Things To Do | Sibonné Beach Hotel

Day-Trips and Excursions in the Turks & Caicos

The Turks & Caicos Islands are much more than just the beach! Popular day-trips include eco-tours of Little Water Cay, Middle Caicos, North Caicos and Chalk Sound National Park. Many tours combine swimming, snorkeling, kayaks and sightseeing along with beach BBQs or picnics. Add to this, seasonal whale watching, monthly glow worm expeditions and daily sunset cruises – you’ll never want to leave!

Middle Caicos: Bush Medicine Walk, Crossing Place Trail Hike, Kings Road Mountain Bike Circuit, Bay Islands Nature Reserve Kayak, Traditional Sloop Building Demonstrations, Model Sailboat Racing, Handicraft Demonstrations, Bird Watching, Conch Bar Caves National Park, Haulover Plantation Ruins.

North Caicos: The ‘garden island’ of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Hiking, Biking, Bird Watching and Flamingos.

Grand Turk: The capital of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Charming colonial architecture and historic sites. National Museum.

Salt Cay: Visit windmills and salt pits left from the days when salt was the main industry here. Whale watching in February and March.

Check for excursions and day trips from Provo in When, Where, How!

Watersports on Grace Bay Beach

Water sports are often the reason guests come to the Turks & Caicos Islands. World-class scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, para-sailing and more are just minutes away. Boat rentals or charters as well as deep sea fishing, bone fishing or bottom fishing trips can be easily arranged.

Annual Fools Regatta: Originally held on April Fool’s day – this annual event is now held in late June or early July – on the beach just to the west of Sibonné. With boats representing every island in the Turks & Caicos, the regatta features nine locally built sloops as well as a Hobbie 13 Competition, Home Made Raft Race, Tug of War, Sand Castle Building, local music and food.

Sailing: Whether you want to captain your own boat, join a group excursion or charter a private romantic sailing – everyone who visits the Turks & Caicos Islands should spend some time exploring by sea. Visit Little Water Cay, Parrot Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos or explore Chalk Sound National Park.

Kayaking: Sea Kayaks are once of the best ways to explore the mangroves and discover nature at its best!

SCUBA Diving: The Turks and Caicos Islands are surrounded by one of the most extensive coral reef systems worldwide (65 miles across and 200 miles long). Excellent visibility (up to 200 feet), pristine reefs, abundant tropical flora and fauna, fish and other marine life make Provo a world-class diving destination.

Diving is concentrated around Grace Bay and the Northwest Point here on Provo plus nearby West Caicos Island – your dive shop will advise of the best sites depending on time of year, sea conditions and experience levels. You may be lucky & spot JoJo the dolphin who is a wild dolphin that loves to swim with divers just off-shore. The Turks & Caicos dive sites are almost always listed amond the ’10 best’ in the world – so you’re sure to see some of the most exciting marine life in the Caribbean.

Sibonné has great accommodations for divers – no matter which dive shop you choose from the list below. Provo Turtle Divers and Dive Provo will pick you up and drive you to the dive boat. When the weather is good – Ocean Vibes will pick you up right on Grace Bay Beach in front of Sibonné Beach Hotel so you’re on the dive boat as soon as possible! All dive shops provide snacks or lunch on board the boat – check with each dive shop for details!

Para Sailing: Fly high above Grace Bay Beach. Climb as high as 500 feet and enjoy the spectacular view while being towed by a powerboat. For those less adventurous folks who just want to watch – our Grace Bay Bistro (where this photo was taken) is a great place to sit and watch all the action!

Snorkeling: One of the best snorkeling areas is to the left of our Sibonné Beach is the area known as ‘The Bight’. Just past Beaches Resort is The Bight Snorkeling Trail marked by two marker buoys. There are 11 underwater trail signs that describe the coral formations and fish such as yellow-tailed snappers, mojarras and jolthead porgies. Water ranges from one to five meters (3-15 feet). Many of the dive shops and water sports companies also have snorkel trips to Chalk Sound can various Cays around Provo.

Banana Rides: Jump up on the giant inflated ‘banana’ boat and hang on tight as you get the ride of your life as you’re pulled by a powerboat along Grace Bay.

Wind Surfing: The clear and tranquil waters of Grace Bay are great if you’re just learning – or experienced wind surfers to perfect their techniques. Most of the surfing shops are down the beach near the Ocean Club, but as you can see – in the photo at left you can easily find yourself back in front of Sibonné Beach Hotel as you windsurf along Grace Bay Beach.

