Few experiences are as exhilarating as close encounters with large, wild animals. Although the Turks and Caicos can’t lay claim to many sizeable terrestrial animals, at certain times of year it plays host to some of the biggest creatures on the planet: whales.
Why are humpback whales in Turks and Caicos?
Every year, between January and April, humpback whales can be seen in the waters surrounding Turks and Caicos. These islands are not their year-round home though; they are merely passing through on their annual migration.
If you are in the islands enjoying our tropical weather and warm waters at the same time as these majestic giants, you may have the rare privilege of seeing them in their natural habitat.
Because the time humpback whales spend in our waters is their season for breeding and giving birth, you might see mothers swimming alongside their new-born calves, and you might also witness some of the courting rituals of male humpbacks, which include slapping their tails on the surface, acrobatic breaching, and singing those long, mournful songs.
How and where to see whales in Turks and Caicos
Several operators run full and half-day whale watching trips that depart from Providenciales, Grand Turk, or Salt Cay.
It is important to bear in mind, however, that these are wild animals that are free to go where they like, when they like, so sightings can never be guaranteed – but if you’re very lucky, not only will you see whales from a boat, you may even be able to get in the water with them.
Following years of curating the best, most authentic experiences in Turks and Caicos, our concierge recommends the following trips:
1. Whale watching in Providenciales
While no tour operators run specific whale watching trips out of Provo, eco-adventure tour company Big Blue Collective runs several snorkel trips where guests have a good chance of seeing whales between January and April.
Their half-day snorkel eco-tour departs from Leeward on Provo and takes you to nearby reefs where you’ll see colourful fish and vibrant corals, and where there’s an excellent chance of encountering Jojo, the island’s famous resident dolphin, as well as the possibility of sighting whales if they are in the area.
They also run a full day Edge of the Banks tour which goes out to the more remote reefs, islands or cays on the edge of the Caicos banks. This is some of the best snorkelling in the country and you may well see sharks, eagle rays and large schools of fish. In season, you may also encounter whales and if you do, your guides will approach them responsibly, getting you as close to them as possible, without causing them any distress.
2. Whale watching in Grand Turk & Salt Cay
The very best place in Turks and Caicos to see whales is in the Turks Island Passage near Grand Turk and Salt Cay. If you are staying in one of our luxury villas on Providenciales you’ll need to take a short inter-island flight to Grand Turk to join a half- or full-day trip.
We recommend going with Deep Blue Charters, an experienced, responsible company, where you will have a marine biologist onboard with you to tell you all about the lives and habits of these fascinating creatures and who, if the whales appear content and sea conditions are good, will allow you to slip into the water and snorkel alongside them.
You can travel to Grand Turk and back in a day, but it is more relaxing to treat it as a vacation-within-a-vacation or an add-on to your trip, with an overnight stay in Grand Turk. This allows plenty of time to soak up the old-world Caribbean charm of Grand Turk, spend the morning whale watching and perhaps enjoying the serenity of uninhabited Gibbs Cay in the afternoon, where you can interact with the curious resident stingrays.
Expert tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take some medication with you. Boats may spend a considerable amount of time at a standstill waiting for the whales to get comfortable, and the rocking motion can induce sea sickness in some.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like us to arrange a whale watching trip during your stay.
