs for that morning coffee with views over the lake

Patios with lake views at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
private patio area for that morning coffee or evening cocktails with view is outside your villa door.

Wander outside along our stone walkways to the POOL and TIKI HUT. Stone work was done by local islanders from rocks found on the property. We came to the islands over 20 years ago and built Harbour Club Villas in 1999.

Walkways between villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Stone walkways and planters full of tropical bushes and flowers

Guests can enjoy our shared pool and gazebo with a barbecue/grill. 

It’s a great spot for watching the hummingbirds, bananaquits and a resident green heron or two that come to the pool.

Hibiscus at our villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Beautiful fiesta hibiscus blooming in the grounds of the villas and tiki hut.
Relax by the pool surrounded by flowering shrubs and coconut palm trees
Relax by the pool surrounded by flowering shrubs and coconut palm trees
Pool and lounge chairs for relaxing at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Pool entrance with flowering allamandas and often our heron visits.
Pool and lounge chairs for relaxing at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Lots of lounge chairs for that afternoon by the pool.
Pool and lounge chairs for relaxing at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Take a refreshing dip in the pool or lounge and read a book.
Tiki Hut and barbecue at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Tiki hut with barbecue for our guests and seating.
Tiki Hut in lush gardens at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
The tiki hut at the villas is beside the pool…..great spot for a barbecue.

SCUBA DIVING boats leave our marina every day for the dive sites at West Caicos and French Cay. Divers can just grab a morning coffee, walk down to the boats and be ready to go diving.

Diving guests have just a short walk down to the marina where three of the islands’ dive operators moor their boats. Aqua Tci is on our docks with Flamingo Divers and Caicos Adventures close by within walking distance.

Villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Storm approaches with dark skies and colourful seas.
Dive boats moored at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Take a walk down to our marina with dive boats moored.
Marina at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Harbour Club’s Marina with Flamingo Lake looking across island to Grace Bay.

Wander down to our marina to enjoy the sunset or over to Bob’s Bar.

Next door marina restaurant at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Bob’s Bar and Eats is right next door, just walk over for terrific sunsets, delicious food and try a local Turk’s Head beer
Aqua TCI ready for another day of diving the reefs and walls

Sunset and boats in the marina at villa vacation rentals at Harbour Club Villas and Marina on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Amazing sunset from down in the marina at Harbour Club
Grace Bay beach the best in the world on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

BEACHES: Grace Bay beach, snorkeling at the Bight Reef or Smith’s Reef which are both right off shore, are a five-minute drive from our villas.

Barry and Marta have lived on island for some 24 years. Call us and we’ll give you all the information you need when thinking of a vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hope to see you soon.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

DIY Bonefishing and Harbour Club Villas

Flamingo Lake is just across the road from the villas – grab
your fly rod and be fishing in minutes.

Harbor Club Villas and Marina is a small, six villa resort nestled on the hill overlooking Flamingo Lake where guests can enjoy some DIY bonefishing right across the road in the lake.

Our villas are comfortable for couples as well as families and fishermen have the advantage of a short walk to find some great bonefishing in the lakes and surrounding area. If your partner doesn’t fish….don’t worry as we will give you some areas to explore where both of you will be happy.

Sometimes you can see bonefish tailing in Flamingo Lake

Just walk out your villa door, down our driveway and across the road. The lake waters are from shallow to waist deep and tide dependent, a bit mucky on the bottom but quite often we see bonefish tailing from the villas windows.

The lake on a beautiful picture-perfect day

Drone view with lone fisherman wading the lake by Harbour Club Villas

Fishing’s great in the lake

The flats down Juba Salina in Turtle Tail

Sometimes if you are lucky, you’ll sight some beautiful flamingos

Such a pretty sunset over the lake by Harbour Club

 

Late afternoon and a great spot for some fishing.

Morning reflections as a guest wades in front of the villas

Landing a bonefish just down the road from the villas

SUP-ing fisherman as slowly poles his way in the lake by Harbour Club villas

Sunset glow in Flamingo Lake with bonefish rippling the waters

Hand lining at the entrance to Harbour Club Villas and Marina vacation rental on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

Kids will love throwing in a line in the Marina at Harbour Club Villas

Bonefishing flies tied by our guests

Turtle Lake is another great spot for bonefishing. Just a short walk from the villas

A gorgeous bonefishing flat is found about a mile away from the villas…….ask Marta and she’ll tell you all the great spots.

blogIMG_0663

Bonefishing flat just down the road from the villas at Harbour Club………..DIY bonefishng.

Book your fishing lodge accommodation at Harbour Club Villas

Let us know when you want to include some fishing while on vacation here on Providenciales.  We can arrange everything for you including fishing with a local island guide. Call and talk to Marta and I’ll make all the arrangements for you.

Happy wading. The bonefish are waiting for you!  

