t A grouper fish blending in with vibrant coral
While sensational sands and turquoise seas are the top draw for visitors to Turks and Caicos, its wetlands, dry forests, and marine ecosystems abound with wildlife. From bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales to the Bahama woodstar hummingbird, these isles have plenty to entice ecotourists.
t A grouper fish blending in with vibrant coral
The lush waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos teem with marine life, including spectacular reefs. At Elephant Ear Canyon, brown eagle rays swarm alongside moray eels, stingrays, and a spectrum of panchromatic reef fish and corals. Sharks are common throughout these waters but Shark Hotel, off Northwest Point in Providenciales, is usually thronged with reef, lemon, and hammerhead sharks.
Around 230 bird species reside in the Turks and Caicos, including several endemics. On Providenciales, Northwest Point National Park and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserves provide the best chance to spot osprey and White-tailed tropicbirds. Less-visited North, Middle, and South Caicos are the best sites for keen twitchers – flamingos, mangrove cuckoos, and reddish egrets are key draws to the Ramsar Nature Reserve.
Winter months offer the promise of eye-to-eye encounters with humpback whales as they migrate from the Northern Atlantic to the warm waters off the Turks and Caicos. The best place to spot them is Island Passage, between Grand Turk and Salt Cays. Humpbacks and pilot whales can often be seen from dive boats operating from Providenciales.
Insider Tip
Whale-watching excursions operate from Grand Turk from January to April. Reputable companies include Oasis Divers (oasisdivers.com) and Salt Cay Divers (saltcaydivers.com).
EXPERIENCE Turks and Caicos
Bahama Woodstar
The only resident hummingbird in the region has a glittering purple gorget.
White-tailed Tropicbird
With its spectacular long trailing tail, this snow-white tropical marine species swoops over the ocean.
Greater Caribbean Flamingo
This gregarious wading bird gets its pink color from algae that it sieves using its bill upside down underwater.