Anglers flock to Turks and Caicos for its world-class sportfishing. Providenciales is the center of all the fishing action as there are plenty of excellent fishing sites just a short boat ride away. The island also hosts a number of fishing tournaments throughout the year for deep-sea, bonefishing, and bottom fishing. A Turks and Caicos fishing adventure makes for a fun day out with the whole family and friends.
Types of Fishing Charters
Turks and Caicos is blessed with an abundance of reefs, underwater walls, quiet bays, and mangrove forests, which means that there are plenty of options when it comes to charters.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Turks and Caicos islands sit on the edge of marine shelves that start at about 45 feet and drop thousands of feet into the ocean. This means there is plenty of deep-sea fish to be found very close to the islands. Potential catches include blue marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and barracuda.
Bonefishing
Bonefish congregate in the mudflats around Providenciales, which makes it easy to pull in a decent haul just a short distance from shore. Bonefishing is typically done with a fly rod or spin casting from a shallow draft boat. Most bonefish range from four to eight pounds and it is common to encounter huge schools of them on the marine banks.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is increasing in popularity in Turks and Caicos. There are numerous charter companies that can guide you to excellent spots, set you up with equipment and teach you the basics like how to present a fly and cast. Catches include bonefish, tarpon, and snook.
Reef & Bottom Fishing
Reef and bottom fishing is relatively easy, so it’s a great activity for families with young children. Nothing beats watching the joy in a little one’s face when they catch their first fish. Typical catches include red snapper, bar jack, yellowtail snapper, cero, and barracuda. You could even catch a lionfish and shark.
Best Time of Year to Fish
You can fish year-round in Turks and Caicos, although some seasons are better than others for certain types of fish. December to March is the peak tourist season, so boats can get booked up fast.
How Far Out Do You Need to Go for Deep Sea Fishing?
Because the Turks and Caicos islands sit so close to the marine shelves, it only takes about 10 minutes by boat to get to deep water.
Monthly Fishing Chart
Many fish are available year-round in the waters off of the Turks and Caicos islands including grouper, snapper, cero, triggerfish, and bonefish. From November to March you have a good chance of reeling in deep-sea fish like mahi-mahi, sailfish, and blackfin tuna as well as barracuda and reef sharks. From July to September the conditions are excellent for blue marlin, bigeye tuna, and yellowfin tuna.
Fishing companies:
Privé
Privé offers private yacht charters on high-powered sports yachts outfitted with modern amenities like dual fish boxes with refrigerated plates, holders to store extra equipment, and outdoor kitchen and BBQ areas where you can cook your catches. Spacious cockpits can easily accommodate groups and the state-of-the-art sports equipment makes it easy to pull in the catches. www.prive-yachts.com
Panoply
Since 2008, Panoply has been taking guests out on the water for sport fishing, reef fishing, bonefishing, and more. The fleet consists of three luxury yachts perfectly set up for daily trips. No experience is necessary, as the crew is more than happy to show you the ropes. They’re also happy to sit back and let experienced anglers do their thing. www.panoply.tc
Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos
Scuba divers will find plenty to explore around the Turks and Caicos islands and cays. The clear, calm waters are home to barrier reefs, underwater walls, and all manner of marine life. Most dive boats leave from Providenciales and within minutes you can be at fascinating dive sites that are suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike.
Does Turks and Caicos Offer Good Scuba Diving?
With over 70 miles of barrier reefs and walls and hundreds of dive sites scattered between the various islands and cays, Turks and Caicos is a prime scuba diving destination. Many of the dive sites are located in protected national parks, so you will find an abundance of untouched coral formations and teeming marine life.
Best Time of Year to Dive
Turks and Caicos has beautiful weather virtually year-round, so no matter what time of year you come, you can go scuba diving. September and October can be rainy, which might affect the visibility slightly. If you want to see humpback whales, late January to early March is the time to come. December to March is the high tourist season, so dive operators can be busy.
Best Dives in Turks & Caicos
French Cay is a popular diving spot for its impressive wall that plunges over 6,000 feet. This is a gathering spot for nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and even humpback whales at certain times of the year. West Caicos is another excellent diving spot as there are about 25 dive sites spanning the six-mile wall. The reef is only about 45 feet here, so it’s a great spot for all skill levels. Northwest Point is renowned for its abundance of coral and bull sharks.
Dive Conditions
Sunny days and gentle ocean swells means that the waters around Turks and Caicos are generally calm and the visibility is excellent. The average water temperature is around 78° F (26° C), which is perfect for diving.
Marine Life and Ecology
It’s pretty much a given that on a Turks and Caicos dive excursion you will run into a myriad of marine life. This includes soft and hard corals, sea fans, manta rays, eels, lobsters, sharks, sea turtles, conch, and barracuda. Humpback whales and dolphins can be seen at certain times of the year.
Learn to Dive in Turks and Caicos
There are numerous dive operators on Providenciales that offer PADI courses for absolute newbies and experienced divers. Courses include the PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, NITROX, and Rescue Diver.
Types of Dives
Compared to other Caribbean dive destinations, Turks and Caicos tends to have smaller dive groups, which means the dive sites are significantly less crowded. Most dive boats set off from Providenciales and it could take anywhere from 15 minutes up to an hour to reach a dive site. Night dives are also available off The Bight Reef.
Private Dives
Private dives are a great option because you won’t have to share a boat with other divers and you will have the full, undivided attention of your divemaster. Most dive operators offer private dive options.
Dive Companies
Dive Provo
Dive Provo offers daily dives to sites around French Cay, West Caicos, Grace Bay, Pine Cay, and Northwest Point. They offer complimentary transfers to and from dive docks around Long Bay and Grace Bay, as well as private dives and discounts for multiple dive bookings.
Aqua TCI
The service is friendly and professional at Aqua TCI. Jump on Stephanie and Bill Wallwork’s custom 30-foot boat to set off for fascinating dive sites around French Cay, West Caicos, and Northwest Point. They specialize in small groups.
Flamingo Divers
Flamingo Divers guarantees that there are never more than 8 divers on their dive trips. And for those who want an even more personalized experience, they also offer private charters as well as PADI courses and certification.