Marta  

http://www.bonefishing.tc

Snorkel at Smith’s Reef

01blogIMG_6239a

Mike, GoPro in hand and ready for some snorkeling at Smith’s Reef

Smith’s Reef is an amazing area for snorkeling and not too far off shore. You need to be aware that it is right beside the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. A word of caution …. take note of the channel markers for incoming and outgoing water craft and stay out of the channel itself. You will see such a variety of sea life such as turtles, eagle rays, sting rays, an abundance of fish and corals.

Here’s how to find Smiths Reef at the end of Coconut Road

Visit TCI has a good map showing the location and how to find the reef. 

Smith's Reef from the air

Drone shot of Smith’s Reef showing the beautiful coral head.

blogSmithsReef

A map of the reef showing the 22′ channel where often you’ll see rays.

Snorkel with turtles and all kinds of fish at Smith’s Reef

Heading out with a go pro to get some classic underwater shots.

Snorkeling with go pro ready.

Go pro ready for action

02blogIMG_6250a

Another beautiful Provo day just made for some snorkeling.

Just a few words before you set out to enjoy and explore our reefs.

Please do not touch or stand on anything as coral is a living animal and be sure not to brush anything with your flippers, equipment or gear.

Remember:

  • Don’t step on coral. …
  • Don’t touch or chase marine life. …
  • Don’t stir the sediment. …
  • Don’t take marine life – dead or alive.
  • Please use reef safe sunscreen

Clear and calm….what a day on the reef

A turtle pops his head up…what a great photo Mike!

Do not cover yourself heavily with sunscreen before snorkeling and of course biodegradable lotions are available and better yet, buy a rash guard.

03blog

A Green Sea Turtle poses for photos beside a Purple Sea Whip.

A beautiful hawkbill turtle is curious

05blogeagleray2

A Spotted Eagle Ray passing through.

06eagleIMG_0392a

Love the reflections in the water.

07blogFullSizeRender4

A Porcupine Fish showing spines swims amongst the coral.

nurse2

A six foot nurse shark rests on the sandy bottom.

nurse5

Big and docile just resting on the bottom ready for a photo shoot.

Snorkel with hawksbill turtle at Smith's Reef

A stunning hawksbill turtle cruises on by

Snorkeling Smith's Reef on Providenciales

Mike spots a Queen Angelfish

A turtle pops his head up with Mike snorkeling with his go pro

Wandering the shore line at Smith’s Reef is always full of discoveries, lovely rock pools and all kinds of shells and marine life.

Tidal pools along the shore line at Smith's Reef

Rock pools are fascinating especially when the tide is out.

blogaIMG_6810a

And meanwhile along the shore, a rock pool find of a Helmet Shell.

fbIMG_6823a

Such beauty surrounds us and take a look at the exquisite markings on this shell.

A crab scurries along the rocks

A crab scurries along the rocks

Chitons attached to the rocks

Look for Chitons attached to the rocks

Chitons also known as Coat of Mail shells or Sea Cradles are a marine mollusc found along the rocks at Smith’s Reef and elsewhere.

010blogconchIMG_6669a

See the eyes peeking out of the shell of this baby conch and the claw-like operculum with which they move across the ocean floor.

014blogFullSizeRender7

Back to the reef and this beauty…..a Honeycomb Cowfish apparently quite rare.

011blogeagle

Love those eagle rays as they gracefully glide through the waters.

012blogFullSizeRender2

Mike says this green turtle took a keen interest in the camera.

Smith's Reef on Providenciales is the best for snorkeling

Smith’s Reef on Providenciales is the best for snorkeling

And here’s me just enjoying every part of the day here at Smith’s Reef.

All the amazing underwater photos are taken by Mike so I thank him for letting me use them for my blog.

Enjoy the reefs everyone but please take care as you snorkel to preserve and protect the coral and sea life.

Snorkel responsibly and have fun.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Humpback Whales in the Turks and Caicos

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Sighting whales is the most exciting thing and then getting into the water to snorkel with them is an experience of a life time.

Every year, typically from the end of January through March, the Humpback Whales make their annual migration to the Silver Bank close to the Dominican Republic. The Silver Bank is situated approximately 75 miles north of the Dominican Republic and 100 miles southeast of Turks and Caicos

Nose to nose with a humpback whale off Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Nose to nose with a humpback whale

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

A mama whale and her calf off Salt Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

I managed to catch this one and he wasn’t too far off shore

On our trip to Salt Cay, we had the best ever for whale watching. We went out with Salt Cay Divers in their new, deluxe boat and had such an amazing time that we went out again for a second excursion. On our first day out, we saw FIVE mothers and calves. I couldn’t believe the excitement on the boat at each sighting.  Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands the whales are passing through so you need to book your dive trips and or excursions to enjoy this amazing sight.

Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Sighting a mother whale and her calf off Salt Cay

Humpbacked whale staying close to her calf

The Turks and Caicos Islands are on a plateau that is split by the Turks Islands Passage at which is some 6,000 feet deep (1830 meters) and which separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands.

