The Turks and Caicos Islands, less known than some other Caribbean destinations, are a veritable Eden bordered by white sands, coconut palms and a crystal sea. Luxury hotels and villas line the peaceful coasts of this archipelago of 40 islands stretching south of the Bahamas. If you like snorkeling, then the Turks and Caicos Islands will have everything to delight you: a few shallow reefs accessible from the beaches, good green turtle spots, a sandbank visited by dozens of stingrays, and a great choice boat trips to pristine cays.
The Turks and Caicos Islands archipelago comprises nearly 40 islands and cays, of which only 8 are inhabited. They extend between the Bahamas, with which they form the Lucayan Archipelago, and the Dominican Republic. The most visited islands are Providenciales and Grand Turk, the capital island.
There are many snorkeling spots throughout the archipelago, some of which easily accessible from the shore, particularly in Providenciales. Whatever island you stay in, you will also find boat trips there to take you snorkeling on remote reefs or uninhabited cays.
Providenciales, often nicknamed “Provo”, is the most visited of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the best island in the archipelago for beach snorkeling.
Two spots on its north coast are particularly recommended for snorkeling from the shore: Smith’s Reef, near Turtle Cove, and The Bight Reef (also known as Coral Gardens), a little further to the east. They are home to shallow reefs, covered with corals and gorgonians, where you come across green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and multicolored fish.
If you want to spot sea turtles, you can also get in the water at The Bight Park, where they are often found in the seagrass beds. Grace Bay, the most famous beach on the island, is lined by sandy beds with poorer underwater life.
On the west coast of Provo, Malcom’s Road Beach is a good shore access option. At this location, you can discover an artificial reef, made up of hundreds of ceramic balls. This spot is however only recommended for experienced snorkelers because of the currents or waves that can occur in the area.
A stay in Providenciales is also the opportunity to treat yourself to one or more boat trips to more remote spots. Among the most popular snorkeling tour destinations are Northwest Point Marine National Park, West Caicos Marine National Park, Leeward Cut Reef and Turtle Rock, all accessible from the island.
For a more original experience, opt for a paddle or kayak trip to Mangrove Cay. Once in the heart of the mangrove swamp, you will explore its crystal-clear waters and its root forests, where many fish grow before reaching the reefs or the open sea.
The other islands of the Caicos archipelago, wilder, also have different profiles.
North and Middle Caicos, just east of Providenciales, are quite exposed to swell and wind. Three Marys Cays, Mudjin Harbor and Conch Bar Beach are among the most recommended spots, when the sea conditions allow. These 3 spots have a free shore access.
In South Caicos, explore East Bay Beach seagrass meadows, or take a boat trip to the coral reefs that line Dove Cay or Long Cay.
If you are visiting Grand Turk, the capital island, you’ll find a few options for snorkeling from the beach. The best is Boaby Rock Point, where the coral reef is shallow and rich in marine life, but that can be affected by rough seas.
Opposite the other beaches of the island, there are few or no corals, and much less fish. If you spend the day at Governor’s Beach, Cockburn Town Beach, English Point or Pillory Beach, you can still try snorkeling there, where you can sometimes be surprised by unexpected sights.
If you dream of swimming with stingrays, head to Gibbs Cay, off the east coast of Grand Turk. This spot, which can be reached by boat, is visited by many almost tame southern stingrays.
Salt Cay, the second largest in the Turks Islands, is also home to some decent snorkeling spots. At North Bay Beach, go explore the small reefs (dark spots) that can be seen from the shore.
Balfour Town Beach (where the coral is unfortunately quite unhealthy) and South Point (very exposed to wind) may also be worth a look.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a typical Caribbean underwater flora and fauna. On the shallow reefs, you will encounter angelfish, wrasse, grunt, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, snappers, and hundreds of other fish species. Morays, snake eels, reef squids and lobsters are also common around the islands, especially in no-fishing areas.
The north coast of Providenciales is a prime destination for green sea turtles watching. The turtles love to feed and rest on the seagrass meadows that have grown in this sheltered area. Try your luck at Smith’s Reef, The Bight Park or The Bight Reef, where you will have a good chance of spotting some.
On the reefs and seagrass beds of the archipelago, spotted eagle rays and southern stingrays are occasionally seen. However, if you want to be sure to spot some, head to Gibbs Cay, where southern stingrays are fed by the guides and therefore not shy.
If you are planning a snorkeling trip to Turks and Caicos or anywhere else in the Caribbean, we recommend the excellent Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas (also available in ebook), the reference guide to ID the fish you will encounter snorkeling the archipelago.
With 350 sunny days a year and a warm climate, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a year-round snorkeling destination. Only the rare shower rains (more frequent between August and December) and the wind, which can be strong on the most exposed coasts, can make snorkeling less pleasant.
In the event that the sea is rough on one side of the island, however, you will have a good chance of finding much calmer seas on the opposite coast. Rare hurricanes can hit the archipelago between June and November.
Temperatures are pretty constant, averaging 84.2 to 89.6/29 to 32°C between June and October, and barely cooler (2 to 3 degrees cooler) the rest of the year. The water is pleasant even in winter (73.4 to 78.8°F/23 to 26°C), reaching a perfect temperature for snorkeling, around 85°F/29-30°C, during summer. Wearing a rashguard is recommended to protect you from the sun, and reduce the use of sunscreen, damageable for corals.
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Common along Provo’s northern coast, for example in Smith’s Reef and The Bight Park. Occasional elsewhere.
Occasional sightings on all spots.
Common in reef spots.
Can be seen in both reefs and seagrass meadows. More common in protected areas.
Coral reef and seagrass beds with turtles, rays and reef fish
Level: Free shore access
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