JoJo the Dolphin

JoJo the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo is designated as the national treasure of the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo is a male dolphin that loves to interact with people all the way along from Grace Bay to Pine Cay. He is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin He has been injured several times by boat propellers and jet skis and has many scars. JoJo met Dean Bernal his protector, wild life warden and friend in 1984…..a friendship that lasts till this day. He was declared “a national treasure” of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

JoJo travels alone and seeks out humans and loves to spend time with them. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable or ambassador dolphins.

JoJo travels alone and seeks out humans and loves to spend time with them. These types of dolphins are known as lone, sociable or ambassador dolphins.

JoJo and his offspring, Dreamer and Scooter are three of the most famous dolphins in the world, known for their friendly and curious behavior towards humans. During a boat tour, visitors can interact with these magnificent creatures and even have the opportunity to swim with them in their natural habitat.

Dreamer, JoJo's offspring plays in the waters of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Here’s Dreamer playing and swimming in circles

Should you be so lucky as to go swimming with JoJo and his offspring in the Turks and Caicos Islands, it promises an unforgettable adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Dreamer the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos

Dreamer is so playful and often is spotted playing with shells he finds on the sandy bottom.

JoJo the dolphin in the Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo’s often spotted in the crystal-clear waters around Providenciales

I have to thank Jodi from Snuba TCI for some of these terrific photos of JoJo taken at the Bight Reef (also known as the White House Reef at Coral Gardens). Also my son Mike who was happy to swim with Dreamer one day.

Jodi tells me that when he comes in, he usually wants to play and so it’s hard to get a photo as he is right in and far too close.

JoJo the dolphin in Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

JoJo loves to interact with humans in the waters of Providenciales

Jodi says JoJo loves to play tricks and hides behind her so she can’t see him or he hides behind her divers. One time he was right behind and in between a couple with her and his head was about a foot away from their faces. It was a priceless sight but then the girl put her hand out to touch him and Jodi had to stop her instead of taking the photo. Remember that JoJo is a wild and beautiful sea creature and you should never touch him. Look and be amazed but please don’t touch him.

JoJo is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin about 7 to 8 feet long and these dolphins can weigh 250 pounds.

JoJo is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin about 7 to 8 feet long and these dolphins can weigh 250 pounds.

Snorkeling with dolphins in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Dolphins are wild so please do not touch them should you have a chance to snorkel with them

JoJo comes up to Jodi with a big smile and wanting to play........do dolphins smile?

JoJo comes up to Jodi with a big smile and wanting to play……..do dolphins smile?

And now here’s our JoJo story…………….yes, Barry and I were very lucky years ago when we first came to Providenciales. We were snorkeling together at the White House Reef when all of a sudden something huge was coming towards us. I was on the outside and in direct line of the fast  approaching object.  I was terrified and tried to scramble over Barry’s back to get on the other side of him so he could get it first. Nice of me don’t you think???? In a split second JoJo popped up and his head was right in front of us. Wow, my heart was in my mouth hammering away. He was so close that Barry put his flippers up in front of him to make JoJo back off a little. I can tell you we were some relieved that it was JoJo. He stayed but a minute or two and with one flip of his tail he disappeared into the blue. You realize how powerful and fast these creatures are and we wouldn’t have stood a chance if it was anything other than JoJo the dolphin.

A few years ago we heard JoJo has a female mate named Chenoa and together they had a calf named MoJo.

A few years ago we heard JoJo has a female mate named Chenoa and together they had a calf named MoJo.

Dolphins in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Dolphins swimming wild and free for all to enjoy

Swimming with dolphins in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Swimming with JoJo, Dreamer, and Scooter, the famous dolphins of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is an extraordinary experience that will leave you in awe.

Remember. Should you be fortunate to see JoJo on your vacation here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, please do not attempt to pet or touch him. Thanks again Jodi and Mike for the photos.

Don’t forget to call Jodi and she’ll take you on a snuba underwater sightseeing tour of the reef .

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  

 

Turks and Caicos Islands….Open for Business

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Harbour Club Villas and Marina has a new look with new, white metal roofs…….Yes we are open for business after Hurricane Irma.

Yes, we can now say that we survived a Category 5 Hurricane!

It has been a chaotic and traumatic time for all of us here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We were hit hard with damages especially to all the roofs. Our red tiled roofs are no longer, ripped off by the horrific force of the winds and left in piles after Hurricane Irma.

Now some 50 days after, we have new white metal roofs and clean up is almost complete. The Turks and Caicos Islands are open for business and better than ever…….restaurants are opening, dive boats are back in the water, snorkeling is great and we’ve seen so many turtles and our bonefishermen are back in the lake and on the flats, excursions and more.

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Red tiles are no longer but fresh looking, white roofs

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Grace Bay Beach at the Bight Reef is as beautiful as ever so book your vacations now. This was taken a few days ago

Our beaches are all as stunning as ever with the prettiest sparkling water you’ll ever see. All my photos have been taken recently and quite honestly, if you want beaches that have few people on them, now’s the time to come. We are waiting for you so head down for some fun in the sun and on the beach.

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Our first flower appears after the wrath and devastation of Irma and it was so beautiful to see.

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A rippling effect as the sunlight plays on the waters of Grace Bay

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Young flamingos were sighted in Flamingo Lake close by the villas at Harbour Club

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A spectacular sunset over Flamingo Lake

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Stark silhouette of leafless trees that were stripped by Hurricane Irma

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Footprints in the sand along the edge of the water on Grace Bay

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A little hummingbird sits on a rope left over from tying our trees together for strength against the hurricane……..so where do they go during hurricanes?

