Providenciales Water Sports & Beach Shopping
As a tropical island vacation destination, Providenciales has a wide selection of water sports and beach shops with everything you’ll need to enjoy the exquisite beaches and ocean.
Generally, you can find most water sports and beach items at one of three locations on Providenciales: at a shopping plaza in the tourism district of Grace Bay, at Graceway Gourmet supermarket in Grace Bay, or at the Building Materials Do It Center on Leeward Highway.
Keep in mind that many accommodations, especially vacation rental villas, offer a wide range of amenities that typically includes the complimentary guest use of beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, snorkeling gear, beach toys and floats, and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Contact your accommodation for information on what they provide before purchasing your own gear or items.
Packing vs. Buying Beach Gear Locally
You can find almost anything you need to snorkel, enjoy the beach, or go fishing on Providenciales. Be aware, however, that high customs duties and import costs in the Turks and Caicos make local prices typically much higher than what you would find back home.
The price of low-value items such as inflatable beach toys will be about double the average cost in the United States. More expensive items such as high-quality dive and snorkel masks cost on average 50–80% more.
Airlines are becoming increasingly strict with luggage allowances. To save money, it usually makes sense to bring the more expensive items for your vacation with you and purchase the cheaper goods locally.
Snorkeling and Diving Equipment
The Turks and Caicos is home to an extensive barrier reef and jaw-dropping marine sights. As such, you will have no difficulty finding a great snorkel mask or high-quality fins on Providenciales to use on your underwater adventures.
For a proper fit, it’s essential that there’s a sufficient selection to choose from. Everyone’s different, and a poorly fitting mask will seriously detract from your snorkeling experience.
Higher-quality masks and equipment, and expert advice on fitment, is generally only found at the dedicated dive shops. Low-cost mask, snorkel and fin sets can be purchased at many gift shops and grocery stores.
With proper care and storage, a decent snorkel set will last years. If you’ll be making regular visits to a tropical destination, consider purchasing high-quality equipment.
Beach and Ocean Attire
There’s a great selection of shops in the Grace Bay area that offer all types of beach and ocean attire. You’ll be able to find rash guards, bathing suits, T-shirts, and footwear for adults and children. Shops such as the Blue Surf Shop, the Dive Provo, and the Caicos Adventures shop offer the widest collection of ocean and sun apparel.
Toys and Beach Chairs and Umbrellas
Graceway Gourmet and Do It Best offer the best selection of beach toys, umbrellas, and chairs on the island.
Waterproof Cameras
Blue Surf Shop carries a range of GoPro cameras and third-party water sports accessories.
Fishing Gear
See Turks and Caicos Fishing for information on where to buy fishing gear. Keep in mind that fishing licenses are required, and there are many protected areas in the Turks and Caicos where fishing is prohibited.
Scooter Bob's and Walkin Marine are the primary sources of fishing equipment in the Turks and Caicos.Shops
Fishing, Bait and Tackle
