Snorkelingis an activity that visitors of all ages enjoy in the Turks and Caicos. Offering much of the same scenic and exciting views as scuba, but without any kind of formal training or expensive equipment, snorkeling is a great way to pass the time at West Bay Club.
We are fortunate to be within short walking distance to the two best snorkeling spots in the whole island: Coral Gardens is a short stroll to the east of us; and Smith’s Reef is about 10 minutes to the west down the beach. Both are accessible from shore, with vibrant fish life starting just a few yards from the beach. All you need is a mask and snorkel (which we offer as a complimentary amenity at the resort), and you are good to go!
Coral Gardens and Smith’s Reef are coral formations close to shore that attract a huge variety of colorful Caribbean fish and other creatures. They are a natural off shoot of the main coral reef that surround our islands, and form the third largest coral reef system in the world. It is not unusual to see conch, lobster, star fish, turtles, sting rays, spotted eagle rays, even on occasion, Jojo the dolphin. Fish species include snapper, grouper, blue tangs and often the menacing-looking barracuda. At Coral Gardens, there is even an underwater series of ‘tour’ signs to help you identify different species.
West Bay Club is a proud sponsor of the annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival, and will even be hosting one of the event’s “celebrity judges” (these are the lucky folks who get to sample all the great conch dishes on display at the festival and pick the winners). Our guest is 3-time heavyweight boxing world champion Michael Moorer.
Michael reigned over the heavyweight division in the 1990s and won the championship belt on three separate occasions. He amassed a career record of 52-4-1, winning 52 bouts by knockout. One of those losses was to George Foreman in 1994, his first professional loss ever. He had started his career with 26 consecutive wins by knockout, one of the best streaks in professional boxing history.
Since retiring in 2004, Michael has been a color commentator on ESPN and has trained the likes of Oscar DeLeHoya and current ‘pound for pond’ champion Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao. Michael has also worked as a body guard for Tiger Woods.
We’re sure “the champ’ will enjoy the hospitality, serenity and great beachfront setting here at WBC, and we look forward to admiring his championship belt (which he promises to bring along).
The Conch Festival is November 28 in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales. Plan on making a day of it and take part in a fun island tradition.
On November 29, local fitness center Wrightfully Fit is holding its first annual Charity Run, benefiting the Provo Children’s Home. It features two races – a 5K and a 10K - that are designed for all ages and abilities. Both courses go right past us here at West Bay Club and runners/walkers will have a great seaside view as they wind through the area of the island we call The Bight.
The runs (you can walk, too) begin at 6:30AM (10K) and 7:00 am (5K), They both end at the Wrigthfully Fit fitness center – which is not far from West Bay Club (and an excellent all around fitness center with personal training and scheduled classes available, in addition to a well equipped gym).
The best part about the event is that it benefits a great cause – the Provo Children’s Home. The PCH is a purpose built facility that will house kids on the island who are in need in care or shelter than cannot be provided for them at home for whatever reason, including parent-less situations. It’s a real grass roots effort and many, many dedicated people have been involved with the project. They are entirely self funded so charity event such as this mean a lot as they put the finishing touches on the new home and hope to be open by the holidays.
Registration fees for the event, which all go to the PCH, are $30 for kids under 18 and $60 for folks 19 and over. For more information, contact the Wrightfully Fit fitness center at 649 941 3311 or email John at jwrigthfullyfit@yahoo.com.
It was a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon when Captain Dane (General Manager of West Bay Club) was out and about on Grace Bay on the oversized 8-seater hobbie cat. I couldn’t help but jump on for a ride, when he took out Christina and her fiance for a cruise. I’m always amazed at the skill one must have to co-ordinate the rudder, small sail in front of the boat, how to tack, and jib, and all the other technical savvy that goes into sailing a hobbie cat (and looking good while doing it).
These boats can be a lot of fun if you know what you’re doing (or if you’re the passenger) while sailing, and really allows you to see the Grace Bay stretch of beach from a different perspective, you get a sense of appreciation of just how white the sand is, how long the actual beach is, and how many beautiful resorts line the beach.
If you know how to sail, be sure to ask us about using the boat, or, if you see Dane on the beach going out, be sure to tag along and join in the beach fun.
p.s. see the clip below for me jumping off the boat as we pulled into the shore!
