Tag Archives: Grace Bay

Grace Bay Beach…..it’s the best in the world.

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Grace Bay beach from up high….simply stunning

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.

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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.

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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

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Come just sit in the water at water’s edge and take in this view.

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Dream away a few hours while floating on Grace Bay

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Sunset walks on a deserted stretch of Grace Bay

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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

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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.

See you soon!

Marta

http://www. harbourclubvillas.com

Snorkeler’s dream day at the Bight Reef

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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

JoJo the Dolphin

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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 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

Perfect Day in the Turks and Caicos

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Cruising the waters of Providenciales with Island Vibes has to be one of the “must do’s” on your next trip to the Turks and Caicos.

We had a glorious, picture perfect day with calm seas as we boarded the boat…..and YES, I’ve lived here for almost 20 years and still am in awe of all the beauty around me.

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Two dolfin came out to play with us today….a mother and her young one.

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Just love to see dolphins swimming wild and free in the seas around the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Half Moon Bay and one spectacular stretch of beach

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Island Vibes Tours are a great outfit with whom to head out onto the water for an afternoon of fun

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Trying to GoPro a lemon shark in the shallows

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Shows you just how clear the waters are!

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Swimming back to the boat after some amazing snorkeling out at the reef

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Breakers on the reef at Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

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A little bit of refreshment………great Turk’s Head rum punch all round

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A piece of heaven on a large sandbar out by Dellis Cay

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Many sand dollars partially hidden in the sand and the sparkling waters

Such scenery can only be found in the Turks and Caicos

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Even a little sea star was taken back out a little further so it wouldn’t get stranded on the sand bar

It was a pretty rough ride for the kids on the way back………..time for some tubing and WOW did they go flying. Such fun as they hung on tight and still managed to fall off.

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Screams of fun as the kids went tubing on the way back

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The hectic ending to a perfect day

What a fun day it was out on Island Vibes. A fantastic time was had by everyone.

Join us won’t you?

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Parasailing on Grace Bay

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On the way up just off Coral Gardens on Grace Bay

A beautiful day on Grace Bay, the sun was shining, the waters were calm and it was a picture perfect day for a surprise birthday sky high trip. Thanks to Mike for all these great photos.

Toes, boat and ocean give you an idea of high up Mike was flying.

Panoramic view looking towards the DECR building towards Harbour Club Villas on the south shore.

The little blue and white dots are the Provo Sailing Club kids who were all out on their Pico’s just off the Bight Children’s Park. You can see Flamingo Lake and Juba Salina and Bajacu, the house on the hill right by Harbour Club Villas.

 

Aerial view of Flamingo Lake with Harbour Club Villas.

Grace Bay beach view looking towards the east.

Higher and higher, Mike was way up there.

 

We have the third largest barrier reef in the world.

Mike’s photo of the reef shows you the deep blue ocean on one side that’s over a thousand feet deep. The lighter turquoise blue is about ten to twenty feet deep and dotted with numerous coral heads that rise to within a few inches of the surface. The reef fringing the Turks and Caicos Islands is the world’s 3rd largest barrier reef. On Providenciales (Provo) the reef protects the North shore and breaks the incoming surf. This creates the calm, turquoise water that fringe our white sand beaches. No surf on this day just a breathtaking bird’s eye view!

Put parasailing on your "must do" list !

Hey! Can you make out that black speck on the sand about a half inch from the first building on the right? Well it’s ME. I had Mike’s phone and was snapping photos of him going up.

Happy landings after an amazing parasail.

Parasailing is one activity to plan for when enjoying the beaches along Grace Bay. The parasail boats pull in at various places along the beach to drop off and pick up guests.

Happy parasailing everyone!

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

 

Sunset Swim

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Sunset cocktails and beer at Coral Gardens beach after a long, hot day.

Headed off to the beach late in the afternoon a few days ago. It has been hot and no breeze for the last little while. The beach at Coral Gardens was picture perfect, water was phenomenal and the drinks were also very good.

Sea grass washed up on the beach at Coral Gardens

Late afternoon sun rays creating beautiful hilights

 

Shooting into the sunset gives such a lovely effect.

Wonderful swimming can be enjoyed on Grace Bay. Don’t forget to take in the great snorkeling at the Bight Reef at Coral Gardens too.

 

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Sand Dollar

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We used to go to a certain stretch of beach along Grace Bay to find sand dollars a few years ago. They were plentiful in those days but soon disappeared as more and more developments sprang up. But the other day Tina searched and sure enough she found a few. Can you believe the colour of this water???? Nowhere else in the world is it as amazing as this.

We used to go to a certain stretch of beach along Grace Bay to find sand dollars a few years ago. They were plentiful in those days but soon disappeared as more and more developments sprang up. But the other day Tina searched and sure enough she found a few. Can you believe the colour of this water???? Nowhere else in the world is it as amazing as this.

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Cushion Starfish on Grace Bay

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We went to Grace Bay today and were treated to seeing some beautiful Sea Stars also known as Cushion Stars very close to shore.

We went to Grace Bay today and were treated to seeing some beautiful Sea Stars also known as Cushion Stars very close to shore.

I took Tina and Sheldon down onto Grace Bay close to the Club Med area. The water was beautiful but unfortunately, the sand under the water was really crusty. It used to be one of my favourite beach spots but I think the dredging at Leeward has been a detriment to this stretch of Grace Bay.  The same can be said of Leeward Beach which is also rocky and full of bits of shell and coral instead of soft sand under the waters. We still enjoyed it because we saw at least a dozen large Cushion Starfish close to the shore.

Three large Cushion Sea Stars and each one was a slightly different colour combination.

Three large Cushion Sea Stars and each one was a slightly different colour combination.

Three beautiful Cushion Starfish

Three beautiful Cushion Starfish

 

Marta

 

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com