Times of the Islands Winter 2023/24

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Kayak through nature’s nursery The mangrove swamps on Providenciales’ northeastern corner are sometimes called “nature’s nursery,” because their clear, shallow waters provide a safe haven for juvenile sharks and sea turtles before they’re ready to brave the open ocean. A clear kayak or paddleboard tour of the mangroves is a great way to see and learn about TCI’s wildlife—and squeeze a light workout into your vacation. This was a highlight of my trip to Provo. Floating on foot-deep water in a mangrove forest is a peaceful, relaxing experience, but it’s also a fascinating window into TCI’s ecology. Our guide taught us about mangrove trees and the important role they play in protecting the coastline, as well as how their roots filter salt out of the seawater. (Did you know you can harvest salt from mangrove leaves?) We got up close and personal with Queen conch, kayaked alongside baby lemon and nurse sharks, and watched in awe as juvenile sea turtles swam beneath our transparent boats. Popular destinations for clear kayak and paddleboarding tours include Leeward Channel, Water Cay, and Half Moon Bay. My tour took us to Little Water Cay, (a.k.a. Iguana Island), home to the endangered Turks & Caicos rock iguana. There are many reputable tour operators to choose from, including Looking Glass Watersports and Rising Tide Tours. Above: Driftwood Studio regularly offers “Cork and Canvas” painting classes. This session focused on Breast Cancer awareness. Below: With Twin E-bike Tours and Rentals you can explore the quiet, lush islands of North and Middle Caicos on E-bikes. DRIFTWOOD STUDIO TWIN E-BIKE TOURS AND RENTALS 56 www.timespub.tc
Take a class Adding an art or cooking class to your vacation itinerary can be a fun change of pace—and a great way to connect with locals. Making Waves Art Studio on Provo hosts a variety of creative classes for adults and children, complete with instruction from professional local artists. Past offerings have included making beaded bracelets, painting Christmas ornaments with gouache, and coloring sweatshirts with the ice-dyeing technique. They also have “drop in and make” sessions (or “toddle in and make” for the younger crowd), where you get full access to their creative stations and art supplies and can let your imagination run wild. Check out makingwavesartstudio.com for their upcoming classes. There’s also Island Mystique, a brand-new travel company based on Provo that’s preparing to launch in late 2023. Described as a “cultural immersive tour experience company,” Island Mystique plans to offer paint-and-sip classes, birdwatching treks, and cooking classes where you can whip up traditional dishes like pear bush buds and rice. Follow Island Mystique’s Facebook page to stay updated on their launch date and new offerings. Go off-roading TCI may not have the lush rainforests or volcanic soils of some Caribbean nations, but its rugged interior is just as beautiful. A great way to explore the sandy scrubland of Provo or Grand Turk is on an ATV or dune buggy tour. Operators like Xhale Excursions and Island Adventure TCI offer tours of Provo’s western side, including Chalk Sound National Park, Northwest Point National Park, and West Harbour Bluff. You’ll find similar tours on Grand Turk, but instead of scrubland and mangrove swamps, you’ll explore abandoned salt ponds and other historic sites. If, like me, you’d rather ride something a little slower and cuddlier, try a horseback ride instead. Provo Ponies, a stable in Long Bay, takes you on a gentle trek down the street to nearby Long Bay Beach and into the shallows. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun while a horse carries you waist-deep in the ocean—and if your horse is feeling adventurous, you might even go for a short swim together. Heritage Tours and Horseback Riding is dedicated to sharing aspects of Island culture. Tours are based on historic industries such as fishing, sponging, and farming. You can follow a unique donkey trail ride to Sail Rock—a historical landmark for navigators. Based in Five Cays, you can experience an “off the beaten path” area of Provo, and top it off with a drink or meal at Boogaloo’s Times of the Islands Winter 2023/24 57
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TIMES OF THE SAMPLING THE SOUL OF T
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Times of the Islands Winter 2023/24

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