SCUBA Diving in the Turks and Caicos Islands

When flying into the Turks & Caicos Islands, you can’t help but notice the magnificent water-colour unveiling below you: deep ocean azure ending abruptly at the wave line of the barrier reef; turquoise hues of the shallow banks; eggshell white beaches edging the sea. These colours discreetly hide a natural wonder of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the underwater world.

A photograph of a diver with Yellow Tube Sponge, Providenciales (Provo), Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesDiver with Yellow Tube Sponge. Photos provided by Provo Turtle Divers.

Seasoned, world-travelled divers have discovered Providenciales, Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos as some of the Caribbean’s finest diving destinations. Several factors make the Turks & Caicos a top contender - and a “must-see” for divers seeking unspoiled underwater beauty. The Turks and Caicos Archipelago rises from submarine canyons. These deep water trenches, thousands of feet deep, come very close to the Islands at Grand Turk, Providenciales and West Caicos. Here, the coral reefs extend from the shore, sloping gradually, until they meet the cobalt blue of the deep. These dramatic underwater cliffs or walls combined with crystal clear visibility, create spectacular diving conditions.

The country has had the foresight to set aside a series of marine parks and nature reserves to protect these beautiful and fragile areas. A system of moorings is in place which protect the reef from anchoring damage at popular dive sites. The country’s world-famous walls are lushly landscaped in rich marine décor and play host to a tremendous variety of sea creatures. Near-shore reefs are thriving within a crystal clear sea that seems to pulsate with life.

A photograph of Yellow Jacks hanging out under a wreck near Providenciales (Provo), Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesYellow Jacks hanging out under a wreck

Besides the magnificent hard and soft corals, sponge formations and anemones, frequently seen creatures include; sea turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, mahi-mahi, barracuda, jacks, parrot fish, drums, Atlantic spadefish, short nosed batfish, grouper, snapper, grunts, squirrelfish, lobster, spider crabs, moray eels, octopuses, shellfish, tropicals too numerous to mention, reef sharks, bull sharks, whale sharks, hammerheads, humpback whales, and of course JoJo the dolphin and friends.

Scuba diving is fun, safe, and easy. In a few hours, a non-diver can be indoctrinated to our underwater wildlife through Discover Scuba Diving and Resort programs which are offered throughout the Islands. Dive groups are welcomed, hotels offer package plans and some groups return year after year to explore the multitude of dive sites. In Providenciales, Grand Turk and Salt Cay you’ll find a number of full service dive operations, each staffed by friendly, experienced dive masters, instructors and boat captains who truly love what they do and get a real thrill out of sharing the undersea world with visitors. See you on the reef!

A photograph of a Caribbean Reef Shark, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesA Caribbean Reef Shark

Near Shore Night Diving

Step directly from the shore at The Bight Reef for a spectacular night diving adventure. Great for anyone new to diving or night diving – at this location you are guaranteed to see plenty of night life. Your encounters will blow you away with the amount of marine life you will discover. It is rare not to see up to a dozen dozy turtles, squid, octopus, scaly tail mantis shrimp, red heart urchin, oscillated box crabs, Spanish lobster & spiny lobster, various nudibranchs, flamingo tongue, banded coral shrimp, southern stingrays, peacock flounder, beaded sea cucumbers, upside down & mangrove jellies and Barry the Barracuda. The list goes on & on.

  1. Aqua TCI

    Relax Dive Chill is the motto of Aqua TCI. They specialize in small groups, attention to detail and personal service. Custom 30 ft island Hopper dive boat. Dive Northwest Point, West Caicos and French Cay with Stephanie and Bill, who have been showing divers the fabulous underwater world of Providencielas and environs for many years. Small group diving at it's BEST!

    A – Z: Contact details for Aqua TCI
  2. Big Blue Collective’s SCUBA Diving

    A photograph of Big Blue Collective’s SCUBA Diving, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West IndiesSpecialising in small groups and uncharted sites, photo provided by Big Blue Collective.

    Provo’s premier small group diving (4-10) facility. Big Blue offers its guests unrivalled diving opportunities. Their divemasters are the most experienced on the water and aim to take their guests to the best diving locations during the most suitable diving conditions. Specialising in small groups, private charters, uncharted sites, full days and drift diving Big Blue Collective will take to you to the edgeof the last great wilderness. Computers are mandatory and complimentary. Together with the latest equipment dive profiles are open and determined by the skill and comfort level of our guests.

    A – Z: Contact details for Big Blue Collective
  3. Dive Provo

    Outstanding diving plus the attitude and friendliness of our staff makes for a great dive vacation. Our professional, highly experienced team is dedicated to providing you with convenient, trouble free diving. Daily dives to West Caicos, Northwest Point, French Cay, Grace Bay, and Pine Cay. For the truly adventurous try our full day “Scuba Safaris”. Boutique at The Saltmills.

    A – Z: Contact details for Dive Provo
  4. Dive Training Magazine

    The education-based magazine for new divers, divers in all levels of training, instructors and those who own and operate dive centers. The magazine and web site are educational resources to help you understand underwater environments and all aspects of scuba diving.

    A – Z: Contact details for Dive Training Magazine
  5. Flamingo Divers

    “Provo’s Little Dive Shop!” With never more than 6 divers on board, our professional staff are easily able to cater to all experience levels, and provide a truly personalized diving experience. We dive all of the premium dive areas, including West Caicos, French Cay, Sandbore Channel, and Northwest Point. Private Charters also available.

    A – Z: Contact details for Flamingo Divers

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