Turtle Cove Providenciales
Turtle Cove is located on the north coast of central Providenciales, and is an upscale residential region. Several shops and restaurants, as well as the Turtle Cove Marina and the 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. Two quiet hotels are located in the area. The driving time from Turtle Cove to central Grace Bay is approximately 10 minutes.
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 tour operators, and private yachts of varying sizes.
Restaurants, small shops, and accommodations are located in the adjacent 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.
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.
Hotels and Villas