These majestic creatures pass through our area as part of an annual migration for mating and birth

Humpback whales and whale watching excursions with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Adults whales can weigh up to 40 tons and be 50 feet long. New calves can be one ton and be 10-15 feet long.

The gestation period of Humpback whales is 11 months. The females usually return to the place where they were born to have their calves.  A calf is totally dependent on it’s mother and can consume up to 50 gallons of milk per day. This causes a significant weight loss in the mother.

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

We were lucky to see 5 different sets of whale calves with their mothers

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Escorts are mature humpbacks whales that tag along with a mother and her calf to help fend off predators

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Mother and her calf swimming alongside

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Snorkelers slip quietly into the water to swim with the whales

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

A whale sounds as Eva snaps a photo

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Capt. Richard searching the waters for tell tale signs of Whales

Humpback Whale watching with Salt Cay Divers in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Such a beautiful sight to see.

02blogwhaleIMG_0621

Sighting of humpback whales in Salt Cay

03blogIMG_0643

Out on an earlier excursion with Salt Cay Divers and sure enough we sighted whales

04blogIMG_0637

Two thumbs up for an awesome snorkel with humpback whales

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Capt Jagan back on shore after another successful and amazing day in search of whales

Whale watching excursions and scuba diving with whales on Providenciales Salt Cay and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Only photo of the Salt Cay Divers new boat but taken a day later when the winds kicked up and the waves were breaking over the seawall

Thanks to Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for the next selection of great photos.

05flamingoIMG_3113_2

Mickey and Jayne several years ago and their exciting whale encounter

From Mickey and Jayne on their encounter at Stairway to Heaven at West Caicos

“Well….this site earned its name today!

What a truly magical day underwater – we were only 2 minutes into our dive when a gleaming white pectoral fin caught our eye, and then, the silhouette of a HUMPBACK WHALE!!! We sat on the sand to watch it pass by…and imagine our delight when not only did it not pass us by quickly, but it also decided to spend the dive with us! We spent 60 minutes hovering and watching this gentle giant hang in front of us, and drift up every 15 minutes for a breath of air, and promptly swim back to us again. When our air consumption finally dictated our ascent, we swam to the anchor line and slowly began ascending, only to look behind and watch him follow us! With us hanging at 15 ft, and him at about 20 ft, we simply stared at each other for another 3 minutes until, bittersweetly so, we had to finish our dive. During our surface interval he stayed just forward of the boat and drfited a little away, but we were up for doing dive #2 in the same spot, as we hadn’t had a chance to explore the reef there! About 10 minutes into the dive, he showed back up to our divers and hung out with them until again, alas, we were the ones having to wave goodbye to this marvelous mammal. (From the surface, Jayne had seen it turn around and head back to the divers bubbles). Truly truly amazing. What an absolute privilege, not only to have a moment underwater with this beautiful creature, but to have had some great, passive interaction with it. A day to remember.”

05IMG_3079_2

What a magnificent creature this is

05whales

One of our Harbour Club Villa guests Jim with the whale

08IMG_3092_2

Beautiful close up photo.

09feb 17 2008 025a

If you’re dreaming of seeing whales, now’s the time to come to the Turks and Caicos Islands

010feb 17 2008 028a

These whales can grow in length from 40 to 60 feet (12-15 meters and can live from 70 to 80 years.

If you’d like to dive and chance seeing whales, please book your Turks and Caicos Dive vacation at Harbour Club Villas and Marina. We have four dive companies with dive boats in our Marina…….Aqua TCI is moored right on our docks just minutes away. Flamingo Divers are close by and just a short walk away.

Whale Watching excursions and Diving are available with Salt Cay Divers on beautiful Salt Cay……. https://saltcaydivers.com/whale-watching/

Diving is spectacular in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

See you soon.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Diving in the Turks and Caicos

Harbour Club Villas and Marina mooring dive boats a short walk away
Harbour Club Villas and Marina mooring dive boats a short walk away

The MARINA at Harbour Club Villas is home to two top notch dive companies. This makes for a very convenient, few minutes walk for our diving guests. If you are diving with Aqua TCI and Flamingo Divers you’re just a short easy walk away from your dive boat!

Harbour Club Villas and Marina has dive boats leaving daily for many of our spectacular dive sites.

Harbour Club’s six villas provide the best in dive accommodation on Providenciales. One bedroom villas fully equipped with kitchen, large living area and with pool and gazebo. These stand alone villas are just made for a great diving vacation for couples, families as well as small dive groups. Just a short walk takes you to the docks and dive excursions.

An open living and dining area, with sofa bed and couches.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the most spectacular reefs and diving. We are blessed with the second largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere and divers will be amazed at the numerous dive sites (some 90 sites)………North West Point, West Caicos, Sandbore Channel, French Cay and Grace Bay.

We have about 300 miles of barrier reef and in Provo with boat rides of up to 40 minutes or so from our dock. WOW, the visibility is easily in the range of 80 feet or more. 

