Coral arch on the Grace Bay barrier reef in the Princess Alexandra National Park.
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ProvidencialesNational Parks & Protected Areas
Northwest Point Marine National Park.
The island of Providenciales
is home to eight protected areas: three national parks, three nature reserves, and two protected historical sites. About half of the coast of Providenciales is under the protection of either a national park or a nature reserve.
National parks, nature reserves, and historical sites do have varying degrees and types of protections, but taking or harming any animal, plant, historical item, or natural feature in a protected area is generally prohibited. This includes fishing and shell collecting.
Although not protected in any way under the law, several other sites on Providenciales deserve either National Park or Nature Reserve status. Examples include The Hole and the surrounding limestone formations in Long Bay and the partially collapsed giant sinkhole and cave (home to the majority of the island’s bats) near the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
Another example was the many extremely scenic sinkholes and small caves near Cooper Jack Bay Beach (probably the best location on the island for showing off features of the Karst process of dissolution). However, the Government approved the bulldozing and destruction of this site to make way for a residential development.
Tourism and Use of National Parks
A unique landscape of sabal palms and sawgrass in Frenchman's Creek.
Unfortunately, many of the protected areas on Providenciales rarely experience visits from locals, let alone tourists. The primary reason for this is lack of access, however, limited knowledge and crime concerns also play a part.
When many of the protected areas in the Turks and Caicos were designated in the early 1990s, an excellent job was done on Providenciales of identifying and selecting the varied and unique ecosystems and terrains to preserve.
Largely because the world-famous Grace Bay Beach is included in the region, Princess Alexandra National Park and the smaller nature reserve within it see by far the most use and appreciation of any protected area in the Turks and Caicos.
Basic Guidelines and Regulations for Exploring Protected Areas
Strict regulations apply in all of the protected areas on Providenciales. Here are the most important regulations that are applicable in all protected areas:
No Fishing
It is illegal to fish and collect conch and lobster in a National Park. Violators will face large fines and jail time.
Do Not Take Artifacts
Removing or damaging historical artifacts is illegal. Violators will face large fines and jail time.
Do Not Take Shells or Coral
It is illegal to remove shells, corals, plants, animals, and sand from a National Park without government permission.
Do Not Touch Fish or Coral
Keep well away from all marine life. Certain fish and animal species are venomous, and touching them may result in serious injury.
Dogs Must Be on Leash
It is illegal to have unleashed dogs on the beach and in public. Keep your dog leashed and clean up after it.
No Graffiti
Defacing historical features or artifacts is illegal. Graffiti and rock carving are prohibited. Violators can face large fines and jail time.
No Littering
It is illegal to litter or dump waste. This includes cigarette butts, bottles, cans, and plastic. Take trash with you.
No Open Fires
No open fires on the beach are allowed. Fires are only permitted in a portable grill or stove. Take ashes with you.
Stay on Roads
No driving of any type of vehicle off of designated paths is allowed.
A 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limit for power vessels is applicable in protected area waters. To camp in a protected area, written approval from the Director of the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is necessary. For information on obtaining camping or fishing licenses, contact the National Environmental Centre and see Fishing. For information on the environment, conservation, and threats, see Environmental Conservation.
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