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!
See What Our Boarders are Saying About Us!
- V1696DUbeckym
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 conducive to learning! Kristen and Chris are super helpful and have a true appreciation for all that the Island offers! We highly recommend Kite Provo and will be back! Don’t hesitate – just book it!
September 13, 2022ChasingswellBoard 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 had a great windy day mowing the lawn and practicing some flat water tricks. I’ve kited several other islands and their setup is top notch, only thing that would have made it better would have been some waves!
March 15, 2022Is 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 or you’re a beginner, be sure to request Mark for anything related to kiteboarding. Mark made me more confident, and taught me basic skills to get up, and keep moving! He’s patient and personable. You would be remiss if you didn’t request him as your instructor. Don’t forget to kite with conscience.
Erin E
July 20, 2022 -
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 winds. I’ll be back!
David L
February 13, 2023Jay 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.
K2499IQalir
April 14, 2022LinsskThe 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 totally doable! Even if you are not an experience paddle boarder – you can do it! Thanks Mark and Mawi!
June 1, 2022 -
Great experience from booking through the SUP tour, a bunch of turtles, fish and several sharks. Very informative guide.
joele2015
December 24, 2022dbX1657YOKiteboarding 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 bring a friend lesson which brought us up to the point of rudimentary kite control and just starting to get up on the board. Left us wanting to return for the next step. Will be going back for more.
May 29, 2022BobI 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 would have skipped the first two. I progressed more in 1 day w/Mark at Kite Provo, than the others combined. Mark is not only a great kite-boarder and "natural" teacher, he is a great guy and genuinely enjoys watching you progress! Their process is unique. Because of the water depth, the instructor is out there with you. No shouting from the beach. AND, they can see your form up close to provide great immediate feedback. They are also able to demonstrate for you, right there. You could not design a better location to learn and progress : perfect winds; perfect depth; flat water. Tie that with great instructors, and you not only progress quickly, but have fun doing it!
April 1, 2022 - steveyX7524XC
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 after our first day. Clearly Kite Provo is the best, as we watched many other students and their instructors at other programs along the beach. None compared. We will be back!
April 11, 2022Kite 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 amazing. They have students up and riding quickly and safely. Kite Provo is the best kite school on Turks and Caicos and TCI is the best place in the world to learn to kite.
ThomasC6583
February 11, 2023brewer559A 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 very flat shallow waters of Long Bay Beach. Kite Provo was great to work with prior to my arrival on island and Mark was a very informative & patient instructor for this group of 1st timers. This was a great experience & introduction to a fun sport.
July 14, 2022 - Chasingswell
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 had a great windy day mowing the lawn and practicing some flat water tricks. I've kited several other islands and their setup is top notch, only thing that would have made it better would have been some waves!
March 1, 2022514pascalepBest 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 Thanks to Allan and Mawi!!!! Talented, kind and patient kiteboarding instructors!
May 15, 2022The 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 in learning this amazing sport
Kai I
July 30, 2025