Guests have a short walk in the mornings to go diving

A short walk from the villas takes you down to the marina

 

A short walk down to Aqua TCI and other boats in the mornings.

Aqua TCI is just down the hill and the photo shows our tiki hut peeking through the trees.  A short walk further down the dock, you will find Flamingo Divers and Caicos Adventures. All are within walking distance from our villas……….so how convenient is that!

You can be up and out the door, walk down to the dock and be on your dive boat within minutes.

Scuba diving accommodation at Harbour Club Villas and Marina in the Turks and Caicos Islands with dive boats moored in the Marina

Scuba diving accommodation at Harbour Club Villas and Marina with dive boats moored in the Marina

Aqua TCI in Cooper Jack Bay just outside the Marina coming into the channel.

Harbour Club’s Marina is the eastern portion of South Side Marina where several dive operators moor their boats.

Provo’s best dive operators run dive boats from the marina at Harbour Club Villas

FLAMINGO DIVERS with Mickey and Jayne

“We love diving….we love people….so therefore we love taking people diving.”          Between these two lovely people, they have over 52 years of professional diving experience!!

Flamingo Divers are usually the first to head out for dive sites at West Caicos, French Cay or the North West Point………..there’s some 90 sites out there.

Mickey and Jayne are specialists in small group diving with never more than six divers.

Flamingo Divers provide “World Class, small group Scuba Diving At Your Fin Tips”.

A high percentage (some 83%) are returning divers and they tailor dive profiles to suit preferences and levels of experience so book early to save your space. 

Dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers.

Awesome diving with a humpback whale

Jayne writes “Stairway to Heaven at West Caicos. Well….this site earned its name today! We spent 60 minutes hovering and watching this gentle giant hang in front of us, and drift up every 15 minutes for a breath of air, and promptly swim back to us again. When our air consumption finally dictated our ascent, we swam to the anchor line and slowly began ascending, only to look behind and watch him follow us! With us hanging at 15 ft. and him at about 20 ft. we simply stared at each other for another 3 minutes until, bitter sweetly so, we had to finish our dive.”

blogscubawhale shark

Great excitement on seeing a whale shark.

AQUA TCI  with Bill and Stephanie 

Bill and Stephanie …….diving with the best of the best

These two beautiful people have been diving for 20 years and their mantra is: “All that’s required from you is to relax, DIVE and chill!” They do all the work for you and all you have to do is ENJOY.  

They have recently added Chuck’s Mate dive boat to give guests options on a larger boat. It is a 36 foot Newton Dive special which will hold between 12 and 14 divers but capable of taking on a few more.

Aqua TCI dive boats heading out for diving off the reefs of Provo

Restaurant close by to Harbour Club Villas lodging on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Marina showing Bob’s Bar and Eats. A great spot for sunsets and delicious food in a casual setting

Grab your morning coffee and just walk to your dive boat in the mornings. Dive sites are about 40- 45 minutes away.

Heading out for the reefs of Providenciales and some fabulous diving.

 

Malcolm Roads beach and the Northwest Point – these dive sites, are approximately a 40 minute boat ride from Harbour Club Marina. The wall starts at 35 feet and plunges to more than 3000 feet. Divers will see black coral, tube sponges and wire coral with abundant schools of fish. 

Liveaboard out by Malcolm Roads beach

Great underwater photos are by Michael Morton.

Thanks Mike for the super photos!

Beautiful yellow tube sponges

 

Corals and fish in the clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Scuba dive boats heading to the many dive sites of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Aqua TCI heading out to French Cay on a calm day.

French Cay – is a tiny atoll about 15 miles due south of Providenciales and offers virtually no shelter from the seas so it simply has to be dived in good, calm weather. It is well worth the 50 minute boat ride with some of the best walls and reefs in the islands. It has two distinguishing features which make for great dives. First, the wall faces south and is usually well lit by the sun’s rays. Secondly, the top of the wall is relatively shallow at 40 feet and well covered with coral clumps rather than the sand bottom which is found on West Caicos sites.

blogscubaIMG_3628

Coming out of the channel and on the way to French Cay………what a day………..flat calm.

French Cay is protected and is an amazing bird sanctuary

blogscubafrenchcayIMG_3736

French Cay is a protected island and bird sanctuary with numerous dive sites.

Colonies of birds like this brown noddy out at French Cay

Pelicans and noddies perched on a log.

Sandbore Channel – Lying halfway between Providenciales and West Caicos, Sandbore Channel is outside the marine park and has some of the best diving with walls that are sloped or sheer. Good area to watch for for eagle rays, dolphins and sharks.

