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.

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Sighting of humpback whales in Salt Cay

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

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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.

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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.”

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What a magnificent creature this is

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One of our Harbour Club Villa guests Jim with the whale

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Beautiful close up photo.

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

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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.”

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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.

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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

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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

 

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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!!

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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.

 

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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  

 

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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Kayaking the shoreline outside the marina channel

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

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

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Snorkel the Bight Reef and hopefully you may see the turtles

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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.

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

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

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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!

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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.

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

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

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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

Harbour Club Villas is a Trip Advisor winner

Harbour Club Villas and Marina is #11 in Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award for the best service in all the Caribbean

We are delighted to announce that we have been named a winner of the 2012 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award in the category of Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean.

Harbour Club's unique location between Flamingo Lake and Cooper Jack Bight on the southern shores of Providenciales

This is an amazing achievement for a small tourist establishment like ours which is basically run by the two of us. I created this blog to highlight the wonders and attractions of our beautiful home islands of the Turks and Caicos and now we have been chosen among the best of the best.

Poolside surrounded by flowers and palm trees in a quiet and tranquil setting

It shows that you don’t have to be BIG or on Grace Bay to be recognized as a great place to book your vacation when visiting Provo. We were voted in at number eleven of the top 25 Hotels of the Caribbean this year and best of all, the award was for exceptional service to our guests. Our guests are all like friends and this award is coming from those who know us best, our travelers and visitors that have posted unbiased reviews of their vacations in our villas and their stays at Harbour Club. Many of our guests are repeat friends now and come back year after year.

The Travelers’ Choice Award given out by Trip Advisor is based on the opinions and reviews of millions of travelers and awarded to only a few, select hotels and establishments. Harbour Club Villas and Marina is now one of these stand out and distinctive properties. A great achievement for such a small vacation villa rental establishment.

Six, one bedroom villas that are perfect for couples or family groups.........rent one villa or all of them for that relaxing holiday you've always wanted

This hidden gem of an idyllic spot is both central and yet quiet, great for bonefishing and divers, built in 1998 on the southern shore of Providenciales.  A local architect, local contractors and local stone
workers were all instrumental in building what you see standing today overlooking Flamingo Lake. An intimate cluster of six, one bedroom villas, a pool and gazebo, a marina with several dive companies close by including Ocean Vibes, Flamingo Divers and Caicos Adventures.

Harbour Club's Marina where dive boats head off daily for the dive sites out at West Caicos and French Cay

Let me show you through our six  villa estate through more of my photos and don’t forget that we’ll arrange everything for you so that all you need do is relax and enjoy your vacation home away from home.

 

Spacious and open living room with all the comforts of your own villa accommodation

 

Large living room with dining area and a fully equipped kitchen.

 

Just perfect........have a bite to eat overlooking Flamingo Lake where you can often see bonefish tailing

 

all the bedrooms have comfortable queen sized beds and also the villas have sofa beds for additional guests

 

All villas are screened and have louvered windows for the cooling island breezes and fans throughout.

 

Many of our guests come for bonefishing in the lakes by Harbour Club Villas and we'll point you in the right direction giving our guests all kinds of tips as to where to go.

 

Flamingo Lake at sunset is absolutely spectacular......bonefishing can be great just before dusk.

 

Our gazebo by the pool is great for barbecues and meeting other guests

 

Have a dip in the pool or just relax while reading a book......Harbour Club has it all

 

Let us book some scuba diving for you..........it's just a short walk down to Harbour Club's Marina where dive boats are moored.

 

Each villa has its own patio.........grab your morning coffee and enjoy the view

 

Let us help you arrange your special wedding day...Harbour Club Villas can accommodate smaller groups of up to 24 people

 

We've had many beautiful brides at our villas. Contact Marta and I'll help you with all the planning for that special island beach wedding in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Here’s hoping we’ll see you in the not so distant future. We’ll help you make all the arrangements whether it be a special occasion getaway for two, honeymoon, anniversary, a bonefishing package or a group gathering for that wedding or scuba dive island holiday. Let us know what you would like and we’ll take it from there so that you only have to think about the great vacation to come. Contact us ……… Marta and Barry through our websites at:

www.harbourclubvillas.com                    info on our villas.

www.cloudnine.tc                  wedding and group information.

www.bonefishing.tc               bonefishing and fishing site including bonefishing packages with a local island guide.

www.diving.tc                         information on scuba diving, guest diving comments and dive sites in the Turks and Caicos.

