Activities on Pine Cay

SAILING ~ Small Hobie Wave sailboats are available on the beach without charge. The rental of larger private sailboats may be sometimes arranged. The nearly constant breeze makes for wonderful sailing.

DEEP-SEA FISHING* ~ World-class fishing for sailfish, marlin, wahoo, tuna, dolphin, mackerel and barracuda in the blue water just beyond the barrier reef. Attractions for a non-fishing partner, in addition to an enjoyable boat ride, may include sightings of porpoises, whales, sea turtles and even a rare whale shark. Our chef can prepare your catch for dinner. Half- and full-day trips available. Click for more information

BONEFISHING* ~ Bonefishing on the flats off Pine Cay can be excellent. Whether a seasoned expert or a raw beginner, our experienced guide will go out of his way to help you catch one (or many more) of these fabulous shallow water gamefish. Wade in ankle to knee deep water or fish from a boat. Our guide is accomplished at fly fishing as well as spinning. It's a half or full day outing. Click for more information

BOTTOM FISHING* ~ Guided trip for snapper, grouper and a variety of other bottom dwellers near the reef or on the Caicos Bank. Good outing for beginners with plenty of action most days. Our chef can prepare your catch for dinner. Half-day. Click for more information

KAYAKING ~ There are kayaks available for guests to use in exploring waters surrounding Pine Cay. This can be a magical experience on a clear, calm morning or late afternoon. The “Aquarium”, a secluded area at the south end of Pine Cay, is a favorite spot.

SWIMMING ~ The sea or the freshwater pool? It's your choice. If you choose the sea, be sure to keep an eye out for a dolphin swimming near the shore. Many guests have had the exhilarating experience of swimming with JoJo, a wild dolphin with an affinity for humans.

SNORKELING ~ Daily snorkeling trips are conducted by the Club, weather permitting. Masks, fins, and snorkels are available. Since you will be skimming the reef in a national park, we ask you to "take only pictures, kill only time, leave only bubbles." Spear fishing and underwater collecting are forbidden by law.

SCUBA DIVING* ~ With visibility usually exceeding 100 feet and an astonishing variety of marine life, scuba diving in Turks and Caicos is world-renowned. We can arrange courses for beginners and a wide selection of challenging dive trips for experienced divers (PADI or NAUI dive certification cards required) through professional dive services on Provo.

JOGGING AND WALKING ~ Our beaches and golf cart paths make excellent places to run and walk.

BASKETBALL ~ There is a well maintained court by the maintenance building.

TENNIS ~ Racquets and balls are available at the reception desk at no charge. A sign-up sheet is available for reserving a court time. The midday sun and afternoon tropical breezes make early morning the best time to play. Round-robin tournaments are scheduled from time to time.

BIKING ~ Explore Pine Cay by peddling your way along the trails and paths which crisscross the island. Bicycles are available for guest use near the Club entrance.

GOLF* ~ Open to the public, The Provo Golf & Country Club offers a lushly landscaped 18-hole golf course, consistently rated among the top ten in the Caribbean. We are happy to arrange tee times. Transportation is via Club boat and taxi.

LESS STRENUOUS DIVERSIONS

SHELLING and BEACH COMBING ~ Sand dollars and lovely seashells can be found along our beach. Sand Dollar Point, a half mile from the Club, is a favorite spot to search at low tide.

BIRD WATCHING ~ There are many interesting and colorful migratory and non-migratory birds on and around Pine Cay. Bird guidebooks are available in the lobby and gift shop.

SPA SERVICES ~ We now have a full time spa specialist on staff who is experienced in all spa techniques, including massages, manicures, pedicures, etc. Hair plaiting can also be arranged.

SIGHT- SEEING ON PINE CAY ~ Rent a golf cart and explore our safe and beautiful island. Maps are available in your room binder and at the front desk.

SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISES* ~ On nice evenings we often organize impromptu sunset cruises with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A very popular event. The ultimate in relaxation.

