Scuba Diving in Turks and Caicos

Scuba divers will find plenty to explore around the Turks and Caicos islands and cays. The clear, calm waters are home to barrier reefs, underwater walls, and all manner of marine life. Most dive boats leave from Providenciales and within minutes you can be at fascinating dive sites that are suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike.

Does Turks and Caicos Offer Good Scuba Diving?

With over 70 miles of barrier reefs and walls and hundreds of dive sites scattered between the various islands and cays, Turks and Caicos is a prime scuba diving destination. Many of the dive sites are located in protected national parks, so you will find an abundance of untouched coral formations and teeming marine life.

Best Time of Year to Dive

Turks and Caicos has beautiful weather virtually year-round, so no matter what time of year you come, you can go scuba diving. September and October can be rainy, which might affect the visibility slightly. If you want to see humpback whales, late January to early March is the time to come. December to March is the high tourist season, so dive operators can be busy.

Best Dives in Turks & Caicos

French Cay is a popular diving spot for its impressive wall that plunges over 6,000 feet. This is a gathering spot for nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and even humpback whales at certain times of the year. West Caicos is another excellent diving spot as there are about 25 dive sites spanning the six-mile wall. The reef is only about 45 feet here, so it’s a great spot for all skill levels. Northwest Point is renowned for its abundance of coral and bull sharks.

Dive Conditions

Sunny days and gentle ocean swells means that the waters around Turks and Caicos are generally calm and the visibility is excellent. The average water temperature is around 78° F (26° C), which is perfect for diving.

Marine Life and Ecology

It’s pretty much a given that on a Turks and Caicos dive excursion you will run into a myriad of marine life. This includes soft and hard corals, sea fans, manta rays, eels, lobsters, sharks, sea turtles, conch, and barracuda. Humpback whales and dolphins can be seen at certain times of the year.

Learn to Dive in Turks and Caicos

There are numerous dive operators on Providenciales that offer PADI courses for absolute newbies and experienced divers. Courses include the PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, NITROX, and Rescue Diver. 

Types of Dives

Compared to other Caribbean dive destinations, Turks and Caicos tends to have smaller dive groups, which means the dive sites are significantly less crowded. Most dive boats set off from Providenciales and it could take anywhere from 15 minutes up to an hour to reach a dive site. Night dives are also available off The Bight Reef.

Private Dives

Private dives are a great option because you won’t have to share a boat with other divers and you will have the full, undivided attention of your divemaster. Most dive operators offer private dive options.

Dive Companies

Dive Provo

Dive Provo offers daily dives to sites around French Cay, West Caicos, Grace Bay, Pine Cay, and Northwest Point. They offer complimentary transfers to and from dive docks around Long Bay and Grace Bay, as well as private dives and discounts for multiple dive bookings.

Aqua TCI

The service is friendly and professional at Aqua TCI. Jump on Stephanie and Bill Wallwork’s custom 30-foot boat to set off for fascinating dive sites around French Cay, West Caicos, and Northwest Point. They specialize in small groups.

Flamingo Divers

Flamingo Divers guarantees that there are never more than 8 divers on their dive trips. And for those who want an even more personalized experience, they also offer private charters as well as PADI courses and certification.