Whale watching in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Witnessing a humpback mother with her newborn calf or the power of a whale breaching are examples of indescribable moments you might experience while whale watching in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
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Whale watching around Turks and Caicos
Whale watching doesn't necessarily mean you have to get out on the water. Fortunately, there are some convenient whale watching vantage points around Providenciales and our neighboring islands.
- Northwest Point Marine National Park and the western sides of Providenciales tend to offer better opportunities for whale sightings;
- With the help of a good set of binoculars, watch from the Crossing Place Trail on Middle Caicos;
- Visit a beach on Salt Cay and look for that distinctive spout of a whale;
- Watch from the shore on Grand Turk.
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Book a Marine Excursion with Local Tour Operators
Big Blue CollectiveBased out of Leeward, the northeast end of Providenciales, Big Blue Collective is an operation founded on the principle of low impact to the environment. The approach to wildlife is sensitive and respectful. Whenever and wherever possible, boats are not anchored on the reef, and biodegradable sunscreen is mandatory on trips. Private and custom charters range from 2 ½ hours to half day or full day.
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As Big Blue Collective offers a wide variety of activities and travels to numerous parts of the islands, the opportunities to see a whale are heightened. Enjoy a full day whale watching excursion to Salt Cay or choose the Edge of the Banks Excursion where flat calm waters make the ideal conditions for whale sightings and unique encounters with these remarkable creatures. Grace Bay AdventuresLocated in Turtle Cove, this locally owned and operated company offers trips to Grace Bay Beach, Fort George Cay, Iguana Island, La Famille Express shipwreck and other inner and outer island cruises. Private, group and custom trips are available.
Learn about Whale Watching in Providenciales
Humpback WhalesThe Turks and Caicos Islands are home to a delightful diversity of marine wildlife including colourful coral, phenomenal fish, and larger creatures like rays, dolphins or sea turtles.
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The most common whales to the Turks and Caicos are humpback whales. The moniker refers to the small hump located in front of the dorsal fin. Typically humpback whales pass by the islands during the December to April period (peak time is February and March). Each year they migrate down from their northern feeding ground to the Silver Banks just past Salt Cay where they go to breed and give birth. Often it is possible to see whale calves with their mothers, along with pods comprising five or more whales. Although there have been sightings all around the islands, ideal viewing sites are Salt Cay and Grand Turk.The humpback is an amazing acrobatic creature. Before beginning a deep dive, it will bring its tail right out of the water and perpendicular to the water surface. It’s also very vocal emitting a diversity of sounds like moans, groans, and cries. If you would like to visit during whale migration season, here are some tips to Plan a Spring Break Vacation in Turks and Caicos. Sperm or Bottle-Nosed WhalesBoth cetacean species are common to the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands, but unfortunately rarely sighted. Their ability to dive to great depths mean that these whales will spend extraordinary time below the surface. However, when you are out whale watching in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, be sure to stay vigilant for these species. You may just be rewarded!
Whether from the shore or from a boat, whale watching around Turks and Caicos is definitely a personal experience that will lift your holiday to a whole new level.