Spotted eagle ray glides past

 

A chance to see beautiful sharks gliding by

West Caicos – Located 10 miles southwest of Providenciales, West Caicos is an uninhabited island offering six miles of protected leeward side walls that are found about 100-150 yards from shore. The wall starts from 35-45 feet, dropping to approximately 6,000 feet and there’s more than 2 dozen dive sites. .Caribbean, black tip reef shark, and eagle rays are often seen along the sheer walls. This is your best chance to spot wild flamingos, osprey and brown pelican. West Caicos is approximately 45 minutes from our dock.

Coming straight at you……up close with a shark

 

A school of pretty grunts on the reef

 

IMG_0009_resize_exposure

And YES, you may be lucky enough to see JoJo the dolphin. This photo is by Jodi from Snuba TCI

I wanted also to mention our friend Jodi, the “snuba lady” as she’s fondly called. Jodi operates Snuba TCI and in the winter months will sometimes dock her boat at Harbour Club Villas and Marina. If you’re not quite ready for some diving, Jodi will ease you into an amazing underwater experience with a snuba introduction. You are attached to a breathing tube that’s connected to tanks in a raft that floats above you. You’ll be able to see the coral reefs, fish and undersea life right up close. Snorkeling is available too!!

snubaIMG_3922

Snuba TCI with Jodi also keep their boat in our marina but only during the winter month’s when sometimes it can be rough on the North shore and Grace Bay.

 

jodisnubaIMG_6819_exposure

Snuba TCI with Jodi and sometimes (quite often) you will see turtles.

A little note for those who don’t dive. No need to be left behind as ‘Bubble watchers’ can come out with the divers on all the boats.

Book a villa at Harbour Club close to the dive boats…..let’s go diving.

And so, when you are ready to plan that dive trip to the Turks and Caicos, give us a call or send us an email. We have most of the dive operators within walking distance of our villa accommodation. We can book everything for you and as you can see, we have the best dive operators right here. These dive operators all leave daily from close by Harbour Club’s Marina and head for Providenciales’ most spectacular diving – uninhabited West Caicos and French Cay, located on the edge of the Caicos banks where the wall drops to deep blue depths of 7000 feet.

 

Marta  

 

Malcolm Roads Beach Afternoon

The shelter at the end of the road and take a look at the reef balls showing under the water.

Some days are just breathtaking as you take in the glorious colours of the ocean at Malcolm Roads Beach. It’s always a fun getaway for the day and it’s not likely there will be too many other people out there. Please take an SUV only to get down to this beach safely and with enough clearance too!!

The road out to Malcolm Roads is a little “off road-ish” but the scenery is so spectacular. It’s worth the trip….pack a lunch and a lots of drinks and hopefully we’ll see you there.

Road coming down to the beach with Amanyara Resort

Drone view of the road, water with reef balls and the Amanyara Resort.

The road from the bottom of the hill, heads straight down to a little shelter by the beach.  You’ll be able to see the artificial reef balls placed there several years ago to help reduce beach erosion, make it easy for corals to grow, and also, provide shelter for fish.

Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

A beautiful area, a little wild and with beautiful turquoise water

We had the beach to ourselves and it simply doesn’t get any better than that.

Dive boats out at some favourite dive spots just off the beach

Dive boats out at some favourite dive spots just off the beach as another storm passes out to sea

It doesn’t matter what the weather is like at Malcolm Roads, the colours are always spectacular for photo taking. A passing storm and clouds turned the sea into brilliant shades of blue and turquoise. Dive boats were anchored out at the dive sites and in the foreground, two magnificent Cactus Trees framed my photo.  The Cactus Trees found at Malcolm Roads can reach heights of 12 feet and have a woody trunk. Flowers bloom throughout the year and are a rich red in colour with yellow stamens.

Cactus tree found out at Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

The Cactus Tree or Consolea nashii, ( locally called horse pear) is endemic to the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bahamas.


Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Amanyara Resort is at the far end of the beach


Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

A bridge appears and disappears with storms just by Amanyara


Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The old tiki huts in years gone by perched on the rocks. Originally built for a game show.


Malcolm Roads Beach on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

A touch of heaven and can’t wait to do a little snorkeling


Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Leave only footprints in the sand


The shelter at Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The shelter is reached at the end of the road


A wonderful afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and just lazing around on the beach.

A wonderful afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and just lazing around on the beach.

Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Beautiful beach and snorkeling too

Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

View towards the North West Point of Providenciales


Cooling off by just sitting in the water with a cold drink

Cooling off by just sitting in the water with a cold drink

Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales North West Point in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Take your snorkel and enjoy the waters

Beautiful white sand beach and some great snorkeling too

Beautiful white sand beach and some great snorkeling too

I can’t emphasize enough that you do need a car to travel to these breathtaking beaches. You will be missing some of the most scenic areas of Provo if you don’t explore this area along with others. There are so many more out of the way beaches and Malcolm Roads is one of my ultimate favourites……….but then I do have many of them!

Enjoy your day,

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Harbour Club Villas and Marina

Six villas with lake views and a private marina for scuba dive boats

Harbour Club Villas and Marina is a cluster of six, one bedroom villas or cottages, that sits on a rise between two waterfronts. Villas overlook Flamingo Lake, a bone fishing lake, and the ocean at Cooper Jack Bight on Provo’s more tranquil south side.