Swimming: The beach at Sibonné is one of the best beaches for swimming on Grace Bay. There are lounge chairs and several ‘Tiki Huts’ for your enjoyment. Beach towels are available in the office. There are no lifeguards on the beach – so make sure that any children are carefully supervised. Drinks are available from Junior and the staff in the bar and you can order a picnic lunch or snacks at the Grace Bay Bistro!

Boating & Sailing: A wide variety of sail and power boats are available for charter with or without a captain. Check the listings for details.

Fishing: Sport fishing for bone fishing, bottom and deep sea fishing are all popular and Provo is often mentioned as one of the best destinations for fishing in the world! See our separate section on sport fishing charters.

Water Skiing/Jet Skis/Wave Runners: Available for rental if you want to see Provo from the ‘fast lane’. These activities are not allowed in many areas such as the Princess Alexandra National Park which includes Grace Bay Beach.

Check for details on your favorite activity in When, Where, How!

Click on a magazine cover for details on your favorite Turks & Caicos activity in When, Where, How!

Spas and Relaxation

Relaxation, Art & Culture and Near-by Spas

‘ We just got back from our first visit to Turks and Caicos and just loved it.

The Sibonné was perfect for us. We were looking to just relax, read, swim

and get a little sun and were able to do that very nicely at the Sibonné.’

TripAdvisor, Feb 2004

Relaxation is our specialty here at Sibonné Beach Hotel. Since we’re a small intimate hotel, we don’t have our own spa here at the hotel. However, there are spas at all of the large luxury resort hotels on either side of us – just a short walk down the beach. There are also major spa facilities, day-spas and beauty salons at other resorts and we can help you make arrangements.

With the great value rates here at Sibonné, you’ll be able to spend the money you save by pampering yourself at a spa!

But relaxation is more than just papering yourself at a spa. If you’d like to enjoy art and handicrafts while on vacation, there are also several art galleries on Provo including a Cultural Center at our sister hotel, Turtle Cove Inn. Also, make sure you stop and see Marilyn on the beach between Sibonné and The Sands. She sells a variety of handicrafts and primitive artworks made by her son Elio.

Check for spas close to Sibonné Beach Hotel in When, Where, How!

Check for spas. arts & culture close to Sibonné Beach Hotel in When, Where, How!

Nightlife on Grace Bay Beach

We don’t have much nightlife here at Sibonné – since we specialize in quiet relaxation. Our idea of nightlife involves romantic sunset walks along the beach, star-gazing the Caribbean sky to discover new constellations, or watching the moon rise over the dunes… Sibonné is not a ‘hot spot’ for nightlife in the Caribbean.

However, you can meet interesting travelers and residents in Junior’s Bar, or walk up the beach to Hemingway’s at The Sands Resort (just next door) where they occasionally have music and a later closing hour.

Most of the nightlife is centered around the new casino which is located near the Seven Stars Resort which is a short taxi ride from Sibonné Beach Hotel. There is also a multiplex cinema a short drive away.

If you want to check out local discos or nightclubs, check with the staff to see what is the hottest hang-out at the moment or click on the images below for listings in Where, When, How!

Check for Entertainment and Nightlife options near Sibonné Beach Hotel in When, Where, How!

Nature and Ecology on Grace Bay Beach

The entire shoreline along our section of Grace Bay Beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park – so the nature and ecology of the Turks & Caicos are within easy reach of Sibonné Beach Hotel.

Glow Worm Cruises: Every month 2-4 nights after the full moon and about one hour after sunset, our ‘marine worm’ Odontosyllis Enolpa perform a most unusual mating ritual. Several companies offer sunset/glow worm cruises if you’re visiting just after the full moon – check with the office for the schedule. Normally this is three days after the full moon.

JoJo the Dolphin: If you hear a bell ringing on the beach – its usually a sign that someone has spotted JoJo – the wild dolphin who often comes to Grace Bay Beach to swim with our guests. This is not a commercial dolphin exhibit like you’ll find at many Caribbean resorts – JoJo lives in the wild and chooses the swim with people instead of other dolphins. Remember not to touch JoJo if you’re lucky enough to have him join you for a swim! Check his website: www.jojodolphin.org

Iguana Sanctuary: At Little Water Cay, which is just a short boat ride from the Leeward Marina. This is one of the most popular excursions where you can explore an island set aside as a Nature Reserve for our endemic Rock Iguanas.

