Explore the beauty of Turks and Caicos in the most amazing way, by water. The #1 Best Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Tour offers visitors so much more than just snorkeling. Keep reading, you won't want to miss this incredible experience in Turks and Caicos.
We'd be lying if we said we could choose just one tour or excursion to be named The Best in Turks and Caicos. It’s true! You could hang that coveted title on just about any available tours. Turks and Caicos offers multiple bucket list worthy adventures and once in a lifetime experiences. However, we feel our choice for the #1 Best Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Tour is one that needs special mention, especially for first time travelers.
So where do WE get the coconuts to name ONE tour THE BEST?!
What IS The Best Snorkeling Tour In Turks and Caicos?
Let’s get to it. You’re likely reading this post because you’ve been researching things to do in Turks and Caicos and are wondering how you’re going to make it all fit in the budget. We’re fully aware many of you are looking to get the most out of your budget, just as we are. And the truth is, Turks and Caicos is expensive, there’s just no getting around that. This is why we want you to know about the #1 Best Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Tour.
So, with that said, and budget being in the forefront of your decision making (and this article)…
Should your budget only allow you to book ONE excursion in Turks and Caicos, let this be the one.
Hands down, The Best Excursion in Turks and Caicos is:
HALF DAY SAIL AND SNORKEL TOUR
You’ve maybe already looked at a Half Day Sail and Snorkel and wondering if it’s worth it. We can tell you, IT ABSOLUTELY IS.
We’ve always said, the best way to see Turks and Caicos is from the water. However, many of us don’t have the funds to charter a private tour for a few hours. Sure, we’d love to, but we’re not always traveling in a large group (8-10 or more) to make a private charter affordable for us. This is one of the many reasons we've named this adventure The #1 Best Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Tour.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling as a couple, a family or small group of friends. This snorkel tour is definitely one of the best things to do in Turks and Caicos. From little kids to seniors, from avid snorkelers to those who just want a day out on the water. EVERYONE will enjoy this adventure.
Take advantage of the chance to see the most beautiful spots Turks and Caicos has to offer. In crystal clear, turquoise waters with a group of fun loving and energetic people who are just as excited about experiencing this once in a lifetime trip as you are.
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What Does The Snorkel Tour Cost?
Below is a SAMPLING of prices from various groups offering the Half Day Sail and Snorkel Tour. We realize there are many operations out there. We’ve selected these companies as our examples as we’ve either toured with them before or have close friends who would recommend them from their own experiences. As you can see, prices vary within the different companies, but most deliver the same, or very similar experience.
| TOUR COMPANY | ADULT PRICES | CHILD PRICES |
|---|---|---|
| Caicos Dream Tours | $112.00 USD | $56.00 USD Contact for young child pricing |
| Island Vibes Tours | $125.00 USD | $62.50 USD Under 2 yrs no charge |
| Ocean Vibes Tours | $120.00 USD | $75.00 USD Under 3 years no charge |
Prices are Subject to 12% Government Tax
$10.00 Iguana Island access fee may be charged at arrival or directly when booking. This fee goes to the Turks and Caicos National Trust, which was established to protect the endangered species of the Turks and Caicos and preserve their natural habitat.
What Do You Get For Your Money?
A lot! A half day snorkel tour is not just a snorkel tour. It is a day fully packed with adventure. You can choose a morning or afternoon excursion to fit into your busy Island schedule. Whichever you choose, you’re going to have an incredible day.
You’ll cruise along Grace Bay Beach, snorkel the third largest reef in the world, visit other Cays, search for iguanas, explore the beach at an uninhabited island, learn about The Islands history and make friends for life.
Pro Tip
We personally enjoy the morning tour as it still leaves us plenty of time to relax before dinner and also enjoy some extra beach time.
Where Your Day Begins
Your Turks and Caicos snorkeling day begins at a designated pick up location dependent on your tour company. Some tours offer complimentary shuttle service for those staying in and around the Grace Bay/Leeward area. Be sure to check with your tour company for full details. Once at your pick up, you'll complete your check in and quickly be sent off on your adventures.
