Turquoise waters of Turks & Caicos

The tropical islands of Turks and Caicos make up an archipelago in the northern West Indies. The beautiful, shallow waters surrounding the islands are an amazing place to partake in swimming, snorkeling, diving and other water sports. Depending on the location, the water remains very shallow hundreds of feet out into the water.

Shallow waters on Hidden Beach

There are two protected reefs right off the beach on Providenciales. You can walk right out into the water and snorkel the reefs to view all sorts of tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and coral heads. Smiths Reef is right off Turtle Cove and is a great place for both experienced and novice snorkelers. Be aware that the reef is protected, so there are buoyed ropes that should not be crossed. You’ll have a great view of the wildlife and coral heads swimming around the roped off area.

Loggerhead sea turtle searching for food on Smiths Reef

The Bight Reef is another great place for snorkeling right off the beach. Not quite as large as Smiths Reef, the Bight Reef is an easy snorkeling spot to view tropical fish and coral gardens.

A friendly little porcupine fish checking out my camera

We spent a lot of time at Taylor Beach. You park up in a neighborhood and walk down to one of the most serene beaches we’ve ever experienced. The water is crystal clear and shallow for hundreds of feet out towards the ocean.

Shallow sands under the water on Taylor Beach

If you’re flying from the US over the Caribbean waters, try to get a window seat. The view doesn’t disappoint.