Turks and Caicos Boat Rentals
An incredible marine environment defines the Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos, and the best way to experience our beaches, islands, uninhabited cays, and reefs is by boat.
The vast majority of visitors take a captained boat trip, either a shared tour with many other guests, or a private charter.
If you’d prefer to rent your own boat and be your own captain, there are only a few boat rental options on Providenciales to choose from.
Boat Rental Options—Be Your Own Captain
Keep in mind that renting a boat will often be more expensive than simply taking one of the scheduled and shared boat tour excursions that operate from Providenciales, many of which start at around $120 per adult person, and include drinks and refreshments. These cruises often combine multiple activities, including secluded beach stops and visits to snorkeling reefs.
Explore on Your Own
In terms of powered vessels that visitors can pilot themselves and explore on their own, the options are limited to a few companies, most of which are located on the island of Providenciales. The other islands in the Turks and Caicos, including the cruise ship stop of Grand Turk, have very limited options.
On Providenciales, Sun and Fun Sea Sports offers a few small jet boats for rent, which are suitable for up to 5-6 persons. Jet boats carry many similarities with jet skis, including high rental rates and excessive fuel usage!
Ocean Outback Adventures rents a large skiff, and is located on the southwestern side of Providenciales, near Sapodilla Bay, Chalk Sound, and Taylor Bay. This area hides secluded beaches, the tiny island of Turtle Rock, the attraction of West Harbour Bluff, and the remote Bonefish Point.
Several companies also rent jet skis, and these small power vessels are the easiest to use. When renting jet skis, please pay attention to the guidance provided by the rental company on locations, and keep in mind that jet ski use is not allowed in national parks and nature reserves.
It’s also possible to find tiny power boats for rent at Sapodilla Bay and Grace Bay, but keep in mind that these mini boats are unsuitable for rough conditions, so the range and cost is prohibitive.
Difficulty of Navigation
It’s important to note that the waters in the Turks and Caicos can be quite challenging, even for those who are familiar with the area or have boating experience. There are countless reefs, rocks, and shallows to contend with, and many areas are exposed to the open ocean swell and weather.
Before boating in the Turks and Caicos, it’s crucial to research common boating practices and reference navigation charts, so as to be aware of routes and hazards.
Many experienced captains operating in the Turks and Caicos routinely use GPS systems with highly-detailed marine charts that show depths, reefs, shoals, and hazards.
Boat Rentals—Private Charters
If you’re seeking a private adventure that’s tailored to exactly what you’d like to do, there’s a tremendous selection of boat charter companies in the Turks and Caicos, and a wide array of vessel types to choose from, including shared party cruises and private luxury yacht charters.
Private charters allow you to spend the day how you’d like, and the captain can take you to a wide range of destinations, beaches, and snorkeling reefs.
For detailed information on charter business and vessel selection, explore our island-specific boat charter pages. Providenciales is the primary tourism island in the country, and consequently supports by far the greatest number of charters. Grand Turk and our less-populated islands have few businesses and vessel types to choose from.
Great Boating Destinations
There’s a wonderful selection of sights, beaches, and cays to visit by boat in the Turks and Caicos.
Spectacular reefs can be found at many areas around the Turks and Caicos. A popular reef fronts the Leeward region of Providenciales, and features large numbers of reef fish, fascinating coral gullies and small caves, and dense beds of yellow and purple sea fans.
It’s also possible to see turtles, conch, and starfish in some of the verdant seagrass beds, and majestic eagle rays gliding over the reef. Dolphins can also be spotted here, either as small pods or single sightings of the famous Jojo the Dolphin.
The Caicos Cays
The most popular boat excursion destination in the Turks and Caicos is the string of islands between Providenciales and North Caicos, which includes Little Water Cay, Half Moon Bay, Water Cay, Pine Cay, Fort George Cay, Dellis Cay, Parrot Cay, Mangrove Cay, and Donna Cay.
These islands offer miles of pristine white sand beach, sandbars and lagoons, reefs, and exquisite tropical wilderness.
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Long Bay and the Caicos Banks
The southern Caicos Banks side of Providenciales also hides many incredible places to visit by boat. On a calm day, the banks are so clear and shallow that it looks like an endless swimming pool.
One of the most popular stops is the La Famille Express, which is a grounded freighter shipwreck off of Long Bay Beach.
Southwestern Providenciales
The waters and coastline off the southwestern side of Providenciales is a bit quieter than other areas, yet is nevertheless a great place to explore. There’s West Harbour Bluff, which is a coastal area with cliffs, a secluded beach, and a small cave, the tiny island of Turtle Rock, and the remote Bonefish Point Beach.
Long Cay, near the old settlement of Five Cays, is another beautiful islands, and supports a population of the unique and friendly Turks and Caicos Islands Rock Iguanas.
Further Afield
Those on private charters have the option to visit more remote yet breathtaking locations such as West Caicos, which offers some of the bluest ocean water you’ll ever see, and remote nature sites such as French Cay, Little Ambergris Cay, and the Fish Cays. The marine wildlife, crystal clear water, hidden beaches, and untouched tropical paradise of these islands are unforgettable.
Rental Companies