Safety is of utmost importance on any of the snorkeling tours we’ve been on. First, you'll be outfitted with snorkel gear, fins and life belts or vests. If you have your own, you’re welcome to bring them with you. Whether you’re a good swimmer or not, YOU WILL be asked to take a life belt or vest. That’s the rules. Then, you’ll be briefed about safety on board your vessel and the outline of your day. There will be music, there will be laughs and your crew will make sure you have the best day.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Snorkel and Mask
- Life Belt and Flippers
- Water, Sodas and Juice
- Rum Punch and Local Beer
- Light Snacks (Chips or fruit etc)
- Sandwiches or Wraps
- Conch Salad
- Picnic Lunch (depending on your tour)
WHAT TO BRING
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Beach Bag/Dry Bag
- Beach Towels
- Flip Flops or Water Shoes
- Camera and Waterproof Case
- GoPro
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Cash
Each tour differs in what they offer their guests. Please be sure to check with your tour company as to what's included in your specific tour.
An Epic Snorkeling Adventure
Now for the fun and adventure! Your snorkel tour will most likely start with a cruise along Grace Bay Beach and some tropical tunes to break the ice and get your group feeling, well, “Islandy”. From this vantage point you will see just how vast and beautiful Grace Bay Beach is. You’ll see why again; Grace Bay Beach has been named the Number 1 Beach in the world by Tripadvisor! It’s a breathtaking view from the water. You’ll take in the sites and resorts along Grace Bay Beach and see some incredible Private Villas that could be mistaken for small hotels. Your crew will be sure to point out a few celebs private digs too!
From there you’ll make your way out to the Turks and Caicos Barrier Reef. This reef is known as one of the best reef systems in the Tropical Atlantic, alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the Yucatan and Belize. This is one of the many reasons why snorkeling in Turks and Caicos is a must do adventure. You also have this reef to thank for those calm, crystal clear turquoise waters you’ve been floating in and the never ending powdery soft sand beaches.
Anchors Drop! Time To Jump In!
Don’t worry, you’re not left to your own devices on where it's safe to snorkel or which direction to swim. The crew will brief you on wind and currents and suggest the best and safest spots in the water for seeing all the caves and caverns beneath during your snorkel time.
Not being a good swimmer myself (in fact, I’d say I can’t swim) I really appreciated that one of the crew would jump in and “guide” those of us who were a little apprehensive, around the reef.
You must wear your life belt or vest in the water regardless of your swimming level. Again, safety first. If you’re reading this and you too are not a great swimmer, don’t worry, you’ll feel safe snorkeling in the float belts and you can even use two if you prefer.
The Main Snorkeling Tour Event!
The minute you hit the water you've entered into the most magical spectacle of marine life and jaw dropping underwater sights. Tropical fish are everywhere in every color, different types of coral flow with the currents and endless hidey holes and caves boast a bounty of creatures you may have never known existed. We've seen everything from Sargent Majors to Baby Barracudas and no doubt, everything in between! Snorkeling at the Turks and Caicos Reef is just, simply awesome!
But, if you're one of the lucky few, Jojo The Dolphin (and maybe even Baby Dreamer and Momma Beau) may pop in to say hello and make sure you're having a great time on your snorkel tour!
In 1989, “Jojo The Dolphin” was declared a National Treasure by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. You can tell it's Jojo by the scars along his body from getting a little too close to those moving parts on the boats. But, he just cant resist a good scratch on the lines…
They say, if Jojo makes an appearance while you're out on the water, you're officially welcomed to The Islands.
Please remember Jojo is a wild animal. HE CHOOSES to interact with us, not the other way around. Be sure NOT to pet him or try to feed him. It's a phenomenal experience when he appears so let's do our part not to spoil his wild but friendly ways. Follow his adventures @jojothedolphin on Instagram!
