Whale watching in the Turks and Caicos Islands is one of the most amazing experiences to live. Every year between January and March, thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales migrate through the Columbus Passage that separates South Caicos and Grand Turk. They are on their way to Silver Banks off the Dominican Republic to breed and nurse their young.
They can actually be seen and heard all over the Turks and Caicos Islands. They can even be spotted right off Grace Bay Beach beyond the reef. They are a common site for scuba divers, snorkelers and fishermen. The photo above was taken of a whale just off Providenciales by www.FlamingoDivers.com. On rare occasions expectant mother whales give birth a bit early, giving whale watchers a special treat of seeing mother and calf together in our waters.
Whale watching tours are dispatched from Grand Turk and Salt Cay during the season. These are two islands in eastern Turks and Caicos. Seasoned guides bring you up close to the whales. It is not uncommon to be able to stand on shore or in a boat and watch humpback whales playing for 30 minutes or more. It’s just a quick flight from Providenciales with Caicos Express Airways or Air Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk only).
Our tour operator partner in Providenciales, Big Blue Unlimited, does not offer whale watching tours. But they do suggest going on a diving excursions because guests most likely to encounter whales will be SCUBA divers. And they pride themselves on exploring each whale encounter to its fullest potential.
These active and acrobatic humpback whales often seem to be putting on a show. They can throw themselves completely out of the water ‘breaching’ and swim on their backs with both flippers in the air. They also enjoy tail lobbing which is raising their huge flukes out of the water and then slapping it on the surface.
Divers and snorkelers in the waters enjoy listening to the songs of the humpback whales. A typical song lasts from 10-20 minutes. Singing humpback whales are males and the songs may be a part of mating behavior.
This is one more fantastic activity Turks and Caicos has to offer.
Happy whale watching,
Your Beach House team
Salt Cay Divers has been providing whale watching excursions for the past 15 years. 2013 will be our second year researching and collecting data on the impact of having snorkelers in the water with the whales.It is the first of its kind study in this region. Salt Cay is one of the last places in the world to allow snorkelers in the water. We would love to be your Salt Cay parter for excursions.
Caicos Express departs 8am MWF and Sat PLS/SLX and returns at 4:30 pm for those people wanting day trips.
Thank you. We will keep you in mind and recommend to our guests that wish to have such an amazing experience.
Will be at beach house feb 22. For 7 nights how to contact you re whale watch or snorkel where you can see whales thank you
Dear Joan,
we will e-mail you shortly.
Regards and see you soon.
Beach House Team