SNORKELING
Eco Tourism, Activities in Turks & Caicos
The world's oceans occupy over 70% of the Earth. By in large they consist of massive tracts of barren, lifeless blue. The world's coral reefs are the oases in these aquatic deserts. They are a place for life to gather and teem. Hundreds of millions of years ago the continent of North America, moving through what is today the Bahamian archipelago, dotted the North Atlantic Ocean with pieces of continental shelf that provided a suitable substrate for coral polyp growth. Today, at the southern end of that archipelago, along the edge of the Caicos Bank, lives the world's third largest barrier reef.
It is impossible to overstate the fragility of the coral reef ecosystem. Big Blue prides itself on providing guests with a glimpse in to the sights of the underwater world and the mechanisms by which they operate.
While snorkeling the immense barrier reef and numerous patch reefs, guests can hope to encounter, Spotted Eagle Rays, Nurse Sharks, Caribbean Reef Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles, and a host of Caribbean/Atlantic corals and fish.
Big Blue uses high quality Cressi-sub fins and masks, and weight belts are available for avid freedivers. Anchors are never thrown on the reef, and biodegradable sunscreen is provided to limit environmental impact. Snorkeling is available on a variety of Eco-Adventures and Charters. It is featured on The Snorkel Eco-Tour, and the Edge of the Banks extended snorkel. It is also available as part of snorkel kayak adventure, Heart of the Islands, and the Caicos Cays cruise.
Snorkeling
The Snorkel Eco-Tour
Book It| Snorkel Eco-tour | Time | Adults | Kids <12 |
| 1/2-day | 4hrs | $125 | $80 |
- Provo's only dedicated half-day snorkel excursion allows you to spend as much of this time in the water as possible.
- Visit three different locations on the barrier reef that stretches along the north shore of the islands.
- Be accompanied by knowledgeable guides to discuss fish identification and coral ecology. Underwater identification keys are available to maximize your experience.
- This area is suitable for beginners who are comfortable in the water. The depth typically ranges from 3 to 10ft.
Edge of the Banks
Book It- The ultimate snorkel adventure
- Exciting coral reefs on the remote edges of the Caicos Banks.
- The trip is typically 7- 8hrs and depending on the wave and wind direction will either explore the shoreline and reefs of West Caicos and South-West Reef or head south to French Cay and Molasses Reef.
- See why the Caicos Islands are a world leader in underwater animal encounters and in some places you have an opportunity to snorkel over the relics of old shipwreck.
- This is not recommended for beginner snorkelers.
- A picnic lunch and refreshments are provided.
| Edge of the Banks Snorkel Adventure | Time | Adults | Kids <12 |
| Full-day | 8hrs | $245 | $185 |
Caicos Cays cruise
Book ItBig Blue Unlimited has offered this classic v4-hour Eco-tour since its inception. Learn a little bit about the island geography and ecology as you explore the cays, reefs, and beaches that stretch along a beautiful piece of coast we call the Caicos Cays. Visit the iguana sanctuary on Little Water Cay, snorkel on the barrier reef and take a walk along the beaches at Fort George or Pine Cay.
| Caicos Cays Cruise | Time | Adults | Kids <12 |
| 1/2-day | 4hrs | $135 | $90 |
Snorkel/Kayak Adventure
Book ItThis active trip (5-6hrs) is a variation on some of Big Blue's favourite activities. Take a boat ride up the Caicos Cays to the Island of North Caicos, then pick-up kayaks and paddle into a Wetland Reserve that is protected under the international RAMSAR convention. Enjoy this calm and serene area as you look for the marine and bird life. Climb back onboard the boat for a short journey to one of the small cays to enjoy a picnic lunch and a walk on the beach. Spend some quality time exploring the coral reefs. One or two stops will be made for snorkeling and Big Blue's knowledgeable marine guides and boat captains will ensure your questions and curiosities are satisfied. The order of these activities may change in conjunction with the tides.
| Time | Adults | Kids <12 | |
| 1/2-day | 6hrs | $195 | $145 |
