23 January 2022
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The islands are southeast of the Bahamas, east of Cuba and north of the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti.) Technically, the Turks and Caicos are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea. They are a British overseas territory. English is the official language and the US dollar the official currency. Power is DC 110.
The average temperature ranges between 29-32 degrees Celsius from June to October. From November to May the average temperature is 27-29 degrees Celsius. Water temperature in the summer is 28-29 degrees Celsius and in winter about 23-26 degrees Celsius. Diving is year-round. In the colder months you may need a 5 mm wetsuit, but 3 mm is generally enough in summer. The risk of hurricanes is greatest from mid-August to the end of October.
Turks & Caicos Liveaboards - Compare prices online. Book now & pay later.
You can dive Turks and Caicos from a liveaboard (currently with better than half price offers), or base yourself on one of the islands. The most popular islands for divers are Grand Turk, Salt Cay and Providenciales.
The Turks and Caicos island chains are separated by the 1.8km-deep Turks Island Passage where humpback whales migrate .They are famous for their wall dives dropping off down to the deeps.
Borders are open and travelers must obtain travel authorization via the TCI Assured portal 72 hours before departure, a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 5 days before departure, proof of health/travel insurance with COVID-19 cover, and must complete a health screening questionnaire. Once there you can travel without restrictions between the islands.
Diving • Dive Operators • Accommodation • Further Reading • Your Comments
Providenciales is a laid back and a relatively safe place. Crime is not an issue but use common sense like not leaving valuables in a car that can be seen. Dinner dress at all places is island casual. Read Tab Hauser's article on for more information on visiting and diving Providenciales.
From Providenciales you can dive West Caicos, which is about an hour away. This has good wall diving and is visited by pelagics
"Caicos has a number of very good dive sites around Providenciales with large grey reef sharks seen on every dive and so docile that they swim within inches at times. Current is light leading to relaxing diving. There is a good selection of other marine life also but expect parrot fish in numbers as the 230km of white sand beaches attest to.
Dean Evans, 2012
"Provos Island: Eagle rays, nurse sharks, manta rays. Glow worms mate during full moon. Good, but not as good as the Red Sea.
Suzanne Challoner
"The first 20 minutes of Eel Garden we swam along the top of a wall. When you looked down you saw into the abyss. We were told the wall drops to 7000 feet. During our dive we viewed the usual tropic fish that the area is known for. It was a perfect first dive to get acclimated back into this sport again as the visibility was 80 feet (25 m) with barely a current. Following the master was good as he turned five different times and various depths. While I like underwater navigation for myself, it was just one less thing to worry about after not being in the water for over a year.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
Grand Canyon is a few hundred metres away from Eel Garden.
"We dropped to the top of the wall and swam along it. On this dive we were followed for a while by a hawksbill turtle. Profile here had me at a maximum depth of 60 feet for 55 minutes. I found both dives (Eel Garden and Grand Canyon) on a scale one to five, a three and half. It was pleasant and easy but the scenery did not wow anyone in my group.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016 Read full Providenciales article
Diver with Hawksbill Turtle by Tab Hauser
"Loads of soft and hard coral, fish and lobsters. One great wall dive for sure."
Chip Brent
" This re-defines a swim with the fish! HUGE Barracuda, 100's of horse eyed jacks, small reef fish in colorful abundance!"
Chip Brent
"This spot was named after our boat caption Art Pickering who was one of the original dive organisers in the 1970's. This was another wall dive where we started at 80 feet but averaged out at 60 feet. We saw eels, lobster and plenty of fish. What made this dive unusual was the clicking and occasional high pitch sounds of dolphins communicating with each other. While we heard them pretty clearly most of the dive, they were nowhere to be seen.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
"The sixth and last dive of our stay was a few hundred yards away called the Rock Garden. This second dive had us at 60 feet and lasted an hour. Besides all the nice coral here we spotted an eagle ray, giant mackerel, stone fish and unusual rough neck batfish that appeared to standing on small legs. As we were to fly the next day our dive masters recommend a last five minute safety stop at 15 feet. During our stop a few large barracudas came within a few feet of our masks as to say goodbye.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
Batfish by Tab Hauser
West Caicos is an uninhabited islands with some great diving.
"West Caicos is a small island an hour boat ride away from Providenciales. It took us close to the beach where the abandoned Ritz Carlton sat. The hotel project was scuttled during the 2008 market crash. Here the diving was much better (than Providenciales) and was what we expected from being in the Turk and Caicos.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
"Dive on a wall where all that is left of a spanish gallion is a LARGE anchor stuck in the reef for MANY MANY years. So encrusted, you could swim right by and not even see it!"
