Turks & Caicos Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard.com offers a couple of different options for sailing trips around Turks and Caicos. Tours depart from the island of Providenciales (Provo, for short) year around. Prices range from $250-$350 per day per person. The MV yachts range in length from 36.5m to 38m and can accommodate between 18 and 20 people. Travelling with a non-diver? Don't let that be a deal breaker; non-divers may be welcome and able to enjoy the views from the surface as they snorkel overhead. Enjoy the luxury of private rooms equipped with ensuite washrooms and air conditioning onboard a Turks & Caicos liveaboard.

6, 7, or 10 night tours are available. 7 night tours typically run Saturday to Saturday, with diving starting on Sunday and ending on Friday. Log up to five dives per diving day, including night dives. Tanks, belts, and weights will be provided. If needed, rental equipment is available for a cost of $150-$175 per person for the week. Proof of open water certification is necessary for diving. However, there is no minimum requirement for the number of logged dives.

All meals, alcoholic beverages, and non-alcoholic beverages are included while on board. Most meals are served buffet style and will consist of a mixture of both American and Caribbean fare. Vegetarian options will be available. Accommodations for further dietary restrictions due to religion or allergy can be arranged ahead of time.

It is important to keep in mind that itineraries for dive sites are not guaranteed. They will depend upon the captain's discretion in accordance with wind and weather conditions. For the beach and/or island enthusiast, trips ashore can be arranged at points throughout the week.

Dive Sites And Areas of Turks & Caicos

NORTH WEST POINT is a sheer wall with a dramatic drop off located off the northwest coast of Provo. Easily accessible dive sites in this area include the Black Coral Gardens, The Crack, The Dome, The Hole in the Wall, Shark Hotel, and the Amphitheater.

GRACE BAY is located off the north coast of Provo. It is protected by a 14-mile stretch of the unspoiled barrier reef. Dive sites such as Aquarium, Graceland, Grouper Hole, and Coral Gables boast walls, sizable coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life.

FRENCH CAY is a small island located 29km south of Provo. Impressive vertical walls plunging to extreme depths of up to 2000 meters are a highlight of this area. Visit the spectacular and unique dive sites of Double-D, G-Spot, Rock and Roll, and West Sand Split.

WEST CAICOS is a small uninhabited island approximately 16km southeast of Provo. The plummeting walls and large pelagic fish sightings here are a big draw for liveaboard diving. There is a rich profusion of dive sites located in this area. Driveway, Gullies, Rock Garden Interlude, The Anchor/Whiteface, and Elephant Ear Canyon are several notable sites around West Caicos.

When To Go

Turks and Caicos is lovely to travel to for a liveaboard cruise year round. Low average rainfall, high average days of sunshine, consistent average water, surface, and air temperatures, serene seas and breezy trade winds mean there is really no bad time to go. If going ashore is of interest, something to keep in mind is that the lowest prices and fewest tourists will be found throughout April and May. However, the peak season prices from December through March may be well worth the additional expense, as migrating Humpback Whales are passing through the area from January through March.

Average water temperatures will typically range from 28-29C/82-84F in the summer months and 23-26C/74-78F in the winter months. Average visibility is 25m-40m. Average air temperatures will typically range from 29-32C/85-90F.

Tips For Travellers

Presentation of current certification card is required upon diving. Don't forget to bring along your dive log as well so as to track dive specs and record amazing sights seen.

English is the national language of Turks and Caicos. The boat crew members speak English. The US dollar (USD) is the national currency of the islands.

Electricity is 110-volt. American electronics are suited for this level of current, but it may be necessary to travel with an adaptor if travelling from Europe or with European electronics.

Turks and Caicos is in Eastern Standard Time Zone, and Daylight Savings Time is nationally observed.

How To Get There And Ports Of Departure

The main international airport, Providenciales International Airport, is located on the island of Provo. In addition, there are international airports located on the islands of Grand Turk and South Caicos. Airlines that fly into Provo are American Airlines, Delta, Air Canada, Jet Blue, United Airlines, WestJet, and British Airways. Direct flights are available from some locations.

The liveaboard cruises departure ports are located on Provo. Depending on the tour operator, transportation to and from the airport may be included in the package. The yacht embarks on its voyage from either Turtle Cove Marina or Caicos Marina and Shipyard.

Considerations

There is a government issued departure tax of $35, due at the time of exit. This fee may be included in the cost of airfare. This should be confirmed at the time of booking, so to avoid any surprise fees upon the completion of travel.

Excluded from all tours are a port/bed tax, travel insurance, and dive insurance. Port/bed taxes range from $85 to $142. This fee is calculated according to the tour operator and length of stay. Investing in dive insurance is highly recommended.