Snorkeling in Turks & Caicos

Marine Life in Turks & Caicos

When it comes to the marine life in Turks & Caicos it cover all the bases. From the usual reef suspects including parrotfish, triggerfish, tangs, nurse sharks, groupers, eels, and rays to those like eagle rays, lemon sharks, Flamingo tongues, and so many more. Sea turtles can also be seen very often, especially in the reefs of Providenciales. The islands feature many marine parks, making these reefs seem far removed from the effects of the tourism on the islands.

Best Snorkel Sites in Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos' snorkeling can be done virtually anywhere you visit on the islands but the most famous reef for snorkeling is Smith's Reef in Providenciales. Other worthwhile spots on this island include Coral Gardens, Whitehouse Reef, and Bight Reef. On Grand Turk, which is largely protected by the Columbus Landfall National Marine Park, snorkeling off of Pillory Beach, Gibbs Cay, and Governors Beach are the most famous spots on the island. The Three Mary Cays in North Caicos and Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay in the Middle Caicos are all must-sees. In South Caicos, Dove Cay, Long Cay, and the Aquarium are their claims to fame for snorkeling. While these are all the best known spots, there are plenty of other amazing spots for snorkeling that just take a bit of roaming off of the white sand beaches into the perfectly turquoise water to find.

Best Time to Snorkel in Turks & Caicos

The beauty of snorkeling Turks & Caicos is that it is equally as good year round. The air temperature only dips as low as 23 degrees Celsius and only reaching as high as 31 degrees Celsius in the summer months, and with the consistent coastal breeze on the islands it never gets uncomfortable. The water temperature goes from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. The only difference between the winter months and the summer months on the islands is that the wind may pick up a bit creating for a little more chop on the sea surface but it is a very slight change.

How to Get to Turks & Caicos

Providenciales International Airport is the largest airport in Turks & Caicos and is by far the most common way of reaching the region. Once there, you can travel the islands by either air or boat and there is a regular ferry travelling between North and Middle Caicos. To see the most of the beauty that the islands have to offer, travelling by liveaboard is often the most enjoyable means of transport.