The Turks and Caicos Islands are located southeast of the Bahamas, approximately
575 miles southeast of Miami. The islands boast 400 miles of white sandy beaches
and breathtaking lagoons and long stretches of vibrant and abundant reefs making
it one of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean.
The dive sites here are characterized by walls of coral that descend deep into the ocean.
Walls covered with large, spongy fans shaped in the form of elephant ears, shelves and
caves that together create a dramatic underwater landscape, and a beautiful and diverse
habitat for the most beautiful sea creatures that reside in the Caribbean. Reef sharks,
pelagic fish, many species of reef fish, lobsters, eels and numerous tiny creatures can
all be spotted here.
The weather is fantastic, characterized by a stable climate and optimal sea conditions
allowing visitors to enjoy recreation and diving throughout the year. Turks and Caicos
is a destination renowned for 350 days sun a year, highly developed tourism and one of
the most sought after resorts in the world. It is important to note that the island lays in the
hurricane path and the amount of hurricanes during July to October is relatively high,
although there is a low chance of encountering one on a specific trip. As a popular diving
destination during these months and due to high demand for cruises, we suggest to receive
updates prior to your arrival on this subject.
The most popular way to arrive is via the USA and this is a preferred holiday
destination amongst U.S. citizens.
liveaboards are the best way to enjoy diving in these islands. The liveaboards
are luxurious and comfortable. They sail from one spectacular site to another,
allowing access to the best diving sites in the best way possible.
You aboard the liveaboard at Providenciales island and during the cruise you will
dive in West Caicos and in French Cay, and all dives are carried out from the boat.
The route is subject to change according to sea conditions, direction of winds and
currents and according to the crew's decision.
Arrivals and departures are on Saturdays. You may board the ship at 15:00 and at
the end of the cruise you disembark during the morning.
Diving Sites on Providenciales Island This island is famous for the most
beautiful beaches and best diving sites in the region. The sloping walls of this island are
covered in special corals, among them giant and impressive Barrel Sponge corals.
Black Coral Forest
The sloping wall begins at a depth of 14 m and drops to more than 100 m. At a depth
of approximately 23 m, a "bump" protrudes for the wall, on which five species of black
corals grow, among them cabbage coral, gorgons etc. These corals provide a spectacular
habitat for masses of vibrant reef fish such as parrotfish, butterfly fish and many more.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
Shark Hotel
This site was named after the Caribbean reef sharks that continuously swim along the
wall. At a depth of 28 m there is a plateau in the steep wall covered with spectacular
and colorful cabbage corals. At a depth of 30 m there is a "chimney" that emerges
from the wall. Masses of hard species of coral grow all the way along the wall.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
The Crack
The dive site is spectacular and named after a huge crevice in the wall at a depth of 16
meters and reaching 22 meters. At a depth of 26 m on the steep wall you can see huge
sponge coral covered with feather starfish, gorgonias and black corals. Along the wall
you can see giant schools of fish, groupers and sometimes sharks, manta rays and turtles.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 15-30 m.
Dome
A huge metal dome that was used in a television show and purposely sunk to
create an artificial reef. Hundreds of tiny marine creatures live among the corals
that grow on the dome, among them shrimps and nudibranchs, as well as big
creatures like turtles and reef sharks. This site is superb for night dives.
Level: Suitable for all diver levels.
Depth: 5-10 m.
West Caicos Diving Sites
Here you can find the most beautiful wall dives in the region with many vertical walls
and special stone structures. Most of the sites are protected by the local nature reserve.
Skislope Driveway
A diverse and intriguing dive site. A sandy slope that start at a depth of 10 m and
resembles a motorway. Next to the road stands a long wall that "breaks" at 24 m
and continues to the depths. The wall is covered in corals that are home to many
species of colorful fish such as groupers, triggerfish, reef sharks etc.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 10-30 m
Gullies
During this spectacular dive, we will pass through a 14-meter crevice with a channel
that descends to 23 m. Along the wall, you can see amazing and colorful structures
made up of sponge corals, hard corals and numerous schools of fish. The shallow
part of the reef is a major cleaning station – the perfect place to meet reef sharks,
stingrays, barracuda etc. A paradise for photographers.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 24 m.
Boat Cove \ Rock Garden Interlude
The wall is 'divided' into sections with beautiful sponge corals, among which
live many species of reef fish such as spotted scorpion fish, barracudas etc. At
the shallow end of the wall, there is a sandy seabed with a beautiful eel garden
and corals. Here you can see large reef sharks, turtles, stingrays etc.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 24 m.
Whiteface \ The Anchor
The site is named after the white sand cliffs along the west of the island of Caicos.
