Kiteprovo

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. 

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. 

 

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!

See What Our Boarders are Saying About Us!

Reviews: 5 stars on and
(combined 700+ reviews)

  • star rating  First Class Kite lessons! – We signed up for a full week of lessons with Kite Provo and could not have been happier. The instructors were GREAT! Of course, the water and weather are so… read more

    V1696DUbeckym
    September 13, 2022

    star rating  Board Rental – Rented a board from them for few hours. Price was fair- plenty of kite boards to choose from, surfboards/twin tips.
    Much easier than traveling with my own board-… read more

    Chasingswell
    March 15, 2022

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb Erin E
    July 20, 2022
  • star rating  Took two private lessons with Mark. Great instruction and guidance that significantly improved my kite and board skills. The spot was made for kiting with shallow water and steady… read more

    avatar thumb David L
    February 13, 2023

    star rating  Jay was awesome! Really took the time to teach me how to maintain control of the kite under strong wind conditions. I would highly recommend. Shout out to Jerry, too.

    avatar thumb K2499IQalir
    April 14, 2022

    star rating  The mangrove tour on paddleboards was a lot of fun! Saw so many turtles, some baby lemon sharks. The information about the area was great and it was… read more

    Linssk
    June 1, 2022
  • star rating  Great experience from booking through the SUP tour, a bunch of turtles, fish and several sharks. Very informative guide.

    avatar thumb joele2015
    December 24, 2022

    star rating  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

    dbX1657YO
    May 29, 2022

    star rating  I can't imagine a better program, location and instructor. I started in Dominican Republic, then Antigua, and finally Kite Provo in TCI. Knowing what I know now, I… read more

    Bob
    April 1, 2022
  • star rating  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

    steveyX7524XC
    April 11, 2022

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb ThomasC6583
    February 11, 2023

    star rating  A great place for that 1st step – I’ve seen kite surfers in several different vacation spots but never had the option to take lessons. Being in Providenciales affords a great chance to take lessons on the… read more

    brewer559
    July 14, 2022
  • star rating  Rented a board from them for few hours. Price was fair- plenty of kite boards to choose from, surfboards/twin tips. Much easier than traveling with my own board-… read more

    Chasingswell
    March 1, 2022

    star rating  Best kiteboarding lessons! – It’s paradise for beginners or those who give it a last shot. After so many unsuccessful classes in so many countries around the world, it’s where I finally got it.… read more

    514pascalep
    May 15, 2022

    star rating  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

    avatar thumb Kai I
    July 30, 2025

Real-time Wind & Weather
Compliments of Kite Provo

Sensor

Sensor
Wind Speed (Knots/mph)
Gust Speed (Knots/mph)
Temperature (C/F)

Reading

E
9.5/10.9
11.3/13
0/32