Lesser known but no less appealing than most Caribbean islands, Turks and Caicos is a peaceful archipelago made up of 40 idyllic islands. The islands are located south of the Bahamas, fringed by shallow reefs, sprawling beaches and secret cays. Of the country’s 40 islands, only eight of them are inhabited, so it really is the stuff of Robinson Crusoe fantasies. The surrounding waters are teeming with fish and corals, as well as green turtles and rays. Planning your next underwater adventure? From secluded cays to bustling beaches, we’ve rounded up seven of the best places for snorkeling in Turks and Caicos
Where are the best places for snorkeling in Turks and Caicos?
Boasting sunny and warm temperatures all year, the Turks and Caicos is an excellent snorkeling destination all year round. Rain showers and hurricanes are rare, though they’re most likely to hit the island between June and November. Even in winter, water temperatures average a pleasing 23 to 26°C (73.4 to 78.8°F).
1. Smith’s Reef
Located in Turtle Cove on the north coast of Providenciales, Smith’s Reef is home to over one hundred species of fish. It offers up varied underwater landscapes too, encompassing coral reefs, sea fan-covered flats and shallow seagrass. The waters here are packed with damselfish, stoplight parrotfish, bluehead wrasse, butterflyfish, great barracuda and spotted eagle rays. Time it right and you’ll bump into turtles nibbling on the seagrass beds too.
Back on dry land, there are food trucks, snorkel rental shacks and toilet facilities too. The beach is free to access and you can reach the snorkeling spot on foot from Grace Bay hotels or from the water.
2. Iguana Island
Also known as Little Water Cay, this tiny island off Providenciales is the best place to spot the indigenous Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana. As well as getting up close to one of the islands’ most famous faces, visitors can explore the mangrove wetlands, attempt conch diving and snorkel in the shallow lagoon on Half Moon Bay. To reach the island, you’ll need to hop on a kayak or book a tour with a reputable tour operator.
3. Bight Reef
This easily accessible reef is just 350-ft from the beach. Stingrays, sea turtles, trunkfish and exotic reef fish are all just a short stroll away. If you’re lucky, you might bump into nurse sharks and humpback whales too. You’ll also find spiny lobsters, banded coral shrimp, spotted moray eels, and sea cucumbers under the ledges and crevices. If that isn’t reason enough to visit, the beach is part of the wider Grace Bay Beach, widely considered to be one of the best beaches in the world.
It’s a popular spot for keen snorkelers and the beach offers free parking, toilets and deckchair rentals.
4. Malcolm’s Reef
Also located on Providenciales, Malcolm’s Reef is more secluded than Smith’s Reef and Bight’s Reef. Those who make the effort to trek out here will be rewarded with larger mammals and fish, like sharks and spotted eagle rays. It’s one of the best spots to see green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles nibbling seagrass too.
The site is best suited to experienced snorkelers since the best spots are around the wall, a 7,000 ft drop around 700-ft from the shoreline. There aren’t any facilities in the area, so you’ll want to bring a packed lunch.
5. West Caicos Marine National Park
This 981-acre national park boasts some of the best snorkeling on the whole of the archipelago. Located off the western coast of West Caicos, the area stretches across shallow coves, deep drop-offs and barrier reef. Marine highlights include elkhorn coral, sea fans, reef fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks. You’ll find marine fossils and shells clinging to the limestone cliffs here too.
To reach the island, you’ll need to book a private boat charter or book a tour with a reputable operator from Providenciales. It’s around 45 minutes from the island.
6. South Caicos
For an off-beat snorkeling stop, try South Caicos. Its private bays, secluded reefs and uninhabited islands are brimming with sealife. It’s home to one of the region’s best-loved snorkel spots, Dove Cay. As well as endless stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll find a handful of hammerhead sharks and manta ray.
Unlike Providenciales, the waters here are more vulnerable to the Trade Winds, which means it’s best for more experienced snorkelers.
7. Gibbs Bay
Most of Grand Turk’s best snorkeling spots are a hefty boat ride away, including Gibbs Bay. Located around one-mile from the island’s shores, it’s best-known for its large population of southern brown stingrays. The stingrays are used to humans on the island, so you’ll be able to interact with them too. Other marine highlights include parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasses and bar jacks, and parrotfish. Since the stingrays at Gibbs Cay are used to humans, you’ll be able to see and interact with these friendly creatures up close.
The best way to reach Gibbs Cay is with a guided tour departing from Cockburn on Grand Turk.
