Given that it’s an island surrounded by beautiful inviting waters and in a location boasting warm balmy temperatures, it’s no wonder that the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta is one of the most fun water activities to enjoy each year.
True or False?
In 2017, some people paddled their way across the Caicos water on a beer keg? That would be true!
Last year the raft race at the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta saw participants pitting their skills against other racers using a raft built from beer kegs.
What is the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta?
Providenciales Fool’s Regatta began as a small boating event on April Fool’s Day in 1990. Over time the event became a challenge to host during April as this is peak tourist time, so the regatta date was moved to the month of June but the name left unchanged.
Where does the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta take place?
Regatta action takes place at Bight Children’s Park and features a variety of boating competitions including the Big Boat Race, Laser Pico Inter-School Challenge, Hobie Cat Resort Challenge, and Great Raft Race.
The larger boat category includes a number of remarkable Caicos Sloops and also two vessels that have participated since the inaugural event in 1990, the trimaran Minx and the 40 foot catamaran Beluga. The larger boats race down the length of Grace Bay while smaller boats race off Regatta Central in the Bight Park.
What else happens at the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta?
Adding to the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta enjoyment and entertainment is a Tug-O-War as well as a culinary and cultural festival offering authentic island dishes provided by local restaurants and performances by local musical artists.
Proceeds go to benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands Sailing Association (TCISA), an organization that works towards preserving island boat building traditions and promoting future generations of sailors through sailing instruction and fun events.
What other Providenciales water activities are available?
The water off the island is warm and pristine making it a paradise for Providenciales water activities such as snorkeling and diving. Here the marine world teems with colourful coral such as the elkhorn species as well as a variety of marine life including blue tang, grouper, eagle ray, and green sea turtle.
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to options for Providenciales water activities including parasailing, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and cruising.
Local operators offer excursions around the island and to nearby cays, and some boating excursion companies like Caicos Dream Tours, not only provide professional and personable service but offer a memorable and authentic island experience.
Half day Providenciales snorkeling excursions or full day snorkeling and exploring charters will whisk you away to snorkeling adventures through the barrier reef or beachcombing at gorgeous sites like Pine Cay or Dellis Cay.
Whether cruising around cays, paddling the reef, or racing a home-built boat, the Providenciales Fool’s Regatta and abundant Providenciales water activities always bring you close to the spectacular aquatic landscape that makes this island so idyllic and interesting.