Diving in the Turks and Caicos

Harbour Club Villas and Marina mooring dive boats a short walk away
Harbour Club Villas and Marina mooring dive boats a short walk away

The MARINA at Harbour Club Villas is home to two top notch dive companies. This makes for a very convenient, few minutes walk for our diving guests. If you are diving with Aqua TCI and Flamingo Divers you’re just a short easy walk away from your dive boat!

Harbour Club Villas and Marina has dive boats leaving daily for many of our spectacular dive sites.

Harbour Club’s six villas provide the best in dive accommodation on Providenciales. One bedroom villas fully equipped with kitchen, large living area and with pool and gazebo. These stand alone villas are just made for a great diving vacation for couples, families as well as small dive groups. Just a short walk takes you to the docks and dive excursions.

An open living and dining area, with sofa bed and couches.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the most spectacular reefs and diving. We are blessed with the second largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere and divers will be amazed at the numerous dive sites (some 90 sites)………North West Point, West Caicos, Sandbore Channel, French Cay and Grace Bay.

We have about 300 miles of barrier reef and in Provo with boat rides of up to 40 minutes or so from our dock. WOW, the visibility is easily in the range of 80 feet or more. 

Guests have a short walk in the mornings to go diving

A short walk from the villas takes you down to the marina

 

A short walk down to Aqua TCI and other boats in the mornings.

Aqua TCI is just down the hill and the photo shows our tiki hut peeking through the trees.  A short walk further down the dock, you will find Flamingo Divers and Caicos Adventures. All are within walking distance from our villas……….so how convenient is that!

You can be up and out the door, walk down to the dock and be on your dive boat within minutes.

Scuba diving accommodation at Harbour Club Villas and Marina in the Turks and Caicos Islands with dive boats moored in the Marina

Scuba diving accommodation at Harbour Club Villas and Marina with dive boats moored in the Marina

Aqua TCI in Cooper Jack Bay just outside the Marina coming into the channel.

Harbour Club’s Marina is the eastern portion of South Side Marina where several dive operators moor their boats.

Provo’s best dive operators run dive boats from the marina at Harbour Club Villas

FLAMINGO DIVERS with Mickey and Jayne

“We love diving….we love people….so therefore we love taking people diving.”          Between these two lovely people, they have over 52 years of professional diving experience!!

Flamingo Divers are usually the first to head out for dive sites at West Caicos, French Cay or the North West Point………..there’s some 90 sites out there.

Mickey and Jayne are specialists in small group diving with never more than six divers.

Flamingo Divers provide “World Class, small group Scuba Diving At Your Fin Tips”.

A high percentage (some 83%) are returning divers and they tailor dive profiles to suit preferences and levels of experience so book early to save your space. 

Dive with Mickey and Jayne of Flamingo Divers.

Awesome diving with a humpback whale

Jayne writes “Stairway to Heaven at West Caicos. Well….this site earned its name today! We spent 60 minutes hovering and watching this gentle giant hang in front of us, and drift up every 15 minutes for a breath of air, and promptly swim back to us again. When our air consumption finally dictated our ascent, we swam to the anchor line and slowly began ascending, only to look behind and watch him follow us! With us hanging at 15 ft. and him at about 20 ft. we simply stared at each other for another 3 minutes until, bitter sweetly so, we had to finish our dive.”

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Great excitement on seeing a whale shark.

AQUA TCI  with Bill and Stephanie 

Bill and Stephanie …….diving with the best of the best

These two beautiful people have been diving for 20 years and their mantra is: “All that’s required from you is to relax, DIVE and chill!” They do all the work for you and all you have to do is ENJOY.  

They have recently added Chuck’s Mate dive boat to give guests options on a larger boat. It is a 36 foot Newton Dive special which will hold between 12 and 14 divers but capable of taking on a few more.

Aqua TCI dive boats heading out for diving off the reefs of Provo

Restaurant close by to Harbour Club Villas lodging on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Marina showing Bob’s Bar and Eats. A great spot for sunsets and delicious food in a casual setting

Grab your morning coffee and just walk to your dive boat in the mornings. Dive sites are about 40- 45 minutes away.

