Providenciales Boat Cruises and Charters
Next to relaxing at one of the incredible beaches, boat cruises and charters are the most popular activity on Providenciales. A boat cruise or charter is a must-do experience, and most tours offer a great blend of perfect beaches, a pristine marine environment, and the signature turquoise ocean water, as well as food, drinks, and music.
Along with offering spectacular views of the Turks and Caicos ocean, excursions often include visits to see the iguanas at Little Water Cay, as well as stops at snorkeling reefs and the amazing beaches of Half Moon Bay, Water Cay, Pine Cay, and Fort George Cay.
Half Moon Bay, a beach that filled in between two islands after a hurricane, is a destination that the whole family can enjoy. The ocean and beach are great, the unique iguanas roam freely, and there’s a shallow lagoon with interesting marine wildlife to explore.
Depending on where you’re staying, cruises may either pick you up on the beach outside your hotel or resort on Grace Bay or—in some cases—offer free transport to and from your accommodation.
Excursions are typically half-day or full-day activities. It varies by business, yet lunch is often included when the cruise spans the midday hours.
The uninhabited cays and islands in the Turks and Caicos are fun and fascinating to explore. There aren’t many uninhabited islands still remaining in the Caribbean, and discovering one of these gems makes for the perfect tropical vacation experience.
Most excursions can be booked as private boat charters, which is great for large groups and those looking for additional privacy, tranquility, and the option to customize their experience.
Snorkeling
Most Turks and Caicos boat charters include complimentary use of snorkeling equipment and often stop at snorkeling sites, though weather and ocean conditions can greatly affect your experience depending on the location. A dedicated snorkel or scuba diving excursion typically provides the best underwater experience.
Nearly all of the beach and BBQ cruises (the most popular type of cruise) visit the uninhabited Caicos Cays to the east of Providenciales. There are amazing snorkeling sites in this region, including the popular reef at Leeward Cut.
For those looking for the best underwater experience, consider selecting a dedicated snorkeling cruise. You’ll be more likely to visit the best sites that the conditions allow for.
Snorkeling adventures often visit the barrier reef that surrounds the Turks and Caicos, and this pristine system abounds with colorful fish and vibrant corals. The most popular barrier reef site is found at Leeward Cut, and on calm days, this site offers plenty of marine wildlife to view, from angelfish and parrotfish to stingrays and sharks. When offshore, a guide from the crew typically leads snorkelers for safety.
Fishing
The best rod and line fishing typically happens away from the beach cruising spots, so fishing isn’t usually part of the typical excursion. The exception is conch diving, where conch is collected with snorkel gear, which is often an activity on beach BBQ tours.
Sport fishing, especially in the case of bonefishing and deep-sea fishing, is typically only offered on private charters.
Is Booking a Private Charter Worth It?
As is the case with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. A private tour can cater to exactly what you’d like to do and will be less crowded. Shared boat cruises tend to have more of a party vibe.
Shared cruises are a more economical choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. However, for groups of five or more, a private charter will cost a similar amount to a public cruise.
In most cases, a private charter is the only option if you want to do something other than the typical cruise to Little Water Cay and Half Moon Bay (amazing places to visit, and by no means a poor choice!).
West Caicos is a good example. Due to the longer boat trip out, there are no scheduled tours that land on this beautiful island, yet there are great coral reefs and snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and the abandoned Victorian-era Yankee Town historical site to explore.
Fort George Cay is another great adventure that’s closer to Provo than West Caicos. On the west side of this island is a spectacular beach, and on the east side, you can snorkel and see late 1700s-era cannons in the ocean where Fort Saint George once stood.
Many of the boutique and charter vessels are a bit more interesting and appealing as well, and include sailing catamarans and luxurious cruising yachts.
A custom yacht charter is a great choice if you’re staying on the private islands of Parrot Cay or Pine Cay, as the tour can start directly off the beach fronting your resort.
Businesses
There’s a wide array of local businesses offering boat charters. The various local excursion companies operate a variety of vessels, which includes small powerboats, sailboats, and luxury cabin cruisers. If you have a preference, inquire before you book.
Reservations and Booking
As with most activities and accommodations in the Turks and Caicos, you’ll typically get the best rates on boat trips by booking directly with the local tour company.
During the winter high season, availability can be limited, so you may want to make a reservation a bit in advance.
Private boat charters typically have more stringent cancellation policies, especially when canceled with short notice.
Most boat tour companies can accommodate custom charters if requested, even if such trips are not advertised.
Charters that operate from a fixed location, such as Big Blue Collective at Leeward, often depart in a more timely manner than excursions that pick up guests from the beach. It’s fun to meet the boat in front of your resort, but this can take up valuable snorkeling and exploring time if passengers are late.
)
Turks and Caicos Boat Charter Companies
