A sports haven charter to the Turks and Caicos

Just south of The Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos are 40 islands and cays surrounded by the clearest and warmest of waters. Only eight islands are inhabited, leaving the remainder to be explored. A Turks and Caicos yacht charter offers secret anchorages and golden coastlines, paired with unmatched conditions for a wealth of watersports, both above and below the waves.

Choosing the right yacht for your Turks and Caicos charter

The shallow, warm, blue waters of Turks and Caicos are what make it such an alluring destination. It also dictates what type of yacht is best to charter. A smaller draft is imperative to avoid groundings, anchor close to shore and gain access to the marinas, the largest of which accommodate drafts of up to 2.6m. Sporty yachts that can get up to speed will make transfers between islands and cays quick and easy, while charter yachts that stock a large collection of watertoys are a must. 

The best time to charter to the Turks and Caicos Islands

Like most Caribbean destinations, year-round sunshine makes Turks and Caicos an attractive option most months of the year. The optimum time to enjoy a yacht charter is during the winter season from December to April when there is little rainfall, hurricanes are rare, and the wildlife is rich. August to September are the hottest months and the lack of wind makes for ideal snorkelling and diving conditions, however it’s also the wet season which brings plenty of mosquitos.  

Scuba diving  

Scuba diving in Turks and Caicos is a feast for the senses. A thriving coral reef ecosystem and an abundance of wrecks, marine-rich walls to drift past make it ideal for beginner recreational dives, such as Coral Gables at Grace Bay, to more advanced offshore diving experiences, like G-Spot at French Cay, which features a sheer drop into the abyss. A deep passage between the islands creates a water highway for migrating fish, and from January through to March, the chance to swim with rays, turtles, dolphins and humpback whales is on the cards. 

Kite surfing

Providenciales, known locally as Provo, is an island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. It’s ringed by sandy beaches, including the expansive Grace Bay Beach, which is free of rocks or any reef structure within close distance of the beach making it a watersports haven. Here, the turquoise, shallow waters are ideal for kitesurfing, which requires wind power with a large power kite to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. Despite the name, kite surfing does not require waves, making the lack of swells in the region spot on. 

Wakeboarding

Flat water, an abundance of space and clear skies is all that’s required for a wonderful day of wakeboarding, which makes the Leeward sides of the cays Turks and Caicos Islands the ideal setting thanks to an east-southeast trade wind. The southwest coast of Providenciales, near Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay are also popular spots for trying out the sport, in which the rider stands on a wakeboard and is towed behind the yacht’s tender across its wake. For more advanced boarders, try surfing up off the crest of the wake to perform aerial manoeuvres. 

Subwinging  

Subwinging is one of the most revolutionary new watersports out there. It combines the thrill of snorkelling and free diving with the ease of being towed to create the effect of flying underwater. Half SeaBob, half propeller, guests hold on to the subwing, which can be tilted in two directions to create drag and turn. It’s less about speed, more about taking in the incredible underwater marine life. By controlling the boards direction, guests can dive and resurface at their own pace, making it suitable for swimmer of almost any age that love being in the water. 

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

The palm-lined shores of Long Bay Beach are picture postcard beautiful. Its waters are equally as idyllic, which is why many charters head here to try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding. The southwestern end of the beach is quieter, making it well suited to families looking for some alone time on the water. This sport is best tried in flat, windless conditions, making the sheltered location of Long Bay simply perfect. 

Sport fishing

Wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, snapper, and grouper are just a few of the mighty pelagic that make sport fishing in Turks and Caicos super exhilarating. Deep sea fishing aboard a luxury yacht is a day well spent. With water depths exceeding 2000m just 20 minutes from shore, the variety of fish and the chance to reel in a big one is unrivalled. 

Beach horseback riding

A private morning horseback ride along the sandy beach is something to be treasured. There are many opportunities to enjoy an equine experience in Turks and Caicos, however, the Providenciales provide a tranquil setting with stables on opposite sides of the islands, with the scenery differing with each tour.