There are many reasons why people choose diving holidays in the Turks and Caicos over many other tropical regions in the world. The islands have some of the best diving sites with a variety of diving experiences; there is an abundance of marine life; clean and clear waters are ideal for diving; there are several professional dive centers; and there is an unmatchable island charm that cannot be found anywhere else.
When planning a holiday that is dedicated to diving in the ocean, there are many factors you should consider. You should decide when you want to visit, and if that coincides with the best time to visit for diving. Also, you will have to decide where you will stay. Then, you must select a dive center that will accompany you to the bottom of the ocean. Although dive centers will have pre-arranged dive sites, you may have a few sites that you want to explore. There is also the option to book a fully planned diving holiday package.
The Best Time to Visit the Turks and Caicos for Diving
The Turks and Caicos is a year-round dive destination, which means that you can dive at any time. However, many divers visit the islands for diving excursions between December and May. These months are typically the dry season with average temperatures in the 80s, and there is not a lot of rain. These months are extremely busy and attract people who want a break from the cold. The hurricane season runs from June to November and there is more rain during those months.
Top Dive Sites in the Turks and Caicos
Divers from all over the world flock to the Turks and Caicos Islands to experience colourful reefs, warm, tropical waters, underwater species, and historic wrecks. The waters surrounding the islands are a natural marine sanctuary where divers can escape and be blown away by a beautiful and calming experience.
The coastlines in the Turks and Caicos are all protected by a National Park Ordinance. The ordinance protects the islands’ coastline and marine areas and thus conserving the environment. As a result, the reefs in the surrounding waters are healthy, and create a rich and rich for diverse aquatic species.
For the best diving experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands, try one of these diving spots:
Providenciales
The Providenciales scuba diving experience consists of several dive sites along 70 miles of barrier reef and wall. Many of the sites are protected areas, which means that fishing is prohibited and punishable by law. As a result, there is a diverse variety of sea life and vibrant coral reefs. Divers will be treated to a display of tropical species including fish, corals, sponges, sea fans, turtles, lobsters, eels, eagle rays and sharks.
Northwest Point
Northwest Point is one of the highly sought-after diving spots in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean. This popular area, which is a favourite excursion on many Turks and Caicos diving holiday itineraries consists of several dive sites. One of them is Black Coral Forest, where black coral species and hammerheads thrive. There is also Shark Hotel, a thrilling dive site for spotting reef sharks, snappers, and grunts.
Grace Bay’s Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens, just off Grace Bay Beach, is a dream for divers and snorkellers of all levels. Also known as Bight Reef, it is located in the Princess Alexander Park which is a protected area. The reef is extremely popular because it is near to the shore, visibility is excellent, and very easy to get to. When you arrive on Grace Bay Beach, look for red buoys in the sea. These will guide you to the exact location of the reef.
West Caicos’ Gullies and Anchorages
With over 15 dive sites, West Caicos is a must-dive area for visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands. West Caicos is a protected marine national park of approximately 981 acres with several breath-taking walls. The Turks and Caicos Islands are founded on shallow plateaus with abrupt edges or walls that can go as deep as 100 feet. The best dive sites in the area include Driveway, the Southwest Reef, and Highway to Heaven.
Choosing a Dive Center in the Turks and Caicos
When choosing a dive center in the Turks and Caicos, you must always look for a company that takes safety very seriously. When vetting companies, some of the things to look for are:
- Certifications and experience of dive instructors
- Equipment and inspection frequency
- Safety measures and safety records
- Dive agency affiliations
- Pricing and packages
Accommodation in the Turks and Caicos
There is a wide range of places to stay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are hotels, resorts, villas, all-inclusive resorts, private island hotels, luxury villas and family hotels. For recommendations, visit this guide on where to stay in the Turks and Caicos. For reviews on properties and savings on bookings, visit Booking.com.
Booking.comDiving Companies in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Here is a list of the dive companies in the Turks and Caicos Islands:
- Aqua TCI (Providenciales)
- Blue Water Divers (Grand Turk)
- Caicos Adventures (Grace Bay)
- Dive Provo (Grace Bay)
- Flamingo Divers (Providenciales)
- Grand Turk Diving Company (Cockburn)
- Oasis Divers (Cockburn Town)
- Ocean Vibes Scuba and Watersports (Grace Bay
- Provo Turtle Divers (Providenciales)
- Salt Cay Divers (Balfour Town)
- Seafari Turkoise (Grace Bay)
- SNUBA Turks and Caicos (The Bight Settlement)
Diving Holidays in the Turks and Caicos Islands
If you prefer a pre-planned dive holiday, there are a few options to consider. Dive resorts in the Turks and Caicos Islands offer scuba diving packages that include accommodation, meals, and diving packages. Here are some of the resorts and their dive packages.
East Bay Escape
East Bay Escape is a beachfront resort in South Caicos. It has 86 beachfront suites most of which have views of the Caribbean Sea. The resort is steps away from East Bay Beach and is within the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park. East Bay is the only dive operation and dive resort in South Caicos.
The scuba diving package includes:
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- 6 days of 2 tank morning boat dives
- Use of a dive computer
- Airport ground transfers
- Resort fees, taxes, and gratuities
For more information or bookings on upcoming scuba diving packages at East Bay Resort, please call 1-800- 327-3835. You can also visit the East Bay Resort website or email them at reservations@eastbayresort.com.
Club Med Turkoise
Club Med Turkoise is an all-inclusive resort in the Turks and Caicos. It is part of the international Club Med chain which provide premium vacation experiences. The resort’s name, Turkoise, is a nod to its location next to a beautiful turquoise lagoon. Located in Grace Bay, Providenciales, it is one of the top dive resorts in the Turks and Caicos.
The scuba diving package includes:
- Tailored Club Med experience
- Full equipment rentals
- Boat trips to dive sites
- Scuba diving courses for all skill levels
- Scuba diving programs for advanced divers
For more information or bookings on upcoming scuba diving packages at Club Med Turkoise, please call 1-888-932-2582. You can also visit the Club Med Turkoise website.
More Information
For more information about planning diving holidays in the Turks and Caicos, visit the following links:
Visit Turks & Caicos Islands: Turks and Caicos Scuba Diving
Visit Turks & Caicos Islands: Providenciales Scuba Diving
PADI: Diving in the Turks and Caicos Islands
ZuBlu: A Diver’s Guide to the Turks and Caicos
Aqua TCI: Dive Sites in the Turks and Caicos
Big Blue Collective: When is the Best Time to Dive in the Caribbean
Blue Water Travel: Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos
Live Aboard: North West Point Liveaboard Diving
Beaches: All You Need To Know About The Magnificent Bight Reef Coral Gardens in Turks & Caicos
Dive In: 12 Best Dive Sites in Turks and Caicos
Image: Turks And Caicos Tourist Board