The Hole: This unusual natural phenomena is a giant ‘sinkhole’ located near Long Bay. Sure, its just a big hold in the ground – but many visitors find it fascinating. Some 40 feet across – its officially 80 feet deep, but many believe that it just keeps going on forever… so don’t fall in! Not recommended for children or anyone who might be afraid of heights!

Conch Farm: Its not the official National food – but you’ll see Conch on the menu almost everywhere. Most of it comes from our Conch Farm near Leeward Marina. The conch farm on Provo is the only one in the world – and offers tours that feature the life cycle of this beloved mollusk!

Bird Watching: The Turks and Caicos Islands are a haven for bird watching – but most of the action is on North Caicos or Middle Caicos. You can easily arrange an excursion with Sky King Airlines to take a day-trip to either island. However, with more than 200 different types of birds identified on the islands – there are plenty to see right here at Sibonné. See our links page for lots of information on bird watching in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Historical Ruins: These remains of an old Loyalist plantation from the 1800′s can be reached by a footpath. Signs provide an insight about how life must have been in olden times.

Whale Watching: From late January through March, humpback whales visit the Turks and Caicos Islands on their annual migration to The Dominican Republic. While the best whale watching may be done by flying to Salt Cay for a day trip, lots of Provo-base companies sponsor whale watching excursions depending on conditions and whale sightings. As you can see from the quote from Trip Advisor, some of our guests even report whales right off-shore in front of the hotel during the February whale migration.

Green Flash: Well, everyone in the Caribbean promises the fabled ‘green flash’ at sunset – but few ever see it. Rather than rush out to the western end of the island to chase ‘the flash’ – we recommend a leisurely stroll along the beach or a drink in Junior’s Bar to enjoy the sunset on Grace Bay Beach.

The following list has eco-tourism and excursion companies that our guests at Sibonné Beach Hotel have used in the past. Check their websites before you come to Provo so you can make arrangements in advance and don’t miss any of the fun!

Eco-tourism Companies in Provo

Big Blue Unlimited – Leeward Marina

649-946-5034

Adventures at the edge of the Last Great Wilderness.

Eco-tourism: Kayaks, Private Charters, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Nature Walks, Bird Watching, Cave Exploring, Historic Sites, Model Sailboat Racing. Guided small group eco-tours to Provo, North & Middle Caicos. Parasailing, Snorkeling, Sailing.

SCUBA Diving: small groups, private charters, instruction, nitrox, trimix, re-breathing, photography & videography.

Fishing: Bottom Fishing, Bone Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing

Website

Conch Farm – Leeward Marina Area

649-946-5330

The worlds only conch farm. A totally unique experience. Meet Jerry & Sally, our world famous trained conchs. Shop with conch shells and conch jewelry. Tours of the farm Monday-Saturday.

Deep Silver Fleet- Provo

649-946-5612

Excursions, bone fishing, bottom fishing, deep sea fishing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling. 12 new boats. Half-day or full-day trips with groups or private charters. Beach cruise, iguana island tour, native BBQ, Middle Caicos cave carving, West Caicos, North Caicos, French Cay, Ambergris Cay, island get-aways, snorkelmania, Glow Worms and more.

Website

J&B Tours – Leeward Marina

649-946-5047

Spend your greatest vacation days with our friendly staff. Power Boat Excursions, Private Charters, Beach Cruise, Snorkel Shuttle, Water ski, Provo Native Tour, Secluded Island Tour, Iguana Island Shuttle, Deep Sea Fishing, West Caicos Snorkel, Middle Caicos Cave Safari, Glow Worm Cruise, Bottom Fishing and Bone Fishing.

Website

JoJo Project – Provo

649-941-5810

JoJo is a wild dolphin who visits the beaches of Grace Bay.

Website

Marine Wildlife Foundation

The Marine Wildlife Foundation is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the research and preservation of dolphins, whales, and indeed all wildlife. Through our exploration and research, the MWF produces documentary films, books, and lectures to fulfill our primary objective of education. By educating the public, especially the young, and by sharing our research with universities and wildlife organizations around the world, the Marine Wildlife Foundation joins the international movement to ensure the survival of our oceans and of its most magnificent inhabitants.

