Turtle Cove Marina Approach
Turtle Cove · Provo marina anchorage
21°46.98'N 72°13.26'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m for good holding on sand/mud in 3–8m. The 0.6–0.9m tidal range at Providenciales means your swinging circle changes with the tide — set 80m alarm to account for tidal movement and wind shifts. In cold front norther conditions (Jan–Mar), increase to 100m or seek marina berth. Confirm anchor position on both GPS and visual range-bearing to fixed object ashore.
About This Anchorage
Turtle Cove is the main visitor marina on Providenciales and the primary customs and immigration port of entry for cruising vessels arriving at the Caicos Islands. The marina is located in a small creek on the north coast of Provo, protected from the prevailing easterly trades. Turtle Cove Marina VHF 16 — call ahead for berth availability and customs coordination. The marina has fuel, water, ice, basic provisions, and a restaurant (Tiki Hut Bar). The surrounding area of Grace Bay Road has the best provisioning on Provo — IGA grocery, ACE Hardware, and various restaurants within taxi distance. All visiting foreign vessels must clear customs here (or Grand Turk or South Caicos) before proceeding to any other TCI anchorage. Cruising permit (~$50 USD) required. The outer anchorage north of the marina entrance serves vessels awaiting clearance or preferring to anchor out.
Protected From
S · SE · SW · E · W
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in outer area; marina berths available at standard rates
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Cruising permit ~$50 USD covers all TCI anchorages for the duration of stay. Entry at customs office at Turtle Cove Marina — standard immigration fees apply. Vessel documentation required.
Restrictions: Customs and immigration mandatory on first arrival in TCI; Q flag until cleared; cruising permit required (~$50 USD); no anchoring on coral; tidal awareness essential — approach marina creek at mid-high tide.
Hazards
- !Cold front northers January–March: 30–40kt N winds — anchorage exposed to north; seek marina berth or depart early
- !Tidal range 0.6–0.9m — approach creek entrance at mid to high tide; shallow bar at low water
- !Tidal currents in the creek entrance — up to 2kt on spring tides; power in carefully
- !Coral heads outside the marked channel — stay in buoyed channel only
- !No anchoring on coral throughout TCI waters — DECR enforcement active
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Turtle Cove Marina on VHF 16 before arrival to pre-arrange customs clearance and confirm berth or mooring availability
- →Clear customs here first — you cannot legally anchor anywhere else in TCI until you have your cruising permit in hand
- →Provisioning: IGA supermarket on Grace Bay Road is a 5-minute taxi ride — stock up here before exploring the outer cays
- →Grace Bay Beach is a 10-minute walk from the marina — rated one of the world's best beaches; well worth a morning visit
- →Set tide tables for Provo before entering the creek — the 0.6–0.9m range matters in these shallow approaches
Facilities
Tiki Hut Bar and Restaurant at Turtle Cove Marina. Grace Bay Road area (short taxi ride) has IGA supermarket, pizza, international restaurants. Best general provisioning on Providenciales.
Nearest provisions: IGA Supermarket, Grace Bay Road (5 min taxi) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May (dry season). December–April optimal. Hurricane season June–November — TCI should be exited or vessels in a certified hurricane hole. Cold front northers January–March can bring 30–40kt N winds with short notice.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In TCI waters, the 0.6–0.9m tidal range means your depth at anchor changes significantly overnight. Drag toward coral reef can cause serious damage. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can sleep with confidence.
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