Snorkeling for Beginners in Turks and Caicos
Easy Entry to Coral Gardens Reef Perfect for Beginner Snorkelers
If you are planning a vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands and want to experience the underwater playground for which the islands are renowned, you may be thinking about donning a snorkel and mask, slipping on a pair of flippers and taking the plunge. For some of you however, having your face submerged or even feeling like you can’t touch the ground beneath, may prevent you from experiencing the schools of tropical fish pulsing beneath the surface. But for beginner snorkelers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, there is a perfect entry level beach where you can experience all the beauty below the surface while close to shore.
So where do you go if you are a novice snorkeler?
Head to the beach off Bight Childrens Park in Grace Bay West. This is the next beach over from popular Grace Bay Beach and a truly picturesque part of Provo’s coastline. The coral reef here extends right off the beach measuring out about 350 feet. As there is sea grass at the reef, there is also the opportunity to see different kinds of sea life including turtles and barracudas.
Villa del Mar’s Director of Operations & Development, Alan Lawley, takes us out to Bight Park and the reef to see some of the coral and fish.
Video of Snorkeling at Bight Reef
Did you see the stingray? Amazing!
Tips for Beginner Snorkelers in the Turks and Caicos
The Bight Reef is also commonly referred to as the Coral Gardens. It is located within the Bight Childrens Park area almost at the center of the sickle-shaped island of Providenciales. The reef is part of the protected park area called the Princess Alexandra National Park. Here, the easy access and abundant sea life may tempt you to take a souvenir of your trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, removal of any marine life including conch is strictly regulated.
Keep yourself safe by snorkeling with a buddy. Stay closer to shore to familiarize yourself with the movement of the water and the feeling of breathing through a snorkel. Use a snorkel vest if you need. Remember not to touch coral or impede the movements of any sea creature. This beach is a wonderful introduction to snorkeling in the beautiful warm ocean of the Turks and Caicos, but the water can change with the weather, so always be aware of any potential dangerous weather changes.
Before you know it you will be ready to tackle the more extensive coral reefs around Providenciales, including Smith’s Reef just up from the Coral Gardens.
Contact Us
The friendly staff at Villa del Mar can help you with directions and weather information to help you plan your snorkeling trip to Bight Reef. Enjoy!
