Best Places to Visit by Boat in Turks & Caicos

How Boat Days Work from Providenciales

Most private charters in Turks & Caicos depart from the northeast side of Providenciales, near Grace Bay and Leeward. From there, you have two main “playgrounds”:

• The north shore – Grace Bay, Leeward Channel, Iguana Island, Half Moon Bay, sandbars and shipwrecks.
• The southwest & offshore banks – Bonefish Point, West Caicos, French Cay, and the wide Caicos Banks.

Your captain chooses the best mix based on wind, tide, and how many hours you booked.

Grace Bay & Leeward Channel – Classic Start

Grace Bay is the iconic postcard beach—but from a boat, it hits different. You see:

• Long stretches of white sand and neon-blue water
• Reef lines just offshore—perfect for easy snorkel stops
• Leeward Channel, the gateway to cays, mangroves and sandbars

Most charters cruise this area at some point, especially on half-days. It’s the ideal warm-up: calm water, smooth ride, and big views for photos and drone shots.

Iguana Island & Half Moon Bay – Wildlife & Sand

Just beyond Leeward Channel you’ll find Iguana Island (Little Water Cay) and Half Moon Bay—a favorite combo for families and nature lovers.

• See endemic rock iguanas on marked trails (with National Trust rules and fees).
• Relax or swim at Half Moon Bay, a scenic sandbar-style beach between cays.
• Shallow, protected water makes it easy for kids and non-swimmers.

This is a top pick for half-day charters or as an early stop on a longer north-shore route.

Sandbars & Shallow Flats – That “Middle of the Ocean” Feeling

No Turks & Caicos boat day is complete without stepping onto a sandbar in the middle of glowing turquoise water.

• Water at your ankles, powdery white sand under your feet.
• Perfect for photos, drone shots, and “float with a drink” moments.
• Great for kids to splash around safely in shallow water.

The exact sandbar changes with tide and wind, so your captain will pick the best spot for your time slot. This works on both half-day and full-day trips.

West Caicos – Cliffs, Flamingoes & Ruins

If you want a boat day that feels like a real adventure, West Caicos is the move. This uninhabited island sits southwest of Provo and delivers:

• Steep limestone cliffs, caves and dramatic coastline.
• Lake Catherine, home to flamingoes and other birdlife viewed from select shoreline access points.
• Yankee Town ruins and remnants of early industry on the island.
• Excellent snorkeling and diving along the West Caicos wall on the marine park side.

West Caicos is best on a full-day private charter with time to stop for snorkeling, exploring and lunch.

Bonefish Point – Remote Shallow-Water Paradise

On the southwest tip of Providenciales, Bonefish Point feels like the edge of the world. It’s all about:

• Shallow turquoise flats stretching into the Caicos Banks.
• Soft sand, gentle waves, and wide-open horizon views.
• Wildlife encounters—rays, turtles, small sharks, birds, and sometimes bonefish in the shallows.

It’s quiet, remote, and perfect for guests who want a low-key, nature-focused stop. Often paired with West Harbour Bluff or West Caicos on full-day routes.

French Cay – Wild & Remote

French Cay is a tiny cay sitting on the edge of deeper water, known for:

• Bright, shallow sandbars and sand patches.
• Birdlife in protected sanctuary waters.
• A feeling of being far from everything—just your boat and the sea.

Because it’s farther from Provo and more exposed to ocean conditions, French Cay is best on longer, well-planned full-day charters with a flexible captain watching the forecast.

La Famille Express Shipwreck – Iconic Photo Stop

The La Famille Express is a grounded cargo ship sitting in shallow water south of Provo. From a boat, you can:

• See the rusted hull rising out of the turquoise water.
• Take dramatic photos and drone footage.
• Sometimes anchor nearby for a swim, when conditions and safety allow.

Whether you stop up close or view it from a distance, it’s one of the most recognizable man-made sights in Turks & Caicos and fits well into south-side adventure routes.

Mangroves & Clear Kayak Zones – Turtles & Calm Water

Not every boat day has to be about open water. The mangrove channels and clear, shallow flats north of Provo are perfect for:

• Turtles cruising in the channels.
• Juvenile fish, rays and small sharks sheltering around mangrove roots.
• Clear kayak experiences where you can look straight through the hull to the bottom.

You can combine a private boat charter with clear kayak tours on separate days for two very different but complementary water experiences.

How to Choose the Right Combo for Your Group

All of these places are amazing—but not all are realistic on the same day. Use this as a quick guide:

• Half-day (3–4 hours): Grace Bay, one snorkel stop, a sandbar, possibly Iguana Island or Half Moon Bay.
• Extended half-day (4–5 hours): Add more time at sandbars or fit in both Iguana Island & Half Moon Bay.
• Full-day (6–8 hours): West Caicos, Bonefish Point, multiple snorkel stops, sandbars, and a relaxed lunch.
• Ultra adventure days: Weather-dependent routes that include more remote spots like French Cay along with sandbars and snorkeling.

The best plan is to tell your captain your must-see spots (for example: “We really want West Caicos and sandbars”) and let them design a route around the day’s conditions.