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A no-nonsense handbook to liveaboard diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands!
We field dozens of questions on dive travel to the Turks & Caicos Islands. Whether it’s your first or next liveaboard trip, we’ve compiled this easily digestible list of commonly asked questions to help you plan. Now you can stop clicking around and start booking your next dive holiday to the incredible Turks & Caicos Islands.
Where are the Turks & Caicos Islands?
The Turks & Caicos Islands are located 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, southeast of the Bahamas. The chain consists of 40 idyllic islands, many of which are protected and uninhabited. The “Turks” islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay are separated from the “Caicos” islands by the 6000 ft. deep Columbus (or Turks) Passage. Providenciales (commonly known as Provo), South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk are the main inhabited areas. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the islands contain over 1,000 square miles of healthy reef, making up the third largest barrier reef in the world. A must-go for divers, the Turks & Caicos Islands thrill with their sheer walls, expansive underwater visibility, and a profusion of sharks.
How do I get there?
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II departs from the island of Provo. Divers will fly into the Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the main port of entry. This is a direct flight from many American airports. A short taxi ride is typically arranged for pre and post trip transfers at an additional cost.
What islands will Turks & Caicos Explorer II visit?
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II typically dives around the islands of Provo, West Caicos, and French Caye. Read the full itinerary here. We also offer special Grand Turks itineraries (diving Grand Turk, South Caicos, French Cay and/or Salt Cay). The island of Grand Turk lies on the far side of the Turks Passage and is more secluded so this itinerary is only available on a full charter basis.
What will I see scuba diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands?
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II travels offshore and dives at the more famous and remote sites in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Situated on an expansive underwater plateau rising from the deep, dive sites transition from impressive sheer walls to shallow flat sandy bottoms. You’ll discover secret chutes, canyons, wrecks, and some of the best shark action in the Caribbean! Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks are frequently seen – as are spotted eagle rays, stingrays, jacks, giant grouper, turtles, and the occasional manta rays, great hammerheads, and dolphins. The Islands are also famous for the incredible (protected) reefs, black corals, and spectacular walls filled with huge gorgonian fans which support a high density of marine life.
How many dives will I do?
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II offers five scheduled dives daily, including night dives. The yacht boards each Saturday and offers 5 1/2 days of diving each week before returning guests back to the port. That’s 27 dives in a week! With such an active dive schedule, it is suggested that guests dive with Nitrox (for Nitrox certified divers). If you do not have a Nitrox certificate, you can take a course onboard.
When is the best time to go to the Turks & Caicos Islands?
The weather is the Turks & Caicos Islands is remarkably consistent year-round, with air temperatures ranging from 72-82F. Diving is also spectacular year-round with little appreciable current and visibility ranging 75 to 150 feet. Nevertheless, the optimal months to join Turks & Caicos Explorer II are from April to January. While the Caribbean storm season is June-November, it’s unusual to have more than a couple of weeks a year significantly impacted by storms. The benefits of traveling during summer months are often calm seas, great visibility and the warmest water of the year (not to mention great seasonal promotions like our Year of Savings specials).
What is the water temperature?
Water temperatures range from a low of 72F in winter to a high of about 82F in summer. Most divers are comfortable with a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit depending on the time of year. When in doubt- pack layers like a vest plus a lighter full suit.
What do I need to bring?
Packing for the Turks & Caicos Explorer II is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits. You may consider dress shorts or sundresses for dinner ashore, though all restaurants are “casual”. All linens are provided on board. If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes, necessary medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more manageable.
More about the Turks & Caicos Explorer II:
A beautiful liveaboard boat, the Turks & Caicos Explorer II, is designed to be an amenity-rich yacht, perfect for cruising the picturesque Turks & Caicos Islands. It comfortably accommodates 20 passengers in 10 double staterooms, each of which has private bathroom facilities and air conditioning. The yacht also offers a large climate-controlled salon for dining, a spacious sundeck with lounge chairs, and an awning-covered flybridge with wet bar – guests’ favorite hangout. Customized for divers, the dive deck is equipped with a bathroom, individual gear bins, camera table, recharging station, air and nitrox filling stations, freshwater showers, and separate fresh water rinse for both scuba and underwater camera equipment. There are two large stairways accessing the dive platform, where two in-water ladders hang making it easy to enter and exit the water. This vessel is designed with divers’ comfort in mind.
Experience the incredible Turks & Caicos Explorer II today, don’t miss the boat!
Questions? Contact us:
Email: info@explorerventures.com
Enquiries: 1-307-235-0683
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