Big Blue Unlimited

July 10^th 2010 was Providenciales’ first annual Race for the Conch 1 mile eco sea swim. There was a huge turnout on Grace Bay beach near Flamingo Bar, with international and local participants. Big Blue Unlimited were a proud sponsor of the race, providing kayak and
paddleboard support during the race, complimentary biodegradable reef-safe sunblock for competitors, and had staff competing in the race.
Staff member Lynn Robinson manned the Big Blue tent and photographed the event, while members Ben Zirin, Cardi Ewing and Will Pollock supported the swimmers from the water on their kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Big Blue racers included Laura Ricketts, Jackie Walker and Alizee Zimmerman. Next year’s race will include both a 1 mile and 2.5 mile event, training begins now!

Wes, Big Blue’s very own kiteboarding instructor and Philip, owner, had 3 of the most epic kite sessions during the summer solstice. The stars aligned. We had massive high tides during the evening as the full moon rose. Winds at 20-25knots meant that we could boost some insane air over cays and mangroves way past our bedtime!! The thrill of getting high never ceases to inspire. Call us, join the fun and come kite boarding here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This week’s Good Friday “Edge of the Banks” snorkel safari had a special and rare guest. A 25 foot whale shark off Molasses Reef. Moving to our second stop at the end of Molasses Reef, Lynn spotted what she thought at first were dolphins then realised it was much bigger and actually a whale shark, about 25 ft long. Jackie and a few of our guests snorkeled with it for a short while before it swam away. Cruising along the edge of reef while looking for it again Lynn was just about to give up when she saw it out of the corner of her eye on the far West end of the reef….Lynn and Jackie got in along with a couple of other guests and got some amazing video footage (on Facebook already!)….they followed it for quite a long time…..all the guests got in to snorkel with it…..bloody amazing!!
Check out the video!
Good Friday Whale Shark on Molasses Reef.

The cooler waters of the winter season have brought exceptional pelagic encounters. With lots of reef sharks and eagle rays seen daily the recent highlight had to be a Great Hammerhead, 12 foot long, off the Gulley at West Caicos. Both Lynn and Chris caught sight of this beauty on separate days and it goes without saying that their ancient and perfect symmetry is spelling binding. Guests and dive masters were left buzzing!

We welcome the arrival of Chris, Laura, Will, Wes and Dr Jadot to our 2010 team.

Big Blue sadly looses the talents of Niki Flowers, a great instructor and Lizzie Foster, our on island concierge. We are grateful to have had them work with us and would like to thank them for their hard work, dedication and commitment. We wish them all the best for their futures. Thanks very much you two.