A trip to Turks and Caicos wouldn’t be complete without at least one sailing adventure. Charter a boat and you can explore the turquoise waters and discover numerous uninhabited cays with pristine white sand beaches and hidden coves. Providenciales has a number of luxury boat charter companies that offer guided tours around the islands. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, your sailing adventure could include snorkeling, fishing, beach exploration or simply relaxing on the deck and watching the incredible scenery pass by.
Best Time of Year to Charter a Boat
The best time to charter a boat in Turks and Caicos is between November and August when the weather is pleasant and the waters are calm. This is also a great time to see dolphins and other interesting marine creatures. From late summer to early autumn it can be quite rainy and there are fewer visitors to the islands, so some boating companies temporarily close during this time.
Types of Boat Charters
There are many different types of boats you can charter in Turks and Caicos from classic sailboats to sleek sports boats and luxury catamarans. Most charter companies offer half-day and full-day sailing trips around the islands. These typically include refreshments and access to water sports equipment like snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards. Sports boats will also have specialized equipment such as fishing gear and wakeboards. Many luxury sailboats and catamarans also have cabins, which is perfect for those who want to embark on multi-day sailing trips around Turks and Caicos.
Activities and Destinations When Sailing in Turks and Caicos
Boat charter companies offer plenty of activities that are suitable for all ages. Snorkeling is a must because the waters around Turks and Caicos are incredibly clear and teeming with interesting marine life including turtles, stingrays, parrotfish, and sea fans. Smith’s Reef and the Bight Reef are particularly good spots for snorkeling. Families will love visiting uninhabited cays and islands like Fort George Cay to do some beachcombing. This is also an ideal spot for a lavish beach BBQ with fresh seafood including local dishes like conch. Sunset cruises are incredibly romantic, which makes them a great option for couples.
Fishing Charters
Turks and Caicos is a popular destination with anglers because the fishing is excellent nearly all year round. Fishing boats that leave from Providenciales don’t have to travel far to find all manner of marine life from small bonefish to larger game fish like blue marlin and tuna. The months between November and April are great for fishing because it is easy to find a wide variety of fish including snapper, white marlin, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. The summer months between July and October are good for yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and blue marlin. Barracuda and bonefish can be found all year round.
Boat Companies
Atabeyra
Atabeyra is a stunning 70-foot sailboat that can hold up to 50 guests. She sets sail from the Blue Haven Marina in Leeward for destinations around Providenciales including the Barrier Reef and the Caicos Cay Chain. You can opt for packages that run for four, five or six hours and include snorkeling equipment, beverages, and lunch on request. Atabeyra also does two-hour sunset cruises.
Privé
Glide across the water in style on one of Privé’s luxury vessels. You can charter a private yacht, power catamaran, or one of their custom sports yachts for journeys that last anywhere from one day up to one week. The all-inclusive packages can be customized to include snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and private beach escapes. www.prive-yachts.com
Panoply
Panoply is a luxury sport fishing company that offers custom cruises on three different vessels outfitted with state-of-the-art fishing gear. You can opt for half-day or full-day tours that include fishing, snorkeling, and island-hopping or overnight trips for deep-sea fishing. They also offer sunset cruises with gourmet food and champagne. www.panoply.tc
Private Catamaran Charters in Turks and Caicos
One of the best ways to explore the Turks and Caicos Islands is on a private catamaran charter. A luxury catamaran offers plenty of deck space, comfortable and chic interiors, and enough power to glide smoothly across the water to hidden bays and untouched islands. This is a great way for couples and families to spend quality time together out on the water and enjoy beach BBQs, sublime sunsets, and exhilarating water sports.
Sunset Charters
What could be more romantic than watching the sunset on the ocean while sipping cool drinks from the deck of a private catamaran? Most sunset catamaran cruises in Turks and Caicos include light bites and drinks so you can sip and snack as you take in the riot of colors that light up the sky as the sun sinks below the horizon. After the sun sets, you might be able to catch the shimmering green lights of the bioluminescent glow worms on the surface of the water.
Family Fun
Private catamaran charters are perfect for families because the boats have plenty of space to spread out on the decks or in the air-conditioned interiors. Kids and adults alike will love snorkeling in the clear waters, beach hopping, and discovering interesting wildlife on pristine islands like lizards, sea turtles, and herons. Take the whole family out for a fun-filled day at sea or give them the experience of a lifetime with a multi-day catamaran trip to hidden corners of Turks and Caicos.
Catamaran Activities
A catamaran journey is so much more than just skimming across the water to see interesting sights. Most luxury catamarans offer an array of exciting activities in the water and on land. Whether you want to explore underwater worlds or gather with friends and family over great food and drinks, these catamaran activities will keep you entertained for hours on end.
The waters around the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to many dolphins, the most famous of which is Jojo. This unique Atlantic bottlenose dolphin voluntarily interacts with people and he can often be found swimming in the waters of Grace Bay Beach and the eastern cays off Providenciales. You never know when you may come across Jojo or other playful dolphins on a catamaran trip.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on a catamaran journey because the waters around Turks and Caicos are incredibly clear and filled with fascinating marine life. Your guide can take you to amazing reefs where you can see colorful sea fans, turtles, stingrays, and fish including vibrant parrotfish and even reef sharks.
A day out on the water wouldn’t be complete without a beach BBQ. Your luxury catamaran crew can arrange a fabulous BBQ feast on a stunning beach with delectable dishes like fresh seafood, grilled veggies, meats, and cold drinks like fruit juices and rum punch. Most crews can accommodate special dishes or any dietary requests you might have. Lunchtime BBQs usually take place under the shade of palm trees, while evening BBQs could include a beach bonfire.
Catamaran Companies
Privé
Privé is one of the best luxury boat charter companies in Providenciales. Their power catamaran is decked out with all the modern comforts you could ask for including a stylish air-conditioned salon, roomy cabins with ensuite bathrooms, and a gorgeous deck with alfresco dining and lounging areas. Their private yacht charters run from one day to one week and include fine food and drinks, exciting activities, and unforgettable journeys to remote destinations where you will have the sun, sea, and sand all to yourself. They can also arrange bespoke packages to suit your personal preferences. www.prive-yachts.com
