Page 319 - The British Big Four

WEST CAICOS - The dive sites off of West Caicos include breathtak- SALT CAY - The winter migratory route of humpback whales is regu-
ing coral reefs and underwater rock walls, as well as a wide variety of larly enjoyed by visitors to Salt Cay. Some excellent dive spots include
marine life. Various species of coral live in these tropical waters and the HMS Endymion, which is a British warship that was sunk in the
there is a coral wall that runs for two miles along the western shore. late 1700s. This ship now lies in less than 30 feet of water and is marked
Here, divers can scour through some of the most mature sponge for- by numerous cannons and anchors, which make for great exploration
mations anywhere, including clusters of purple tube sponges, strands on a scuba diving excursion.
of antler sponge, and radiant rope sponges. SOUTH CAICOS - Divers can also head to South Caicos for some
GRAND TURK - is especially known for some of the best wall diving underwater adventures. South Caicos is known to some as the big fish
in the world. A wall of coral runs parallel with the entire island, start- capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands. With exotic fish species like
ing in just 25 to 45 feet of water. Because the underwater wall is located the large pelagics, these waters are reputed to have the best diving in
only a few miles offshore, you only need to take a 10-minute boat ride the region.
to reach the reef. You can explore about 25 feet of sandy-bottomed
sites before reaching the drop-off at the wall, which plunges more than
7,000 feet into the sea. Another distinctive feature of diving on Grand
Turk is the sponge growth and the fish and animal population. Sea
turtles can be spotted almost any time of year, and whales, including
the humpback, visit these waters during the wintertime.

NORTH CAICOS - You will find fewer divers in the waters off the
coast of North Caicos Island, which means this area features unspoiled
marine life. Otherwise, diving near North Caicos is the same as the
rest of the region with a mini wall that drops off about 70 feet. One of
the best dive spots on North Caicos is near Pine Cay.

PROVIDENCIALS - Diving off of North Caicos is similar to the diving
off of Providenciales, which is home to the Northwest Point Marine
Park. The coral walls of the marine park are covered with vibrantly
colored sea sponges, and various fish, turtles, and rays also call the
formation home.