Harbour Club Villas is a unique place to do social distancing while you vacation in paradise.
A one-of-a-kind estate with individual villas that are ideal for people wanting to go on holiday together but at the same time, retain some privacy.
Our individual, self-catering guest cottages are separated with private patios over looking the lake and each one is surrounded by large stone planters with tropical bushes and flowers.

Villas are on a lake that’s great for bonefishing

We’re only a short, ten minute drive to Grace Bay beach and within easy reach of all major island attractions. Our small, island hideaway has a special appeal to couples, families or small groups looking for something a little bit different to your typical resort.

Our guests often tell us that we are the best kept secret in the Caribbean Islands.

The entrance to the Marina at Harbour Club Villas

Barry and Marta live on site and are always available to help you with everything from the minute you book right through to your departure.

Six, one bedroom cottages for couples and or a group vacation

We have six, identical cottages surrounded by palm trees and tropical bushes and flowers, a gazebo with a barbecue/grill and seating right beside the pool. We offer our guests a unique location to stay at and from which to explore our island, visiting all our wonderful and varied beaches some of which are great for snorkeling and swimming, others for walking and shelling, and everyone can enjoy the amazing water and ocean we have in the Turks and Caicos.

One bedroom cottages with fully equipped kitchens in a tropical setting

We have:

Bone fishing on our doorstep in the lake and nearby flats.

Scuba diving right from our marina…grab your dive buddy and a short walk brings you to dive boats.

Beaches just a short five minute drive away.

Eco friendly villas and can show you the beauty of the flora and fauna of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Our location is unique between ocean and lake

Villas with views overlooking Flamingo Lake

Villa pool area with gazebo surrounded by coconut palms and tropical flowers

Our Marina has dive boats and and a fishing charter and what a view of the lake from the front of the villas

A short walk takes you down to our marina where dive boats are moored.

Such a beautiful shallow lake where bonefishing is a favourite pastime for some of our guests

BEACHES

Sunlovers and snorkelers love the beaches of Provo … soft, white sand with crystal-clear turquoise water providing swimming and great snorkeling close to the shoreline for all to enjoy. We’re just a five minute drive to Grace Bay beach.

SCUBA DIVERS

Enjoy the easy walk from the villas to the dive boats moored in and close by our marina by most of the islands’ best dive operators.

BONEFISHING

“Great villa accommodation and self guided Bonefishing right in front of your own private cottage as well as on the bonefishing flats of the south shore of Provo. Go when you want to go!”

Grab your rod and be fishing in minutes right in front of your villa

BONEFISHING: The areas close to Harbour Club Villas are great for self guided bonefishing and DIY fishing. We have two lakes, Flamingo and Turtle Lake, plus a beautiful ocean flat just down the road. Grab your rod and go when you want to go! DIY bonefishing in the flats by Harbour Club Villas.

Bonefishing packages are available and everything can be arranged for you.

05blogimg_2004-jpga

At dusk, a lone fisherman casts to bonefish in Flamingo Lake right by our villas.

bonefishimg_6233

YES! There are bonefish in the lake ……… all catch and release.

The Marina at Harbour Club Villas is a center for scuba dive operators.


DIVING is spectacular in the Turks and Caicos Islands  and our Harbour Club Villa guests have this to say.

“The scuba diving was terrific and the 2 minute walk to the Marina
for 8:30 a.m. dives is the way to go!”

We have four of the island’s top dive operators operating out of our little marina: AquaTCI who are right on our doorstep, Provo Turtle Divers, Flamingo Divers and Caicos Adventures. We can help you book your DIVE PACKAGES.

All our guests have to do is walk down the driveway and onto the boats moored in the Marina.

Providenciales has some 90 dive sites on our spectacular reefs out at West Caicos, French Cay, Sandbore Channel and North West Point.

AquaTCI island dive operator has it’s boat moored right in our marina a short walk from the villas.

Dive boats in our marina ready to head out to the reefs at West Caicos and French Cay

Dive boats heading out for French Cay dive sites

09blogimg_4181-jpga

WOW – those perfectly flat calm days where you can see Five Cays and that awesome colour of the water!

Cottage type accommodation with hand made stone walk ways and planters full of flowering plants.

Each Harbour Club Villa has:

  • Air-conditioning in the bedroom only
  • Ceiling fans throughout our vacation rentals
  • Louvered windows with screens to catch island breezes
  • Restful queen-sized bed
  • Bathroom with spacious walk-in shower
  • 1 comfortable queen sleeper sofa for additional guests
  • Dining table for 4
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • High, open beamed ceilings
  • Flat screen TV’s with Cable TV
  • WiFi internet access in ALL villas and by pool
  • Lockable safes in our vacation rentals
  • Private stone patios
  • Uninterrupted lake views
  • Eco friendly
  • On site hosts always ready to help

We have a spacious floor plan with several couches and chairs

Louvered and screened windows to catch the breezes

Living area with couches, dining room table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchen

Fresh table flowers every day at the villas

Fully equipped kitchens, flat screened TV and all you will need to prepare meals

DCIM100GOPROGOPR3935.JPG

Comfortable bedrooms with screened and louvered windows to catch the island breezes

Bedrooms have queen sized beds with open slatted luggage bench and closet shelving.