Diving along the channel, at a depth of 22 meters, you will come across a gigantic
anchor of a 17th-century Spanish boat, stuck in the sand. On this dive you will meet
masses of morey eels, groupers, colorful reef fish, parrotfish, barracuda, reef sharks
and more. Deep inside the channel at 30 meters, you will see a huge and impressive
white anemone. This site is great for diving night in which you will see lobsters,
octopuses and even Nurse sharks.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 10-30 m.
Diving Sites in French Cay
Cay means "small coral island" in Spanish. It is the farthest island in this chain of
islands. Due to its location in the southern reef barrier, the reef is exposed to maximum
sunlight, making this a colorful place rich in dive sites, under perfect conditions.
Double D
Diving in Paradise! A wall with rich, dense and colorful marine life. This site is
named after two giant coral hills with many fish swimming among them, such as
spotted scorpion fish, stingrays and many more.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 26 m.
G-Spot
One of the most beautiful sites around. This is a dive site full of fan corals,
gigantic gorgonias (hence the name of the site...) and various types of vibrant
colored sponge corals that decorate the ends of the wall. Among the corals live
large schools of snappers, stingrays, turtles etc.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 5-30 m.
Rock and Roll
At a depth of 12 meters, this wall is decorated with various types of hard and
soft corals such as gigantic Barrel sponge corals. Among them you will see
lobsters, schools of young barracuda, and even Nurse sharks.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels.
Depth: Maximum 30 m.
Close
איי טורקס אנד קייקוס נמצאים בים האטלנטי קורב לים הקאריבי ומאופיינים בשונית
קאריבית קלאסית. איי טורקס וקייקוס הקריביים מציעים נופים מרהיבים של חולות לבנים
ושוניות אלמוגים מרהיבות. על הקירות התלולים והאנכיים, שמבניהם המעניין כולל מדפים
ומערות, גדל מגוון רחב וצבעוני של אלמוגים למשל Barrel Sponges- ספוגים ענקיים,
ואלמוגים קשים למשל גורגוניות, Pillar Coral ו- Elkhorn בעלי האצבעות. בין האלמוגים
שוחים להם דגי ריף רבים כמו דגי ג'ק, נתחנים שונים, גרופרים, מורנות, חיי מקרו מקסימים
כמו חשופיות וסוסוני ים. כמובן שיש מפגש עם חיות גדולות: צבים נפוצים מאוד, דולפינים
שאוהבים לתפוס גלים לצד הסירה ונצפים לעיתים גם בצלילות, עטלפי ים, כרישי מסוגים שונים
כמו כריש ריף קריבי, כרישי Nurse, כריש לימוני, כריש טייגר ועוד...
בין ינואר למרץ נראים לעיתים לוויתני Humpback בנדידה.
International Time
GMT - minus 4 hours.
Entry Visa
For most nationalities, immigration authorities grant a 90 day visa on entry
and the authority to grant such a visa is at the exclusive discretion of these
authorities. A valid passport is required for at least six months and a return
flight ticket indicating your intention to leave the country. for more
information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
There are no recommendations for any vaccinations whilst visiting here
and there is no information on local diseases. The environment is free
from industrial pollution of any kind and the air and water are clean.
We recommend keeping updated with your Ministry of Health website,
regarding vaccines.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some of the boats)
saving the need to carry excess cash. Diving certificate, valid diving
insurance and a diving logbook. Photocopy of your passport, diving
certificates and travel insurance. Make sure to keep it in a separate file
from the original documents.
GIS - Visitor Information System
In cruises carried out by the Aggressor fleet, you are required to fill out a
guest information form. Immediately after booking the cruise, you will
receive a link to fill out a computerized information form, allowing the ship
to prepare for your arrival and provide you with the best personal service.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are
accustomed to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. This as
an intensive week and a computer is essential. Check your diving
equipment prior to your departure. Rented scuba diving equipment must
be booked in advance. Payment for the equipment will be directly to the
boat. Water temperature throughout the year is between 25-28c degrees.
We recommend a short 1-3 millimeters wetsuit, throughout the year. Some
prefer a 5 mm wetsuit during the months of January and February.
Important items to bring along: An inflatable buoy to mark your location
attached to a roller and rope, anchor reef against strong currents, a whistle
attached to your BCD, and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
Turks and Caicos is one of the most spectacular places in the Caribbean.
You do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take superb
photos to capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography
above and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular choice.
The cruise ship produces a video on every cruise that guests may purchase.
Clothing
It is unnecessary to pack a lot of clothing on a dive holiday in a tropical climate.
A light garment to wear in the day between dives is recommended and the dress
code on board is casual. One or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful.
