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.
Yacht Charters in Turks & Caicos
If you want to explore the Turks and Caicos islands in style, a yacht charter is the way to go. A luxury yacht charter allows you to discover deserted beaches, hidden coves, and coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life, all while traveling in the utmost comfort. As you glide across the turquoise waters on your private yacht charter, you can indulge in refreshing beverages and snacks, take in incredible sights and stop to do fun activities like snorkeling, jet-skiing, and whale watching.
Where do Yacht Charters go in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
The great thing about a private charter is that you can customize your journey to include all the sights and activities you want to experience. Due to the shallow waters surrounding Long Bay Beach and Grace Bay Beach, Yacht charters depart from various Providenciales marinas nearby. Your captain and crew can then take you to uninhabited islands and cays to explore pristine beaches and caves and enjoy beach barbecues. They can also take you to exceptional diving and fishing spots.
Best Time of Year to Charter a Yacht
The Turks and Caicos islands experience great weather almost all year round, so it’s possible to charter a yacht any time between the months of November and August. During this time, the days are mostly sunny and the waters are clear and calm. In September and October, it tends to rain and there are fewer tourists on the islands, so some yacht charter companies take a break in the slow period.
What Can I Expect When on a Yacht Charter?
The opportunities for adventure are endless on a yacht charter. Most charter companies offer a range of activities for guests of all ages. Snorkeling is always popular because the waters around the islands are incredibly clear and the reefs are full of vibrant marine life like sea fans, parrotfish, lobsters, and giant manta rays. Crew members can guide you to the most interesting reef formations and underwater sites.
You can also zip across the water on a Jet-ski or Sea-doo, propel yourself underwater with a handheld Seabob, or use an iBubble drone to film your diving excursions. Whether you’re into motorized water sports, scuba diving, deep water fishing, or tracking wildlife like lizards, dolphins, and tropical birds, your private yacht charter crew can help you plan an unforgettable journey at sea.
Even better, most charters provide top-shelf beverages and food for half-day, full-day and multi-day cruises. They also have experienced crews to serve you and guide you around the islands. The staff size and inclusions will vary depending on the yacht.
Yacht Companies
Privé
Privé Fine Ocean Charters has a range of sleek and stylish vessels for all types of journeys at sea. You can choose from a spacious catamaran or high-powered sports yachts for diving trips and offshore fishing excursions. Each journey can be personalized and includes beverages and food. If you’re looking for a romantic beach getaway, a family outing for some snorkeling and diving, or a leisurely sunset cruise, Privé has you covered. www.prive-yachts.com
Are Yachts All-inclusive?
Most charters include food and drinks and equipment for water sports. Some offer alcoholic beverages including wine, beer, rum punch, and champagne. Each yacht charter is different, so the inclusions vary depending on which charter company you go with.
Top Reasons You Should Book a Private Yacht Charter
Unlike scheduled boat trips, luxury yacht charters are private, so you and your family and friends will have the whole boat to yourselves. In addition, yacht charters are customizable, so you can pick and choose where you want to go and what you want to do. Plus, you’ll get to cruise around the Turks and Caicos islands and cays in a gorgeous vessel outfitted with modern amenities designed with comfort and adventure in mind.
