Turks and Caicos Weather in January

10th January 2018 3:19 pm

People from all over the world enjoy escaping to Turks and Caicos in the New Year, to escape the January blues and colder climates for a relaxed, warm and beautiful holiday destination.

Turks and Caicos weather in January

The weather conditions on the islands further improve from the already enjoyable month of December, and January has a daily average of 11 hours of sun. The air temperature is consistently warm and ranges from 75 – 79 degrees, while the sea temperature is also a pleasant 75 – 77 degrees, making it a great time to enjoy watersports and swimming.

With only 2 rainy days in January, it is a great time to shake off the winter blues and relax on the golden beaches of Turks and Caicos.

Turks and Caicos in January

Due to the favorable weather conditions, January is in the peak season for visitors to Turks and Caicos and as a result the beaches and hotels are busier than some of the summer months that fall in stormy seasons.

As well as the fine weather, one of the most popular reasons to visit the islands in January is due to the start of the humpback whale season, where visitors can take whale watching trips to spot these majestic creatures on their migration from around the world to the Caribbean, where they mate and give birth in the shallow banks near Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

Mosquitos

Visitors to Turks and Caicos don’t need to worry about high mosquito levels during January, as this is generally one of the best months of the year for low mosquito activity. January is well away from the hurricane season, which sees flooding and tropical cyclones that can stir up mosquitos. What’s more, they’re particularly less common after the windy months of November and December, as the strong winds keep them at bay.

We recommend travelers come prepared with bug repellent, but overall January is a great time of year to enjoy the environment without the nuisance of mosquitos.

Activities

Turks and Caicos is known for its pleasant climate all year round, but January in particular is one of the best months for a host of different activities. The sea is calm and warm, so fans of swimming, sailing and water sports will not be disappointed. Here’s some of the things you can get up to in January:

Stand up paddle boarding

If you want to get involved with the fastest growing watersport in the world and like the idea of paddle boarding across the clear, pristine waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands then a January getaway is just what you need.

The wind speed across the ocean can start to pick up around this time, which can make the waters a bit choppy, however the shallow waters are still protected and provide a calm surface to enjoy the sport safely, and see the ocean floor below.

Kayaking

The warm temperatures and still waters surrounding the archipelago make great conditions to explore the many winding channels and tidal creeks across the islands. You’ll spot a host of wildlife in January, as they enjoy the mild and calm weather, you can even take your kayak straight into the nature reserves and explore at your own pace. To make the most of your experience, why not camp overnight; Big Blue Limited can help you plan your kayaking adventure, contact us today to discuss the different options.

Snorkeling and Diving

The tropical reefs that surround the Turks and Caicos Islands are phenomenal sight that should not be missed when you visit the islands. Snorkelers can see up close the beautiful species of fish, coral and wildlife that call the reef home, and explore the area safely and respectfully with the help of Big Blue Unlimited’s guides.

With calm, warm and clear waters in January, snorkeling is a very popular activity at this time of year, but the added excitement of spotting a migrating humpback whale is definitely the icing on the cake. Our dive teams watch out for the movements of the whales, and when spotted they alert any upcoming snorkel trips for the best place to go to encounter the beautiful creatures up close.

Those visitors who want to explore even deeper can take diving trips with the expert Big Blue Unlimited dive boats and instructors. Unlike other dive operators, our team continually dive all of the five major dive areas around the area, covering Grace Bay, Pine Cay, North West Point, West Caicos and French Cay. We also have an excellent track record of diving in the right locations to encounter whales and dolphins, including the humpback whales which can be spotted in January.

Events

One of the most notable January events in Turks and Caicos is the Junkanoo Jump Up, a celebration which happens as the clocks strike midnight for New Year. A sea of islanders in colorful masks and costumes celebrate in the streets, with traditional African dance and music that goes on until the early morning. Visitors can expect impressive firework displays to bring in the New Year and an enjoyable carnival atmosphere.

With the great weather and a host of exciting activities available, it’s easy to see why visitors enjoy spending January on the Turks and Caicos Islands. The team at Big Blue Unlimited can help you make the most of your time here and explore the breathtaking islands in a number of ways. Whether its paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling or diving, our instructors and guides have everything you need to take to the waters and see the beautiful ocean wildlife and nature up close.

We can also arrange inland walking and biking trips to venture off the beaten path and uncover the hidden history of the island, with remnants of the very first settlers to the islands just waiting to be explored. Contact Big Blue Unlimited today to talk to our friendly and helpful team and find out how to plan your perfect getaway to Turks and Caicos.



Back Country Kayaking

8th January 2018 11:37 am

If you’ve not been kayaking in the Turks and Caicos you’re missing out. The islands, and its extensive wetlands in particular are a kayaking haven. And quite frankly it’s really the best option to access vast areas of the islands that are just too shallow, tidal, and pristine to reach any other way.

