| The islands of the Turks and Caicos are absolutely | | | | mid-60's in the evening. Daytime temperatures warm |
| beautiful with powder soft beaches and aqua blue | | | | up to 90-95 degrees in the summer with nighttime in |
| water. That water also holds some of the best scuba | | | | the cooler 73-77 degree range. Summer can get hot |
| diving in the Caribbean. Scuba diving in the Turks and | | | | and humid, like the rest of the Caribbean. |
| Caicos will delight you with pristine dive sites, great | | | | The rainy season goes from late May through |
| visibility and abundant marine life. | | | | November. Hurricane season is from June 1 to |
| Here's a guide to help you plan your first (or next) | | | | November 30. The most active period is usually |
| Turks and Caicos scuba diving trip. | | | | September and October. |
| Lay of the Land: Turks and Caicos consists of 40 | | | | Water Temperature: Water temperatures range |
| different islands and cayes, 8 of which are inhabited. | | | | from 74F to 78F in the winter and around 80F to |
| There are two group of islands. On the West side | | | | 84F in the summer. Most divers wear at least a |
| are the Caicos group and on the east are the Turks | | | | shorty in the winter during their Turks and Caicos |
| group. The two groups are separated by the 22 mile | | | | scuba diving trips. |
| Columbus Passage. | | | | Reefs and Rides: There are lots of great dive sites |
| Unlike some other Caribbean islands, the Turks and | | | | to explore during your Turks and Caicos scuba diving |
| Caicos are fairly flat with marshes and mangrove | | | | trip. The reef system here is 200 miles long and |
| swamps. | | | | about 65 miles wide. Wall diving starts fairly shallow |
| We have only stayed on Providenciales ("Provo"), | | | | so it is also good for beginners. Some drop offs start |
| which is the most developed of the island group. As | | | | as shallow as 35-40 feet. If you are a beginner, I |
| a result, it offers many hotels, restaurants, | | | | wouldn't hesitate to recommend these islands as |
| attractions, etc. Provo covers 38 square miles and is | | | | great place to start your diving career. |
| fringed by white sand beaches. This is where most | | | | The government is also protecting the waters off |
| of the tourists head. We are working on getting to | | | | the Turks and Caicos. Marine parks and fishing |
| the other islands, hopefully soon! | | | | reserves have been set up in the islands. The |
| Provo is where you will find the absolutely gorgeous | | | | Princess Alexandra National Park is off the coast of |
| Grace Bay Beach, voted the Best Beach by Conde | | | | Provo and most diving off of Grace Bay is done |
| Naste. Many celebrities, including Oprah, have begun | | | | within the boundaries of the park. Mooring balls have |
| to show up on Provo. Most people stay on Grace | | | | also been set up at most of the sights throughout |
| Bay Beach and do their diving off its shore. | | | | the islands to protect the coral. |
| Location: The Turks and Caicos are located just | | | | Since the reef is right off the shore of Grace Bay, |
| south (30 miles) of the Bahamas and 575 miles | | | | you will have short boat rides to the dive sites. Our |
| southeast of Miami. It is only a 1 1/2 hour plane ride | | | | rides to the sites off of Grace bay were about 15-20 |
| from Miami. It is easy to get to with many direct | | | | minutes. |
| flights from the states, especially during the high | | | | So if you get a chance to go on a Turks and Caicos |
| season (mid-December through April). | | | | scuba diving trip, go and enjoy it. It's a trip you will |
| Weather: Winter temperatures average a pleasant | | | | alway remember. |
| 75-80 degrees during the day and cool down to the | | | | |