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Best snorkeling at Providenciales - Turks & Caicos

by Fredric
(Merion, PA, USA)

We are planning a vacation at Providenciales, Turks & Caicos this spring. We understand that the best snorkeling off the beach is at Grace Bay. Because Grace Bay beach is very long, is there a preferred area of the beach that has the best off-beach snorkeling? I so, we will try to find a place to stay in that particular area. Thanks.

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Best snorkeling at Providenciales - Turks & Caicos

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Feb 25, 2010
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Where To Beach Snorkel in Grace Bay
by: Galen & Nicole

Hi Fredric. We have not yet snorkeled in Grace Bay, but I did a little research and this is what I found out.

Some of the best snorkeling is suppose to be in an area called Coral Gardens - (in front of the Coral Gardens resort). Smith's Reef is also supposed to be excellent (near the Sharkbite restaurant) Bight's Reef is also supposed to be excellent.

I have read that the reef right in front of the White House, (past the Beaches) is wonderful and close to shore.

I have read there are no reefs east of Coral Gardens.

I also read that you can take the Gecko bus up and down the beach for not much money. So getting around is not too hard, if you don't end up staying right in front of a reef.

I have also read that some of the boat snorkeling is excellent, so maybe think about taking a few of those trips as well as the beach snorkeling.

Darn it, after all of this research I am now excited to go check it out myself. Thanks for the inspiration!

Have a great trip. And please share your Providenciales snorkeling stories and pictures here when you get back.

May 23, 2010
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Fred's Turks & Caicos Report
by: Galen & Nicole

If you are interested Fred just posted a report from his Turks & Caicos snorkeling experience.

Jul 11, 2010
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Providenciales snorkeling
by: L & T

Enjoyed 9 days on Providenciales in May 2010. Stayed at Royal West Indies Resort on Grace Bay (Would recommend this hotel). They have a beautiful beach for playing in the water and relaxing, however, the best snorkeling we found from shore (went there almost every day) was at Smiths reef.

Aug 11, 2011
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Coral Gardens / Providencials off shore snorkeling
by: Anonymous

We stayed at the Coral Gardens apartments. The reef is literally right in front of the hotel (we could see it from our balcony!). We snorkeled there every day and saw Sting Rays, Barracuda and a sea turtle as well as lots of coral and colourful fish.

The beach is nice at Coral Gardens and all along Providencials but the better (wider) areas are further up the bay. I would still recomend staying in or near Coral Gardens if you want to enjoy the snorkeling though, as the proximity meant we could snorkel whenever we liked - many times each day. Lots of the holiday makers we spoke to only got to visit for a short time during their holiday as it was quite a long way from their hotel.

Another point to note is that each hotel has it's own designated sun loungers and umbrellas. You can't use the loungers from another hotel and there are no 'pay as you go' options. If you leave the area in front of your own hotel you won't have anywhere for shade, or to sit other than your towel. This can make things difficult if you want to venture to a different area, especially when it's very hot (which it was when we were there).

We also took a boat trip out to Iguana Island which stopped off to dive for conch and for snorkeling. I would recommend the trip as it was a lovely day out on the boat but the snorkeling wasn't any better (probably worse) than at Coral Gardens. We saw a couple of interesting fish that we hadn't seen before, but generally there was a lot more at Coral Gardens. Also unless you are a very good free diver (as the tour guide was) you would never be able to dive deep enough to collect a conch!

This was our first time snorkeling so I don't have any basis for comparison, but for Providencials Bay I think this is the best off shore spot. We walked the length of the beach (and it's a very long walk!) and didn't find anywhere better.

I would definately recommend staying in or near Coral Gardens if you are interested in snorkeling.

Jan 08, 2012
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Smith' reef, Providenciales
by: Anonymous

We recently stayed near Coral Gardens, specifically for access to snorkelling. Bight reef, just in front of Coral Gardens, was reasonable snorkelling - great access, lots of fauna, but the fact that it is mostly roped-off detracts. Also, it is very busy.

We preferred Smith's reef, off Turtle Cove. More spread out, nothing roped off, and very few other people there. Access is easy by car - enter via Bridge Rd. just east of Turtle cove, turn right at the T-junction along the unpaved road, and drive 200 yards or so to the marked beac access. When you hit the beach, walk to your right (east) for about 200 yards. Great snorkelling is 30 yards away!

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Best snorkeling at Providenciales - Turks & Caicos

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Best snorkeling at Providenciales - Turks & Caicos