Since Big Blue’s inception in 1997 we’ve been running kayak tours through the wetlands around Provo and these continue to be some of our mostly popular eco-tours. We’ve explored the nature reserves in the interior of North Caicos with many a guest, and ventured to Joe Grant’s Cay and East Caicos with more intrepid paddlers. For many years we have also kept a handful of kayaks based on North Caicos and South Caicos to access the creeks and coastline there too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A recent 3-day expedition to South Caicos was exceptional in many ways. In order to use some specialized single touring kayaks from our Provo base we loaded these and a kayak trailer onto our adventure boat Live & Direct and sped eastward across the banks a few days in advance. Our friend and local fisherman Tim Hamilton provided our land transport and boat support on South Caicos for the rest of the trip.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guests arrived via charter flight from Provo and we settled in at the East Bay resort. We were the first official guests after the autumn hurricanes had caused damage and temporary closure but you wouldn’t know it. They had done a phenomenal job cleaning up the beach and grounds, and apart from a few quirks the accommodations were as clean, comfortable and functional as always. The service and food was of a high standard, and all the staff went out of their way to facilitate our needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast was greeted with an inspirational dawn over the Turk’s passage. Omelettes to order came quick and scrumptious, and with packed lunches in hand we were quickly off on our day’s adventure. We drove ourselves and kayaks to the northern tip of the South Caicos peninsula where a launching point known as Jerry Camp is a pretty as any spot in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In fact you could spend all day in this area and be in heaven. The turquoise waters flow past tidal sand bars and small cays with jaw dropping beauty. Red mangroves and white sandy beaches line the shorelines providing shelter for birds and marine life. Snorkel, kayak, swim, kite and enjoy. But for once we didn’t linger here, we had come to kayak the interior wetlands and islands to the north and it just gets better and better.

 
Timing the tide is essential in this region of the Caicos Islands and we’d done this perfectly. The spring tides were still rising as we set off in three Epic kayaks to explore the leeward side of the islands. These super lightweight performance kayaks are a hybrid construction of fibreglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar. Strong and durable but not indestructible as I was to find out later in the day. Before long we were gliding through 12 inches of calm water under blue skies admiring the oyster catchers, reddish egrets and royal terns. Fishing this region has been rife for years and several large piles of discarded conch shells line the shoreline. Soon Plandon Cay was behind us and Middle Creek Cay was in our sights. Relatively deep channels separate these islands, funnelling considerable volumes of water between the ocean and the interior. Heavily eroded rocks and limestone headlands guard the entrances and the fast moving water and wave action requires careful passage.

More conch piles, more mangroves and then another channel crossing over to McCartney Cay which is where it really starts to get interesting. We stopped to admire two beautiful egrets interacting in a mangrove bush. Both were reddish egrets, but one was the rare white phase of this entertaining bird which was a special treat. We also spooked some bonefish has we passed through the shallow and sheltered waters. These can be hard to spot if you’re not tuned into their colouration and movement as they blend in so well with the white sandy bottom.

We’d made good time so rather than take a pit stop on McCartney Cay’s southern beach we continued around the lee side and further into the interior. The mangrove habitats start to become denser here and the concentration of wildlife increases. This is the beginning of a wetlands area that stretches up the entire west side of McCartney Cay, into the interior of East Caicos, and over to Hog Cay. It’s a truly vibrant and unspoiled environment.

Once we had penetrated about half way up the length of McCartney Cay we turned around and caught the now ebbing tide back out to deeper waters. Kayaking the ‘ocean side’ of the islands is geographically correct but a bit of a misnomer as the water remains shallow, almost standing depth in most places. As we kayaked up the coast of McCartney Cay we admired the beaches, cliffs and force of the hurricane on the large casuarina trees. These introduced species had lined the beaches in many places but all had been stripped of their leaves and the sand eroded from around their roots. Most had been pushed over and are unlikely to recover but fear not, the much smaller and compact native vegetation had fared very well and continue to cover the crests of the limestone cays.

As we approached the northern end of McCartney Cay I heard a loud thud at the back of my kayak. My first instinct was that an eagle ray had jumped and landed on the back on my kayak by accident, such was the extent of the noise. But on closer inspection it seemed that a needle fish of some variety had slammed head first into the side of the kayak. The little blighter had managed to put a small hole in the side of the vessel right at the water line. One should never leave home without a pump and some duct tape!! On this occasion I had to make do with surgical tape from the first aid kit but it did the trick and stemmed the small steady flow of water coming into my stern hatch. I was not in danger of sinking, the bow and stern hatches are separate watertight compartments, but any added water would certainly slow me down and make me work harder.

We spent some time enjoying the northern tip of McCartney Cay. This area is a gem and one of our favourite locations and beaches in the Turks and Caicos. This is a major outlet to the vast wetlands area previously mentioned. The tidal waters flows in and out creating what feels like a river, lined by mangroves, flowing all the way to Hog Cay. The channel is very clear, wading depth and although fast flowing is fun to swim in. Sand bars become exposed are low tide and limit access by boat. Snorkeling along the edge of the mangroves is decent and you’re going to see some small barracudas and juvenile sharks as well as the usual fish and invertebrate species associated with the mangrove nurseries. The gorgeous beach on McCartney Cay circles around the point and down the west coast of the island. The vegetation made a good place to stash the kayaks for the night and Tim took us back to the East Bay Resort for an afternoon snorkel and welcome sundowner.

Picking up where we left off the previous day we continued down ‘Hog River’, one of the highlights of the circuit. The turquoise channel is just mesmerizing. It’s about 250ft (75m) across and lined by thick red mangrove habitat. We more or less followed this channel for 5 miles until it spat us out near the southern end of McCartney Cay again. There were some memorable encounters along the way.

