Scuba Diving Off the Coast of the Turks & Caicos Islands

The reef is relatively close to the beach, which makes for accessible beach dives, and old and new shipwrecks add to the many varieties of fish and marine life to provide the diver with an exceptional and memorable dive. Conditions are excellent year round, especially November through March, and water temperatures range from 75 degrees in the winter to 85 degrees in the summer. From late March to early April, be sure to bring a lycra hood for protection from thimble jellyfish.

The most popular dive sites on the islands are:

- Grand Turk
Many divers prefer Grand Turk over Providenciales because of the popular dive sites that are no more than a 10-minute boat ride from the beach. The entire west coast of Grand Turk has been designated a marine park for more than a decade. Grand Turk has great coral arch formations and sandy shoots leading to dramatic drop-offs.

- Providenciales
It is a 45-minute boat ride to most of the popular dive sites on West Caicos, French Cay and Northwest Point, but Providenciales is typically the choice for divers who want the comfort and convenience of a more popular, high volume dive destination.

- Salt Cay
Salt Cay is a serene and undeveloped island with a population of less than 100 people. All of Salt Cay's regularly visited sites are scattered along the island's protected western lee, except for the ship wreck, the HMS Endymion, an hour's skiff ride south.

- South Caicos
South Caicos is perhaps the most off-the-beaten-track of the islands. Most sites are within 15 minutes of the dock, and the entire eastern shore of South Caicos is protected by marine park status to a depth of 300 feet.

Many hotels and resorts even offer convenient inclusive packages containing diving lessons. You don't even need to own or bring your own equipment as diving equipment is available for rent. If you are thinking about a dive vacation for the first time, or you are an experienced diver looking for a special place to indulge your passion, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer exceptional diving for all levels of expertise, in one of the Caribbean's most beautiful locations.

About the Author: Ellie Cominos is a travel expert and a content associate and travel guide writer for BookIt.com® - the online travel company offering discounted hotels and vacations wherever you are FROM! Visit the BookIt.com ® Travel Guides for additional travel information including articles, reviews and helpful travel tips.

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