Lobster season officially opened yesterday (August 15, 2012), which makes this favorite treat a part of the Turks and Caicos Islands menu again.

Last year, acting on advice from fishermen and the Fisheries Advisory Committee, the governor’s Advisory Council decided to postpone the beginning of lobster season by two weeks past the usual opening date of Aug. 1 in order to allow lobster stocks time to reproduce.  The season will through March 31, 2013.

The first day of the new season in the country is known as “the lobster grab,” when hundreds of fishermen rush out in an attempt to catch the bounty lobster population.

Lobster is considered a must have for fine dining in the islands and is largely used by restaurants. Local chefs are famous for their spiny lobster dishes — cooked in nearly every style imaginable. Economically, the lobster fishery is the most important marine resource in the country and has played an integral part in the community for generations.

It is an extremely important industry, centered mainly in South Caicos, although also largely available on all the other islands. The Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) grows to about 60 centimeters in length. Like the other 20 members of the genus Panulirus such as the Australian, California, and Chinese spiny lobsters, it lacks the large pinching claws of their Maine lobster relatives.

Its only defenses are the spines that cover its shell, which help protect the lobster from predators. The Caribbean spiny lobster uses a second pair of antennae in sensory perception, which are found folded along side the body when not in use.

The Caribbean Spiny lobster is also a healthy treat, with only 143 calories and 1.9 grams of fat per 3.5-ounce cooked serving. Enjoy it while it lasts.

The Alexandra Resort, located on world famous Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos Islands, recently published a "Top 15 Things to do with Kids in the Turks & Caicos Islands" list for their guests.

The list included the following activities:

1.      Go to the children’s park at The Bight.  Located right on Grace Bay Beach, there are swings, a jungle gym, teeter totters and more.

2.      After playing at the park, head across the street to the National Environmental Centre and view exhibits on the coral reef and ecosystem s in Turks & Caicos.

3.      Enjoy a glass bottom semi submarine ride, which departs with Caicos Tours from Turtle Cove.  You might see sharks and turtles, and you’ll definitely see lots of tropical fish and beautiful coral.

4.      Go horseback riding with Provo Ponies on beautiful Long Bay Beach.

5.      Spending the morning at Taylor Bay or Sapodilla Beach then head over to Neptune Villas where you can enjoy a tasty lunch at Las Brisas, followed by either a 2 hour pontoon boat cruise or some kayaking on Chalk Sound.  Make arrangements with the owners of Las Brisas.

6.      Arrange a boating excursion with Caicos Dream Tours to visit some other cays and do some snorkeling.  Caicos Dream Tours' excursions depart from the beach in front of the Alexandra Resort.

7.      Visit Fun World, which offers mini golf, rock climbing and go-karts.

8.      Try out snuba, which allows you to try the experience on scuba diving by going a little deeper than snorkeling without deep sea diving.

9.      Learn a new sport!  The Turks and Caicos is a great place to try out kite boarding, paddle boarding, tennis, golf and more.  There are great facilities and qualified instructors on the island.

10.  Take a day trip to another island.  With fast speed ferry service available to North Caicos and South Caicos, your family can enjoy some time on the water and then the opportunity to discover other islands in this beautiful country.

11.  See the glow worms!  On the third and fourth night after the full moon, take a cruise on the Atebayra and witness the amazing glow worm show.

12.  Digicel TCI Cinemas offers at least three shows daily and is the perfect spot to visit if the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities.

13.  Enjoy a Mommy and me trip to the spa.  Some of the spas on the island offer manis, pedis, and facials for kids.

14.  Even kids enjoy a bit of retail therapy.  Head to Regent Village and Salt Mills for tourist boutique shops, and if you are looking for toys, visit the Do It Center, Kischo or Business Solutions.  The Unicorn Bookstore is also a fantastic place to buy books for children and adults, as well as a nice selection of toys and arts and crafts supplies.

15.  Visit the only conch farm in the world.  Children and parents alike will enjoy the educational tour that tells the story about the local delicacy from the sea.

The Alexandra Resort features family-friendly suites, all equipped with housekeeping facilities, flat screen TV's and large decks or patios.  In addition, there is a brand new kids club, The Pelican Club, a large free form swimming pool, complimentary non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, a fitness room and the popular Mango Reef Restaurant.  The resort occupies over 600 feet of frontage on one of the top ranked beaches in the world.  

Great spring specials are now available, including a very family friendly Easter Getaway, available to book until March 15, 2013.

Tourists and visitors alike converge each year at Children’s Park along Provo’s renowned Grace Bay Beach for a day of family fun at the annual Fool’s Regatta. Initially an April Fool’s Day event, the regatta is now held each year in June. This year it’s scheduled for June 16.

The Fool’s Regatta is a fantastical display of sailing, an important legacy in the Turks & Caicos. The day’s highlight is undoubtedly the Great Raft Race, where teams paddle furiously aboard hilariously patched-together vessels in hopes of claiming victory. There’s also a Hobie Cat race, and iconic island sloops compete in the Caicos Sloop races.

Even if you aren’t a boatie, there’s plenty of land-based fun at this regatta, including entertainment like live steel pan performances, tug-o-war, and plenty of local food and drink. If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Provo, this is the time to be there, and The Alexandra Resort is just minutes away from all the action.

Alexandra Resort new promotion for summer getaways:

Offer:                    $1,699 for a one week stay in a garden view one bedroom suite

Booking Window:    Now - February 29, 2012

Travel Dates:         May 1 - August 31, 2012

Terms:                

Book and pre-pay in full (non refundable) by February 29, and receive extra $25 off the $1699 (after discount, price is $1,674).  Otherwise, may book up until March 31, 2012 to receive that rate (must be fully prepaid and non refundable to receive rate).  May not be combined with other offers.  For new reservations only.  Subject to availability and advance reservations required.  Available only for reservations made directly with resort.