We followed two narrow side channels off of this main artery. The first opened up into large shallow tidal wetlands that backed onto the dry land of East Caicos itself. And there, resting in a large mangrove bush were five Rosette Spoonbills, not only beautiful but rare too. I’d only seen them in the islands once before and that was in the same area a few years before. Our unexpected arrival startled them and they took off to circle around overhead until we’d moved on and they settled back again in the same bush. It was important to remember the way into this area. There is a small tidal window before you’re left sitting on the mud and it’s easy to get trapped if you get turned around and can’t find the exit. Upon exciting we spotted a Peregrine Falcon in flight another rare find in the TCI.


A good way further down the channel is an old plantation site that likely dates back to the early 19th century. It sits on the shore of Hog Cay in a very picturesque location. Its remote site likely accounts for the fact that it is still standing. The characteristic plantation chimney is intact, and a square wall surrounds the property. It’s still a good paddle back across the flats to reach the eastern cays again and by now the tide was well on its way out. Some walking was required across a gorgeous sand bar as even 2 inches of water is not enough for these super lightweight kayaks.

We kayaked back to South Caicos along the ocean side of the cays enjoying the waters and exposed sand bars around Jerry Camp once again. Carefully strapping the kayaks to the trailer we headed back to town along the bumpy and muddy track. What a great couple of days kayaking. We’d covered a distance of about 18 miles. Most of it was through incredible terrain with the tide and wind in our favour. There were some sections that were a slog, particularly over shallow water with the wind blowing against the tide, but the rewards were worth the effort. We saw no one else along the entire route and nor would we expect to save for passing fishermen in deeper water on route to their hunting grounds off East Caicos.


Although we were using specialized kayaks for this trip, our regular fleet is more than capable of making the journey. On our last day on South Caicos we decided not to kayak but went snorkeling and hiking along the Long Cay National Park instead. We’ll save the tale of that adventure for another day. Needless to say that the wildlife thrives on this side of the Caicos Banks and it’s a fun location no matter the activity. Big Blue runs custom scuba diving, snorkeling, cultural and of course kayaking trips to South Caicos. Please contact us for details and pricing.


Filed under: Kayaking

5 Environmental Friendly Activities of a Turks and Caicos Excursion

25th October 2017 8:26 am

One of the reasons why the Turks and Caicos are so attractive to tourists is because of its natural formations. The sparkling clear waves and powder-like sand would lose all their appeal if there was litter all across the beaches.

Fortunately, there are many ways environmentally conscious tourists can enjoy the islands while helping to preserve the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos.

Big Blue Unlimited’s Eco Philosophy

Our philosophy is to bring you the best adventures with the least environmental impact possible. We keep our group excursions small for two big reasons:

  1. Smaller groups minimize environmental impact
  2. Smaller groups maximize your experiences on the reef, in the mangroves, and in the ocean

This philosophy has been constantly refined over 20 years of our operation, and we are constantly exploring new ways to experience the islands in the best possible way. This evolution of our mission has helped us develop an operation that now has:

  • Over 40 kayaks
  • Over 20 stand up paddleboards
  • A fleet of bikes across four islands of the Caicos island group

Year after year, we find new ways to discover the Turks and Caicos and better ways to do so. While our vision gets refined, we have never wavered in working with the community to maintain a sustainable approach to adventure tourism.

Here are five ways we want to help you appreciate the Turks and Caicos without leaving a single mark on the environment.

1) Kayak in the Turks and Caicos

Kayaking is one of the best ways to traverse the beaches, mangrove channels, and areas around the cays without leaving a mark on the environment. As long as you don’t flip, you don’t even have to worry about your sunscreen residue either!

Any accessible waterway can be explored by kayak while you’re on the Turks and Caicos islands. You don’t have to stay on one island either. Kayaks are lightweight and easy to transport with boats and trailers so you can truly explore a lot of different areas with kayaks.

2) Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddleboard (or SUP) is similar to kayaking in that it’s a great way to explore the waterways. One added benefit of stand up paddleboarding is that the elevated position from standing gives you a better view than from a kayak. You can see farther and have a wider area of view of what’s beneath you in the reefs.

3) Snorkeling and Diving

Humans spend so much time on land that it’s so easy to forget an ecosystem beneath the waves.

Snorkeling can be a real eye opener that allows you to see a whole new world of fish, coral, sharks, rays, and more.

If you want to go even deeper, diving can be a real treat. You can “scale” massive vertical walls and and descend drops and witness life in a myriad of depths. The Turks and Caicos is a tough place to beat in terms of quality dive sites.

4) Water-based Eco Tours

There are even special eco-tours you can take while on a stand up paddle board. You get to venture into mangrove channels and national parks to see delicate ecosystems supporting nesting birds. Or, you can skim over clear waters near reefs and see vibrantly colored marine life right beneath your board.

There are also snorkeling tours that will take you out to several snorkel sites where you learn about the ecosystem.  Knowledgeable guides can help you identify the hundreds of different fish and describe the important coral reef ecology.

5) Out Island Eco Tours

The roots and culture of the Caicos Islands are found on North, Middle and South Caicos. Big Blue Unlimited has several outposts on these islands and have an extensive network of guides, bikes, kayaks and boats to give you an incredibly interactive ecotourism excursion that reveals the amazing ecology as well as culture of the islands.

Book an Environmentally Friendly Excursion Today!

Contact us now and explore the Turks and Caicos in an environmentally conscious and friendly way.



