Wiley Cut
Turks and Caicos
Wiley Cut is a passage through the Caicos Barrier Reef on the remote western coast of Providenciales and off the coast of Flamingo Creek Bay. The cut is located inside the southwestern boundaries of the Northwest Point Marine National Park and as such is protected, with fishing not being permitted. The waters surrounding Wiley Cut are home to spectacular snorkeling reefs, as some of the best sea fan beds near Providenciales are located at the cut, and water visibility can be exceptional.
Marine wildlife sightings are amazing. There’s plenty of colorful fish to see, from the usual suspects that include wrasse, angelfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, jacks, snappers, groupers, goatfish, squirrelfish, trumpetfish, porcupinefish, blue tangs, black durgon, and much more. Larger creatures include nurse sharks, barracuda, southern stingrays, and spotted eagle rays.
Two shipwrecks are also located near the cut. Although largely broken up now, the remains of a mid-sized steel vessel with its engine can still be seen, and there’s a small sailboat as well.
Transiting the Cut via Boat
Wiley Cut does offer safe passage for mid and smaller vessels, yet the area can be quite treacherous and difficult to navigate, especially when there’s any significant swell. Great care should be taken in the area, and it’s highly advisable to utilize GPS and accurate marine charts. Larger vessels and cruisers should not need to transit Wiley Cut, as there are much easier, more direct, and safer approaches to the marinas on Providenciales for vessels entering from the west, such as Sand Bore Channel or Leeward Going Through.
Visiting Wiley Cut
Wiley Cut is an excellent snorkeling attraction and a great stop on excursions operating off the western side of Providenciales. Only a relatively few charter and dive companies visit the site.
When conditions are appropriate, Big Blue Collective will often include a stop at Wiley Cut on their longer adventures, such as their Edge of the Banks trip. Private charter company Ocean Frontiers likewise may visit Wiley Cut according to conditions and guest wishes.
Snorkeling from Shore
Wiley Cut is located comparatively close to the Flamingo Creek Bay, which is the beach on the northern extents of the Frenchman’s Creek and Pigeon Pond Nature Reserve, yet it is not advisable to attempt swimming out from shore, due to tidal movement, currents, and vessel traffic. Several beautiful reefs are located directly off the Frenchman’s Creek and Malcolm’s Road Beach coastline, which are more accessible and safer for those snorkeling from the beach.
Frenchman’s Creek is a highly-scenic nature reserve, yet access can be difficult. A very poor condition track does lead into the area, yet some may find it easier to trek in south along the coast from the primary Malcolm’s Road Beach access.
Ocean Conditions and Dangers
As Wiley Cut is located on the barrier reef and not far from the great depths of the open Atlantic Ocean, the area can experience significant ocean swells at times. Such swells are more of an anomaly rather than the norm, and are largely associated with tropical depressions in the general region of the Turks and Caicos, or winter storms.
The western side of Providenciales is the lee side of the island and is usually sheltered from the typical eastern trade winds, so surface conditions are often quite tame.
Due to the remote location and natural tidal water movements through the cut, it’s not advisable to attempt snorkeling at the cut from shore, and it’s best to visit with a knowledgeable guide.
Tour Companies
