When snorkeling in the Turks and Caicos, visibility of 30 meters or so (about half the length of a football field) or so is considered normal day, and as a bonus, the Turks and Caicos islands are surrounded by coral reefs that are pristine and mostly untouched – it almost seems as if you could find reef that has never before been seen by human eyes.
The water is warm, and there are plenty of boating and excursion companies here that will take you out to an underwater seawall or to some coral gardens, or to the Endymion wreck site. If you have your own boat you have hundreds of miles of unexplored reefs all to yourself.
But what about those visitors to the Turks and Caicos who are not trained divers?
Coral Gardens on Grace Bay Beach is a popular location for waders and snorkelers. But in an archipelago with miles and miles of reefs (including one of the longest barrier reefs in the world) it makes sense to search out as many snorkeling spots as possible.
Smith’s Reef: an ideal Turks and Caicos snorkeling spot
Smith’s Reef is one such spot. It’s right off the beach near Turtle Cove on Provo. All you need is your bathing suit, mask, snorkel and flippers.
Park at the end of Coconut Road, or at the end of Smith’s Reef road itself – you may find that you’re the only vehicle there.
The best time is on the incoming tide. Fresh ocean water is displacing the stirred up water near shore. It’s clearer water without all the little bits of sand and particulates that come off the shore line and out of the canals and inlets when the tide is going out.
You’ll immediately know you are in the right place when you start seeing some of the small artificial reef habitats that have been placed along the ‘trail’.
Let us know more about your snorkeling adventure in the Turks and Caicos!