French Cay Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in French Cay

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A FRENCH CAY LIVEABOARD

French Cay is best visited by a liveaboard dive cruise which is touring through Turks & Caicos. This is due to this area having dive sites that are a little off the beaten path. Once a hideout for pirates, this tiny island that is now a bird sanctuary is only several hundred feet in length. While it may be small, the diver's paradise of French Cay boasts some of the areaís most prominent walls and celebrated dive sites. Frequent large pelagics are the icing on the cake for diving in French Cay.

Sit back and relax as you sail in comfort and style to destination sites of Double-D, G-Spot, Rock and Roll, and West Sand Split. One of the great things about embarking on a liveaboard dive tour is that when you exit the water, you are 'home'. No travel time, no transfers, simply climb back onboard!

FRENCH CAY UNDERWATER

This tiny cay has so much to offer below sea level. The island is surrounded by some of the most dramatic walls in the area. The walls begin around 15 meters and vertically plummet to beyond 2000 meters into the dark abyss. Large pelagics such as eagle rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, and humpback whales make this location a diverís dreamland. The south-facing walls are a pure sight to see as they sparkle in the sunlight. An underwater camera is the perfect dive accessory at this location.

DIVE SITES OF FRENCH CAY

Many dive sites around French Cay are visited when onboard a liveaboard dive cruise here, below are just a few that may be visited during the trip;

DOUBLE-D - This site gets its name from the two large coral covered pinnacles protruding from the ocean floor. Trunkfish, trumpet fish, snapper, spotted drum, jacks, and scorpionfish are a few of the areaís common residents.

G-SPOT - The name for this site was inspired by the bountiful gorgonians sprouting from the walls. Elephant ear sponges and rope sponges are also plentiful here. Sharks, eagle rays, and turtles are often found gliding along in this area.

ROCK AND ROLL - This area is ripe with a beautiful array of coral species. Barrel coral, pillar coral, star coral, and staghorn coral are happy and healthy here. Large lobsters often make an appearance. This location makes a great night dive spot.

WEST SAND SPLIT - Located approximately 5 miles south of French Cay (and 27 miles southeast of Provo), West Sand Split is a shallow stretch of sand in the open ocean that becomes exposed in times of the low tide. Triggerfish, angelfish, and Goliath Grouper are only three of the 120 species identified in this area!

TOP TIPS FOR DIVERS

Packing light is highly recommended on liveaboard trips. While accommodations are quite comfortable, storage can be limited. Casual and lightweight clothing is acceptable to wear. A lightweight jacket or sweater may come in handy for evenings, as temperatures on the water are usually cooler than on land. High quality, biodegradable sunscreen is a necessity in the strong tropical sun.

The weather and water temperature around French Cay are ideal. Warm waters make diving a dream. A rash guard or a 3mm shorty wetsuit is typically all that is necessary for the near-perfect conditions of Turks and Caicos.

French Cay lies in waters that lack a protective reef. Therefore, stronger currents and less than ideal water conditions are more prevalent than on the more sheltered islands. This location may be a better option for the more experienced diver than for the novice.

Maximum depths are carefully considered to ensure diver safety. It can be easy to exceed the depth limits on a wall dive if distracted. Never exceed the depths of the dive lead in accordance with the RDP.

The visibility around French Cay is typically 30m or better, making this area ideal for the underwater photography enthusiast. Be prepared and equipped with the type of lens that each unique dive is well suited for. Each liveaboard dive yacht boasts photography stations for the active hobbyist.

GETTING THERE

Slightly more secluded, French Cay is approximately 22 miles southeast of Provo in Turks & Caicos. Take an international flight into Provo, where your luxury Turks and Caicos liveaboard yacht will embark, allowing you to sail to French Cay comfortably in lavish and convenient accommodations.