Turks & Caicos (8 Days / 7 Nights - 25 Dives)
Trip highlights: shark action, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Shark Hotel, Black Coral Forest, The Crack, Stairway, West Caicos Channel, Driveway, Gullies, The Anchor, G Spot, Double D and Rock & Roll
Day 1
You will be met at the Providenciales International Airport by a local driver who will be aware of the boat's location, which is tide-dependent. She may be located either in Caicos Marina or anchored offshore. Boarding time is from 15:00 hrs: if you arrive on an early flight, you can stay at the airport restaurant or take a taxi to the shopping/restaurant area called Salt Mills. The marina where the liveaboard docks does not have any amenities available. Since you may be picked up by dinghy at a beach, you will be more comfortable if you wear sandals and trousers or pants that can be rolled up. Snacks and/or dinner (scheduled at 18:30 hrs) will be available if you arrive on a later flight. After dinner the captain will explain the boat amenities in detail, introduce the crew, and ask you to sign the necessary documents. Diving will start on the next day.
Days 2-7
Days aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II generally start with a hot breakfast at 07:00 hrs, followed by 2 morning dives. Lunch is at 12:30 hrs, then 2 (sometimes 3) afternoon dives, while dinner is at 18:30 hrs and is followed by a night dive. Island shore excursions will be arranged when possible, for those interested.
Diving will be a blast for everyone, in turquoise waters containing over 1,000 square miles of living coral reef, amazing underwater visibility, great wall dives and the profusion of marine life of all sizes. Low annual rainfall and reliable ocean currents contribute to the outstanding visibility, as well as provide nutrients for the many large pelagics often seen in these waters. Caribbean reef sharks are common, as are spotted eagle rays, trevallies and large groupers. Also spotted on a frequent basis are blacktip reef sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays. The walls in West Caicos are covered with huge gorgonian fans, barrel sponges, hard-coral arches and macro life. Sea turtles and rays can be spotted almost any time of year around French Cay.
Evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, turkey, pork and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, muffins, danish and fresh fruit. Lunches vary from soup and sandwiches, burgers, pasta, assorted salads, and quiche. Homemade baked bread, cookies and brownies are offered between dives.
There will be 2 more morning dives at French Cay on the last full day of the trip, followed by a 2-hour trip back to port. Back in Providenciales at midday, the afternoon is at yout leisure; transportation will be provided for a casual dinner on shore on Friday evening. You will spend the night back on board the boat again.
Day 8
Have Saturday breakfast onboard then disembark by 09:00 hrs. There will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on Saturday.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].