5 Things You Shouldn’t Do While Kayaking in Turks and Caicos

17th August 2017 9:20 am

Kayaking is one of the most popular attractions of the Turks and Caicos because much of the archipelago’s most beautiful sites are only accessible by kayaks or paddleboards. Not only is it the best way to navigate mangrove channels and explore the natural reserves, kayaking can be enjoyed by nearly anyone—no matter their age, weight, physical activity level, or whether or not they know how to swim.

However, because it is such an accessible activity, there are things new kayakers or visitors to the islands might not know when they first take up the paddle on their Turks and Caicos excursion.

Here are five things you shouldn’t do while kayaking in the Turks and Caicos.

5) Get Too Close to Wildlife

Kayaking is great for the environment! It’s slow, clean, and quiet, allowing you to approach wildlife better than a loud boat. However, you should still keep your distance.

Many animals make their homes and nurseries around the islands and surrounding coasts, including iguanas, birds, and countless fish and sea animals. While you should always appreciate the natural beauty of the wilderness, it’s important to keep a respectful distance so you don’t create any disturbances.

Keep in mind that this respectful distance also applies to coral reefs. Corals are marine invertebrates and can be quite delicate. Be cognizant of where you are going and the direction of the current to avoid running your kayak or digging your paddle into a reef.

Always remember that while a kayak is quiet enough to let you get close to wildlife, let your camera do the rest of the work!

4) Forget You’re Carrying Electronics

Speaking of cameras, you probably don’t want to get them—or your phone—dunked in saltwater. While kayaking around the Turks and Caicos is one of the safest ways to get around the island, there’s always a chance of getting splashed or even rolling into the water while you maneuver or leaning to get a nice angle for a picture.

If you’re going on a water adventure with your phone or camera, make sure they are encased in a waterproof container. This can be individual waterproof casings for your phone or camera, or you can also get a drybag.

Drybags are a great option because they can also be large enough to fit a change of clothes, shoes, keys, and wallet. And if leave a pocket of air in the drybag, they’ll float if it happens to fall out of the kayak.

You can order drybags on Amazon starting from $10.

3) Ignore Your Guide

Kayaking is such a safe and accessible activity that it’s easy to just jump right in and paddle off into the sunset. However, a guided tour can be an invaluable way to explore and understand the islands. You’ll get information of the local areas and sites and can ask questions whenever you think of them.

Kayak guides are also knowledgeable about touring regulations, local sea and marine rules, and local sea conditions. That means they can tell you which animals are protected and require additional space, where strong currents are, and how to stay safe in your kayak as you weave through a mangrove forest.

Generally, the Turks and Caicos kayak excursions take place on well-travelled routes where you don’t have to fight the current. However, currents can be tough to spot if you are new and don’t know what to look for. Turks and Caicos kayak guides usually have years of experience as a kayaker and can identify problem areas for you.

2) Get Dehydrated

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! While kayaking is easy, it’s always important to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re in the sun and doing a physical activity. Even if you’re only kayaking for an hour, it never hurts to have a bottle of water with you. On some longer kayak tours, you can be kayaking for as much as three hours, so you definitely want to bring water.

Also remember: you’re on the open sea or in the middle of an exposed mangrove channel. There won’t be too much shade. When you plan a kayaking trip, don’t forget to wear a hat and sunglasses. It won’t be a bad idea to have a light and loose long sleeve to keep the sun off of you.

1) Forget the Sunscreen

You probably decided to come to the Turks and Caicos because you wanted to experience a sunny Caribbean island. Well, you’re going to get plenty of sun when you’re kayaking. Depending on your complexion, you can get sunburned by spending as little as 15 minutes in the Caribbean sun.

Apply sunscreen before you begin your trip. Experts advise using a sunscreen with a water resistant, broad-spectrum (against both UVA and UVB rays) protection with an SPF of at least 30. Higher SPF blocks more rays, but does not mean it lasts longer. High-number SPFs last the same amount of time as low-number SPFs. A high-number SPF does not allow you to spend additional time outdoors without reapplication.

Which leads us to: reapply! Follow the directions of your sunscreen bottle and reapply as often as needed. Be mindful that you may sweat and get splashed, which means you may have to reapply more often.

Few things can ruin a vacation on a tropical island than getting sunburned and needing to stay indoors the rest of the time.


Filed under: Kayaking

Turks and Caicos Weather in July

1st July 2017 11:37 am

Because the islands are near the equator, the Turks and Caicos is said to experience about 350 days of sun each year and with seasons that are better described as wet and dry rather than spring, summer, fall, and winter. Turks and Caicos weather in July is generally warm and humid. However, July does fall within the rainy season and is categorized as a part of the hurricane season. Fortunately, the Turks and Caicos has experienced few hurricanes in the month of July.

Turks and Caicos Weather in July

While localized weather patterns can’t be predicted long term with strong accuracy, the Turks and Caicos temperatures in July tends to be average between 30.5°C and 26.5°C (or 87°F and 80°F respectively).

Turks and Caicos receives an average of 30 mm (or 1.181 inches) of precipitation in July. Interestingly, if it does rain, it tends to rain mid-afternoon.

