TURKS AND CAICOS

October 6 - 13, 2001

Turks and Caicos: We have included here a general description of the diving and characteristics. Rather than have a list of divesites you may or may not get a chance to visit, we invite you to visit the operators' websites where you will find specific descriptions of sites visited on a regular basis.

The Diving: Diving the waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos provides a spectacular variety of adventures. The walls have been labeled as being among the most magnificient in the world. Boat rides can be short as the wall begins in as little as 35 feet and can be enjoyed by novice to expert divers. But...the diving adventures doesn't end there.

Thirty percent of the land and water of the islands are protected as marine parks or preserves founded with the aim of preserving the ecological balance and breathtaking beauty of the sea. What that means for us as divers is that hard and soft corals, sponges, seafans, and marine life abound. Shallow reefs, blue holes, and canyons amaze divers at every turn. Or for a real treat, check out the newly discovered HSM Endymion, a 140 foot British warship that sank in 1790.

While most of the diving is within the areas surrounding Provo, Grand Turk and Salt Cay, don't pass up a chance to grab the fast day boats that visit areas such as Middle Caicos that are more rare to divers. It's an opportunity to enjoy truely virgin diving.

Conditions: In summer, you can dive comfortably in your swim suit or skins as water temps rise to around 85 F. This is also the period of calmest seas when visibility is 100+ feet and 200 feet may be experienced.

In winter, bring along a short or 2mm wetsuit as water temps range around the 75 F mark. As winter brings just a little bumpier seas, visibility averages around 65 feet. The exception during the year is when the sponges are spawning during late March and early April. This is a sight to behold, but you will have to manager with visibilities down to 50 feet.

Marine Life: Every type of tropical fish imaginable can be seen while diving throughout the islands. From colorful blennies to giant manta rays call Turks and Caicos home. Eagle rays and sharks are sighted nearly everyday while diving around Provo. Whale sharks are also an occasional visitor. Swarms of patterned lizardfish, spotted morays, and batfish ply the waters regularly. Schools of barracuda hover beneath your dive boat, and if you are lucky, you may spot the rare Caribbean seahorse. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles can be seen making their way toward the beaches to lay their eggs. The most profound sight is the humpback whale which passes through from January to March on the way to their calving grounds of the Mouchoir Bank.

Eight major islands and numberous uninhabited cays make up the Turks and Caicos chain. Each of the islands retains it's own unique identity, but there is an overall ambience of timelessness and total relaxation that emulates throughout the entire archipelago.

The Turks Islands: The Turks Islands include Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Grand Turk is the financial, business, and political hub with the capital of Cockburn Town. It is second in population only to Providenciales with nearly 4000 residents. The leading sightseeing attraction is the Turks and Caicos Islands museum, which features among its exhibits, the oldest authenticated European shipwreck in the New World. Grand Turk also boasts one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world - Govenor's Beach on the west coast. Throughout the countryside, there are caves once used as dwellings for the islands earliest residents.

Salt Cay is the smallest of the populated islands in the chain. As it's name suggests, it was once used for salt production - and it was in fact the largest producer of salt in the world. A visit to the island will reveal the remains of those days past. Salt Cay also provides a great vantage point to view the humpback whales as they make their way through Columbus Passage during their winter migration. Salt Cay provides a great place for a quiet vacation, relaxation and walks along deserted beaches.

The Caicos Islands: The Caicos Islands are the larger chain in the archipelago and home to the majority of the population.

Providenciales: Or Provo as it is referred to, is the most populated island with over 6000 residents. It is also about as close to a metropolitan area as you will find in the islands. Provo is an area of 38 square miles and has been carefully developed to retain a flavor of being a Caribbean hideaway. As the major tourist hub of the islands, there are a number of resort complexes, great restaurants and shopping, yet the island still seems largely undeveloped. Green rolling hills and stupendous beaches make Provo a sight for city weary eyes. While you are there, you can visit plantation houses, Conch Farm and Island Sea Center, and Jo Jo the dolphin, a friendly seven foot bottlenose dolphin who accompanies divers on many occasions during their trip to the reef. Jo Jo has been declared a national treasure and has his own warden who studies his behavior and looks out for him.

North Caicos: With an abundance of rainfall, rich soil and lush vegetation dominate the island. Sea grapes, sugar apples, mangoes, oranges and other fruits and vegetables dominate the countryside. The population of just over 1300 are primarily involved in farming. One of the greatest sights of the island is Flamingo Pond where these pink beauties come to roost.

Middle Caicos: Middle Caicos is the largest of the islands with 48 square miles. There are three settlements on the island with a total population of just 275 making it the least populated in the Caicos chain. Much of the island is dominated by mangrove and tidal flats, but on the northern coast the scenery is very dramatic with limestone cliffs and long desolate white beaches. A sight to see on the island is the Conch Bat Caves, housing beautiful formations and - yes, bats.

East Caicos: East Caicos is an uninhabited island but is one of the larger islands at 18 square miles. While much of the island is made up of mangrove lowlands, you can find the highest point in all of the islands here. There is a beautiful 17 mile beach on the norh side of the island but because of the large mosquito popultion, sea turtles are usually the only beachgoers.

South Caicos: Once an active salt-producing island, South Caicos is known today for it's fishing industry. This small island located near Grand Turk shows no signs of tourism. If you are island hopping, check out the view of the reefs that line the Columbus Passage.

West Caicos: Located on the far western reaches of the island chain is West Caicos. Uninhabited, yet often visited, it provides some of the most beautiful scenery and magnificent beaches to be found. Dive operators use the 9 square mile island as a stop off point to burn off nitrogen.

Pine Cay: Pine Cay is a privately owned island and home to the prestigious Meridian Club, an all inclusive vacation resort. The island is marked with numerous nature trails and freshwater lakes.

Dozens of tiny cays are scattered throughout the archipelago which make up the remainer of the 30 islands of the Turks and Caicos. Each of these small islands have a unique personality all their own. They range from rocks jutting from the sea to desert like landscapes, to lush vegetation and mangrove swamps. They possess names such as French Cay, Great Sand Cay, Little Water Cay, Water Cay, Ft. George Cay and Dellis Cay. Many of these islands are accessible through day trips. Take lots of film with you and you will take home memories that will last a lifetime.

Omni Divers Underwater Services, L.L.C.
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