Snorkeler’s dream day at the Bight Reef

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 grace
A 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 parrotfish
Little guys can have the time of their lives seeing underwater fish and life
Mom’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

Malcolm Roads Beach Afternoon

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

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

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

Road coming down to the beach with Amanyara Resort

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

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

Malcolm Roads beach on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

The Amanyara Resort is at the far end of the beach


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

A bridge appears and disappears with storms just by Amanyara


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

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


Malcolm Roads Beach on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

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


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

Leave only footprints in the sand


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

The shelter is reached at the end of the road


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

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

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

Beautiful beach and snorkeling too

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

View towards the North West Point of Providenciales


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

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

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

Take your snorkel and enjoy the waters

Beautiful white sand beach and some great snorkeling too

Beautiful white sand beach and some great snorkeling too

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

Enjoy your day,

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Kite boarding on Long Bay

Kiteboarding at Long Bay on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
A great sign post greets kiteboarders, spectators and beach enthusiasts to the Shore Club beach.

An amazing day on Saturday as we headed to Long Bay beach to take in some beach time as well as to watch the kite boarders. This colourful sign greets visitors as they walk out onto the beach, kites everywhere, in and out of the water. Wow, do these kite boarding enthusiasts know how to have a sensational day….some were skimming and flying across the water, learning techniques, beginners were taking lessons, there were families out enjoying the day and even man’s best friends were there, barking and tail wagging trying to get in on the action.

Kiteboarding at Long Bay on Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
Kite boards resting on the sands at Long Bay beach.
What a show….jumps and flips high into the air!
Colourful kites and kite boarders skimming across the shallow waters of Long Bay
This youngster was already attempting some jumps as the wind swept him along the shore line.

Take me! Take me! I wanna kite board too!
Kite board traffic jam at Long Bay beach as numerous kite boarders put on a show.
The shallow waters and an easterly wind make for a perfect day of fun for man and his best friend out at Long Bay.
Smooth kiting just skimming the waters edge
Bookend dogs and potcakes were eager to help give their expert woof-advice.
Kiteboarders were doing some awesome tricks.
Colourful sun prisms and kites.

Lessons out in an open shallow bay just ideal for beginners
Beautiful Long Bay beach is the spot for kiteboarding……you too can learn to be this good.
Lift off!
You too can learn to kiteboard………instructors and lessons available.
Come on out and take some lessons
Looks pretty close from this angle
Some huge jumps….these guys know what they’re doing
Spectators taking in the action and it’s a great beach to visit while on Provo
Kites lined up along the beach
Long Bay Beach, the best for kite boarding on Providenciales

On your next trip to Provo, head down to Long Bay beach by the Shore Club and take in the action. Don’t forget that you too can enjoy this popular sport and lessons are readily available with top notch instructors. Email me at Harbour Club Villas or give me a call and I can put you in touch with the right people.

Happy kiteboarding everyone and see you at the beach!

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Harbour Club Villas and Marina

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

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

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

Villas are on a lake that’s great for bonefishing

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

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

The entrance to the Marina at Harbour Club Villas

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

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

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

One bedroom cottages with fully equipped kitchens in a tropical setting

We have:

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

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

Beaches just a short five minute drive away.

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

Our location is unique between ocean and lake

Villas with views overlooking Flamingo Lake

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

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

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

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

BEACHES

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

SCUBA DIVERS

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

BONEFISHING

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

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

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

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

05blogimg_2004-jpga

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

bonefishimg_6233

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dive boats heading out for French Cay dive sites

09blogimg_4181-jpga

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

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

Each Harbour Club Villa has:

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

We have a spacious floor plan with several couches and chairs

Louvered and screened windows to catch the breezes

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

Fresh table flowers every day at the villas

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

DCIM100GOPROGOPR3935.JPG

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

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

Sofa beds have proper queen mattresses for additional comfort

016bathimg_2545ab

Bathrooms have a walk in shower

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

Dining nook with a view over the lake

Private patios beside each villa with lake views

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

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

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

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

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

The walkway leading into the pool and gazebo at the villas

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

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

Tiki hut with barbecue grill right beside the pool

A lovely spot to read a book or have barbecue

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

Sun loungers around the pool

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

Tiki hut by the pool

Gazebo by the pool with flowering bouganvillea

Flowering tropical plants and stone walkways

Gazebo at our villa rental set among trees and shrubs

Stunning marina sunset with shooting rays of sunlight

blogIMG_0219a

Kayaking the shoreline outside the marina channel

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

031beachimg_7822a

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

032blog020img_1895

Snorkel the Bight Reef and hopefully you may see the turtles

blog

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

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

blogeagleimg_1784

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

033blog012img_2816

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

034blog018rodimg_0064

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

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

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

blogFlamingoFishIMG_3672a

Here’s Ed bonefishing in the lake by the villas

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

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

035blog019img_4340

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

blogIMG_4382

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

humimg_6281-jpga

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

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

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

See you soon,

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Provo Beach Tour

bblogIMG_8904

Taylor Bay with its shallow , clear waters and a delight of every child.