Officially, July is part of the hurricane season (from June 1 to November 30), but hurricanes are actually rare for the islands. In fact, the Turks and Caicos has only suffered damages in 2008 (Grand Turk and South Caicos) from Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Hanna, in 1960 from Hurricane Donna, and in 1926. Hurricane Ike damaged 80% of Grand Turk’s structures.

You should always pay attention to and monitor weather reports regardless of when you visit. While it is historically unlikely for hurricanes to develop, it’s still nice to be forewarned of any rain!

Turks and Caicos in July

The Turks and Caicos is a year round destination, but July is typically categorized as an off-peak travel month (with November through December considered peak travel). This means if you look carefully and don’t mind the chance of rain, you can find great Turks and Caicos resort deals.

Mosquitos

Keep in mind that the Turks and Caicos are in the natural habitable range of mosquitos. The presence of mosquitoes on the islands is greatly influenced by the amount of rain, so mosquitoes generally aren’t a problem in July unless there’s heavy rainfall.

Turks and Caicos weather in July may increase the encounter of mosquitoes. However, that also varies by where you are located.

Grace Bay and other tourist regions in Providenciales usually see far fewer mosquitoes than the more remote west coast. Also, areas that are in the path of eastern trade winds usually minimize mosquito presence.

Grand Turk and Salt Cay also have less serious mosquito problems because these places lack dense vegetation and there aren’t many natural sites that collect rainwater or form pools, which are common mosquito spawning grounds. They are also experience breezes that aren’t conducive to mosquitos.

However, North and Middle Caicos, Parrot Cay, and Pine Cay, have many sites that are ideal mosquito spawning sites and tourists can experience severe mosquito exposure after heavy rains.

Activities

July conditions are great for watersports during this time. The seas are generally fairly calm and while it’s hot, there’s almost always a gentle breeze to take the bite out of the heat. If it rains, you’re already in the water!

Stand Up Paddleboarding

The waters around Turks and Caicos are warm year round and can be exceptionally calm on the shallow beaches. This makes stand up paddleboarding a great activity for families, kids, or people who want a more relaxed activity.

Some special tours using paddleboards include eco-tours you can take to see delicate ecosystems supporting nesting birds. Or, you can skim over clear waters near reefs and see vibrantly colored marine life right beneath your board.

Kayaking

Kayaking is great to explore beaches, shallow channels, tidal creeks, and around the cays. It’s a quiet and non-intrusive way to get close up pictures of wildlife like iguanas and birds.

Like paddleboarding, you can embark on kayak eco-tours that let you explore the Turks and Caicos’ natural beauty.

Snorkeling and Diving

Underwater activities are great because the Turks and Caicos islands are surrounded by natural reefs teeming with sealife, giving you plenty of exciting sites to explore.

In fact, there are snorkeling tours that will take you out to several snorkel sites.  Knowledgeable guides can help you identify the hundreds of different fish and describe the important coral reef ecology.

If you’re more comfortable with deep waters, diving is an excellent July activity. You can descend and scale walls that are dozens of feet to over 100 feet that are overflowing with life.

Kiteboarding

With the islands located in an intersection of trade winds and surrounded by beaches that are shallow for hundreds of feet out, kiteboarding is one of the most popular activities in the Turks and Caicos..

It’s easy to find PASA and IKO certified kiteboarding instructors with decades of experience with many of them participating in kiteboarding events.

Events

The Race for the Conch Eco-Seaswim is a 0.8km, 1.6 km, and 3.7 km (0.5 mile, 1 mile, and 2.4 mile) competitive swimming event with a  special 100 metre race is held for those 12 and under. It’s an amateur competition so families can register to race on their vacation!

Another event is Windvibes, the Turks and Caicos’ only kiteboarding event. It has been an annual competition since 2007 and has grown to include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and swimming events.

Less competitive events will include log throwing, a flipper race, potato sack race, limbo, and kite pumping competitions. You don’t need to be a kiteboarder to get involved! It generally occurs between the months of June and November.



7 Things You Can’t Get from Turks and Caicos Resorts

26th June 2017 11:12 am

Turks and Caicos resorts are world famous for offering the highest levels of luxury and service in the Caribbean islands. You have a lot of variety too, from stylish guestrooms to fully equipped private villas that are outfitted with your own pools and personal chef.

While these five-star Turks and Caicos resorts and hotels are stunningly beautiful and relaxing, they can be a little lacking in things to do. To truly enjoy Turks and Caicos, you need to step beyond the resort grounds and into the pristine beaches, dive beneath the waves, or cruise above the waterline.

Here is a list of activities you might not be able to get from Turks and Caicos resorts—even the all-inclusive ones.

#7 Private Charters

Spending your entire vacation at a Turks and Caicos resort is relaxing, but you’ll actually be missing a lot of what makes the islands so special. There’s so much to see above and below the waves.

Hire a private charter during your stay and you can experience Turks and Caicos in the way it was meant to be experienced. Avoid the tourist attractions and head out into the water. You’ll visit hidden and secluded beaches where you and your group will be the only people in sight.  

Many private charters are also outfitted with snorkeling and diving equipment so you can always explore the sites you visit.

#6 Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboarding (or SUP) is actually offered by some Turks and Caicos resorts, however the rates can get a little pricey and you’ll have to content yourself with being one among hundreds of stand up paddleboarders on the beach.

Instead, leave the resort and rent your own from a trusted vendor. You will have a lot more freedom of where to go and for how long your want to stay out on the water. There are even special eco-tours you can take where you can explore mangrove channels and national parks to safely and respectfully view the delicate ecosystems and nesting birds.