Chip Brent
"We did The Gully as a first dive which had us drop down to 50 feet and swim one behind the other through what looked like a slot canyon between two coral walls. This swim through dropped us another 20 feet. On this dive we saw another hawksbill that went about its business while we took photos of it. Other fish highlights included a beautiful pair of French Angels and a colorful Queen Angel. Our profile was 84 feet for 50 minutes.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
French Angel Fish by Tab Hauser
"Here we dove on the top of the wall with the group staying at 60 feet staying down 55 minutes. This area had nice coral heads and lots of fish which included a large blue queen trigger fish.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
"A sheer wall of coral that drops to the end of the world totally covered with coral, home to amazing animals. It is fed regularly by the cold water coming up from the depths so the coral is alive and healthy. Unlimited visibility in bath tub warm water.
Anywhere in the Turks and Caicos you find the same indescribable dive sites, including caves, and tunnels. The wall surrounds each of the islands making it a paradise of diving sites."
Maureen Gough, Canada
"Sheer walls drop to 7000 feet, extensive soft corals, sponges, gorgonians. Large life including groupers, reef sharks, rays and barracuda. Excellent visibility, and pristine reef."
Kevin Jungfleisch
"Fluorescent coral garden. Just beautiful."
Tracey Lantz
"There are about 13 different dive spots on the wall off of Grand Turk. Each one spectacular in their own way."
Tracey Lantz
"The night dive here is spectacular. Octopus, lobster, crab, just to name a few."
Tracey Lantz
Recommend a dive operator or list your diving company on this page.
Liveaboard trips to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Unlimited diving with up to five dives a day along the coasts of Providenciales, West Caicos and French Caye. Nitrox and rental equipment available. The 121 foot (37 m) liveaboard features six experienced English and Spanish speaking crew members and accommodates up to 18 guests in 9 air conditioned cabins. Fly into Providenciales (PLS) on a Saturday to be met by a crew member and transferred to the yacht.
This liveaboard offers 7 day/8 night dive charters around the islands for up to 20 passengers. Scheduling 5 dives daily, including night dives, the vessel boards in Providenciales each Saturday. Ten cabins with double, twin or bunk beds.
PO Box 413
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
British West Indies
Tel: 954-351-9771
Fax: 649-946-5936
E-mail: diving@diveprovo.com
"I found them very good at balancing safety and fun. Boats are well maintained and comfortable. Very good value for money. All sites good but all wall with no variation. Glad I went and enjoyed it but will not return soon. Other places to try."
Bob, USA, 24 April 2014
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
British West Indies
Tel: (649) 946-4232
Fax: (649) 941-5296
E-mail: info@ProvoTurtleDivers.com
" We chose Provo Turtle Divers for a few reasons. One is that they were the most responsive when trying to make reservations via email. Their rates were in line with other dive companies and we liked the fact they guided divers around. When you have not been in the water for over a year it seemed an easy choice to use them. Rather than use their complimentary pick up service we drove to the office to sign off on the diving. With our email reservations in advance all our equipment was at the boat dock. From the office it was a several minute drive to the south side to the boat. The ownership and staff at Provo Turtle Divers were first class on service and dive gear. If there was a downside to them it was that they were not set up to dive in Grace Bay at the time of our visit. We did not find this is a problem for anyone on the boat with us on all three days. "
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016. Read full Providenciales article
Caicos Adventures
PO Box 47
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands
BWI
Tel: (649)-941-3346
divucrzy@tciway.tc
" Fifi is an amazing guy and the Caicos cat has to be the best diving boat in the carribean. Professional, courteous, careful and knowlegeable.
About 1 hour boat ride to the good sites on West Caicos or French Kay, but well worth it. Sharks almost every dive. Dolphins, turtles rays etc. Different than Bonaire and Caymans a bit better, but the dives were fantastic!"
Lawrence Sklar, Canada.
"This is a well-oiled machine that really caters to the diver. If you're going to Provo, dive with these folks and you get to see the good sites--not just Grace Bay. You will spend some time on the boat, but you will see bigger animals, better sites and a greater variety of corals and sponges. Lunch is included every day, and your gear is well cared for if you dive multiple days. They picked us up every day at our hotel right on time. Really spectacular diving. Warning: Provo is a pretty expensive place to visit--especially the meals."
