First-timer’s guide to diving in Turks and Caicos
Discover the island’s best scuba shops, dive sites, and marine life spots.
Sinking below the surface of the Caribbean’s most crystal-clear water, I’ve finally found my favorite dive site in Turks and Caicos. (The secret’s out: It’s Highway to Heaven, off the coast of West Caicos). I stumbled upon a three-foot sleeping stingray partially submerged in the sand and a field of garden eels swayed in the current nearby as I tried to capture a photo of their spotted heads. It was truly one of the most unforgettable sights I'd ever seen.
If you've ever thought about taking up diving, Turks and Caicos is an ideal spot to do it, thanks to its eye-popping marine life and hundreds of miles of barrier reefs. Eight of the archipelago’s 40 islands are populated and have a handful of accredited diving shops, making it easy for beginners to get their feet wet. There are tons of amazing outfitters for scuba excursions—and places to get your PADI certification—in Turks and Caicos, and I’ve sussed out the best ones. Let’s dive in.
WHERE TO GO
For easy, stress-free diving: Providenciales
Providenciales is the busiest of all the islands and the best set up for novice divers (it's also where you'll fly into). The most important thing you have to do when you're ready to dive for the first time is to find a reliable outfitter. Dive Provo has been running on the island for more than 30 years. It's a full-service dive shop that sets up and breaks down your gear. Plus, the guides serve drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and pastries from the local bakery between your two-tank dive. If you don't feel comfortable going without a refresher, sign up for a class.
My favorite things:
Grace Bay beach is by far the best place to start. Its shores are pristine because they're sheltered within Princess Alexandra National Park, which is a great base for beginners. Swim along the shallow barrier reef surrounding the coast until you get to the 100-foot cliff. This deep-water wall was created because the island is on an underwater plateau that rises 10,000 feet from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean.
You can take a boat to other protected areas, including Northwest Point National Park. Here, Coral Gardens is a favorite for its sloped wall, sand chutes, lobsters, and snappers. Grouper Hole is great for younger divers, thanks to its 100-foot visibility and marine life (puffer fish are always fun to find). Meanwhile, The Gully features a wide range of coral, garden eels, hogfish, moray eels, and spotted eagle rays.
Travelers say: “As soon as you get in the water [at Grace Bay Beach], you see fish. There are buoys all around the protected reef—50 feet to the right of them, I saw four turtles together. I also saw a stingray and two spotted eagle rays. Be advised that there are wind gusts in the TCI, so the water is always choppy. I would not recommend diving later in the day.” —GreggMS
For the clearest water: West Caicos
About an hour’s boat ride away from Provo, West Caicos Marine National Park has the cleanest water around. I love this diving destination because of its incomparable 80- to 100-foot visibility. Big Blue Collective is a top-notch operator that offers half-day and full-day tours (it's also a PADI training center if you're looking to go for full accreditation).
My favorite things:
West Caicos is pure eye candy with rippled white sand, swim-through arches, canyons, and sand chutes. Off the leeward side of West Caicos is a 40-foot reef with gentle water and extensive coral. From West Caicos, head to French Cay for almost guaranteed shark sightings; reef sharks are common, but if you're lucky, you may come across hammerhead, nurse, lemon, tiger, and bull sharks.
Travelers say: “My family and I were fortunate enough to do a kayaking tour of the mangroves with Amber as well as a half-day scuba tour with TJ and Jake. Both were phenomenal! My dad and I had the most amazing time diving; not only is the location beautiful, but the experience created by Big Blue is indescribable. They made everything flow so smoothly and helped me and my family feel comfortable and excited to explore.” —Mackenzie S
For the most wildlife: South Caicos
If you want a more private experience, South Caicos is a quieter cay with secluded dive sites. Here, the scuba tours feature smaller, intimate groups compared to popular Providenciales, so you'll get specialized tips from your divemaster and won't deal with crowds underwater. Reef Divers, the sole operator in South Caicos, was closed for most of 2023 but is reopening in late 2024. Until then, the best way to reach this remote island is via a private charter or a packaged boat tour like the Turks & Caicos Explorer II (its eight-day, seven-night trip includes up to five daily dives and all-inclusive meals and snacks. South Cay itineraries must be requested in advance).
My favorite things:
There are so many awe-inducing spots in South Caicos. The waters teem with wildlife like reef sharks, eagle rays, and leatherback turtles. You can also explore vibrant coral walls, swim-throughs, and arches.
Travelers say: “The diving was wonderful. (The 83-degree water and 70- to 100-foot visibility was a real treat.) Divemasters Jay, Carla, Tino, and Jo were excellent, helpful, and skilled at pointing out interesting fish and invertebrates. Their dive briefings were informative and often very funny. They were happy to do night dives, even if there was only one diver going. Safety was always emphasized.” —C M
For whale sightings: Salt Cay
One of the most remote islands of Turks and Caicos, you can only reach Salt Cay by a 30-minute inter-island flight. Salt Cay Divers is the sole scuba shop on the island, but the PADI-certified crew is excellent. Expect groups of up to 10 people in the morning and afternoon dives. They also have a brand new catamaran, called Lovely Linda, from which you’ll dive.
My favorite things:
Beyond the blooming coral, abundant sharks, and tropical fish, divers flock here from January to March to see humpback whales make their annual migration. In fact, Salt Cay is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants.
Travelers say: “Captain and divemaster Richard is the ultimate whale whisperer and very knowledgeable as well as respectful of the whales! He made the whole experience magical. We saw many whales breach, swam with a mother and calf three times, and were fortunate enough to not only hear a male whale singing but to get in the water and witness it first hand!” —HeatherLH
For the cruise crowd: Grand Turk
Grand Turk is easily accessible due to its busy cruise ship port. Many dive operators offer half-day excursions to explore the spectacular walls nearby. Blue Water Divers is Grand Turk's only PADI 5-Star Dive Center. It expertly hosts cruise daytrippers, but just make sure to reserve a spot in advance. The shop is also the recipient of the PADI Green Star Award, meaning you'll dive with environmental responsibility at top of mind.
My favorite things:
Flourishing marine life, such as Nassau groupers, garden eels, spiny lobsters, rays, and trumpetfish often make an appearance.
Travelers say: “Our experience was great from the beginning. Kristen’s communication was excellent, and she helped answer all our questions and schedule the dives. We signed up for a refresher since we haven’t done a dive in five years. Nick did a great job reviewing the material and skills, helping to improve confidence. We were lucky enough to just have us on our dive to make it even more personal. We highly recommend this group!” —Niki S
WHEN TO GO
Turks and Caicos is a year-round diving destination with an average of 350 days of sun. June to November is hurricane season, but rain showers usually pass quickly. From January through March, you’ll have the best opportunity to see humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays. The water temperature can drop to 74 degrees in the winter while in the summer it peaks at around 85 degrees. The high season (between December and April) is a harder time to find hotel and diving deals.