Diving in Turks & Caicos

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Diving is integral to life in Turks and Caicos Islands. With vibrant coral life, fascinating sea life and unparalleled visibility, the beautiful clear turquoise waters surrounding the islands are teeming with excitement and possibilities. The Turks and Caicos Islands have been consistently ranked one of the premier diving destinations worldwide and is no surprise as they are home to one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, with a dimension of 65 miles across and 200 miles long.

The abundant tropical fish and other marine life coupled with quality diving services and easy conditions provides divers with numerous and exciting logbook entries! There is exceptional wall diving starting in shallow crystal clear turquoise water and dropping off into the deep blue giving a real thrill. The reef is relatively close to the beach which makes for accessible beach dives. Shipwrecks, old and new also add to the islands reputation as an outstanding diving destination.

Although the islands are relatively close, Turks and Caicos is home to a great diversity of wildlife and a number of interesting sites to explore including the opportunity to see the North Atlantic Humpback Whales during the months of February, March and early April when they are migrating to have their young. You can’t miss this unforgettable experience!

Popular dive sites include:

GRAND TURK

Less than a quarter of a mile off shore,this site features a coral wall that runs the full length of the island, with profiles ranging from steeply sloping terrain to interesting coral undercuts and perfectly vertical drop-offs. Here, you can expect manta rays in the summer, turtles yearround and whales in the winter.
Depth: 25 - 45

NORTH CAICOS

Diving across the north end of North Caicos, as in the other islands, takes the form of spur and groove formations. There is an abundance of marine life, due to the fact that not many divers visit this area.
Depth: 30 - 70

PROVIDENCIALES

The remarkable walls of the Northwest Point Marine Park starts at just 50 - 60 feet of water and features vertical structures laden with elaborate, thick clusters of multi-colored sponges. Watch out for schooling fish, turtles, spotted eagle rays and much more.
Depth: 50 - 60

SALT CAY

Blessed with a wall running the length of its Western shore, sites include deep sponge draped ledges as well as shallow coral gardens. Turtles, Rays, Dolphins and Groupers are common sights at this location. In addition, this is a prime territory for Whale watching during the whale season (January through April).

HMS ENDYMION

To the south of Salt Cay lie the remains of a British warship - the HMS Endymion - that sunk in the late 1700s. This is an ancient, unsalvaged wreck site with more than a dozen cannons and several large anchors mark her. Divers will certainly enjoy this spot.
Depth: Less than 30 feet

SOUTH CAICOS

South Caicos is known as the big fish capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with large Pelagics seen here in great numbers. A vertical wall wraps around the southern edge of South Caicos, and then extends the length of Long Cay. The wall here drops to an amazing 8,000 feet which makes it suitable for abundant sea life and magnificent colors in the coral.

WEST CAICOS

This is a focal point for Provo based dive operators and live-aboard dive vessels. A wall running two miles along the western shore offers some of the finest diving in the islands, featuring some of the most mature sponge formations anywhere. Here you’ll find clusters of Purple Tube Sponges and strands of Antler Sponges, along with visits by Sharks, Eagle Rays, Turtles and bigger fish. The wall structure varies from dramatically sloping to breathtakingly vertical.

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