Turtle Cove Providenciales
Turtle Cove is an upscale residential region located on the north coast of central Providenciales between Blue Mountain and the Bight. Several shops and restaurants, as well as the Turtle Cove Marina and the Turks and Caicos Yacht Club, can be found in the area.
Luxury rental villas line much of the beachfront in Turtle Cove, which is fronted by Smith’s Reef. Three quiet hotels are located in the area. The driving time from Turtle Cove to central Grace Bay is approximately 10 minutes.
The Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is about a 15-minute drive away.
Turtle Cove Marina
The center of activity in the region is Turtle Cove Marina. A landlocked and shallow pond (Sellar’s Pond) that was dredged out, this sheltered complex was the largest marina on the island for many years.
Albeit quieter now than it was in previous years, Turtle Cove Marina is the location for numerous water sports businesses, boat cruise and fishing charter companies, and private yachts of varying sizes.
Restaurants and small shops are located in the nearby plazas.
Nearby Beaches and Snorkeling
Smith’s Reef beach and Babalua Beach front the Turtle Cove region.
Continuing to the east of the inlet to the marina, Smith’s Reef is an excellent snorkeling site. This is the main and easiest-to-access beach near Turtle Cove. It offers a wide white-sand beach, as well as numerous coral reef systems offshore that harbor a rich collection of marine life.
To the west of the marina inlet is Babalua Beach. The beach is a bit more sheltered than Smith’s Reef, yet is more difficult to access, as parking near the beach is very limited.
Given the proximity of both beaches to the Turtle Cove Marina, it is important to be vigilant of boat traffic when snorkeling at either site.
Hotels and Villas
Turtle Cove is generally a more quiet place to stay than Grace Bay, as there are far fewer resorts, restaurants, and shopping plazas. Some beachfront villas have kayaks and paddleboards that guests can use to explore the waters offshore.
There are no large beachfront resorts in Turtle Cove. The closest ones are located in the neighboring Bight and Blue Mountain neighborhoods.
Places to Stay
Restaurants
There's a handful of restaurants located in the district and within walking distance of the three hotels. The three waterfront dining options are Mango Reef, Baci Ristorante, and the casual Sharkbite Bar and Grill.
Where to Eat
History
Turtle Cove was the first area on Providenciales to be developed for tourism. Up until the late 1960s, the island only supported three small fishing and subsistence farming communities, namely Blue Hills, The Bight, and Five Cays.
In 1967, American investor and developer Fritz Ludington recognized the potential of the island as a tourism destination. He organized an initial project that included an airstrip, Turtle Cove Marina, and the Third Turtle Inn. Today, only the marina remains in use. The airstrip (its location was south of Graceway IGA) was replaced before long with the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
The Third Turtle Inn was a first for the country. Grand Turk and South Caicos had at times small inns and hotels, but this project was the first complete resort plan to take place.