Bonnie Painter, 2007.
Located next to the Marine
Biology Center on Venetian Rd
P.O. Box 322
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos Islands
Phone/Fax 649-946-4193
Toll Free: 800-204-9282
greatdiving@flamingodivers.com
"Small boats, 100% service with a smile. Great knowledge of the area. We've been customers 4 years in a row!"
Chip Brent, 2007
Salt Cay
Turks & Caicos Islands
British West Indies
Tel: (649) 946-6906
E-mail: scdivers@tciway.tc
"Our dive sites are 5-10 min from the dock. We offer a to island special where you get to dive on the Salt Cay walls as well as taking you to dive on the Grand Turk walls. We have no crowds, no casino and no cruise ships. Diving is adventuresome yet relaxing. No more than 8 divers and dive master on every dive for you assistance. Your computer is the only one that limits your dives. Our reefs start at about 12 meters and wall starts at 13 meters and goes down to 50 m shelve then 7,000 ft trench where you can hear the songs of the magnificent Humpback whales from Jan- March, one of the last places in the world you can still snorkel with the whales. We have an 18th century British war ship resting in just 12 meters of water boasting 18 canons and anchors and one of the most luscious coral gardens in the Atlantic. "
Salt Cay Divers, 2016
P.O. Box 137 Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands
British West Indies
Tel: (649)946-1128
"I would definitely dive with these guys again. Phil Wood is a great instructor and just plain fun to dive with. Everyone in the shop is really friendly. Tim, Maki, Zeus, Baki, Tyrone, Everett, Dale... greatest people. Counting the days to return. Very reasonable prices. $45 for one tank dive, $70 for two tank. $50 for a night. $20 for equipement rental a day no matter how many dives."
Tracey Lantz
North Caicos
British West Indies
E-mail: oceanbeachhotel@aol.com
"Beach Cruiser is a small dive operation, the only one on North Caicos. Maximum 6 divers. You have the option of 1 or 2 tank dives. Rent our diving equipment or bring your own. "
Karen (Ocean Beach Vacation Rentals), 2011
Duke Street
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands
Phone: +1649 946 2197
E-mail: info@humpbackdiveshack.com
"We are located in Grand Turk and offering year round scuba diving, PADI dive courses, snorkel and Stingray tours. From January to April we take you whale watching with Caribbean Humpback Whales. We pride ourselves in personalized service, small group sizes and providing safe, but fun tours under professional guidance. "
The Humpback Dive Shack, 2018
Harbour Club Villas has six rental cottages within a short walk to dive boats moored in their private marina.
Venetian Road
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: 1 866 456 0210
Fax: 1 649 941 5748
Web: www.diving.tc
"A small 24-bedroom hotel on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our Property, Grace Bay Suites, is very reasonably priced compared with a lot of other places to stay on Providenciales and very conveniently located in a central area of the island. Most of the dive operators offer a pickup / drop-off service to and from the hotels in the area."
Grace Bay Suites
Grace Bay Road
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: (1) 649 941 7447
Fax: (1) 649 941 5639
info@gracebaysuites.com
Book Grace Bay Suites
The Somerset on Grace Bay
Princess Drive
Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands
BWI
Tel: (888) 386-8770
reservations@thesomerset.com
Book
"We picked The Somerset on Grace Bay because of its excellent ratings and location. We stayed in condo (or cottage number five) which is a multi-level luxury two bedroom unit that I would be happy with living the rest of my life in. We opted for this unit because it saved us some money not having an ocean view but was literally only a minute walk to the pool and beach. Somerset is what I would call a boutique resort. It has a nice pool side bar and grill and a magnificent sunset beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The location is excellent with no hotel to one side making the beach peaceful. Free bottled water is available at the beach and if you want to use the different water sports equipment there is an $89 per week charge to the cottage.
Tab Hauser, USA, 27 June 2016.
Barbeque on Somerset Beach by Tab Hauser
Manta House
PO Box 222
Duke Street
Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel: 649 243-2666
E-mail: info@grandturk-mantahouse.com
"Manta House is a good place to stay. Cat and Tanya are two of the coolest girls. Make you feel right at home and great to party with. Cecil also makes you feel at home and goes out of her way to help you get around the island or to locate anything you might need. She also has satelite TV, internet and internet phone so that it's cheaper to call the states "
Tracey Lantz
For more hotels see the Agoda site...
Please send us your comments on Turks and Caicos. Do you want to recommend a diving centre or dive site? Let us know.