Sofa beds have proper queen mattresses for additional comfort

016bathimg_2545ab

Bathrooms have a walk in shower

Dining room table with a view out the window of the lake

Dining nook with a view over the lake

Private patios beside each villa with lake views

Having breakfast before heading out for some spectacular diving on our reefs

A lovely spot for sipping a morning cup of coffee or cocktails in the evening.

Late afternoon just perfect for a cocktail on your own private patio overlooking the lake

Our pool looking towards the tiki hut. where there’s a barbecue/grill

OUR POOL AREA is just made for small group entertaining. We’ve had many wedding receptions here and group functions like yoga retreats, dive groups, family reunions, birthday and anniversary vacations where everyone can stay all together and enjoy the resort to themselves. Book your group event today….we can help you arrange everything!

The walkway leading into the pool and gazebo at the villas

Come and have a swim or read a book surrounded by flowers and palms

The gazebo beside the pool where guests can meet and relax the day away

Tiki hut with barbecue grill right beside the pool

A lovely spot to read a book or have barbecue

Lounge chairs for sunbathing or enjoy lunch in the shade of the umbrellas by the pool

Sun loungers around the pool

The Gazebo has a barbecue/grill for guests to enjoy.

Tiki hut by the pool

Gazebo by the pool with flowering bouganvillea

Flowering tropical plants and stone walkways

Gazebo at our villa rental set among trees and shrubs

Stunning marina sunset with shooting rays of sunlight

blogIMG_0219a

Kayaking the shoreline outside the marina channel

Complimentary kayaks are yours to explore the shoreline and it’s tidal beaches

031beachimg_7822a

Aaaah, beautiful Grace Bay just a five minute drive from Harbour Club Villas

032blog020img_1895

Snorkel the Bight Reef and hopefully you may see the turtles

blog

A turtle at the Bight Reef….a great place to snorkel

The Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef are both great snorkel areas and they are only a ten minute drive away from our villas. Check with us and we will give you directions to all the best spots on Provo.

blogeagleimg_1784

And here’s a Spotted Eagle Ray cruising along the reef

033blog012img_2816

Now this little beach you will have to ask us about!

034blog018rodimg_0064

Bonefishing the flats that are just down the road from our villas at Harbour Club

Harbour Club Villas……….the best in island accommodation with bonefishing in the lake

BONEFISHING:  There are bonefishing flats to wade and two lakes within walking distance of the villas. We overlook the Caicos Banks………shallow waters, wide open flats and great bonefishing. We have over the years compiled a guide which includes tips on where to bonefish, what flies work best and where, tidal flows in our area and numerous other fishy tales. A wealth of fish related info only available to our guests!

blogFlamingoFishIMG_3672a

Here’s Ed bonefishing in the lake by the villas

Guests can see bonefish tailing in the lake from our villa windows……grab your rod and go. DIY bonefishing at its’ best as our location is right on a bonefishing lake!

We have bonefishing packages with a great local island guide with great rates for our guests.

035blog019img_4340

We can book you on a bonefishing excursion with Provo’s best guide…………check out our bonefish packages.

blogIMG_4382

What a beauty……..just before releasing it back to the waters.

humimg_6281-jpga

Birdwatchers and eco lovers will enjoy seeing the variety of birds and interesting flora and fauna surrounding the villas

Harbour Club Villas……..the best in island accommodation

Let us help you plan a wonderful vacation on Provo. We’ve been here for over 20 years and we are ready to show you the south side of Providenciales. Call us and Book your holiday trip today.

See you soon,

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Blue Hills

Blue Hills with its Caicos sloops is a fun place to explore.

Blue Hills is hands down, the most quaint and colourful part of Providenciales. Take an hour or two and meander along the beach road where you’ll find small eating establishments, many churches and cemeteries right on the ocean.

Blue Hills pier

The pier in Blue Hills is a scenic spot for photographs

 

Caicos Sloops are being built on the shore.

Some say that Blue Hills was the former name for our island of Providenciales and named for the blueish tinge of the hills and ridges as sloops neared the island from the sea. Life centered around the sea, sloop building , fishing and conking. Sloops would sail out towards West Caicos and French Cay to collect conch which would be dried and then traded with neighboring islands for materials and other food products.

Beach has coral formations close to the shore

Blue Hills on Providenciales in theTurks and Caicos Islands

Looking down the beach towards the Blue Hills pier.