Website

Nila Destinations – Provo

649-941-4375

Eco-excursions to Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Grand Turk as well as many activities on Provo.

Website

Sail Provo – Leeward Marina

649-946-4783

The ultimate sailing experience. Half-day, full day and sunset cruises. Iguana & snorkeling; Sunset, Lunch, Snorkel, Swimming, Glow Worm and Private Charter Cruises. Pick-up in front of your hotel on the beach!

Website

Trax Eco-Adventure – Provo

TRAX Eco-Adventure provides fun outdoor activities and environmental education targeted at children aged 5 – 13. Working in small groups, we expect to challenge our students to grow and accomplish what they have never done before.

Website

Turks & Caicos National Trust – Butterfield Sq

649-941-5710

Little Water Cay is a protected area for the Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana – the largest native land animal in the islands and a species that isn’t found anywhere else on earth! There are about 50,000 rock iguanas and you can visit them and hike through the paths and boardwalks on this island which is just a short boat ride from Provo.

Website

Glow Worm Cruises: Every month 2-4 nights after the full moon and about one hour after sunset, our ‘marine worm’ Odontosyllis Enolpa perform a most unusual mating ritual. Several companies offer sunset/glow worm cruises if you’re visiting just after the full moon – check with the office for the schedule. Normally this is three days after the full moon.

JoJo the Dolphin: If you hear a bell ringing on the beach – its usually a sign that someone has spotted JoJo – the wild dolphin who often comes to Grace Bay Beach to swim with our guests. This is not a commercial dolphin exhibit like you’ll find at many Caribbean resorts – JoJo lives in the wild and chooses the swim with people instead of other dolphins. Remember not to touch JoJo if you’re lucky enough to have him join you for a swim! Check his website: www.jojodolphin.org

Iguana Sanctuary: At Little Water Cay, which is just a short boat ride from the Leeward Marina. This is one of the most popular excursions where you can explore an island set aside as a Nature Reserve for our endemic Rock Iguanas.

The Hole: This unusual natural phenomena is a giant ‘sinkhole’ located near Long Bay. Sure, its just a big hold in the ground – but many visitors find it fascinating. Some 40 feet across – its officially 80 feet deep, but many believe that it just keeps going on forever… so don’t fall in! Not recommended for children or anyone who might be afraid of heights!

Conch Farm: Its not the official National food – but you’ll see Conch on the menu almost everywhere. Most of it comes from our Conch Farm near Leeward Marina. The conch farm on Provo is the only one in the world – and offers tours that feature the life cycle of this beloved mollusk!

Bird Watching: The Turks and Caicos Islands are a haven for bird watching – but most of the action is on North Caicos or Middle Caicos. You can easily arrange an excursion with Sky King Airlines to take a day-trip to either island. However, with more than 200 different types of birds identified on the islands – there are plenty to see right here at Sibonné. See our links page for lots of information on bird watching in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Historical Ruins: These remains of an old Loyalist plantation from the 1800′s can be reached by a footpath. Signs provide an insight about how life must have been in olden times.

Green Flash: Well, everyone in the Caribbean promises the fabled ‘green flash’ at sunset – but few ever see it. Rather than rush out to the western end of the island to chase ‘the flash’ – we recommend a leisurely stroll along the beach or a drink in Junior’s Bar to enjoy the sunset on Grace Bay Beach.

Check for Eco-tours and activitie near Sibonné Beach Hotel in When, Where, How!

Golf, Tennis & Outdoor Sports in Providenciales

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Golf & Sports

Sibonné Beach Hotel has easy access to lots of sporting opportunities for visitors who want to combine ‘beach time’ with more intensive activities such as golf, tennis and horseback riding.

Golf: The Provo Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Karl Litten. Although this is a private club, visitors may use the facilities with prior arrangements. See their website at www.provogolfclub.com for details and fees. The Golf Club is about a 10 minute drive from Sibonné.

Tennis: The Provo Golf & Country Club also has two tennis courts.

Jogging: There are few places better for a morning or evening jog than Grace Bay Beach – which is just steps from your room at Sibonné. Stop by the bar for a bottle of water before you go – or there are plenty of places to stop for a drink up and down the beach in either direction.