We recommend wearing comfortable sport clothes and socks for your flights. You
do not have to pack shoes and usually a good sport sandal is adequate. Towels and
bedding are provided by hotels and on the boats.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining specific
drugs might not be an easy task. Do not forget to stock up on seasickness pills if
necessary. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to
tropical weather, appropriate clothing and remember to drink plenty of fluids.
Flights
For flights via the US, you will need a valid US visa even if you are just in transit.
When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled exactly
as in your passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your suitcase
shows the final destination of your trip. You must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours
before departure. The number of bags and their weight should comply with airline
restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
Pick up and drop off to and from the airport at Providenciales are included in the
package. A crewmember, in full uniform, will wait for arrivals on Saturdays with
a sign 'Turks & Caicos Aggressor II'. Boarding is from 15:00, however you may
store your luggage on board from the morning.
Communication
In the marina area and on the first and last day of the cruise there is available
Wi-Fi access and also cellular phones can be used. Whilst travelling in remote
areas, you may purchase a satellite communication package enabling internet
access, communication, sending and receiving e-mails.
Weather
The weather is wonderful and is characterized by a great stabile climate and
optimal sea conditions, which allow recreation and diving throughout the year.
This destination is renowned for offering 350 days sun a year and therefore
tourism is developed and sought after.
It is important to know that the islands are in the hurricane path and the number
of hurricanes are relatively high between June and October but there is very little
chance that this will affect your specific trip.
These are great diving months for diving and the demand on boats is high and
therefore you should update up before arrival on this subject as well.
Sea Conditions
Most activity takes place in a pleasant and calm sea, but sometimes seas are
high due to local winds. Some of the sites have currents we will use to dive
in their direction. Use an inflatable buoy to mark your position, until the dive
boat arrives. Visibility conditions under the water are good and range between
18-30 meters. Keep at safe distance that allows eye contact with the group leader
according to the site's visibility.
Electrical Supply
110V, we recommend to bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
The sockets are American. For a detailed explanation click here.
Money
The local currency is the US dollar.
Credit cards are accepted by all tourist service providers.
Local Taxes
You will need to pay a local bed tax in the amount of $99 per person per week,
or $142 for 10 days. These taxes are to paid in cash directly at the ship.
This data may be modified by the authorities, without prior notice, as already
occurred in the past.
Tips
Tips are commonly paid on the cruises and the approximate going rate
is 10-15 percent of the price of the cruise.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chambers
The closest decompression chamber is located in the hospital in the capital
Providenciales and if necessary and the ship will conduct the evacuation.
Emergency Telephone 24 hours 1-649-2310642, 1-649-3314357.
Emergency 911 is also available 24/7.
In exceptional cases, airborne evacuation is carried out to Miami.
Are cruises suitable for non-divers?
Activities and the nature of the trip are suited for divers. There are trips around
the islands that offer activities such as watching dolphins. There are no specific
recommendations for those who are not divers to join the cruise and the choice
is individual.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to participate in such a trip?
Not necessarily, but previous experience is always a plus. The dives are with a guide
and it is an intensive week. Without a doubt, non-experienced divers will benefit from
this trip. It is recommended to be at least a advanced diver with nitrox certification, and
deep diver certification. Some of the dives are to a depth of 40 meters with strong currents.
Do I Have to Have Nitrox Certification?
On an intensive dive tour, it is recommended to use Nitrox. Using the dive computer in
regular air mode whilst breathing nitrox increases safety ranges. The Nitrox supply is
$125 per week for those who are certified. You can also get certified for Nitrox onboard
for $195 and $75 for nitrox use after the course. (prices might change)
How Many Dives are there During the Trip?
The cruise offers unlimited diving and many guests dive an average of 5 a day.
Do we Disembark the Boat?
During the week there are many opportunities to visit the beaches, swim,
snorkel and explore the islands.
What Kind of Food is Served During the Cruise?
The food served is varied and usually American and Caribbean cuisine.
Breakfast have a superb selection of tropical fruits, fresh and chilled fruit juices,
dishes made according to your request, cereals, yogurts, excellent coffee and more.
Lunch is 3 courses and includes soup, baked bread, a selection of main dishes and
delicious desserts.
Dinner in a relaxed atmosphere and includes a fresh salad and a choice between
chicken, fish or meat, a selection of drinks and margaritas.
We will be happy to respond to requests and personal preferences, please make sure
that you have filled in the questionnaire in advance.
What is the Alcohol Policy?
We recommend that you purchase your favorite alcoholic drink from the nearest
duty free shop. The boat takes precautions regarding drinking and diving. Anyone
who consumes alcohol will find himself or herself snorkeling until the next day!
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical
statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in
your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive
answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If you are over the age of 45,
medical approval is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally,
when planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial
scuba equipment. We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal
dive computer. We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on
purchasing equipment.