Bella Luna Ristorante
Bella Luna Ristorante
Bella Luna Ristorante (Glass House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales) — locate above a tropical garden (with indoor,or covered terrace seating) Bella Luna (through its chef & owner, Cosimo Tripodi) serves a variety of Italian dishes (with certain Caribbean influences, like conch, and jerk seasoning) to both Glass House guests and visitors. Along with the food, there’s a full bar and an extensive wine cellar.
Bay Bistro
Bay Bistro
Bay Bistro (Sibonné Beach Hotel, Grace Bay, Providenciales) – already graced with its beachside location, this restaurant, in competition with larger resort developments nearby, serves an assortment of standard Caribbean specialties (from snapper, to conch fingers, fish wrap, tuna, and mahimahi), as well as steak, chicken, and rack of lamb. Specials include Princess Conch and Mushroom Crepes, and the Pecan-encrusted Grouper.
Atlantic Bar & Grill
Atlantic Bar & Grill
Atlantic Bar & Grill (The West Bay Club, Grace Bay, Providenciales) – originally set up as an amenity to West Bay Club guests, now makes a variety of tasty and fresh island specialties for them as well as on-guest diners. Its frosty Caribbean cocktails are in demand as well.
TCI Ferry
TCI Ferry
TCI Ferry – this is a ferry service that takes passengers from Providenciales to other T&C islands like North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos. This is more economical than flying to these same destinations. Check their website for schedules and fares: http://tciferry.com
Bicycling
Bicycling
Bicycling – at least in Providenciales, it is not recommended. This is because of a combination of reckless drivers, no cycle lanes, and intense heat. However, several resorts and villas provide complimentary cycles, and many tourists still cycle anyway.
BUS
BUS
BUS – There is no public transportation anywhere in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Illegal ‘jitney’ services under the guise of a ‘Bus Service’ operate in the form of a small minivan, but you are advised to avoid these completely. Apart from the fact that they are illegal and not licensed, the drivers drive extremely dangerously (stopping in the middle of the highway to pick up passengers), and are known to overcharge anyone who appears to be a tourist double or even triple the fare.
TAXI
TAXI
TAXI – There are usually taxis waiting at resorts to take you where ever you need to go, but if you’re elsewhere, you’ll probably have to call for one. Taxis, at least from the airport, do not generally try to drive up the fare (by taking a long route), as they are more concerned with returning promptly to the airport to pick up other passengers. Most taxis are metered, but it’s a good idea to confirm the cost to your destination before beginning your journey. Although there is a government fixed rate for taxis, be advised that not all taxis are honest and it’s recommended that you agree on the fare before setting off. Tourists can expect to pay a minimum of $35 for a ride from the Providenciales International Airport to the Grace Bay area (more than two passengers and extra luggage may incur an additional fee).
Authorized taxi companies operating on the island include:
3Ms Taxi and Tours: (649) 432-2833
Cardinal Arthur’s Taxi & Tours: (649) 946-6107
Dr. Love’s Taxi & Limo Service: (649) 242-1233
Four Corners Taxi & Tours: (649) 946-2239
Provo Taxi & Bus Group: (649) 946-5481
Provo Taxi Association: (649) 946-5314
Sonny’s Taxi Service: (649) 231-0658
CAR RENTALS
CAR RENTALS
CAR RENTALS – car rentals are a must in Turks & Caicos (especially in Providenciales). Most visitors should rent a car or jeep. Most attractions, except for the beach and shops, are almost definitely out of walking distance of your hotel, and taxi fares will add up.
The following car rental agencies function in Turks & Caicos:
Avis Car Rental: (649) 946-4705
Budget Int’l Rentals: (649) 946-4079
Hertz Car Rental: (649) 941-3910
Thrifty Car Rental: (649) 946-4475
Wades Green Plantation
Wades Green Plantation
Wades Green Plantation (North Caicos) — Wades Green plantation has recently been opened on North Caicos and has links with Cheshire Hall, which is a popular visitor attraction on Providenciales. Both sites are owned by the National Trust. The ruins are a must-see for visitors and excursionists. These one-time cotton plantations had a strong reputation because Caicos cotton was believed to be the best in the world. The plantations have an interesting and tumultuous history which goes right back to England and America, slavery, escape, freedom and revolution.
Turks & Caicos National Museum
Turks & Caicos National Museum
Turks & Caicos National Museum (Guinep House, Front Street, Grand Turk) – this museum has interactive displays and a collection of artifacts from all aspects of the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Some areas covered include: the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European ship found in the New World; Lucayan Indian culture; Local culture; Slavery; Message in a Bottle Project; Royal Events; Sisal Industry; Salt Industry; Shipwrecks; the Space Race; Coins; Stamps; Plants; and the search and discovery of the Trouvadore slave ship. The museum is housed in an historic building, The Guinep House on Front Street, which also has a museum shop, research facilities, an archive and a library. Admission: $7 (general), $5 (cruise ship visitors & hotel guests), free for children under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult). Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 9 am-1 pm; Thursday: 1 pm – 5 pm; Closed Friday, Saturday, Sunday & All Public Holidays. Open All Cruise Ship Days