Come join us and enjoy a peaceful vacation in our tropical island paradise.

Marta and Barry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Octopus

Mike's photos of Harbour Club's newest resident.........a Caribbean Octopus

By the time I had run down to the docks at our villas…Harbour Club Villas and Marina….the octopus had disappeared. I was disappointed to say the least but left my camera down there in case our son Mike saw it again. Well, yes……..he came out apparently changing colours and with at least two foot tentacles. Mike was able to get the following photos.

You can see the distinctive blue-green colours with occasional mottled-brown markings

The Caribbean reef octopus is usually a solitary and are able to quickly change colour using specialized cells in their skin known as chromatophores.

Trying to hide in under the ledge of the rocks underneath the floating docks at Harbour Club Villas and Marina

 

Close up of the octopus' bulbous head

The Caribbean Reef Octopus lives in hidden, rocky lairs that are difficult to locate. Their lairs are usually created in shallow warm waters.

Its colour range is incredibly large; it can change from crimson to green, bumpy to smooth.

The Octopus is difficult to describe because it changes color and texture in order to blend into its surroundings. It can weigh around 3.3 lb or 1.5 kg.

It can move pretty fast but Mike got some amazing shots!

Beautiful colours and constantly changing !

It feeds on a wide array of animals including primarily crustaceans as well as small fish and bivalves. This octopus species often feeds by spreading its webbed arms to form a canopy to net its prey.

Thanks to my son Mike for these great photos of our new resident reef octopus and perhaps you’ll be able to see them for yourself when snorkeling or diving here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Whale Shark

This is an incredible shot Mickey! Gives you some perspective on sizes.

This is an incredible shot Mickey! Gives you some perspective on sizes.

First of all, my thanks to Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for allowing me to share these amazing and spectacular photos with you.

The whale shark was spotted in shallow water as Flamingo Divers headed towards their dive site. They slipped into the water and snorkeled with this magnificent creature.

Wow.........what a sight! A whaleshark in the Sandbore Channel.
Wow………what a sight! A whale shark in the Sandbore Channel.

Jayne tells us  “I’ve seen one about 6 years ago – a fleeting glance as it passed over head. Mickey’s never seen one before. This one was great as we got to snorkel with it in shallow water, and it swam circles around and through our group! Loved it!

That's "little" Mickey swimming along to get up close to the whale shark. Thanks Paul for this great shot!

Look how tiny Mickey is as he swims along to get up close to the whale shark. Thanks Dave for this great shot!

The whale shark is the largest fish in the sea with an average length of about 26ft . It’s actually not a whale but a shark and it is quite different than most other sharks in the way that it eats. It has a very large mouth in front, a big square head and distinctive coloring. They have little eyes, big gills, six ridges along their backs and pale white dots evenly spread about the body with a white belly.

Face to face with the gentle giant of the seas.

Face to face with the gentle giant of the seas.

Even though it is so huge, the whale shark does not pose significant danger to humans. They are docile fish and sometimes will allow swimmers to hitch a ride (not recommended as these are wild animals). Whale sharks are actually quite gentle, can play with divers and thus you can swim with this giant fish without risk. Keep out of the way of the shark’s large tail fin though!

Close up view of feeding time.

Close up view of feeding time.

Our wedding couple along with friends have been diving with Mickey and Jayne at Flamingo Divers for a full two weeks now. They were hoping to see a whale shark. No whale shark but huge amounts of other sharks on almost every dive. Our bride and groom did take time out for their wedding though! (see my previous post)

We hope you’ll join Mickey and Jayne and Flamingo Divers as they guide you through some spectacular dive sites and the reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Grab your dive buddy and book your dive adventure today…..Call or email Flamingo Divers at  Toll Free: 1 800-204-9282 or greatdiving@flamingodivers.com  You can also contact me to arrange all your diving needs too.

Marta

 

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Reef Sharks

Reef shark checks out the camera on a dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers

Reef shark checks out the camera on a dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers

I’m at a real disadvantage with underwater photos but thanks to Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers, I get to “borrow” theirs. We had guests diving with them all week and they were excited to see lots of sharks.

Reef sharks were sighted all week on the many dives led by Flamingo Divers

Reef sharks were sighted all week on the many dives led by Flamingo Divers

Such spectacular photos by Mickey and Jayne. Thanks guys!!!!

If you are looking for a great diving experience with wonderfully service oriented dive masters, check out Flamingo Divers at their website www.flamingodivers.com. Grab your dive buddy, give us a call and we can arrange both diving with Flamingo Divers and accommodations at Harbour Club Villas.

