Snorkel at Smith’s Reef

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Mike, GoPro in hand and ready for some snorkeling at Smith’s Reef

Smith’s Reef is an amazing area for snorkeling and not too far off shore. You need to be aware that it is right beside the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. A word of caution …. take note of the channel markers for incoming and outgoing water craft and stay out of the channel itself. You will see such a variety of sea life such as turtles, eagle rays, sting rays, an abundance of fish and corals.

Here’s how to find Smiths Reef at the end of Coconut Road

Visit TCI has a good map showing the location and how to find the reef. 

Smith's Reef from the air

Drone shot of Smith’s Reef showing the beautiful coral head.

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A map of the reef showing the 22′ channel where often you’ll see rays.

Snorkel with turtles and all kinds of fish at Smith’s Reef

Heading out with a go pro to get some classic underwater shots.

Snorkeling with go pro ready.

Go pro ready for action

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Another beautiful Provo day just made for some snorkeling.

Just a few words before you set out to enjoy and explore our reefs.

Please do not touch or stand on anything as coral is a living animal and be sure not to brush anything with your flippers, equipment or gear.

Remember:

  • Don’t step on coral. …
  • Don’t touch or chase marine life. …
  • Don’t stir the sediment. …
  • Don’t take marine life – dead or alive.
  • Please use reef safe sunscreen

Clear and calm….what a day on the reef

A turtle pops his head up…what a great photo Mike!

Do not cover yourself heavily with sunscreen before snorkeling and of course biodegradable lotions are available and better yet, buy a rash guard.

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A Green Sea Turtle poses for photos beside a Purple Sea Whip.

A beautiful hawkbill turtle is curious

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A Spotted Eagle Ray passing through.

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Love the reflections in the water.

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A Porcupine Fish showing spines swims amongst the coral.

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A six foot nurse shark rests on the sandy bottom.

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Big and docile just resting on the bottom ready for a photo shoot.

Snorkel with hawksbill turtle at Smith's Reef

A stunning hawksbill turtle cruises on by

Snorkeling Smith's Reef on Providenciales

Mike spots a Queen Angelfish

A turtle pops his head up with Mike snorkeling with his go pro

Wandering the shore line at Smith’s Reef is always full of discoveries, lovely rock pools and all kinds of shells and marine life.

Tidal pools along the shore line at Smith's Reef

Rock pools are fascinating especially when the tide is out.

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And meanwhile along the shore, a rock pool find of a Helmet Shell.

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Such beauty surrounds us and take a look at the exquisite markings on this shell.

A crab scurries along the rocks

A crab scurries along the rocks

Chitons attached to the rocks

Look for Chitons attached to the rocks

Chitons also known as Coat of Mail shells or Sea Cradles are a marine mollusc found along the rocks at Smith’s Reef and elsewhere.

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See the eyes peeking out of the shell of this baby conch and the claw-like operculum with which they move across the ocean floor.

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Back to the reef and this beauty…..a Honeycomb Cowfish apparently quite rare.

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Love those eagle rays as they gracefully glide through the waters.

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Mike says this green turtle took a keen interest in the camera.

Smith's Reef on Providenciales is the best for snorkeling

Smith’s Reef on Providenciales is the best for snorkeling

And here’s me just enjoying every part of the day here at Smith’s Reef.

All the amazing underwater photos are taken by Mike so I thank him for letting me use them for my blog.

Enjoy the reefs everyone but please take care as you snorkel to preserve and protect the coral and sea life.

Snorkel responsibly and have fun.

Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

The Bight Reef

Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Wow........flat calm at the Bight Reef also known as the White House Reef.

Provo has two great snorkel areas close to the shore line……….The Bight Reef or the White House Reef at Coral Gardens and Smith’s Reef just outside the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. Usually you’ll see turtles, lots of fish such as parrot fish, angel fish, blue tangs and sometimes spotted eagle rays along with beautiful coral formations.

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

Look at the clarity of the water as Alexis prepares to head out snorkeling

We have some of the best snorkeling ever here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Come and see us soon and enjoy snorkeling on our reefs.

Happy snorkeling,

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Snorkeling on Grace Bay

Not one, not two but THREE eagle rays at Coral Gardens reef

 Wow, what a great day of snorkeling at Coral Gardens reef on Grace Bay. Not one, not two but THREE spotted eagle rays. Our guests headed out snorkeling and came across these three spotted eagle rays. They also followed a young turtle and saw many other fish of all colours and sizes. The snorkeling and diving here in the Turks and Caicos is some of the best in the world. There’s lots of other neat places where you can see all sorts of marine life just waiting to be explored by you and your family.

Hope to see you soon!
 
Marta

http://www.diving.tc