 

bloggirlIMG_5081.JPGa

Chasing the birds on the beach in Blue Hills.

 

blogIMG_5049

Beautiful conch shells are sold down on the beach.

 

This handsome pelican was perched on one of the pillars on the pier at Blue Hills

 

blogIMG_4950

Harbour Club Villa guests and others such as this paddleboarder drop in for a conch lunch at one of the eateries in Blue Hills

 

Da Conch Shack is a beautiful ocean side eatery

 

Delicious conch salad, fritters and rum punch too

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas and Marina are often seen having lunch or dinner down in Blue Hills as it is a quaint and charming part of Providenciales not to be missed. The road rambles along the shore line and was the first paved road on the island. Work started on Front Road in 1956 at a time when there was no heavy machinery. Much of the work was done by local residents and by hand and took some ten years to complete.

See you soon enjoying the local flavours, sights and sounds of Blue Hills.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com

Babalua Beach Day

Babalua Beach is one of those wonderful little beaches a bit hidden and out of the way.

Babalua Beach is simply a lovely spot for lazing in the water, snorkeling around the rocks or the reef just off shore, pelican watching, and exciting for the kids too. It is on the other side of the Turtle Cove Marina boat channel.

A toes in the sand and clear water day

The water is always crystal clear as you wiggle your toes in the sand and the shallows as the sun creates sparkling prisms on the water.

Dive boat returning from diving Provo’s spectacular reefs.
Snorkeling in the shallows around the rocks
Always fun to see all the colourful fish.
The rocks are home to numerous little crabs.
A pretty blue crab scuttles along the rocks….hard to catch in a photo.
Kids love to explore as they climb onto and around the rocks.
What a spot to photograph our national bird, the Brown Pelican.

Babalua is full of activity. I managed to get up real close to the pelicans and the resulting photos were spectacular. The Caribbean brown pelican, has a wingspan of around 5 to 8 feet and a weight of 6 to 12 pounds. Endless entertainment as they dive bomb into the water and scoop up fish in their large bills, which can hold up to 3 pounds. Their bills are a natural sieve that will drain out all of the excess water.

A swooping pelican comes in for a landing.
Feasting on some small fish.
The rocks create a shallow calm area to enjoy the water.
A treasure found while snorkeling….that’s a sea urchin test.

 

A snorkeler takes a close look at a beautiful King Helmet shell

A snorkeler takes a close look at a beautiful King Helmet shell

 Eve finds and takes a closer look at a spectacular King Helmet shell while snorkeling off Babalua beach a while ago. They have a thick, glossy “shield” on the inside of the aperture on the bottom of the shell. This can be carved into cameos, and so they are sometimes called “cameo shells.

The King Helmet is a species of very large sea snail with a solid heavy shell.

The King Helmet is a species of very large sea snail with a solid heavy shell.

Keep a watch for these striking shells as you snorkel. The waters are brilliantly clear and hopefully you will enjoy seeing a variety including the Queen Conch.

 

And here’s a monster turtle cruising the shallows. It was the biggest one I’ve seen to date.
Providenciales is blessed with the most extraordinary beaches.
We’d love to have you enjoy our “Beautiful by Nature” islands.

Take some time to travel around Providenciales and while away a few hours at our more hidden beaches that are tucked away. Here at our villas…….Harbour Club Villas and Marina, we can give you ideas as to where you might go. We’ve been on Provo for over 20 years and know all the best spots. Hope to see you soon!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Hummingbird Nest at Harbour Club Villas Part 3

 At about two weeks old, the baby hummingbird is filling the nest nicely
At two weeks old, the baby hummingbird is filling the nest nicely

The little hummingbird grows very fast in its’ third week of life. Mama is flying back and forth and feeding every half hour or so. When females feed their young she inserts her long bill into a part of their esophagus and passes to them a mixture that is both nectar and insects.

Such comfort but can you imagine if there were two babies.

Nestling being fed a mixture of nectar and insects
The mama will often perch nearby
Baby is getting quite big and can catch flying insects
Trying its wings so cute to watch
Squawking for mama
Showing perspective of just how tiny the nest is
Almost ready to fly at 18 days old
Strengthening his wings in preparation

At three weeks of age, the little baby hummingbird is looking like a real hummingbird. It keeps testing its wings more and more in preparation for flight. In the next few days, this little one will fly off and I will no longer be able to photograph him daily. Sad really but I loved having been able to catch this all on camera from nest building to baby’s flight.

Cute photo of mama and baby
Almost ready to leave
What beautiful and fluffy feathers.
One, two, three and off we go
First short flight to a palm frond
Hungry after that exercise and mama’s right there
Mama still feeds for a few more days
And here’s the very last photo of the young hummingbird

For many weeks I photographed this delightful hummingbird. A nest was built by the mother hummingbird and she laid two eggs. One egg disappeared but I was lucky enough to film the little nestling right through to a few days after leaving the nest.

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.

Marta

www.harbourclubvillas.com