#5 Kayaking

Kayaking is another sometimes-offered activity by a resort. Renting your own kayak is a popular way to explore beaches, shallow channels, tidal creeks, and the cays either on your own or on a tour.

There are even opportunities to join private multi-day kayak expedition where you can venture deeper into the national parks and nature reserves. There are also special hours you can kayak to catch the sunset. These kayak expeditions and sunset hours frequently take place away from the busy crowds that spawn from the resorts along Grace Bay Beach.

Similarly to stand up paddleboarding, kayak rentals are reasonable and there are a variety of options.

#4 Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a must-do activity during your stay at on the islands no matter which Turks and Caicos resort or hotel you are staying at. The area around the islands is perfect for snorkeling, giving you unmatched views of colorful reefs and the surrounding sea life.

While the resorts and hotels are often found near beautiful beaches, these beaches aren’t ideal for snorkeling. They are often full of tourists and the beaches, while lovely to relax and walk on, lack the exciting underwater scenery. You’ll have to venture to more isolated places away from the resorts to get the best snorkeling experience.

There are also snorkeling tours that will take you out to quieter snorkel sites.  Knowledgeable guides can help you identify the hundreds of different fish and describe the important coral reef ecology.

#3 Diving

Like snorkeling, Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales island isn’t suited for diving. What makes the beaches so great also makes for poor diving conditions. The water is shallow for dozens of yards out. Because of this, the hotels and resorts don’t offer the best SCUBA excursions.

If you’re more comfortable with deep waters, Turks and Caicos is a tough place to beat in terms of quality dive sites. You can descend and scale walls that are dozens of feet to over 100 feet that are overflowing with life.

There are plenty of diving companies that can take you to amazing dive sites teeming with fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and eels.

#2 Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding is an exciting activity that many resorts can’t accommodate. Learning how to kiteboard requires PASA and IKO certified kiteboarding instructors, and because it’s such a fun sport, the beginner classes that the resorts do have are often full.

However, since Turks and Caicos is such a hotspot for kiteboarding, it’s easy to find instructors outside of the resorts with decades of experience. Class sizes are small and some even offer private lessons that can help beginners get a good run or an advanced intermediate pick up and refine the more flashy techniques.

#1 Whale Watching

If you are visiting between November to February, you’re visiting at a great time for whale and dolphin watching. This period coincides with the humpback whale migration as they transit towards their northern feeding grounds.

The resorts and hotels hardly ever have their own boats to take guests to see whales but there are plenty of whale watching charters around the island during this time.

Even if you are out on a private charter to snorkel or dive, the boat captains are always in communication and will take you the last sightings of whales if you and the other passengers are game. You might even have the chance to snorkel or dive with whales!

 



5 Ways to Enjoy the Turks and Caicos Islands

17th May 2017 11:31 am

Vacationing in Turks and Caicos is one of the best traveling decisions you will ever make. The archipelago nation’s tourism strikes a careful balance between luxury resorts complete with royal treatment and nature reserves brimming with life and beauty and waiting to be explored.

 

Whether you are are traveling family, a honeymooning couple, or a solo adventurer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and experience the Turks and Caicos Islands. And because it’s made up of seven main islands and over 40 smaller islands and cays, it’s easy to find a site that suits you and your vacation pursuits.

 

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way: hitting the beaches. Providenciales has several beaches that are consistently ranked among the best in the world by Condé Nast magazine and World Travel Awards. There’s good reason too. With stunning white beaches made of powder soft sand and clear turquoise waters, these beaches are what people think of when they imagine a Caribbean paradise while daydreaming in front of their laptops during a conference call at work.

 

However, if you don’t want to spend your entire trip lounging at the beach, here are some of the favorite and most popular picks by tourists while you vacation in Turks and Caicos.

#1 Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle board (or SUP) can be done by nearly anybody and nearly anywhere. The waters around Turks and Caicos are warm year round and can be exceptionally calm on the shallow beaches. This makes it a great activity for families, kids, or people who want a more relaxed activity.

 

The great thing about SUP is that it is what you make of it whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddle boarder. It can be a leisurely way to sightsee or it can be a full body workout—whatever you’re in the mood for.

 

There are even special eco-tours you can take while on a stand up paddle board. You get to venture into mangrove channels and national parks to see delicate ecosystems supporting nesting birds. Or, you can skim over clear waters near reefs and see vibrantly colored marine life right beneath your board.

 

Stand up paddle board is a very affordable activity too. It requires very little gear—just a board and paddle, hence the name. You can try it out for an hour or be out on the water all day on a touring excursion.

#2 Kayaking

Like stand up paddle boarding, kayaking is another popular way to traverse the beaches, shallow channels, tidal creeks, and around the cays. It’s a quiet and non-intrusive way to get close up pictures of wildlife like iguanas and birds.

 

Any accessible waterway can be explored by kayak while you’re on the Turks and Caicos islands. You don’t have to stay on one island either. Kayaks are lightweight and easy to transport with boats and trailers.

 

Kayaks can easily be the highlight your entire Turks and Caicos stay. Become a part of a private multi-day kayak expedition where you will camp or travel inn-to-inn to explore nature reserves and the endless beaches.

