Providenciales Half-Day Boat Tours
If there’s one activity you won’t want to miss on your vacation, it’s a boat cruise in the crystal-clear waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. There’s a wealth of amazing attractions near the main island of Providenciales catering to a variety of interests, whether you want to see endangered iguanas, laze about on soft beaches, or simply enjoy a trip along the coast.
Group half-day snorkel tours are one of the most popular ways to spend a day on the water. Many companies offer these public boat trips several days per week, so there’s almost always a shared cruise to join on any given day.
The standard half-day boat cruise in Turks and Caicos is four hours long. For longer tours, see Full-Day Boat Tours.
Half-Day Tour Destinations
The vast majority of half-day boat tours in Turks and Caicos visit the 9-mile (14.5 km) string of small cays between Providenciales and North Caicos: an area known as the Caicos Cays. Not only are the cays incredibly beautiful and peaceful, but they are less than a 10-minute boat ride from Provo's northeast coast, making them a convenient distance for shorter tours.
The itinerary for shared half-day trips in this area typically consists of cruising time at sea, a snorkeling stop at a coral reef, and time at one or two beaches in the area. Common stops in the Caicos Cays include Little Water Cay (Iguana Island), Water Cay, and Half Moon Bay (and for snorkeling, Leeward Reef). While found a little further south of the cays, some half-day tours visit the La Famille Express shipwreck and the country's floating tiki bars.
Another route for half-day tours is visiting the south side of Providenciales. The beaches of Silly Cay, Split Rock and Pirate’s Cove at West Harbour Bluff, and the shallow fringe reefs are the primary attractions for half-day tours. These tours tend to depart from Sapodilla Bay.
The Caicos Cays itinerary is the most popular for half-day snorkeling excursions and boat tours, as it generally offers better snorkeling and the chance to see Turks and Caicos rock iguanas. The south coast is a quieter alternative with beautiful hidden beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat.
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Vessels and Ambiances
Morning or afternoon half-day cruises are offered aboard a variety of vessels, from expansive sailboats to double decker power catamarans. While most cruises tend to visit the same sites, each tour (and vessel) has its own ambiance.
The catamaran powerboats usually play loud music and have more of a party vibe that’s geared towards adults (some of the catamaran powerboat trips aren’t very family-friendly). Many of these boats have a second level and a water slide or diving board you can use when the boat is anchored.
Generally, the sailing excursions are a more laid-back affair and are better-suited to families. Sailboats are also a more romantic choice for a shared sunset cruise.
Tour Times
Morning half-day cruises are typically offered from 9 AM to 1 PM, and afternoon tours usually run from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. During the winter months, afternoon tours end with a beautiful view of the sunset.
The meeting point for most shared half-day tours is Grace Bay Beach, Blue Haven Marina in Leeward, or Turtle Cove Marina.
Half-Day Tour Prices
The standard per-person price of a shared cruise varies by company, but it’s common to pay around $150 per person for a half-day snorkel cruise (2026 price), inclusive of taxes and fees. Most companies offer a discounted rate for children or a free ride for children 2 and under.
While prices are typically consistent year-round, some boats offer discounts during the low-season months of September and October.
In some cases, it's actually cheaper to book a half-day private charter instead of a shared cruise. For large groups, special events, or wedding parties, the cost per person to book a private tour may be less than what the shared cruises charge per passenger.
What's Included
Turks and Caicos half-day boat tours usually include refreshments, snacks or light appetizers, life jackets and snorkeling gear, and rum punch (often only served after snorkeling). Most boats carry local Turk's Head beer and wine too, and some larger vessels have a dedicated bar where they prepare mixed alcoholic drinks.
Lunch is usually only included on full-day tours. The food can range from catered sandwiches and wraps to a full BBQ lunch. Some companies also offer complimentary pickup and drop-off at your hotel or resort or directly from Grace Bay Beach.
Not included in your tour in most cases are tips for your captain and crew, which are payable at the end of the tour. Tips of 15–20% are common and expected in the Turks and Caicos for good service. Tour companies are also required to charge a mandatory 12% Government Tourism Tax on all tours. This is sometimes, but not always, included in the quoted price.
What to Bring
Be sure to bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat. It's also worth bringing along an underwater camera or GoPro if you have one, as you can see stingrays, parrotfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles while snorkeling.
While most boats have areas where you can keep your belongings dry, it's always prudent to bring a watertight or Ziploc bag for electronics or petty cash. Leave any unnecessary valuables at home.
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