Heading out for the reefs of Providenciales and some fabulous diving.

 

Malcolm Roads beach and the Northwest Point – these dive sites, are approximately a 40 minute boat ride from Harbour Club Marina. The wall starts at 35 feet and plunges to more than 3000 feet. Divers will see black coral, tube sponges and wire coral with abundant schools of fish. 

Liveaboard out by Malcolm Roads beach

Great underwater photos are by Michael Morton.

Thanks Mike for the super photos!

Beautiful yellow tube sponges

 

Corals and fish in the clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Scuba dive boats heading to the many dive sites of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Aqua TCI heading out to French Cay on a calm day.

French Cay – is a tiny atoll about 15 miles due south of Providenciales and offers virtually no shelter from the seas so it simply has to be dived in good, calm weather. It is well worth the 50 minute boat ride with some of the best walls and reefs in the islands. It has two distinguishing features which make for great dives. First, the wall faces south and is usually well lit by the sun’s rays. Secondly, the top of the wall is relatively shallow at 40 feet and well covered with coral clumps rather than the sand bottom which is found on West Caicos sites.

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Coming out of the channel and on the way to French Cay………what a day………..flat calm.

French Cay is protected and is an amazing bird sanctuary

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French Cay is a protected island and bird sanctuary with numerous dive sites.

Colonies of birds like this brown noddy out at French Cay

Pelicans and noddies perched on a log.

Sandbore Channel – Lying halfway between Providenciales and West Caicos, Sandbore Channel is outside the marine park and has some of the best diving with walls that are sloped or sheer. Good area to watch for for eagle rays, dolphins and sharks.

Spotted eagle ray glides past

 

A chance to see beautiful sharks gliding by

West Caicos – Located 10 miles southwest of Providenciales, West Caicos is an uninhabited island offering six miles of protected leeward side walls that are found about 100-150 yards from shore. The wall starts from 35-45 feet, dropping to approximately 6,000 feet and there’s more than 2 dozen dive sites. .Caribbean, black tip reef shark, and eagle rays are often seen along the sheer walls. This is your best chance to spot wild flamingos, osprey and brown pelican. West Caicos is approximately 45 minutes from our dock.

Coming straight at you……up close with a shark

 

A school of pretty grunts on the reef

 

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And YES, you may be lucky enough to see JoJo the dolphin. This photo is by Jodi from Snuba TCI

I wanted also to mention our friend Jodi, the “snuba lady” as she’s fondly called. Jodi operates Snuba TCI and in the winter months will sometimes dock her boat at Harbour Club Villas and Marina. If you’re not quite ready for some diving, Jodi will ease you into an amazing underwater experience with a snuba introduction. You are attached to a breathing tube that’s connected to tanks in a raft that floats above you. You’ll be able to see the coral reefs, fish and undersea life right up close. Snorkeling is available too!!

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Snuba TCI with Jodi also keep their boat in our marina but only during the winter month’s when sometimes it can be rough on the North shore and Grace Bay.

 

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Snuba TCI with Jodi and sometimes (quite often) you will see turtles.

A little note for those who don’t dive. No need to be left behind as ‘Bubble watchers’ can come out with the divers on all the boats.

Book a villa at Harbour Club close to the dive boats…..let’s go diving.

And so, when you are ready to plan that dive trip to the Turks and Caicos, give us a call or send us an email. We have most of the dive operators within walking distance of our villa accommodation. We can book everything for you and as you can see, we have the best dive operators right here. These dive operators all leave daily from close by Harbour Club’s Marina and head for Providenciales’ most spectacular diving – uninhabited West Caicos and French Cay, located on the edge of the Caicos banks where the wall drops to deep blue depths of 7000 feet.

 

Marta  

 

French Cay adventure

Stunning day and crystal clear water out at French Cay today

Stunning day and crystal clear water out at French Cay today. The white speck to the right of the photo is The Turks and Caicos Aggressor liveaboard dive boat.