 

If you’ve already reached your preferred tan, you can kayak during sunset. Enjoy a completely different experience in cooler temperatures and watch the sky light up in fiery shades of red. You’ll also see completely different marine life as the nocturnal creatures swap with their daytime counterparts to take their turn on and around the reefs.

 

Similarly to stand up paddle boarding, kayak rentals are reasonable and there are a variety of options.

#3 Snorkeling and Diving

Turks and Caicos has marvelous conditions for underwater activities: great weather, warm and clear water, and shallow reefs teeming with fish, coral and marine life.

 

Snorkeling and diving is a real treat that you can partake in every single day you’re on the islands. You can’t get sick of either—there are just too many snorkel and dive sites to visit and no two are the same.

 

In fact, there are snorkeling tours that will take you out to several snorkel sites.  Knowledgeable guides can help you identify the hundreds of different fish and describe the important coral reef ecology.

 

If you’re more comfortable with deep waters, Turks and Caicos is a tough place to beat in terms of quality dive sites. You can descend and scale walls that are dozens of feet to over 100 feet that are overflowing with life.

#4 Kiteboarding

For a unique experience, try kiteboarding. With the islands located in an intersection of trade winds and surrounded by beaches that are shallow for hundreds of feet out, kiteboarding can be a great activity for beginners and experts alike.

 

Since Turks and Caicos is such a hotspot for kiteboarding, it’s easy to find PASA and IKO certified kiteboarding instructors with decades of experience. It won’t take long for beginners to get a good run or an advanced intermediate to pick up and refine the more flashy techniques.

#5 Whale Watching

November to February are great months to spot whales in the Turks and Caicos. This season coincides with the humpback whale migration as they transit towards their northern feeding grounds. You might even catch sights of a few calves as the Caribbean is a known breeding ground.

 

These, of course, are chance encounters. However, if there’s an opportunity, you can bet we’ll let you know when you’re out on a snorkeling or diving excursion. If we catch wind of whales nearby, we’ll pack up your gear and make our way over to give you a chance to snorkel or dive with whales!

 

The opportunity to swim with these majestic creatures shouldn’t be missed.

 

Do… Everything?

Depending on how long your trip is, it might be possible to do every one of these activities. You don’t even have to do them separately. You can sign up for private charters that can take you to places most tourists don’t even see.
These charters aren’t operated by small dinghies. They’re sizable boats that can store kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling and diving gear, so you don’t have to pick and choose.



Unique wedding activities when getting married in Turks and Caicos

30th April 2017 7:36 am

It’s hard to top getting married in Turks and Caicos. The spectacular white sand beaches and stunning turquoise waters gives you plenty of opportunities to create picture-perfect moments.

 

Having your wedding or honeymoon in Turks and Caicos will put you in a small but elite group as well. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria, and Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld all married or honeymooned here.

 

But more importantly, a Turks and Caicos wedding will put you in the perfect place for what REALLY matters: the honeymoon. We’ve previously mentioned some of the most luxurious Turks and Caicos resorts (many of which, offer wedding catering), but this island nation is also the premier location for some of the most exciting Caribbean excursions and activities.

 

Whale Watching

Any wedding can have a live band. But it’s truly a breathtaking moment when you and your new spouse gets serenaded by migrating humpback whales on their way south to their winter feeding grounds (or seas).

 

Whale watching in Turks and Caicos is one of the most memorable experiences for tourists. The best times for whale watching is from December to April, so definitely consider this activity if your wedding or honeymoon falls within this timeframe.

 

While the appearance of these majestic creatures can’t be guaranteed, we can promise that we would make the effort to spot them. Even if you’re doing a snorkel or diving trip, the moment whales get spotted, all of our boats are alerted.

 

Kayaking

With calm waters and shallow channels, kayaking is a favorite visitor activity. Whether you’re paddling into the sunset or just drifting under a full moon, kayaking gives you many ways to enjoy the waters.

 

Many parts of the islands are made of forests of mangroves. If you and your spouse are both adventurists, then kayaking is the best way to truly explore your Caribbean paradise. You’ll learn about the mangrove habitats, coastal ecology, island fauna and flora, and spot animals like iguanas and birds. You can even do multi-day kayaking trips for a truly unique experience.

 

Because a kayaking excursion is whatever you and your spouse make of it, it is a great honeymooning activity whether you are beginners or experienced kayakers.

 

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Like kayaking, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great activity for active newlyweds. And when you go on a Turks and Caicos stand up paddleboarding excursion, you can easily paddle your way into an island national park and nature reserve made up of mangrove forests, channels, coral reefs, and cays.

 

However, if you want a more low-key honeymoon, SUP can also be a relaxing alternative. With calm, clear waters, SUP gives you an unobstructed view beneath the waves surrounding the islands without getting your hair wet.

 

So whether you want an easy 90-minute sightseeing trip or a four-hour adventure, stand up paddleboarding is a low-cost activity that offers the best of both worlds.

 

Kiteboarding

For a truly unique experience, it’s tough to beat kiteboarding on your honeymoon. With year round trade winds, warm ocean waters, shallow coastline, and scenic beaches, couples can let loose after a tightly scheduled wedding.

 

Even if both of you are kiteboarding beginners, our team of instructors has decades of combined experience that will get you cruising on the waves in mere hours.