Horseback Riding: Every evening you’ll notice the horseback riders taking their sunset ride along Grace Bay Beach. If you want to join in – you’ll have to make arrangements in advance. Even though you may see a horse on the beach outside the hotel – this belongs to one of our regular restaurant customers who rides along the beach to reach our Grace Bay Bistro. If you want to ride, you’ll have to go to the stables which are a short drive from Sibonné.

Cycling: Although the easy terrain of the island may seem perfect for bicycles – bear in mind that the sun can be very hot (and dehydrating) during mid-day; roads are full of potholes and sand; driving on the left may be confusing to some and traffic can be very busy on main roads. In other words – cycling on Provo is not for the occasional bicycler – but can be a great way to explore the island for more experienced cyclists.

Football: Here in Provo, football means Soccer – not the American-style contact sport. The Turks & Caicos Football Association has a website at www.football.tc with all the details and schedules. Games are held at the stadium behind the IGA supermarket – about a 10-minute drive from Sibonné.

Rugby, Cricket, Baseball and Basketball are also popular, with local competitions held throughout the year.

Check for Golf, Horseback Riding and Sports near Sibonné Beach Hotel in When, Where, How!

Fishing in the Turks & Caicos

“One of the top twenty fishing destinations in the world ”
Sport Fishing Magazine raves about sport fishing in the Turks & Caicos!

fishing-390 Read all about sport fishing in Provo in Sport Fishing’s article Prime Time in Provo.
No matter what type of fishing you prefer, there is something for you in Provo:
Bone Fishing: Fly fishing in the shallow flats for these feisty fish that challenge even the most experienced sportsmen. If you’ve been bone fishing in Anegada, Andros, Las Roquas, Cuba or Belize – you’ll want to visit us next!
Bottom Fishing: Fishing for Grouper, Snapper or Sharks with light tackle.
Deep Sea Fishing: Sailfish, White Marlin, Barracuda/Atlantic Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Black Fin Tuna and Wahoo plus Hammerhead and Tiger Sharks!
Bill Fish Tournament: Held every year in early July, the activity is centered around Turtle Cove Marina. All billfish are released and the event is held under IGFA rules and regulations. Entry fee required to participate.
Click on one of the images below for the latest information on fishing in the Turks & Caicos Islands from Where, When, How.

Check for deep sea fishing charters or bone fishing in When, Where, How!

Check for deep sea fishing charters or bone fishing on Provo in When, Where, How!

Grace Bay Beach

Sibonné Beach Hotel is right on Grace Bay Beach

‘The Sibonné Beach is, to me, the best one on Grace Bay. There were hardly any people around us until you walked all the way down to Beaches or the Point. The sand is like powdered sugar, and the ocean more blue than I have ever seen it.’

TripAdvisor

Condé Nast rated Grace Bay the “number one beach on the planet.”

Sibonné Beach Hotel is closer to Grace Bay Beach than any other inn, hotel, resort or condominium on Grace Bay. No room at Sibonné is more than 50 steps from the beach and our two Beach Front Rooms and our Beach Apartment are closer to the beach than any other accommodations on Grace Bay.

From the moment you arrive at Sibonné Beach Hotel, you’ll understand why Caribbean Travel and Life magazine calls Grace Bay Beach one of the ‘Best Beaches in the Caribbean’. Not only this, but Grace Bay Beach and the Turks & Caicos are still the best ‘undiscovered destinations’ in the Caribbean.

Sibonné provides beach towels, lounge chairs and several ‘Tiki Huts’ for shade just in front of the hotel. Easy access to the pool, bar and restaurant let you get the most ‘sun and fun’ possible.

We don’t have a dive shop or water sports facilities - but these are available at several of our neighbor resorts just a short walk down the beach so you can enjoy snorkeling, SCUBA Diving, para-sailing, ocean kayaks, sail boat rentals, power boats and more!

Most people are stunned by the incredible turquoise blue water that seems so much more intense in the waters of Grace Bay Beach than anywhere else in the world. In fact, some of our guests go home and have trouble convincing friends and family that the photos are ‘real’. Until you visit, its hard to believe that such colors actually exist.

The reason for this magical shade of blue is a combination of the purity of the water and the intensity of the Caribbean sun. Whatever the technical reasons – you’ll notice it as soon as you arrive at Sibonné. Make sure that you take a photo with the ocean in the background – you’ll treasure it forever!

Make your reservations today and join us on Grace Bay Beach!