Not ready for scuba diving......call Jodi at Snuba TCI.

Not ready for scuba diving……call Jodi at Snuba TCI.

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Peaceful and serene on the south side of Provo where our villas are located.

Dive operators are ready to take you out for some scuba diving.

Dive operators are ready to take you out for some scuba diving.

There’s some great diving waiting for you…….four of the island’s dive operators leave from the marina at Harbour Club or close by: AquaTCI, Flamingo Divers, Provo Turtle Divers and Caicos Adventures. Give them and us a call for all your diving needs………grab your buddy and come on down.

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Snorkeling Smith’s Reef after the hurricane…..so many juvenile hawksbill and green turtles were sighted.

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The Bight Reef on a clear day recently…still debris lying on the bottom but thankfully the reef looks really good.

Sailing along Grace Bay with the Atabeyra just this past week

Sailing along Grace Bay with the Atabeyra just this past week

There’s many water based excursions you can choose and one of the best is sailing on the Atabeyra……….so relaxing, do a snorkel or a sunset cruise and watch that rum punch!!!

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Here’s my version of “Fall” colours on Provo !

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Bonefishing in Flamingo Lake and yes, we saw fishermen last week.

Provo Ponies is ready to take you for a leisurely ride on Long Bay beach

Provo Ponies is ready to take you for a leisurely ride on Long Bay beach

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This could be you in one of these lounge chairs?

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Those adorable potcakes…….so many of them waiting for good forever homes.

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Forever shades of blue and turquoise.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are open for business after the hurricanes and we invite you to join us. We want to show you our special “beautiful by nature” islands and friendly welcoming people.

Hope to see you all very soon.

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Lionfish in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Beautiful and colourful but a disastrous predator eating juvenile fish on Turks and Caicos Islands reefs.

Beautiful and colourful but a disastrous predator eating juvenile fish on Turks and Caicos Islands reefs.

Lionfish are also known as Turkey fish, Dragon fish or scorpion fish and they are now a serious threat to our coral reefs and surrounding waters here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If left to their own devices, lionfish could multiply in number into the millions eating up all marine life on the reef and then move into shallower waters where they will find conch and lobster. They are an extremely invasive species.

A snuba gal comes face to face with a Lionfish and Jodi from Snuba TCI snapped this great photo.

A snuba gal comes face to face with a Lionfish and Jodi from Snuba TCI snapped this great photo.

In June of 2009, Jodi and Snuba TCI donated $1200.00 worth of Lionfish catching gear….nets, gloves and collecting bags and gave it to the DECR on Provo. Jodi has caught at least 18 Lionfish on the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens also known as the White House Reef. I believe the first Lionfish sighted way back in 2006 was in this area. Today, all the dive operators are taking up the battle to catch any Lionfish they see out at the dive sites.

Lionfish have up to 18 needle like dorsal fins which contain venom purely for defensive purposes.

Lionfish have up to 18 needle like dorsal fins which contain venom purely for defensive purposes.

Lionfish are not poisonous but their spines are venomous and can cause a nasty sting to humans. They rely on lightening quick reflexes and camouflage to catch their prey.  They are a perfectly safe and delicious food fish once the fins have been removed. What remains is a tasty filet that’s as good as grouper according to some. The DECR has launched a 12 month long lionfish tournament which will award $3,000.00 to the first fisherman to record 3,000 lionfish catches.

Lionfish will hopefully be added to the menu at many of our islands' restaurants.

Lionfish will hopefully be added to the menu at many of our islands' restaurants.

Here’s what you can do to help:  Ask for lionfish at your favourite restaurants. Ask Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers or Jodi to show you how to catch them (other island dive operators can show you too). Join REEF and give a donation towards their research or just by collecting data on lionfish when you dive.

Thanks once again to Jodi of Snuba TCI and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for such great photos of Lionfish.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Snuba with Jodi

Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Tina finally persuaded Barry and husband Sheldon to do a Snuba dive with Jodi.  Barry was a little nervous and apprehensive about going down under!! Sheldon was cool and calm and ready for an adventure.

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

The snuba raft floats above the divers who breathe with a regulator attached to a long hose. Jodi has full scuba gear and takes you through the preparation and then leads the dive on the Bight Reef (also known locally as the White House Reef or Coral Gardens Reef.)

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Jodi gives the last few words of encouragement and a run through of signals before going down.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

No turtles today but the guys saw Atlantic Spade Fish, Grouper and Lionfish along with lots of other fish and corals.

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Jodi takes a photo of each Snuba diver that they can keep as a lasting memory. Thanks for the photos Jodi!

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Remember to phone Jodi to book a time to go out and Snuba. She’ll show you around the reef and point out so many great things as she knows this reef like the back of her hand. Come Snuba with Jodi in the Turks and Caicos Islands on your next vacation.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Snuba

Snuba with Jodi as she takes our guests for a closer look at the reef and this wonderful turtle.

Snuba with Jodi as she takes our guests for a closer look at the reef and this wonderful turtle.

Not quite ready to scuba dive………..well try some Snuba with Jodi who will guide you along the White House Reef at Coral Gardens on Grace Bay.  Snuba divers breathe under water through a 20 foot air line which is connected to a scuba tank mounted on a raft. The raft floats above on the surface and follows the snuba divers where ever they go. What a great way to experience being under water and to see our coral reefs right up close.