Scuba diving holidays in the Caicos Islands

Comprising 40 different islands and cays in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 30 miles from the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands should be at the top of every diver's wish list. One of the diving highlights here is Columbus Passage, the deep sea channel that separates the two island groups, but on top of that, the crystal clear waters host one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, as well as canyons, walls and much more besides.

Caicos is the bigger island group out of the two, but both offer spectacular dives sites and breathtaking underwater exploration. Providenciales (known as Provo), is the centre of the tourism industry and several dive centres are located here. Much of the coast is protected by the National Parks Ordinance, so pristine dive sites abundant with marine life can easily be accessed here.

One of the best and most famous areas for diving around Provo is Northwest Point, where the sea wall starts at 35 feet and plunges to over 3000 feet. Black coral, wire coral and tube sponges can be seen here as well as a myriad of fish and other marine life.

Another favourite diving site is Grace Bay, which is considered a mini-wall, which hosts around 20 beautiful sites close to shore. Some of the most popular include Pinnacles, Cathedral, Aquarium, Grouper Hole, Crocodile and Graceland. This shallow area is a great site for beginners.

If you are looking for dramatic underwater adventure during your scuba diving holiday in the Caicos Islands, exploring West Caicos is a must. Located 10 miles southwest of Providenciales, this small, protected island features steep, pristine walls, adorned with all sorts of corals, sea fans and sponges, as well as vibrant, colourful sea life such as angelfish, manta and eagle rays, whale sharks, black-tip reef sharks and an abundance of pelagic fish.

There are many other exciting areas to explore around the Caicos Islands, including French Cay, a tiny atoll located around 15 miles south of Provo, which hosts sheer walls that are ideal for advanced divers; Pine Cay, which features submerged sea mounts that rises up to within 45 feet of the surface, and Sandborn Channel, where scuba divers will find a maze of sand channels and a good variety of sheer and sloping walls, as well as a plethora of aquatic life.

This is just a handful of some of the most breathtaking places to scuba dive around the Caicos Islands. Dive centres in the local areas will take you to the most suitable sites, depending on your level of experience. Whichever island you explore, you can guarantee one of the best diving experiences imaginable.