The two groups of over 40 islands within the Turks and Caicos are located at the southern end of the Bahamas, 575 miles southeast of Miami. Spread over 193 square miles, these low lying islands are predominantly formed of coral limestone and dense mangrove vegetation. The Caicos Islands sit on a large sand bank and are separated from the smaller Turks group by the 1.2 mile (2km) deep Turks island passage.
There is an abundance of marine life throughout the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands, predominantly due to the fact that it is surrounded by one of the world's largest coral reef systems. This huge reef system, coupled with the 22 mile Turks island passage (otherwise known as the Columbus Passage), ensure that there is an opportunity to encounter a huge variety of marine life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos offering a huge range of opportunities and experiences for all divers, however it is most well known for the migration of the humpback whales, which pass through the Turk Island Passage between December and April. For those fortunate enough to experience it, listening to the sound of whale song as large numbers of these magnificent creatures pass through on their annual migration is an unforgettable experience.
The diving across the two groups of the Turks and Caicos Islands are characterised by their separate, and distinct locations. The Turks Islands offers some of the best wall diving in the world, which allows diver to travel only a short distance from the shore before finding themselves hovering above abyssal drop-offs. Here, along the Turks Island Passage, an ocean highway offers divers the opportunity to encounter some of the seas larger pelagic species such as Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales. These are accompanied by the usual array of sharks and dolphins.
The Caicos Islands on the other hand is situated on a large sand bank and is surrounded by a large coral reef system, reputed to be the third largest in the world. These calmer, clear waters have an abundance of coral and marine life, and provide a number of interesting dive sites for both novice and experienced divers.
As befits a location consistently voted amongst the best in the world, the Turks and Caicos Islands have some exceptional dive sites. Fantastic wall dives such as the Northwest Point and the Amphitheatre provide the opportunity to encounter some of the larger pelagics, whilst being surrounded by some incredible coral formations. Grace Bay, which is protected by a 14 mile barrier reef, offers divers the opportunity to swim with famous resident dolphin named 'Jo-Jo' who seemingly prefers human company to that of other dolphins!
The average temperature in the Turks and Caicos range between 85 and 90 degrees F (29-32 degrees C) in the summer months which run from June to October. The cooler winter period (November to May) sees the temperatures drop down to an average of 80 degrees. The water temperature is approximately 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) in the summer period, and goes down to approximately 74 degrees F (23 degrees C) in the winter period. The hurricane season runs between June to November.
The scuba diving in the Turks and Caicos is consistently good, and following the passing of the National Parks Ordinance in 1988, which saw the formation of 33 national parks, these levels seem set to continue. For those who have not yet tried diving on the Turks and Caicos Islands, we would strongly recommend it. Classic wall dives, exceptional coral and sponge formations and a diverse marine life all combine here to produce an exceptional range of diving opportunities.
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