After about an hour of snorkeling fun, you’ll head back on the boat to enjoy some refreshments and snacks. You’ll then start making your way towards The Cays. Little Water Cay is the most popular cay for these snorkeling tours to take a beach break, though some may take you further up to Pine Cay.
Beach Exploration!
Whichever Cay you anchor at during your snorkeling tour, you’ll be privy to some of the most magnificent turquoise water you’ve ever seen. If you thought the water at Grace Bay Beach was nice, you’re in for a wonderful treat here.
Once on the shore the day is yours! You can learn all about Conch (pronounced ‘Kong-K,' not ‘Kon-CH') as the crew does a demonstration for guests. What it is, how to prepare it, what parts to eat…..ask about the pistol….LOL We’ve enjoyed some of the best conch salad on our half day snorkel tours. We’re talking fresh from the sea, made right on the boat fresh! Highly recommended with a splash of hot sauce and some Doritos for scooping.
Challenge your Crew to a diving or belly flop competition off your boat! Practice your flipping skills though, your crew are pro’s in this department! Or head into the light bush areas to search for those baby dinosaurs, the beloved Iguanas!
PLEASE DON’T FEED THE IGUANAS – They are currently suffering from tourists and shady tour operations feeding them. They have their own diet, they don’t need your potato chips. Please be mindful in how you try to get their attention for photographs. Or simply, just admire them from afar.
Explore these uninhabited Cays at your leisure. Continue to snorkel in the shallows and spot stingrays, or take a quick walk to the other side of The Cays. You'll likely see kite surfers making the most of the shallow water and light breezes. Walk along to a sandbar for out of this world photos or simply float the time away enjoying the laughter from your group in unbelievable surroundings. The music will be playing and kids and adults alike will be making memories to last a lifetime.
Do I Have To Snorkel?
NO! Another great note about this excursion that we MUST mention is, even if you don’t want to snorkel or even get in the water for that matter, you don’t have to. You aren’t forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. You’ll still see some amazing marine life from the boat and enjoy watching all those in the water around you. Again, this is why we need you to know about this amazing snorkel tour, it's really not all about snorkeling!
Please don’t feel you have to stay in your resort while your family heads off on their tour. My 80+ year old Mum doesn’t do the snorkeling portion but absolutely loves coming out on the tour with us. It’s simply a fantastic day on the water. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, if swimming isn’t your thing, that’s absolutely fine, you’ll still have a wonderful day on this excursion. Remember, these snorkeling tours focus on safety and they want everyone in and out of the water to have the best experience possible.
Is The Snorkel Tour The ONLY Thing You Should Do In Turks and Caicos?
By now we’re sure you agree, you’re in for quite the amazing day on this Turks and Caicos Snorkeling Tour. But, are we saying this is the ONLY excursion you should do in Turks and Caicos? NO! of course not. There are so many incredible things to do in Turks and Caicos. You won't be disappointed in any choice you make. From jet skiing, parasailing, horse back riding, ATV tours, sunset cruising and puppy walking. All are amazing activities to try in Turks and Caicos. We’re simply trying to help you decide on which excursion will give you the most bang for your buck while experiencing as much of Turks and Caicos as possible. And for us, the winner of that title is the half Day Snorkel Tour.
The End Of A Great Adventure In Turks and Caicos
We want you to have as much fun on your holiday in Turks and Caicos as we do. And we feel this excursion offers you an abundance of activities and once in a lifetime experiences for a great price.
From young and old, singles to small groups and families, the half day sail and snorkel tour in Turks and Caicos is ideal for a wide variety of travelers. You'll make friends from around the world, and many, many more memories to last a lifetime.
We hope this article has made you even more excited for your next trip to Turks and Caicos. And of course, we hope we've taken some of the guess work out of your vacation planning!
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Head to our Ultimate Turks and Caicos Guide and 10 Epic Excursions article for a few more adventurous suggestions! or SUBSCRIBE to our email list to receive new content straight to your inbox.
Just starting to plan your trip? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Turks and Caicos Guide to get answers to some of your initial questions.
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