The Turks and Caicos are world famous for great scuba diving and enthusiasts come here from everywhere to dive the bountiful coral reef that sits just off shore from West Bay Club. But even if you’re not a scuba diver, there are lots of activities to enjoy in our waters.
The best snorkeling in the island can be found just a few steps from our beach at Coral Gardens. Less than a five minute walk from your room at WBC, this spot is a bustling sub-marine mecca of sea life and it’s so easy to wade right in. There are even underwater signs to help you identify the common fish and other creatures you’ll come across.
Right in front of WBC we have an over sized Hobe Cat that you can use, as well as sea kayaks and under water scooters. So you don’t even have to leave our beach to have a blast in the legendary crystal clear waters of Grace Bay.
If you want to venture further off shore, there’s great fishing of all types here in TCI. Hunt for the trophy marlin on a deep sea charter, troll the reef for grouper or snapper, or cast your line for the elusive bone fish in the flats on the south side of the island. Take your pick and we can hook you up with a great day of fishing.
If you prefer a little more speed, there’s water skiing, wake boarding and tubing available near us right out of Turtle Cove Marina. Or how about wind surfing or kite boarding – rentals and expert instruction are easily arranged – and the winds are perfect right to the west of our beach.
We even have a semi submarine operator here in TCI who can let you take a peek at all the undersea life without even getting wet.
Finally, our whale watching season starts in January. You can see the majestic humpback whales make their annual migration from up north to their seasonal breeding grounds just to the south of TCI.
West Bay Club is renowned for its spacious ocean front suites, from studios to one, two and three-bedroom configuration. But if the 3100 square-foot three-bedroom suite still isn’t big enough, check out our truly exceptional 3 bedroom/3.5 bath penthouse. With over 3,600 square feet, this is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Large terraces throughout the suite offer panoramic views of magnificent Grace Bay. The exquisite living areas, fully equipped modern kitchen, and spa-like bathroom suites will impress even the most seasoned traveller.
Our four-bedroom suites are ideal for large families or groups travelling together. You’ll live like royalty and enjoy the great hospitality and amenities of West Bay Club.
The long Thanksgiving weekend is a great reason to come visit us in the Turks and Caicos. Not only will you enjoy a warm, tropical location to feast on turkey and all the trimmings, but that weekend is also when our island celebrates our own native culinary delight – the conch!
The annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival is November 28, and West Bay Club is offering an attractive package to entice you down to celebrate with us. During that week, you can get a four night package for the price of a 3-night stay PLUS a full breakfast every day, a $50 credit at our Atlantic Bar & Grill and airport transfers AND two free passes to the Conch Festival.
The Conch Festival is a fun and truly Caribbean event which celebrates one of our favourite dishes. It features a tasting competition among all the local restaurants to see who can make the best conch dishes, plus local music, games, contests and an authentic Junk-A-Noo rush – a real spectacle if you’ve never seen this carnival style musical parade. The event is held in historic Blue Hills, about 10 minutes from West Bay Club.
Plan on joining us for a fun holiday weekend at West Bay Club, and enjoy turkey AND conch!
Children’s Home. It features two races – a 5K and a 10K - that are designed for all ages and abilities. Both courses go right past us here at West Bay Club and runners/walkers will have a great seaside view as they wind through the area of the island we call The Bight.
walk from your room at WBC, this spot is a bustling sub-marine mecca of sea life and it’s so easy to wade right in. There are even underwater signs to help you identify the common fish and other creatures you’ll come across.
configuration. But if the 3100 square-foot three-bedroom suite still isn’t big enough, check out our truly exceptional 3 bedroom/3.5 bath penthouse. With over 3,600 square feet, this is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. Large terraces throughout the suite offer panoramic views of magnificent Grace Bay. The exquisite living areas, fully equipped modern kitchen, and spa-like bathroom suites will impress even the most seasoned traveller.
will you enjoy a warm, tropical location to feast on turkey and all the trimmings, but that weekend is also when our island celebrates our own native culinary delight – the conch!
The Conch Festival is a fun and truly Caribbean event which celebrates one of our favourite dishes. It features a tasting competition among all the local restaurants to see who can make the best conch dishes, plus local music, games, contests and an authentic Junk-A-Noo rush – a real spectacle if you’ve never seen this carnival style musical parade. The event is held in historic Blue Hills, about 10 minutes from West Bay Club.