EXCURSIONS

GLOW-WORM CRUISE* ~ Each lunar month, five nights after the full moon, and fifty-five minutes after sunset, an amazing phenomenon occurs in the current that ebbs from the Caicos Bank, only a short boat ride from the Meridian Club. A wonderful, fifteen-minute display of underwater luminescence is created by the mating of a worm-like sea creature called Odontosyllis Enopla.

There are other species of glow worms which spawn on a lunar cycle, but not many, nor in many places in the world. On the New England coast at Woods Hole they spawn between the full and the new moon in the summer, just after twilight. The same kind of phenomenon occurs only off the coast of British Columbia, in the Pacific near Samoa, and in the East Indies in the Bay of Batavia.

Each month at this time, we organize a twilight catamaran ride to the area where the spawning occurs and watch this beautiful wonder of nature. It's as rare as the Meridian Club itself and is not to be missed.

TURTLE-WATCHING * ~ The Turks and Caicos still has a healthy population of green, hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles. We can organize one hour “turtle watching” trips in the channel adjoining Pine Cay for you to watch these amphibious reptiles as they surface for air while swimming against the current. Most days, you’ll see at least several and sometimes many more. If you are quick, you can get some photographs. Occasionally, you may also see an eagle ray leap out of the water or some tarpon rolling. Almost always there will be birdlife around, which may include ospreys, pelicans, oystercatchers, gulls and terns.

FT. GEORGE CAY ~ Designated a national park, Ft. George Cay was the site of a British military outpost in the late 18th century. Some ancient cannons remain in several feet of water off the north shore and there are faint remains of the old fort on land. We will drop you off on the beach with an umbrella and a picnic lunch if you wish and pick you back up at an appointed time.

LITTLE WATER CAY* ~ Also a national park area and home to a large population of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas. These docile creatures are always available on this small cay for great photo opportunities. Only a short boat ride from Pine Cay.

PROVIDENCIALES* ~ On Providenciales (Provo), the most populous and commercially developed island in the Turks & Caicos, you can rent a car or hire a taxi, shop for local art and crafts and visit local attractions. The rock carvings on Sapodilla Hill give an interesting perspective to the islands. The Environmental Center in the Bight provides exhibits on local ocean and forest plants and animals.

NORTH CAICOS* ~ Home to most of our staff, "North" is also home to a large flock of flamingos and "Wade's Green," the ruins of a Loyalist plantation dating to the late 18th Century. Enjoy a guided taxi tour of the sites of interest on this large island. Lunch at a local restaurant is an option. This is a half-day excursion requiring a 15 minute boat ride each way.

MIDDLE CAICOS* ~ Those of our staff not from "North" or Provo come from sparsely settled Middle Caicos. We can arrange a guided tour of the island villages, scenic point, and the renowned Conch Bar Caves. There is also a thriving local craft industry with many unique items for sale. Lunch can be arranged at a local restaurant. A full day excursion.

GRAND TURK* ~ See the nation's capital. Tour the island, stroll down historic Duke Street, visit the Turks & Caicos National Museum. There are a number of local restaurants available for lunch. It's a 30 minute flight and a full-day trip.

WHALE-WATCHING FROM SALT CAY* ~ From January through March humpback whales pass by the islands on their way to their breeding grounds. Salt Cay, home of a quaint village established in the 17th Century by Bermudan salt traders, is a prime whale-watching location. We can pack your lunch or you may choose to dine at a local restaurant. 30 minute flight and full-day trip.

OCEAN HOLE* ~ The Ocean Hole is a natural wonder. A huge, almost
perfectly round opening in the shallow bank behind Middle Caicos, it was
once said to be bottomless. This excursion, taking three to four hours,
includes a box lunch with beverages and entails a 30-40 minute boat ride
across the vast, shallow Caicos Bank. The trip alone is wonderful adventure,
offering chances to see dolphins, sharks, turtles and rays in the
unbelievably clear water.