Providenciales

Boating and Sailing

Provo's calm, reef-protected seas combine with constant easterly trade winds for excellent sailing conditions. Several multihulled vessels offer charters with snorkeling stops, food and beverage service, and sunset vistas. Prices range from $39 per person for group trips (subject to passenger minimums) to $600 or more for private charters.

Abuv-It-All. Right on the beach, Windsurfing Provo (aka Abuv-It-All) has windsurfing, stand-up paddleboards, and small skiff rentals. The skiffs are great for exploring the cays at a reasonable price. Ocean Club East, Ocean Club East, Turtle Cove, Providenciales. 649/241-1687. windsurfingprovo.tc.

Beluga Sailboat. Beluga Sailboat offers private charters for six to eight passengers through the cays. Captain Tim knows these waters: he's been sailing for more than two decades. This is true sailing, no motors allowed. Tim will pick you up and take you to the marina where his boat is moored. 649/946-4396. www.sailbeluga.com.

Undersea Explorer. For sightseeing below the waves, try a semi-submarine, the Undersea Explorer. You can stay dry within the small, lower observatory as it glides along on a one-hour tour of the reef, with large viewing windows on either side. The trip costs $55. Caicos Tours, Turtle Cove Marina, Turtle Cove, Providenciales. 649/231-0006. www.caicostours.com.

Island Vibes. Shaun Dean makes these excursions stand out, since he grew up on these waters. If conditions are right, he'll have you snorkel the "abyss," where the reef drops 6000 feet. The sight is amazing. His boat is also the best on Provo, with a diving board on the roof as well as a bathroom. Turtle Cove, Providenciales. 649/231-8423. www.islandvibestours.com.

Sail Provo. Very popular for private charters, Sail Provo also runs 52-foot and 48-foot catamarans on scheduled half-day, full-day, sunset, and kid-friendly glow worm cruises (these are held in the first few days after full moons, when underwater creatures light up the sea's surface for several days). Windsong Resort, Providenciales. 649/946-4783. www.sailprovo.com.

Silverdeep. Silverdeep sailing trips include time for snorkeling and beachcombing at a secluded beach. If you're thinking of fishing, keep in mind that Captain Arthur Dean here is said to be among the Caribbean's finest bonefishing guides. Providenciales. 649/946-5612. www.silverdeep.com.

Sun Charters. The Atabeyra, run by Sun Charters, is a retired rumrunner and the choice of residents for special events. 649/941-5363. www.suncharters.tc.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bicycling
• Boating and Sailing
• Diving and Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Golf

• Helicopter Tours
• Horseback Riding
• Parasailing
• Waterskiing
• Windsurfing