If you’re an enthusiastic snorkeler, Turks and Caicos, famed for its crystal clear water, vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs, is a sur place to go. Turks and Caicos is truly amazing for snorkelling with its miles of protected reefs and shallow lagoons with sea life that is hard to find anywhere else, perfect for those just beginning out or experienced snorkelers. Regardless of whether you’re staying on Provincials or jetting off to other islands in the archipelago, there’s a range of snorkelling spots that will get you closer to the Caribbean Sea than you’d imagine.
Snorkelling in Turks and Caicos: Why?
Snorkelling in Turks and Caicos attracts visitors because of the islands’ pristine marine environment and easy access to live, coral-reef rich water. The water around the Turks and Caicos is incredibly clear (sometimes over 100 feet) giving snorkelers amazing visibility to the underwater world. In fact, the island nation’s dedication to marine conservation ensures these waters harbour an abundance of coral species, tropical fish and large marine life too. That, plus most of the popular snorkelling sites are located close to the shore and anyone can jump in and explore.
Top Snorkelling Spots
Perhaps the most famous snorkelling spot in Turks and Caicos is Smith’s Reef Smiths Reef is the colourful reef just off the shore of Provincials. Multiple reefs at all depths mean you don’t have to search for intense fish, sea turtles, or rays; it’s an ideal spot for beginners and experts alike. But it’s an easy place to spend hours observing the thriving ecosystem, with an array of parrotfish, angelfish, and small reef sharks.
Coral Gardens (Bight Reef) this is certainly one of the most accessible snorkelling the archipelago has to offer, just a short swim from the beach. Its nickname of Coral Gardens describes a sheltered area, with schools of fish, sea fans and soft corals, in shallow waters. The Bight Reef is ideal for families or beginner snorkelers with a nice easy to follow path marked by buoys. The funny thing: It's a great place to spot marine species like barracudas, butterflyfish and green sea turtles.
If you’re prepared to stray a little further, however, Malcolms Road Beach offers a much more remote snorkelling experience and still bearable crowds, featuring Malcolm's Road. This favourite of experienced snorkelers is known for its large marine life and its extensive coral formations. But it’s less disturbed, and there, under the reef, you get a glance at a healthier, more untouched marine environment. Throughout the deeper sections you may spot eagle rays, nurse sharks and on occasion reef sharks gliding by.
Turks and Caicos Snorkelling Best Time
Turks and Caicos is better when snorkelling between November and May when the water is calm and visibility is at its peak. These months see warm, sunny weather, and they’re great for hours by the sea. Turks and Caicos also gets fewer tourists than most Caribbean destinations so, even in high season, there are some wonderful snorkelling spots that are quiet and uncrowded.
Snorkelling Tips and Safety
But if you’re snorkelling in Turks and Caicos, use these safety tips. Use reef safe sunscreen to always protect your skin and the marine ecosystem. Mind the tides – some regions will be stronger than others. Always share the love and respect all creatures of the reef and its inhabitants but most importantly snorkel with a buddy. Going on a guided snorkelling excursion with local tour operators is a great way to learn about the area and to make sure you’re staying safe while snorkelling.
Conclusion
Turks and Caicos snorkeling is another level. Rich biodiversity enhanced by the sheer clarity of the water makes this Caribbean destination a dream for snorkelling. There is a wide variety of colourful fish, coral and other inhabitants here – rays, sea turtles, and so much more — in a vibrant underwater world. From the new or veteran snorkeler, Turks and Caicos has so many snorkelling sites to choose from that offer a really great view of the ocean that it should appeal to you.
