The Long Bay Shipwreck – A must-see attraction
in Turks and Caicos
For many years, the rusting wreck of La Famille Express has been one of the most famous shipwrecks in the region and certainly the most famous wreck in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s relatively easy to access by boat or jet ski and is popular for boaters and photographers due to its unique, stranded position off the turquoise shallow waters off of Long Bay Beach.
You can find the Long Bay Shipwreck about 2 miles off Long Bay’s Kite Beach on Providenciales. When on Long Bay Beach, look directly out and you can’t miss it. It has been a major attraction of Kite Beach since its arrival in 2004 when it was dragged along the coast of Providenciales during Hurricane Frances.
What happened to La Famille Express?
La Famille Express is a cargo ship that ran aground in Turks and Caicos during Hurricane Frances in 2004. The vessel became a well-known shipwreck off the coast of Long Bay Beach on Providenciales. The hurricane pushed the ship toward the shallow waters, where it has remained ever since, becoming an iconic sight and very popular destination for boaters and photographers.Â
How do I get to La Famille Express shipwreck?
The most common way to reach the Long Bay shipwreck is by boat or jet ski. Many local tour operators such as Caicos Catalyst offer trips to the shipwreck, combining it with other activities like snorkeling or sightseeing. You can snorkel around the shipwreck where you will see lots of reef fish and the occasional lobster. You can also visit it via kayak or paddleboard but this is not generally recommended as it’s over 2 miles off of Long Bay Beach.
With the right wind direction and conditions, advanced kiters & foil boarders can kite upwind and around La Famille Express. This is a 2 miles upwind ride and should only be attempted by advanced kiters who take all necessary safety precautions! Kiting out to and around The Long Bay Shipwreck from Long Bay Beach is almost a rite of passage for high-level kiters who spend a lot of time kiting on Long Bay Beach.
Climbing the shipwreck & safety precautions
If you get the chance to pay her a visit, you might notice that mother nature has taken its toll. Climbing onto the shipwreck and exploring it was once a popular and readily accessible activity thanks to a net that hung over its port side. However, we now strongly recommend that you do not climb onto the wreck. The ship has significantly deteriorated over time, presenting numerous potential hazards due to its abundance of sharp edges along the rusty surface.
Additionally, there are general safety concerns regarding its stability. There have been discussions about the possible removal of the wreck, but as of the latest information, it remains a point of interest and a reminder of the hurricane’s impact on the area.Â
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The La Famille Express shipwreck remains as a significant feature in the landscape of Long Bay Beach and is a must-see attraction in the Turks & Caicos.
Bring your camera and a mask to make the most out of your visit!
How many shipwrecks are there in Turks and Caicos?
Turks and Caicos is home to numerous shipwrecks, with estimates suggesting there are over 30 known wrecks around the islands. These shipwrecks vary in age and origin, ranging from historic vessels dating back to the 18th century to more recent ships. However, not very many of these wrecks are accessible as most sunk off the barrier reef where the water is too deep to access them.
La Famille Express off on Long Bay Beach is the most popular and most easily accessible shipwreck in the Turks & Caicos.
Kite Provo Offers Even More to Do!
Take a magical journey through the shallow water estuaries of the beautiful Turks & Caicos ‘Mangrove Island’ nature reserve. Paddle alongside countless turtles, baby lemon sharks, pufferfish, rays, snapper, anemones, star fish, conch, pelicans and more.
Wing boarding is the newest wind powered water sport! Safe and easy to learn as the wing has no lines and the board doesn’t sink! With no previous wind or water experience, enjoy riding the board during your 1st lesson. Wing Boarding is for everyone!
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I had Alan as instructor, he is competant and was able to detect my mistakes rapidly and teach me how to correct it. Alan is a very nice guy, friendly… read more
March 1, 2022Todd S Great tour! The water was beautiful. Chris with SUP PROVO did an outstanding job showing us the wildlife and explaining how this wonderful eco system work. We… read more
February 1, 2022 Best experience to see marine life and tour parts of of the mangrove not everyone gets to see. I can only hope to get better at paddle boarding but for… read more christinf093
January 5, 2023 - Instructor was awesome, patient, followed on jet ski, just the right combo of demonstrating and offering tips. Site is exceptional too. Office very organized and flexible. T5025ZSjohnb
January 24, 2023dbX1657YO Kiteboarding lesson – Great instructor, setting, weather and equipment for kiteboarding. Jay did an excellent job reviewing principles and moving through the lesson at our pace. Did a three hour… read more
May 29, 2022 Kite Provo is amazing. I learned to kite with them a few years ago and keep coming back for progression lessons and for beginner lessons for family. The instructors are… read more ThomasC6583
February 11, 2023 - willwelchjr Epic start! – Baptiste is a great instructor who exhibited great patience! We had zero prior experience and truly enjoyed our time on Long Bay Beach with him. Great equipment and… read more
March 18, 2022 Is it possible to give Kite Provo and Mark, my spirited instructor, 6 stars? Tripadvisor doesn’t make that possible, but Mark deserves it. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills,… read more Erin E
July 20, 2022caitjb Great for beginners! – Great for beginners! Excellent instructor (named SJ) for 3 of us. She moved the fast track class (3 hours) along so that we each got on the board… read more
March 13, 2022 - The best of long bay – Provo is the oldest kite school on the island and it truly showed why! True professionals from the front office to the instructors. Would recommend whole heartedly to anyone interested… read more Kai I
July 30, 2025Steve Y Alan, our instructor was amazing. The whole team was great! Wish we'd have booked the 10 hour package, cause we were so hooked, we scheduled two more lessons… read more
April 1, 2022steveyX7524XC Awesome Kite boarding school!!! – Alan, our instructor was amazing. The whole team was great! Wish we’d have booked the 10 hour package, cause we were so hooked, we scheduled two more lessons… read more
April 11, 2022 - becky c We booked a paddle boarding tour from 8:15-10:15am. After a long paddle across the channel, we made it to the mangroves and saw all kinds of wildlife: conch, lemon… read more
March 1, 2022BaroodyB89 Turtles!!!! – Awesome tours even on a windy day. Mark guided us safely across the choppy water to the calm and beautiful mangroves. We saw a plethora of turtles, several different fish,… read more
July 24, 2022georges It was a 5. I had two different instructors for my 6 lessons. They were very good and very patient. And very competent. And very flexible.
January 1, 1970
