We came over from the Bahamas in Late November. The plan was to spend Christmas at Blue Haven Marina, hosting our sons and their significant others. Thought I would provide a few notes on our initial impressions.
We did the trip as an overnight from Georgetown and got here mid day. Our first port of call was Turtle Cove Marina on the north coast of Providenciales. Two marina options here, Turtle Cove and Blue Haven. Both are accessed through a cut in the reef. Sellers Cut, leading to Turtle cove is winding and at times narrow and shallow. My best estimate is maybe 6.6′ at low in one spot. We used the free escort in and out. We arrived with about 18 knots wind and maybe 6′ rollers at the entrance. looked a lot more challenging than it turned out to be.
Turtle Cove is a decent marina. I wont comment further, as the Active Captain comments are, in the aggregate, accurate. I would go there again. Our objective going here was to save money till we needed to be at Blue Haven as it is half the price.
We left Turtle Cove and went out the cut and up to Blue Haven. The cut into Blue Haven is straight and deep. Maybe 7’+ at low. No need for an escort. Blue Haven Marina is associated with the resort next door and all the amenities are provided to marina patrons, which is why we came here. Actuall three resorts, connected with shuttle services. The other two resorts are on Grace Bay, which is beautiful.
The resort itself is, at best, in transition. Never rebuilt after a hurricane two years ago. Some of the wrecked power sub stations are still lying around on the dock, just where they ended up after the storm, I presume. One dock is connected to land and has power and water. The other dock is free floating out in the channel. No power or water and a dinghy ride in. Still, a few mega yachts out there, as it is the only place they fit.
The dock we are on is mostly sport fish and chartered mini mega yachts. Also a few day boats for the tourist crowd. Lots of activity and not too much hassle. Maybe a bit more techno-Reggae than I would choose.
Decent kayaking in the mangroves and spectacular snorkeling out on the reef when it is calm, which is rare this time of year
Took about 200 shots before I got this one of a Green Turtle. Mangroves are full of these guys but they only come out to feed at near high tide.
There are two other marinas on the island, both on the banks side. South Side is small but well maintained and has a nice bar and restaurant. Otherwise a bit secluded. Shallow entry. Maybe 6′ at high? We wee there by car.
Caicos shipyard carries a bit more water coming in. Also rather secluded. Docks being upgraded. New buildings. Promising. Also the only plae with any maintenance capability.
Provo has many fancy high rise resorts and lots of villas along the beach. good restaurants. Great grocery store, etc. Good roads, plenty of traffic, etc. Lots of expats mixed in with the locals. Somewhat different than the Bahamas. rental cars relatively cheap, taxis quite expensive. We use our bikes for shopping.
Cruising the TCI is somewhat challenging in mid winter. The typical northern swell will make many of the anchorages somewhat uncomfortable. We have tried to head over to Grand Turk, but the only anchorage is a roadstead and dinghys go to the beach. A challenge when there is any surf.
All for now.
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