The alluring turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands feature a vast, thriving coral reef ecosystem and lots of walls. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking walls or wrecks, scuba diving in the Turks and Caicos is both accessible and impressive. Just south of the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos are actually 40 different islands and cays, but just eight are inhabited.
The Columbus Passage, a 35-kilometre/22-mile-wide channel, separates the Turks Islands from the Caicos Islands. This deep passage is a water highway for migrating fish, rays, turtles, dolphins and Humpback whales from January through March. Providenciales, known as Provo, is the most developed island with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants and amenities. A large portion of the coast is protected by the National Parks Ordinance, which results in pristine dive sites with abundant marine life.
Grand Turk is the capital island and is a popular stop for cruise ships and tourists alike. But, the main attraction here is diving. With protected reefs dropping well past recreational dive limits just offshore, it’s easy to see why this is a diver’s paradise.
One of the most popular draw to the islands are the abundance of sea turtles that seek refuge here. There is a great chance of swimming with these fascinating creatures during your stay on the islands.
Sharks and rays patrol the reefs, brimming with colorful fish and healthy coral. If you’re really lucky, you may get a chance to see dolphins or porpoises playing in the shallows.
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