There is a dazzling world of marine life to explore beneath the ocean waters of the Turks & Caicos. The islands are a world-renowned snorkeling destination thanks to year-round sunshine and warm turquoise waters. There are numerous shallow reefs easily accessible from the beaches and many Boat Charter companies run excursions to explore the sandbanks and cays.
The Turks & Caicos Islands are home to the third longest barrier reef in the world, at 70 miles (112km) long. A lot of the reef is protected by national marine parks, preserving it in good condition, ideal for responsible exploration by tourists.
Snorkeling from Providenciales beaches
On Providenciales, Smith’s Reef at the western end of Grace Bay Beach is one of the best spots for beach-access. Its calm waters and accessible coral are home to gorgeous green sea turtles and magnificent eagle rays. Nearby Bight Reef Beach has offshore seagrass which attract sting rays and barracudas.
Grace Bay beach is a great place to introduce children to the delights of snorkeling thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters that teem with brightly coloured marine life. Kids will spot fish darting around under the water even as they wade in from the beach.
Freediving
Freediving is the art of breath hold diving where a diver descends on a single breath of air without any breathing apparatus. It challenges the body and the mind, builds fitness and confidence and helps you to embrace the present moment.
Anyone can learn to freedive with expert instruction, regardless of age and experience. Freedive With Me on Providenciales offer a ‘Discover Freedive Experience’, a two-hour taster of this exhilarating underwater adventure. The session is run by Samantha Kildegaard a trained freediver instructor and passionate ocean conservationist.
Snorkeling Boat Charters
To explore beyond the beach, several organisations in the Turks & Caicos Islands offer snorkeling excursions to venture further afield.
Island Vibes Tours have been voted 2022 Travelers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ on Trip Advisor. They offer full-day and half-day catamaran snorkeling packages departing from Grace Bay beach, where you can explore the majestic barrier reef. All logistics, equipment, and transportation are taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy an incredible experience, fuelled by a light lunch at an idyllic spot.
Sail Beluga run boat charters on their elegant 40-foot sailing catamaran, ideal for those who don’t like the distraction of engine noise. They take private groups out to explore cays like Half Moon Cay, Water Cay and the iguana sanctuary of Little Water Cay. Exquisite snorkeling sites are also found across the adjacent Princess Alexandra National Park.
The much-loved Big Blue Collective who have pioneered ecotourism on the islands for over 20 years offer a huge range of tours across Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, and West Caicos, including scuba diving, snorkeling, boat excursions, kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, hiking, and cycling.
With so much majestic ocean life to explore, as well as mangroves, secluded beaches, caves and pristine reefs, there is an incredible snorkeling adventure waiting for everyone on the Turks & Caicos Islands.