Providenciales Land Sports & Activities
Land Sports and Our Beautiful Terrestrial Environment
Tired of spending your vacation lounging on the best beach in the world? Explore our land sports and activities.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the island’s top land sports. There are three stables on Providenciales: Provo Ponies at Long Bay, Unique Tours in Blue Hills, and a small stable at Five Cays near the famous Bugaloo’s restaurant.
Two of the stables are within access of the beach, and typically include wades in shallow and crystal-clear ocean water on rides.
Riding is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The professional staff at the local stables are able to provide basic instruction, and guide-led ponies for small children are also available.
Both morning and afternoon rides are offered. Reservations are required, and we advise reserving well in advance of your expected date as openings are limited at times. Sunset rides are another option, and a great way to end the day.
Golf
Providenciales is home to the perfectly-maintained Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club. Designed by Karl Litten and built in 1992, this award-winning and intriguing 18-hole course is par 72. The setting is among low limestone cliffs and small ponds, and the grounds abound with bird life.
Located in the Grace Bay region of Providenciales, the Golf Club offers private golf instruction and tennis, in addition to the standard round of golf.
Cycling
Casual cycling, mainly as a means of getting around the Grace Bay, The Bight, and Leeward areas, is becoming very popular on Providenciales.
There are many types of bikes to choose from, from wide-tired beach bikes, to the classic and simple resort cruiser.
We advise that those looking to bike on Providenciales check out both our cycling page and our Driving in the Turks and Caicos article as well.
Nature and the Great Outdoors
It’s difficult to compete with the spectacular beaches and marine environment of the Turks and Caicos, yet the terrestrial world of our islands is just as inspiring. We have unparalleled wetlands and mangrove channels, beautiful coastal regions, and Conch Bar Caves, the largest dry cave system in the Lucayan Archipelago.
Much of the country remains undeveloped, and it’s an unforgettable experience to discover areas that few others have seen.
Hiking
Providenciales and all of the Caicos Islands offer beautiful and varied coastal hiking regions. Established and dedicated hiking trails are still largely absent due to the limited development in the country, yet many coasts offer open conditions.
The country’s top hiking trail, the Crossing Place Trail on Middle Caicos, leads past limestone coastal cliffs, beaches, wetlands, and Karst cave features. If you’re looking to discover the sights off of Providenciales, it’s easy to visit some of our outer islands on a day trip. Simply select an island, book a rental car, and take a ferry or flight. For information on the sites and scenes of our less-inhabited islands, see our island-specific pages.
Birdwatching
Due to our extensive wetlands, flamingos, egrets, herons, ospreys, and pelicans are common throughout the islands. In the interior dry brush lands and forests, smaller birds are the sights, including warblers, bananaquits, anis, mangrove cuckoos, Antillean night hawks, and the extravagant Bahamas woodstar hummingbird.
There are no scheduled birdwatching tours on Providenciales, yet charters can be arranged with many of our local eco-tour businesses.
Outdoor Photography
Nature, bird, and sports photographers will have endless subjects in the Turks and Caicos. In addition to our incredible landscapes and common wildlife, there is a tremendous range of endemic and endangered species indigenous to our islands. An example is the Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana. Found on some uninhabited cays, this interesting lizard is friendly and easily approachable.
Under the surface of the ocean, the photo opportunities are just as inviting. There are vibrant reefs and coral, sea creatures large and small, and tranquil beach settings.
During the winter months of the year, humpback whales migrate past the Turks and Caicos, and make for amazing snorkeling encounters.