Our first time out to French Cay and we couldn’t have picked a better day. The weather has been flat calm with no wind for the past few days. We decided it was time to head to French Cay as none of us had ever been there except Barry who went out with FiFi of Caicos Adventures a few years ago.

Approaching the beach at French Cay in about eight feet of water. We could see everything so clearly.

Approaching the beach at French Cay in about eight feet of water. We could see everything so clearly.

We moored just off the beach in about two feet of water and went ashore to explore and of course my camera was constantly taking photos. So many birds and in a future post, I will show you some of  the bird photos I took.

French Cay is an amazing dive area……..divers come to the Turks and Caicos Islands to experience the dive sites out at French Cay. Take a look at my website at www.diving.tc where you will find some photos and information on dive sites out at French Cay.

A sun bleached piece of coral washes up on shore with that turquoise blue ocean as a backdrop.

A sun bleached piece of coral washes up on shore with that turquoise blue ocean as a backdrop.

We loved being able to see and experience this spectacular little island and its abundant bird life and hope to return again soon for more photos.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Snorkeling close to the Reef

Ready to jump in for a snorkel out close to the reef off Fort St George Cay

Ready to jump in for a snorkel out close to the reef off Fort St George Cay

The water was amazingly clear and calm as Barry and Ania get ready to jump in for a snorkel. We were moored a little ways out from Fort St George Cay.

The water was quite shallow even though we were a ways from the shore.

The water was quite shallow even though we were a ways from the shore.

Barry shows us a huge Sea Biscuit.

Barry shows us a huge Sea Biscuit.

The sandy bottom was littered with large sea biscuits. We then made our way closer in to the shore at Fort St George
to see if we could find the canons that are laying in shallow water. We did find them but that’s for my next post.
There are several great snorkeling spots here on Provo.  Happy snorkeling!
Marta

Snuba with Jodi

Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Jodi adjusts Barry's weight belt before taking them on their first underwater experience

Tina finally persuaded Barry and husband Sheldon to do a Snuba dive with Jodi.  Barry was a little nervous and apprehensive about going down under!! Sheldon was cool and calm and ready for an adventure.

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

Sheldon holds onto the raft that carries the air tanks and floats above the divers

The snuba raft floats above the divers who breathe with a regulator attached to a long hose. Jodi has full scuba gear and takes you through the preparation and then leads the dive on the Bight Reef (also known locally as the White House Reef or Coral Gardens Reef.)

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Ready to go under just to the right of the reef markers

Jodi gives the last few words of encouragement and a run through of signals before going down.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

Here's Sheldon and Tina's underwater photo taken by Jodi.

No turtles today but the guys saw Atlantic Spade Fish, Grouper and Lionfish along with lots of other fish and corals.

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Here's Barry having a great time and first experience with underwater......... close up and personal

Jodi takes a photo of each Snuba diver that they can keep as a lasting memory. Thanks for the photos Jodi!

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Everyone comes up smiling after a great Snuba experience

Remember to phone Jodi to book a time to go out and Snuba. She’ll show you around the reef and point out so many great things as she knows this reef like the back of her hand. Come Snuba with Jodi in the Turks and Caicos Islands on your next vacation.

 

Marta

 

http://www.diving.tc

Surfs up!

Surf's up as the waves come crashing in at the North West Point

Surf's up as the waves come crashing in at the North West Point

Its been really windy of late……shades of hurricane season and a tropical wave effecting our area. We’ve had rain showers which we love as much as our gardens do and a persistenly strong, gusty wind. All this is great for beachcombing and walking the shore line out at the North West Point.

White breakers on the reef and a rippling line of white froth flowing towards the beach

White breakers on the reef and a rippling line of white froth flowing towards the beach

Beachcombing is a great way to spend an afternoon. See you on Provo!

 

Marta

 

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Smith’s Reef snorkeling

Here's a map of the area at Smith's Reef for all those that love to snorkel

Here's a map of the area at Smith's Reef for all those that love to snorkel

Smith’s Reef is located just outside of the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina on Provo’s north shore. Acess is from along the beach and you will find signs marking the way.

