Future Scuba Trip to Turks and Caicos

[jlnielsen13]

Hello fellow divers,

I am planning my first trip to Turks and Caicos in August with the airfare and hotel (West Bay) booked.

I was hoping to get some tips from you guys that have already been there:

Which dive company to use and why?

Where is the best off shore snorkeling?

Any other island tips such as restaurants/ things to do?

Thanks for the help,

JIM

[SCreeferGuy]

I was there in December 2014 and it was great!

Did not do land based - was on Aggressor boat. So, no recommendations for anything on the island...

Most of our time was spent off Provodenciales, West Caicos, and French Cay.

French Cay was the best - lots of Carribean reef sharks there that were VERY comfortable getting close to you - like within 6 feet or less - got much closer than anywhere else I've been.

Enjoy your trip!

[Deinonych]

We are heading there in mid-March and plan to use Ocean Vibes for diving. We chose them because they take smaller groups out, and offer more individual attention (a requirement from my wife -- I couldn't care less. ) Will let you know our experiences when we get back!

[jlnielsen13]

Originally Posted by Deinonych

We are heading there in mid-March and plan to use Ocean Vibes for diving. We chose them because they take smaller groups out, and offer more individual attention (a requirement from my wife -- I couldn't care less. ) Will let you know our experiences when we get back!

AWESOME!!

Thank you for the heads up and can't wait to here your report! Have fun!

JIM

[snorvich]

Originally Posted by Deinonych

We are heading there in mid-March and plan to use Ocean Vibes for diving. We chose them because they take smaller groups out, and offer more individual attention (a requirement from my wife -- I couldn't care less. ) Will let you know our experiences when we get back!

While not wanting to start a controversy, Caribbean Dive operations tend to enforce buddy diving rules. My recollection is that much T&C diving is fairly deep. FYI.

[Deinonych]

Originally Posted by snorvich

While not wanting to start a controversy, Caribbean Dive operations tend to enforce buddy diving rules. My recollection is that much T&C diving is fairly deep. FYI.

Good to know about buddy rules. We'll call them before booking. My wife is less experienced than I am and doesn't like to be my buddy.

And yes, most of T&C is wall diving - my favorite.

[snorvich]

I vaguely recall a rather good restaurant there, but it has been a very long time.

[enzo0000]

Originally Posted by jlnielsen13

Hello fellow divers,

I am planning my first trip to Turks and Caicos in August with the airfare and hotel (West Bay) booked.

I was hoping to get some tips from you guys that have already been there:

Which dive company to use and why?

Where is the best off shore snorkeling?

Any other island tips such as restaurants/ things to do?

Thanks for the help,

JIM

Hello...

I haven't used any dive operators as I worked for a resort that has It's own dive operation (ClubMed)

Dive Provo is a couple of miles down the road from your location, not a bad outfit from what I've heard. . If this is your first time here, try book a dive trip to northwest point, its where the walls are (6000 ft drop) very nice diving...It's suitable dive from 50-130 foot range. Some outfits will travel to West Caicos where the rays, sharks (Occasional tiger)...its a great dive area.

As for snorkeling, about 1/4 mile to the right of your resort is coral gardens, nice snorkel spot, but they do rope it off and you can snorkel on the outskirts of it. You'll see turtles, barracuda, plenty of fish though. There's also Smith's reef, but you'll have to swim out to it, it is on the left of your resort about a mile or so down.

I ate at my resort mostly so cannot give any insight on food, Not much nightlife, mainly at the resorts.

Cheers

[Deinonych]

So, we just got back from a short, but enjoyable stay on TCI. First off, Ocean Vibes is an amazing dive outfit! Loved the individualized attention, and the dive groups were pretty small. We had several folks on our boat working on their PADI Open Water certification, so one divemaster worked with them while the other led a very small group of certified divers. The first day we had only 5 certified divers in our group, and 6 on the second. On every dive, we turned back as soon as the first diver hit the halfway point on air, but they allowed those of us with better air efficiency continue to dive as long as we stayed within visible range of the boat. Loved it!

We dove West Caicos the first day, and NW Point (Providenciales) the second day. Saw tons of sharks, including a Hammerhead. Highly recommend Ocean Vibes.

Also, if you like local restaurants, you MUST eat at Mr. Grouper's in Grace Bay. FANTASTIC food, and relatively affordable.

[jlnielsen13]

Originally Posted by Deinonych

So, we just got back from a short, but enjoyable stay on TCI. First off, Ocean Vibes is an amazing dive outfit! Loved the individualized attention, and the dive groups were pretty small. We had several folks on our boat working on their PADI Open Water certification, so one divemaster worked with them while the other led a very small group of certified divers. The first day we had only 5 certified divers in our group, and 6 on the second. On every dive, we turned back as soon as the first diver hit the halfway point on air, but they allowed those of us with better air efficiency continue to dive as long as we stayed within visible range of the boat. Loved it!

We dove West Caicos the first day, and NW Point (Providenciales) the second day. Saw tons of sharks, including a Hammerhead. Highly recommend Ocean Vibes.

Also, if you like local restaurants, you MUST eat at Mr. Grouper's in Grace Bay. FANTASTIC food, and relatively affordable.