 

Snorkeling

Put the wedding out of your mind and focus on exploring the coastal marine ecosystem with your new husband or wife. From beautiful reefs to vibrantly colored fish, snorkeling in the calm waters of the islands is one of the best ways to relax after a hectic wedding.

 

The Turks and Caicos islands have plenty of snorkeling sites to choose from, with no two experiences being the same. Snorkel during the night is an entirely different experience from the day, with different creatures taking their turn to be active. Or embark on an adventure like a snorkel cruise or snorkel ecotour or even combine with it stand up paddleboarding.

 

Or, you can keep it intimate with a private snorkeling excursion that will take you to secluded sites and beaches.

 

SCUBA Diving

People from all over the world go to Turks and Caicos for SCUBA diving. And when it comes to diving, smaller is better. New couples will join small groups to keep their diving experiences more intimate, and giving them greater opportunities to see the amazing marine life of coral reefs and walls without the disruptions of too many divers.

 

Dive the world-class reefs and walls in Grace Bay, Pine Cay, NW Point, French Cay and in West Caicos at your leisure. Spend the entire day traveling from site to site to dive unique locations. With favorable conditions and luck, you might even get to swim with whales and dolphins!

 

If you’re both new to diving, there are even diving courses that’ll get you comfortable in the open water.

 

Private Charters

You chose wisely when you decided on a Turks and Caicos wedding or honeymoon. The Caribbean islands are beautiful and there’s no better way for a newly married couple to see it than on an intimate, private charter.

 

Why limit yourself to a single activity when you can do it all on a private charter?

 

Cruise the nearby Caicos Cays or distant West Caicos and South Caicos with your new husband or wife. Stop if you see a spot you like and take out the paddleboards, kayaks, kiteboards, or snorkels for a private adventure.

Biking

While the beaches and ocean are some of the best places to be on a Caribbean island, the island interiors are fantastic in their own right. Enjoy whichever island you are on by bike. Biking the islands is one of the best ways you and your spouse can truly appreciate your honeymoon or wedding location.

 

You can do it on your own (some villas offer complimentary bicycles to their guests) or join a bike tour.

 

The North Caicos biking eco-tour will take you on a 12-mile tour of North Caicos’ interior. You’ll see the farming community of Kew, the Wade’s Green cotton plantation ruins, and the 250-feet deep blue hole, Cottage Pond.

 

So What’s Next?

No matter what you plan to do, your Turks and Caicos wedding or honeymoon will be spectacular. It can be relaxing or it can be full of adventure. In both cases, Big Blue Unlimited is dedicated to helping you create a memorable experience of your first days as a married couple.



Kayak Expedition Opens Up New Territory

22nd March 2016 5:43 pm

The Big Blue kayak expedition to the eastern side of Caicos Islands at the end of November was a huge success. Despite some logistical hurdles the 3-day trip ran smoothly and an incredible amount of wildlife was recorded. Perhaps of greatest interest was the varied nature of the terrain that was explored and the long circular route that was established including a short potage.

Big Blue’s high performance Valley Sea Kayaks were shipped to South Caicos in advance of the expedition. Transport by air for the team members was provided by TCI helicopters and offered the opportunity to survey the dense network of mangroves, cays and tidal channels from above. This research proved to be immensely valuable although potential routes seen from the air can be much harder to determine from kayak level on the water. Tides also play a huge role in determining what and where you can access. The tidal range is not huge, 50cm or so on spring tides, but timing it correctly is essential.

The first day explored the small cays to the north of South Caicos and paddlers interchanged between the rougher ocean side and the sheltered leeward sides. The islands, barely solidified sand dunes, are covered in coastal plant including various palms, cacti, sea grapes and casuarinas which give way to vast colonies of red and black mangroves on the water’s edge. The ends of these cays offer some surprisingly spectacular cliffs, sweeping turquoise channels, and gorgeous sheltered beaches; perfect locations to stretch cramped legs, cool off with a swim, and enjoy a well earned picnic lunch. Almost every Cay seemed to be home to a different osprey family and associated nest.

The majority of the time was spent exploring the mangrove channels and interconnecting waterways. The bird population; herons, egrets, sandpipers, kingfishers, and flamingos, was very healthy. The fish life consisted of large schools of mojarra, baby barracuda and bonefish. The occasional juvenile lemon or nurse shark and turtle were also spotted. The most noticeable aspect of the trip was the solitude and total wilderness. There was no one around, there was no development, and the wildlife unused to seeing people. At the end of each day kayaks were left on the nearest beach and a motorboat transported the guests back to South Caicos for the night. Accommodation and memorable seafood was enjoyed overlooking the Harbour at Cox’s Hotel.

Using a GPS and photographs taken from the air a circular route through the mangroves and out to the coast on the southern tip of East Caicos was established. Another longer route via Hog Cay has been tentatively identified and partly explored. It will have to be completed on another expedition. Big Blue offers customized small group exploratory kayak expeditions throughout the Caicos Islands. Please contact Mark for more information and prices.


Filed under: Kayaking

Epic New SUP and Kayak Territory on TCI

15th January 2012 1:33 pm

Mark and Philip were joined by an old friend and long time Big Blue client, Andy and sneaked out on the Natural Mystic to find some new SUP and Kayak territory close to home. The fact is we hit bull’s eye! New and extended range trips coming soon. We are super stoked to find this new stash. Keep an eye out for our new SUP trips and Kayak Adventures.