As you walk along the beach you will come across this marker.

As you walk along the beach you will come across this marker.

Smith’s Reef is a shallow patch reef relatively close to the shore so it is one of the best places for snorkeling and is one of a few options for shore diving. There is an underwater snorkel trail for you to follow with informative tiles attached to reef balls that have descriptions of fish and coral that are most commonly found here.

A snorkeler enters the sandy patch area before heading off to explore the underwater snorkel trail

A snorkeler enters the sandy patch area before heading off to explore the underwater snorkel trail

If you are an avid snorkeler, you’ll love Smith’s Reef. It’s probably one of our best snorkeling areas.

Happy snorkeling!

Marta

http://www.diving.tc

The beach for my 60th

Drinks at SOMEWHERE on the beach for my 60th birthday......simply the most spectacular deck overlooking the White House Reef.

Drinks at SOMEWHERE on the beach for my 60th birthday......simply the most spectacular deck overlooking the White House Reef.

My 60th birthday and the three sisters headed for the beach as it was sunny and hot this morning. After basking in the sun, snorkeling and a delicious chicken sandwich snack from SOMEWHERE, we ended the morning with a pina colada and margheritas on the deck. Let me tell you, this spot is a gem, well thought out with high teak chairs and tables set up so that you can see the superb vista of the White House Reef and surrounding turquoise waters.

Imagine yourself sitting here sipping your favourite drink with that gorgeous turquoise ocean as a backdrop. The White House Reef was full of marine fish and Eve also saw a turtle.

Imagine yourself sitting here sipping your favourite drink with that gorgeous turquoise ocean as a backdrop. The White House Reef was full of marine fish and Eve also saw a turtle.

I love these tables and chairs and the overall feel of this deck area……….it reminds me of Jimmy’s at the old Island Princess years ago! Some of you may remember back then when we used to go there for breakfast and lunch.  

On your next visit to our beautiful island drop by and say Hi to Carmen at SOMEWHERE on the beach…………a new TexMex restaurant and bar right on the beach at the White House Reef. It will become one of your favourite spots with probably the best view on Provo!

See you there!

Cheers…………Marta

http://www.harbourclubvillas.com

Snuba

Snuba with Jodi as she takes our guests for a closer look at the reef and this wonderful turtle.

Snuba with Jodi as she takes our guests for a closer look at the reef and this wonderful turtle.

Not quite ready to scuba dive………..well try some Snuba with Jodi who will guide you along the White House Reef at Coral Gardens on Grace Bay.  Snuba divers breathe under water through a 20 foot air line which is connected to a scuba tank mounted on a raft. The raft floats above on the surface and follows the snuba divers where ever they go. What a great way to experience being under water and to see our coral reefs right up close.

Grace Bay beach

Grace Bay beach at Coral Gardens is great for snorkeling with the turtles.

Grace Bay beach at Coral Gardens is great for snorkeling with the turtles.

Here’s my favourite photo of Grace Bay beach taken at the White House Reef by Coral Gardens. The reef comes up very close to the shore and is protected by a circle of buoys. Snorkelers are asked to stay outside the circle of markers to protect parts of the reef that come up close to the surface at low tide. Recent sightings have included turtles, eagle rays and all kinds of colourful fish.

Flat calm and the clearest water you will ever see greets the snorkeler at the White House Reef on Grace Bay beach

Flat calm and the clearest water you will ever see greets the snorkeler at the White House Reef on Grace Bay beach

Snorkeler Mike heads out to check out the reef. You can see the circle clearly in the photo so remember to stay outside and there’s lots to see as you make your way around the buoys.

Wow.....what amazing colours the parrotfish have.

Wow.....what amazing colours the parrotfish have as they swim through the coral reef.

The Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world with incredible visibility. Visit the White House Reef at Coral Gardens on Grace Bay beach when you head to our beautiful islands for your next vacation. The water’s great!!!!

See you soon,

Marta

http://www.diving.tc