Awesome advice.... starting to get really excited. I would love to see a hammerhead!

I might have to try Ocean vibes then and see if they have a 3 day dive package.

Thank you,

JIM

[VegasMike]

Just got back from Provo last Thursday. I did not do any diving, but did get in a bit of snorkeling. We actually stayed at the West Bay Club. The people are very friendly, the beach was great and we found some pretty good places to eat.

Snorkeling at Coral Gardens was fine, nice parrot fish, blue tangs, barracuda and a turtle. It's quite crowded and since we were there on spring break, it was crowded with a bunch of idiots, people who could not understand that they were supposed to stay out of the middle of the roped off area even when there is a guy yelling through a bullhorn from the shore. There is a nice reef area straight out from the hotel, but I suggest taking a kayak or SUP out and then doing some snorkeling as there are quite a few boats that race by.

Restaurants: Mango Reef, Hemmingways, Caicos Cafe, Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro were all great. Want a bit more laid back, reasonably priced and local, try Bugaloo's. Coco Bistro is one of the best and you usually need a reservation pretty far in advance.

We also did a Jetski tour for a couple hours that was just fantastic.

[acrohead500ppm]

White house reef (coral gardens) was ruined 15 years ago when they built that god dang Sandals resort a mile down the beach.


Call me a dork, but they have this watermelon soda down there..... amazing !

Also, pub on the bay is a local eatery that has the best conch fritters I have had in my life.

[G_Sanab922]

Went to provo a few years ago, didn't dive but did some snorkeling off the beach. They have some amazing reefs right off the beach. One of the best I've seen. There is so much to see and we didn't even need a dive boat. It ranged from 5ft-25ft. tangs, sharks, cudas, angelfish, eels , octopus, etc.

Friendly people and good food pretty much anywhere.

[jlnielsen13]

Originally Posted by VegasMike

Just got back from Provo last Thursday. I did not do any diving, but did get in a bit of snorkeling. We actually stayed at the West Bay Club. The people are very friendly, the beach was great and we found some pretty good places to eat.

Snorkeling at Coral Gardens was fine, nice parrot fish, blue tangs, barracuda and a turtle. It's quite crowded and since we were there on spring break, it was crowded with a bunch of idiots, people who could not understand that they were supposed to stay out of the middle of the roped off area even when there is a guy yelling through a bullhorn from the shore. There is a nice reef area straight out from the hotel, but I suggest taking a kayak or SUP out and then doing some snorkeling as there are quite a few boats that race by.

Restaurants: Mango Reef, Hemmingways, Caicos Cafe, Coco Bistro, Bay Bistro were all great. Want a bit more laid back, reasonably priced and local, try Bugaloo's. Coco Bistro is one of the best and you usually need a reservation pretty far in advance.

We also did a Jetski tour for a couple hours that was just fantastic.

Originally Posted by acrohead500ppm

White house reef (coral gardens) was ruined 15 years ago when they built that god dang Sandals resort a mile down the beach.


Call me a dork, but they have this watermelon soda down there..... amazing !

Also, pub on the bay is a local eatery that has the best conch fritters I have had in my life.

Originally Posted by G_Sanab922

Went to provo a few years ago, didn't dive but did some snorkeling off the beach. They have some amazing reefs right off the beach. One of the best I've seen. There is so much to see and we didn't even need a dive boat. It ranged from 5ft-25ft. tangs, sharks, cudas, angelfish, eels , octopus, etc.

Friendly people and good food pretty much anywhere.

Thanks for all the tips! Excited about the trip and can't wait to get under the water! Although I need to enjoy the summer first! I'm going to get my charter company soon though so I have that all set up.. I definitely want to do 2-3 days of diving!

Thanks,
JIM

[jlnielsen13]

Super excited to be leaving in less than a month! Anybody else been there recently that could add their 2 cents on charters and where to eat/go for other activities??

Thanks!

JIM

[Deinonych]

Here's a little taste of what to look forward to underwater.

[snorvich]

Nice video. Is that the sponge that gives turtles a psychedelic experience?

[jlnielsen13]

Originally Posted by Deinonych

Here's a little taste of what to look forward to underwater.

Great video,

Looking forward to getting some great footage. Anything you did on vacation that I should look into as far as a "must do"

Thanks,

JIM

[Deinonych]

Originally Posted by jlnielsen13

Great video,

Looking forward to getting some great footage. Anything you did on vacation that I should look into as far as a "must do"

Thanks,

JIM

Unfortunately, we weren't on the island long enough to do more than a couple of dives and grab a bit of beach time. We missed our connection inbound, so we only had 3 full days to pack everything in. Next time we'll plan a longer stay.

[Deinonych]

Originally Posted by snorvich

Nice video. Is that the sponge that gives turtles a psychedelic experience?

Not sure - hadn't heard of that before.

[Patwa]

T&C was awesome....was only there for a few hours on a cruise stop, but had a couple amazing dives. Some of the best wall diving in the world I was told.

pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/583530...57651926710276

z

[jlnielsen13]

Here is a video from my trip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOkNDRNyS_E

Thanks for all the help- JIM