One of the Caribbean's top wall-diving spots, Turks and Caicos is an exciting island destination offering a variety of marine life, colorful corals, and great conditions for visiting divers. Good visibility and very little current make it a popular location for underwater photographers and novice divers, and the territory's close vicinity to the US means it is perfect for a long weekend or short vacation dive travel.
Where is Turks and Caicos?
Around 550 miles southeast of Miami, Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 low-lying islands surrounded by almost 1,000 square miles of healthy reef. Officially a British Overseas Territory, the archipelago consist of the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, separated by the Turks Island Passage.
How is the diving?
Characterized by deep walls, fascinating underwater topography, and a couple of interesting wrecks, Turks and Caicos diving is unique and have much to offer all levels of diver. The corals and sponges are in good health and fish life is abundant and varied along the reefs. Some good offshore sites feature pelagic species where deep channels run between the islands.
What can I expect to see?
Turks and Caicos is home to a wide variety of marine life in all shapes and sizes, most notably turtles, reef sharks, rays, angelfish, plenty of lobsters, and some interesting macro. Over the winter months, humpback whales migrate through the islands and are most commonly spotted between January and March. Divers at offshore sites may also catch a glimpse of passing manta rays, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, and eagle rays.
When is the best time to visit?
The islands enjoy a tropical climate which means conditions are great for diving year-round. Between June and October, temperatures are in the high 80s and visitors may experience the occasional rain shower, while November to May is drier and slightly cooler. Water temperatures range between the mid-70s and mid-80s throughout the year.
How to dive Turks and Caicos?
Most of the diving around the islands is resort-based, and there are several very upmarket all-inclusive options to choose from. Each of the eight inhabited cays brings its own character with something unique to offer visitors. There are also a small number of liveaboards serving the territory, including the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II and the Turks & Caicos Explorer II.
The best way to get there?
Turks and Caicos is just a short hop from Florida's east coast, and there are daily flights from Miami and other US cities. Most international flights land in Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and inter-island commuter flights connect to the other cays. US citizens do not need a visa, and the main currency is US Dollars, so visiting couldn't be easier!
Read out destination guide to find out more about Turks and Caicos diving.
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