beachbabaIMG_7209

Babalua beach, a lesser know piece of gorgeous beach just made for Harbour Club Villas guests.

beachcooperjack55

Just across the channel coming into Harbour Club’s Marina are the little Cooper Jack Beaches that are just perfect to while away an afternoon

beachleeIMG_0199

Stunning Leeward beach……don’t forget your camera as the colours here are always amazing.

beachlongIMG_8313

Kite boarders and horseback riding on Long Bay beach……….great to watch them.

beachNWPfbIMG_0081

Malcolm Roads beach with its lovely beach but it takes a little bit of a walk.

beachsapoIMG_2373

Sapodilla Bay beach on a lazy afternoon just floating away all your cares.

 

Favourite Southside Beaches

beachcooperjack22

Delou’s beach also known as Cooper Jack beaches at the entrance channel to Harbour Club Villas and Marina

Explore with me some of our shoreline where you’ll find some out of the way gems of beaches that many of our visitors miss. Here are some of my favourites and each one has something special to offer.

beachcooperjack55

You can kayak out the marina channel and follow the shoreline to this little beach.

01beachdogIMG_2730

“My beach” also known locally as “Dog beach”

02beachdogMikeNov2009dogbeachIMG_1421

Sunset and shallow waters, pretty idyllic for an evening swim.

04beachcjIMG_5325

Tidal beaches and lovely waters with stone animal carvings on the hillside above.

beachcjIMG_5444

We’ve spent many hours on this beach and had it all to ourselves every time.

beachboneIMG_7330

Beautiful Bonefish Point and the shallow sandbar stretching out into the waters.

beachboneIMG_8827a

Anchored out off the sandbar is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

beachsapoIMG_1770

Sapodilla Bay is a perfect spot to while away some time especially with little ones.

beachsapoIMG_6422

Sapodilla Bay is an anchorage for visiting boats.

beachswbIMG_1865

South West Harbour Bluff by the pirates cove has a lovely beach and you can walk for miles down to Bonefish Point.

beachswbIMG_9947

Lounging in the shallow waters looking towards the pirate’s cave and Osprey Rock just around the corner.

beachtayIMG_7488

Take a walk along Taylor Bay……..powdery soft sand.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Low tide and sandbars forming at Taylor Bay……take your kids here as they will love it.

 

 

bblogIMG_8904

Turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands

It’s time to think about leaving winter behind and flying to the sunshine and warmth of our islands. Spectacular beaches await you, soft white sand and clear sparkling water.

See you soon and check out our villas for your next vacation ….. http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Half Moon Bay

blogturtIMG_7341

This little guy popped his head up in Turtle Cove Marina before we were leaving.

A beautiful trip heading out from Turtle Cove Marina following the shore line towards Little Water Cay and the iguanas and on to Half Moon Bay. It’s a favourite stopping spot with a magnificent stretch of beach and of course that signature turquoise water.

The reef as we head towards Half Moon Bay

The reef as we head towards Half Moon Bay

blogIMG_7422

 

blogIMG_6928

A long stretch of pure white , soft sand and silver palms at either end.

blogIMG_6684

Struggling vegetation due to erosion of the sands.

blogIMG_7534

Picturesque rocks and aqua ocean backdrop.

 

blogIMG_6718

A green iguana comes up to say hello.

 

blogIMG_6948

Conch shell lying at the water’s edge.

blogIMG_6901

A sing ray cruises by in the shallows close to the beach.

 

blogIMG_7448

A stick and a sea fan make for great toys

 

blogIMG_6640

Loads of dragonflies.

 

Hoping you get an opportunity to enjoy this idyllic beach on an afternoon cruise.  Maybe you’ll spot the iguanas as we did.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Sapodilla beach with boats at anchor on a calm day

Sapodilla Bay is on the south side of Providenciales where visiting boats can clear customs at South Dock and then moor out and enjoy some perfect beach time. The water is shallow for quite a ways out before it deepens.

Lazing around and floating in such clear calm water.

Shooting through the rocks makes for some interesting effects

 

A sunset beach wedding at Sapodilla..........a beautiful spot to exchange vows.

A footprint left in the sand as the tide starts to come in.

One of my favourite photos with a flowering poinsiana or flamboyant tree framing my daughter and grandbaby.

Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the worlds best beaches. There are so many of them and we hope on your next visit, you’ll take in some of them to include Sapodilla Bay on the southern shores of Providenciales.

 

Happy beach days!

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com