Turks and Caicos Dolphins

The incredible marine environment of the Turks and Caicos supports a multitude of species, and one of the most sought-after snorkeling experiences here is to spend time underwater with friendly dolphins.

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the most common type of dolphin in the Turks and Caicos, yet the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is also seen in the islands.

The Turks and Caicos does not have any captive dolphin attractions. All encounters take place in the wild, in the dolphins' natural habitat.

There are also no scheduled boat charters or tours in the Turks and Caicos that specifically offer dolphin encounters. Any dolphin sightings that happen are simply chance occurrences.

Where to See Dolphins in Turks and Caicos

Generally, dolphin sightings in the Turks and Caicos tend to be either of small pods or the famous JoJo the Dolphin, who frequents the waters between Grace Bay and Pine Cay.

Dolphin pods may be seen almost anywhere around the Turks and Caicos, other than in the most shallow sections of the Caicos Banks. Typically, sightings happen in the Caicos Banks near Providenciales and North Caicos, in the cays between these islands, off Grace Bay, and outside the barrier reef off Providenciales, simply because these areas are where most boat traffic occurs.

Dolphin pods around the Turks and Caicos tend to be between 5 and 10 dolphins large, and there can be one or two babies or juveniles in the group.

JoJo the Dolphin

JoJo the Dolphin is a unique Atlantic bottlenose dolphin that voluntarily interacts with people. In the 1980s, this friendly and wild dolphin became famous when he would follow vessels operating in Grace Bay. He was declared a National Treasure in 1989, and is still often seen in the waters of Grace Bay or off the cays between Providenciales and Parrot Cay.

Dreamer the Dolphin

Dreamer the Dolphin, a wild juvenile Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, is a more recent addition to the beautiful turquoise waters of the Turks and Caicos. Like JoJo, Dreamer is unique in that he also voluntarily interacts with people he encounters. He’s often seen in the waters between Providenciales and North Caicos, as well as in the southern Caicos Banks.

Boat Charters and Dolphin Sightings

It’s common for visitors to the Turks and Caicos to want to take a boat charter specifically to see dolphins. Unfortunately, sightings are never guaranteed or even fairly predictable. The best you can do is choose a company that visits the areas frequented by dolphins and that uses vessels that attract dolphins.

Dolphins are very intelligent creatures and like to play. One setting they particularly like is a pronounced boat wake, such as the wake created by specialty wake surfing and wakeboarding vessels. Every type of boat makes a particular noise, and dolphins recognize and often flock to vessels they associate with a fun wake.

Leading eco-tour company Big Blue Collective offers low-impact adventures to incredible locations throughout the Turks and Caicos, and has one of the best reputations for snorkeling encounters with dolphins and humpback whales. Big Blue visits some of the most amazing spots in the islands, from the exquisite West Caicos to hidden and remote gems such as West Sand Spit and Fish Cay.

Another possible setting for encountering dolphins is the scuba diving trips from Providenciales to the exceptional dive sites on the southern and western sides of the Caicos archipelago. Amazing dive sites are located near French Cay, West Caicos, Sand Bore Channel, and Northwest Point, and many divers find the longer boat transits to some of these locations to be well worth the wait. The larger dive boats, such as those used by Dive Provo, create a decent bow wave, and it’s not uncommon to come across dolphins in the Caicos Banks who will play in the wake for a few minutes.