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.
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.
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.
Six stand-alone cottages surrounded by flowers and trees.
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.
ARTWORK- photos on canvas adorn the walls of the villas. Underwater shots by Mike and beach scenes, flamingos, hummingbirds and others by owner Marta.
Dining nook and large living space with several couches and chair,We have a spacious floor plan with several couches and chairs with flat screened TV’sLiving area with couches, dining room table and chairs and a fully equipped kitchenComfortable living and dining room area, bright and airy.Each villa has a queen sofa bed for those extra guestsDining area with a view over the lakeBedroom with queen sized bed and air conditioningBathroom with walk in shower, toiletries, towels and beach towels. Kitchen has a stove top, fridge, appliances and is fully equipped with all that guests may need.Stove top and appliances in the villa kitchens with dining area.49 ” flat screened smart TV’s with fire sticks.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.
And YES! we do see flamingos on Flamingo Lake.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
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.
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.
Beautiful fiesta hibiscus blooming in the grounds of the villas and tiki hut.Relax by the pool surrounded by flowering shrubs and coconut palm treesPool entrance with flowering allamandas and often our heron visits.Lots of lounge chairs for that afternoon by the pool.Take a refreshing dip in the pool or lounge and read a book.Tiki hut with barbecue for our guests and seating. 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.
Storm approaches with dark skies and colourful seas.Take a walk down to our marina with dive boats moored.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.
Bob’s Bar and Eats is right next door, just walk over for terrific sunsets, delicious food and try a local Turk’s Head beerAqua TCI ready for another day of diving the reefs and wallsAmazing sunset from down in the marina at Harbour Club
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.
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.
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.
WE’RE ONE OF THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD. What is there to say but that we’ve known this all along….exquisite powder white sand with the most turquoise blue waters anywhere.
Endlessly turquoise waters stretch as far up the coastline as the eye can see.
GRACE BAY BEACH extends for some 7 1/2 miles or 12 km right from the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina to the eastern portion of Leeward on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Sparkling waters of Grace Bay on a calm afternoon
Grace Bay Beach was named after Grace Jane Hutchings the wife of the Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos from 1933-1934.
Grace Bay Beach is possibly the best beach in the world.
Grace Bay is about 3 miles long. It connects to Leeward Beach on its eastern side and to the Bight Beach on the west end all the way down to the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina.
The water is truly this beautiful with powdery white sand
The calmness of the water is because of a barrier reef about a mile away from shore. It’s not hard to find photos as each and every one shows how spectacular this beach is.
You can clearly see the deep blue and the few waves breaking over the reef just outside Turtle Cove Marina
On a not so calm day at the reef about a mile off shore
A fishing boat trawls the deep blue off the wall of the reef
One of my favourite stretches along Grace Bay beach
Come just sit in the water at water’s edge and take in this view.
Dream away a few hours while floating on Grace Bay
Sunset walks on a deserted stretch of Grace Bay
Snorkeling on Grace Bay Beach at the Bight Reef….you’ll see turtles and maybe a spotted eagle ray too.
What a beautiful calm evening to do some exercise
The sunsets are always an enjoyable end to your day especially on Grace Bay beach
Enjoying the best beach in the world
Come on! Dive on in to the turquoise waters … snorkeling is excellent too.
And did you know that our rental villas at HARBOUR CLUB VILLAS AND MARINA are just a short five minute drive to this amazing beach.
Come and experience our sensational beaches, still uncrowded for the main part. See our turquoise, clear waters for your self.
Swimming with a hawksbill turtle at the Bight Reef
Mike’s birthday today and so we took off to the Bight Reef for some snorkeling and just to laze around in the water. It was simply magnificent….a dream of an afternoon. Seas were calm and the sunlight rippled the water with prisms of colour. And swimming with turtles was the order of the day.
Ahh, the colours of the water and sky….just perfect!
Take time out to do some great snorkeling. A ton of fish to see as well as turtles, rays and more.
We do ask you to NOT touch the coral, fish or any sea creatures such as the turtles.
It’s important to use reef safe sunscreens too!
Do not touch the coral. Touching a coral can damage it or even kill it.
The Bight Reef consists of one main ridge of coral. It goes out to about 350 feet (107 m) out from the beach. The depth of the water at the outer edge is at about 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m).
Mike snorkels with little Jack and his first time out seeing lots of fish.
The Bight Reef is just off shore and is therefore a great place for kids to experience the fun and excitement of snorkeling. Tons of fish and usually lots of green turtles and hawksbills.
A green turtle grazing on turtle grass…..there’s a large patch to the left of the reef where you’ll generally spot them. The reef from a drone and that’s Snuba TCI down below. The reef is protected by a circle of orange buoys so please stay on the outside of those buoys. Mike takes the plunge, puts on his fins and off he goes to explore the reef. Some of us enjoy a good book! The underwater world is just magical An eagle ray glides past….such beauty and graceA brightly coloured Queen Angel fish A pin cushion sea star that’s a beautiful orange. Please just look and enjoy!How about these little squid
Great snorkeling for everyone in the shallows as well as further out where the reef drops to about 15 feet. Please be cautious and and don’t allow your flippers or feet to touch the corals.
Love those colourful parrotfishLittle guys can have the time of their lives seeing underwater fish and lifeMom’s there too as she sights a beautiful green turtle.
Green turtles are frequently seen at the Bight Reef. However they are on the endangered list. They are only 2″ long at birth but can grow up to 5 ‘ in length and can weigh up to 700 pounds. Watch them as they feed on the sea grasses and periodically come up to the surface for air. That’s when you can take a real good look at these wonderful creatures.
A small turtle hides as snorkelers take a a closer look.
A hawksbill turtle at the Bight Reef
Hawksbill turtles are also endangered and they are one of the smaller turtles. An adult can weigh 100-200 lbs and grow up to to 2-3 feet in length. They were highly prized and hunted for their shells ….tortoiseshell combs, jewellery and decorative objects and therefore became almost extinct.
A hawksbill is named for its sharp, bird like beak
A school of blue tangs scoot on by with such a flash of colour.
A cruising Southern Sting ray puts in an appearance.
A nurse shark rests on the bottom of the ocean.The Bight Reef on Grace Bay is such a beautiful spot
Enjoy Grace Bay beach and snorkeling at the Bight Reef when you come for your next island visit.
Marta
http://www.harbourclubvillas.com
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.
A short walk from the villas takes you down to the marinaA 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 with dive boats moored in the MarinaAqua 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.”
Great excitement on seeing a whale shark.
AQUA TCIwith 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 guide no more than 8 certified divers per trip on custom dive boats seen below.
Chuck’s Mate dive boat gives 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 ProvoMarina 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.Amazing flat calm waters on this day as Aqua TCI heads home from French Cay
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 spongesCorals and fish in the clear waters of the Turks and Caicos IslandsAqua 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.
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
French Cay is a protected island and bird sanctuary with numerous dive sites.Colonies of birds like this brown noddy out at French CayPelicans 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 pastA 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 sharkA school of pretty grunts on the reefAnd 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!!
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.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.
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.
Drone shot of Smith’s Reef showing the beautiful coral head.
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.
Go pro ready for action
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.
A Green Sea Turtle poses for photos beside a Purple Sea Whip.
A beautiful hawkbill turtle is curious
A Spotted Eagle Ray passing through.
Love the reflections in the water.
A Porcupine Fish showing spines swims amongst the coral.
A six foot nurse shark rests on the sandy bottom.
Big and docile just resting on the bottom ready for a photo shoot.
A stunning hawksbill turtle cruises on by
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.
Rock pools are fascinating especially when the tide is out.
And meanwhile along the shore, a rock pool find of a Helmet Shell.
Such beauty surrounds us and take a look at the exquisite markings on this shell.
A crab scurries along 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.
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.
Back to the reef and this beauty…..a Honeycomb Cowfish apparently quite rare.
Love those eagle rays as they gracefully glide through the waters.
Mike says this green turtle took a keen interest in the camera.
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.
St. John’s is a beautiful old Anglican church also referred to as St. John’s the Divine and was built in the early 1800’s. We wandered through the graveyard which stretches to an old seawall. Mr. Holton Dickenson, the chatechist and our guide, opened up the old doors which allowed for the sea breezes to flow through up to the altar.
Mr. Holton Dickenson opens the big old doors to the church
Interior of the church with two pulpits
Beautiful windows looking out towards the Brown House
Mr. Dickenson holds the old Register of Services showing numbers of worshippers and amounts collected.
Mr. Holton Dickenson showed us some old records that the church still keeps. These old registers need to be photographed page by page or they will eventually deteriorate and be lost for the future generations of Salt Cay residents.
A page from the Marriage Register
Record of Marriage of Thomas Grant and Eliza Araminta Hamilton from 1909
Names of Officiants such as Astwood, Morgan, Tatem in the Register of Services
From an old postcard
From an article in the Turks and Caicos Weekly news by Candy Herwin.
Looking over the old cemetery walls out over the ocean
The graveyard and church doors taken from the old sea wall in 2018 after Hurricane Irma devastated our islands.
The cemetary and old sea wall
Harriot/Dunn grave site………owners of the White House and salt merchants on Salt Cay
Neil (Daniel Francis Harriot) was the resident Harriot at the White House until his death in 1910. He is buried at St. John’s Church in the plot he set forth in his will. My husband and I were fortunate to meet and talk with Michael Dunn when he visited us at Harbour Club Villas with a friend years ago. I remember he was looking for a piano that he could play and at that time, I believe there were only two or possibly three on island. A friend of ours had one of them.
The church overlooks the salt pans
The bell tower outside of the St. John’s Anglican Church was usually rung to announce to everyone that it was time to come to church. Every Sunday dressed in their Sunday best, the faithful would listen to the bell tolling and head to church in time for Sunday worship. There are three of these bells still left on Salt Cay.
St. John’s church is a beautiful start to stepping back and into the history of Salt Cay……… a tranquil and peaceful place that speaks of an era of days gone by. The population is dwindling as the ocean breeze gently brushes the gravestones. Time to reflect on the history of this magical island that is steeped in history. We are the keepers of years past and need to do everything we can to preserve, nourish and protect the history and stories of Salt Cay and our national heritage. Thankfully we have concerned and caring people that are doing their utmost to document and keep Salt Cay’s history alive for future generations. Take a bow….you know who you are!
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
A mama whale watches her inquisitive calf in the waters by Salt Cay
Sighting whales is the most exciting thing and then getting into the water to snorkel with them is an experience of a life time
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 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.
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
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.
We were lucky to see 5 different sets of whale calves with their mothers
Escorts are mature humpbacks whales that tag along with a mother and her calf to help fend off predators
Mother and her calf swimming alongside
Snorkelers slip quietly into the water to swim with the whales
A whale sounds as Eva snaps a photo
Capt. Richard searching the waters for tell tale signs of Whales
Such a beautiful sight to see.
Sighting of humpback whales in Salt Cay with lots of tail slapping
Out on an earlier excursion with Salt Cay Divers and sure enough we sighted whales
Two thumbs up for an awesome snorkel with humpback whales
Little calf with mother watchfully taking everything in
A whale lying on it’s side raises a long pectoral fin into the air and slams it back to the surface with a loud splash.
Capt Jagan back on shore after another successful and amazing day in search of whales
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 our son Mike and Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers for some of these wonderful photos.
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 drifted 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.”
What a magnificent creature this is
A diver is dwarfed beside a humpback whale
Close up of a whale while snorkeling by Salt Cay
If you’re dreaming of seeing whales, the time to come to the Turks and Caicos Islands is February through March
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 two 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.
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 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.
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 is so playful and often is spotted playing with shells he finds on the sandy bottom.
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 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.
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?
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.
Dolphins swimming wild and free for all to enjoy
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 .
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.
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.
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 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.
The Cactus Tree or Consolea nashii, ( locally called horse pear) is endemic to the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bahamas.
The Amanyara Resort is at the far end of the beach
A bridge appears and disappears with storms just by Amanyara
The old tiki huts in years gone by perched on the rocks. Originally built for a game show.
A touch of heaven and can’t wait to do a little snorkeling
Leave only footprints in the sand
The shelter is reached at the end of the road
A wonderful afternoon of swimming, snorkeling and just lazing around on the beach.
Beautiful beach and snorkeling too
View towards the North West Point of Providenciales
Cooling off by just sitting in the water with a cold drink
Take your snorkel and enjoy the waters
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!