We’ll do all the work and all you have to do is enjoy the amazing diving to be had here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Happy Diving.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Queen Angelfish

The Queen Angelfish is one of the most beautiful and colourful fish found in the warm waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Queen Angelfish is one of the most beautiful and colourful fish found in the warm waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Such amazing colours….electric blue speckled with a bright canary yellow body, yellow tail , fins and a face that has blue highlights around the eyes and mouth. The Queen Angelfish stands out in a crowd because of all that colour but this too works perfectly so that this fish can  hide and blend in with the surrounding vibrance of the coral reefs in our area.

Queen Angelfish have a speckled, blue ringed spot that loks like a crown

Queen Angelfish have a speckled, blue ringed spot that looks like a crown

The royal title comes from this distinctive marking. It is a blue circle on the top of its head, known as the “crown” that gives this fish its name. 

This shy fish feeds on the sponges, algae and soft corals of the reef.

This shy fish feeds on the sponges, algae and soft corals of the reef.

They are quite large for reef-dwellers and can grow up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) in length. The Queen Angel has a  rounded head and small beak-like mouth. They have these long upper and lower fins that stream dramatically behind them. Although I love the Queen Angelfish best, The French Angelfish is also among the most beautiful of all the reef fishes.

The French Angelfish.....it's scales have bright yellow edges, making a vibrant pattern against its dark blue body.

The French Angelfish.....it's scales have bright yellow edges, making a vibrant pattern against its dark blue body.

A big thankyou to our Harbour Club guests Brian Gatt and Connie McEgan for their spectacular photos of the French Angelfish. I don’t dive (only snorkel) so I have to rely on others for underwater photos. The Queen Angel photos were taken by our son Mike on some of his regular visits to Provo.

The French Angelfish has a light blue face, gray/white mouth, and yellow highlights on its eyes, gill plates, and fins.

The French Angelfish has a light blue face, gray/white mouth, and yellow highlights on its eyes, gill plates, and fins.

I’m sure you’ll see these exotic fish as you snorkel at Smith’s Reef and the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens. For those that scuba dive, our coral reefs and walls are some of the best in the world. Come to the Turks and Caicos Islands for your next dive vacation and stay with us at  Harbour Club Villas. Dive boats leave our Marina every day  and if you don’t dive, snorkeling is great here too.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.diving.tc

Seahorse spotted while diving

Jayne of Flamingo Divers snapped this photo of a small seahorse while diving on Saturday

Jayne of Flamingo Divers snapped this photo of a small seahorse while diving on Saturday

Our guests at Harbour Club Villas have been out diving with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for the past three days. What a highlight when Jayne discovered this little seahorse which was tucked away and very well hidden. It is a rare occurance to be the first to discover a new seahorse on a dive site. The dive operators here share this information with each other so they can point out the seahorse to their divers.

Another guest of ours Brian Gatt snapped this photo of Jayne taking a photo of another seahorse they came across last year

Another guest of ours Brian Gatt snapped this photo of Jayne taking a photo of another seahorse (see the orange tail ) they came across last year

On Saturday, Aug 1, Flamingo Divers were out at the dive sites of the North West Point and these creatures are quite rare and so very beautiful.
Seahorses are so named because they have a horse shaped head and a body and tail which is covered with concentric boney rings.

Brian got a great photo of Jayne's camera shooting the little seahorse

Brian got a great photo of Jayne's camera shooting the little seahorse

Brian's unbelieveably great photo of a seahorse

Brian's unbelieveably great photo of a seahorse

Seahorses vary in colour including orange, red, yellows, grey and greens and they change colours to blend in with their surroundings. They are not good swimmers and are most likely to be seen resting in sea grass beds or coral reefs with their prehensile tail wrapped around something that is stationary.

Seahorses vary in size from 1 1/2 to 12 inches long and don't generally travel long distances

Seahorses vary in size from 1 1/2 to 12 inches long and don't generally travel long distances

Seahorses only have one mate and it is the male that gives birth to its live young. The female seahorse lays eggs directly into the male’s pouch on his abdomen where he immediately fertilizes them as they are deposited. One or two months later he gives birth to tiny replicas of the adults.

We hope you are lucky enough to see one of these rare creatures when out diving in the clear waters and on our coral reefs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you are looking for some great diving, give Flamingo Divers a call………Mickey and Jayne are the best and give an exceptionally personalized service to all who dive with them.

See you under the water as you dive  and explore our reefs.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc